Test 01Tue 27
Nib Test
It all begins at the tip.
Find the nib that suits your hand.
Pen Week 2026 · The Writing Lab
Nib
Test_
It all begins with the nib.
Fine, medium, smooth or flexible. A nib is much more than the width of a line. Discover how it shapes your writing and find the one that suits you best.
Find your nib
TEST 01 / 06 · 27 OCTOBER
02 — The nib
One small piece.
Endless ways to write.
Some fountain pens win us over with their design, their materials or their history. But when the nib touches the paper, the real experience begins.
Its width, its geometry, its response and the way it lays down ink can completely transform how writing feels.
And even if two nibs look the same, a few lines are enough to reveal their differences.
01 — LINE WIDTH
The same word. Different strokes.
The size of our handwriting and the width of the nib are closely related. A fine line can bring precision; a broader one lets you appreciate the ink’s colour and richness.
EFExtra fine
Maximum precision for small handwriting and delicate strokes.
FFine
Control and definition for everyday writing.
MMedium
A balance of precision, flow and presence.
BBroad
Broad strokes that put every word centre stage.
Nib sizes vary from brand to brand. The letters are a guide, not a universal standard.
Some nibs glide with extraordinary smoothness. Others let you feel a hint of the paper’s texture, a sensation known as feedback.
That doesn’t mean the nib is scratchy. It’s simply a different kind of contact with the paper.
Neither sensation is necessarily better. It all depends on what you enjoy when you write.
A nib’s material matters, but it doesn’t determine its quality or smoothness on its own.
A steel nib can be every bit as extraordinary as a gold one. Its design, finishing and tuning also shape how it writes.
The best choice isn’t always the most exclusive one; it’s the one that matches your preferences.
Some nibs are firm and keep the line consistent; others have a little spring and respond differently to the movement of your hand.
Flex nibs, designed specifically for the purpose, give you line variation and a particularly expressive hand.
Each brings its own pleasure to every stroke.
The world of nibs goes well beyond the standard sizes.
STUBVertical strokes are broader than horizontal ones, giving a distinctive calligraphic effect.
ITALICA more sharply cut tip for greater contrast between thick and thin strokes.
OBLIQUEA tip ground at an angle to suit certain ways of holding the pen.
Ink, paper and flow all play a part.
The same fountain pen can feel quite different depending on the combination you use.
That’s why finding the right nib isn’t just about choosing a letter. It’s about discovering how you like to write.
Iguana Magazine · Writing guide
Fine, broad, smooth or flexible?
Discover which nib suits the way you write.
Did you know that two nibs of the same width can write completely differently? Find out how the size of your handwriting, the nib material, flexibility, ink and even the way you hold your pen all come into play.
03 — The experiment
Now it’s your turn.
Which nib suits your writing?
You’ve seen some of the features that set each nib apart. Now it’s time to find out which ones best suit the way you write.
Nib Test · 3 questions
Three questions. Three choices.
One personalised recommendation.
- 01What’s your handwriting like?
- 02What kind of line do you prefer?
- 03What do you look for when you write?
04 — The results
Your writing has
a character of its own.
Choose a nib and discover the fountain pens we’ve selected for every writing style.
Result F
Precision in every stroke
Your writing leans towards precision and detail.
A fine nib can help you achieve well-defined letters and compact writing, especially if you have small handwriting or enjoy delicate strokes.
Your trait
Precision
A selection for you · Nib: F
We’ve selected fountain pens with features that may match your result.
[Product photo]
Nib: F · 01[Brand · Model][Price]
[Product photo]
Nib: F · 02[Brand · Model][Price]
[Product photo]
Nib: F · 03[Brand · Model][Price]
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Nib: F · 04[Brand · Model][Price]
Your result is meant as a guide. How writing feels also depends on the nib’s design, the ink, the paper and the way you hold your fountain pen.
05 — Iguana Personal Advisor
Your formula is personal.
So is our advice.
The Writing Lab tests are the starting point for discovering your preferences. But choosing a fountain pen also means finding the one that suits your hand, your writing and the way you like to use it.
Thinking of buying a fountain pen?
Our team of specialists can help you choose, with your needs, preferences and budget in mind.
ONLINE · BY APPOINTMENT
Speak to a specialist
Book an appointment with our team for personalised advice.
Book an appointment06 — The Writing Lab · Special experience
Your handwriting says a lot about you.
Because everyone’s handwriting is as unique as they are.
At The Writing Lab we explore writing instruments, but there’s something that makes them truly personal: the way you write.
Graphology invites us to look at the strokes, slant and size of our letters and explore what they might suggest about our personality.
Graphology offers interpretations for guidance only, not scientifically validated personality assessments.
07 — Analysis
The tests
Six ways to explore your writing. Find out which features suit you best through short interactive experiences.
Take the test
Test 02Wed 28
Material Test
Touch writes too.
Find the material that feels like you.
Test 03Thu 29
Design Test
Your style writes too.
Find the design that says who you are.
Test 04Fri 30
Filling Test
Every pen has its ritual.
Find your filling system.
Test 05Sat 31
Ink Test
Bring colour to your words.
Find the ink that’s unmistakably you.
Test 06Sun 1
Balance Test
Weight changes the feel.
Discover your ideal pen weight.