FEEDBACK - A VERY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE…

No, not the “constructive” kind that can make you wince. Fountain pens have long been cherished for the unique writing experience they provide. One of the key aspects that contribute to this experience is the concept of “feedback”.

Feedback refers to the tactile sensation you feel as the nib glides across the paper. It is the amount of resistance or “bite” you perceive during your writing. Defining feedback is quite a difficult thing. There is no benchmark to test whether a pen is giving you feedback or whether the nib is “scratchy”, which is something that needs to be fixed.

A wonderfully smooth vintage Esterbrook stub nib, fitted to a modern Esterbrook Cobalt Blue fountain pen!

Feedback versus Smoothness

A very smooth nib glides effortlessly across the page, providing a seamless writing experience with minimal sensation. Whereas a nib that offers more feedback allows you to sense the paper’s texture more prominently, which some writers find enhances their control and engagement while writing.

Feedback versus Scratchiness

• Feedback is a controlled, consistent sensation that you can feel in all writing directions. It provides a sense of connection and control. It may not be completely smooth, but the nib is not damaged.

• Scratchiness is an unpleasant and inconsistent feeling that can occur when the nib catches on the paper fibres and you would often find strands of paper fibres caught in between the tines. This is often caused by misaligned nib tines, or tipping damage, resulting in a less enjoyable writing experience.

Factors Affecting Feedback

Several factors can influence the amount of feedback you experience while writing with a fountain pen:

1. Nib Manufacture, Age, Material and Grind: Different materials and nib grinds can produce varying levels of feedback. Sailor nibs are reputed to have a particular kind of feedback, that some love and others hate. Gold nibs tend to be softer and more responsive than steel nibs, potentially offering a different feedback sensation. The grind of the nib, whether it’s a standard round tip, stub or italic, can also significantly alter the feedback experience. The age of the nib may well affect the writing experience - if the tipping is worn then it may need restoration.

2. Paper Texture and Quality: The type of paper you use can significantly affect how the nib interacts with the surface. Smooth, coated papers like Clairefontaine or Rhodia often result in less feedback, while more textured or absorbent papers such as certain Midori products can increase the sensation. 

3. Ink Properties: The viscosity and flow of the ink can also impact feedback. Wetter inks, like Pilot Iroshizuku, tend to provide a smoother writing experience with less feedback, while drier inks like some Pelikan or Montblanc might increase the sensation. Inks like J. Herbin or Rohrer & Klingner, contain lubricating properties that can alter feedback.

4. Writing Pressure and Angle: The way you hold your pen and the pressure you apply can change the feedback sensation. Writing with a light touch typically results in less feedback, while pressing harder can increase it. The angle you hold the pen relative to the paper can affect how the nib interacts with the writing surface, thus altering the feedback.

5. Nib Size: Generally, finer nibs tend to provide more feedback than broader nibs, as they have a smaller surface area in contact with the paper.

6. Environmental Factors: Humidity and temperature can affect how ink flows and how paper behaves, which in turn can impact the feedback, e.g. in very dry conditions, ink might flow less freely, potentially increasing feedback.

It’s all about personal preference

By recognising the differences between feedback, smoothness and scratchiness, you can make more informed choices about the pens and papers you use.  It’s important to remember that feedback is a highly personal aspect of fountain pen writing. What feels perfect to one person may not suit another. The interplay between nib, paper, ink and writing style all contribute to the unique sensation each writer experiences. Ultimately, the right balance of feedback can lead to a more enjoyable and personalised writing journey. So, experiment with different nibs and papers, and discover the feedback that suits your style!

Happy writing!

I would like to thank my co-writer David Suen for his generously given advice, support, and time. Without David’s writing ability this blog would not have been published. Thank you again!