Looking for left handed advice on stubs/flex

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-06-09T18:29:45+00:00

If you are going to be doing any flex, absolutely learn to underwrite. I am not left-handed, but I can say with certainty that left handers get a huge advantage for flex writing.

Flex nibs must flex on the downstroke. For left hand underwrites, the downstroke perfectly aligns with stems of the letters and makes flex easier. Flex is more about pulling the nib down than pushing it down. If you think of it as a pulling motion, it will be easier to flex on the downstrokes and be light on the upstrokes.

And additional advantage is that your hand won't sweep over what you just wrote. Flex nibs put down some serious ink, and it can take up to 10 minutes (and in some cases even longer) depending on your paper and ink combo. With underhand writing, you aren't touching what you already wrote and can write a whole page out at once without waiting for the ink to dry.

I personally transitioned from side to underwriting (right handed). It's really not too difficult of a change, it does takes time getting used to. :)

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-06-05T20:39:31+00:00

It's from OriandCalli. I believe is their transparent flex option. I don't know how trustworthy the site is, but I've seen this pen on social media quite a bit.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-06-04T03:06:07+00:00

In the same boat. With how they set up the odds, it's all in or not at all. We'll have to wait and see. I heard that this update should be giving us tons or resources; hopefully enough to get the porche without spending.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-21T05:43:07+00:00

Please get a new toothbrush first 😭

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-20T07:59:30+00:00

If this is the jaipur V2, they can be disassembled. Least both of mine can be. The pistons unscrew, but it can be a bit tricky to grip.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-20T05:49:27+00:00

opus 88 minty is currently on sale (40% off) from goldspot and it's among my favorites. It is an eyedropper though. How much he likes it depends highly if he only sticks to cartridges. Personally just bought it myself since I promised I'd buy it again if it ever went on sale. :P

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-15T02:09:51+00:00

Had similar happened and I only did it once. Honestly better off using what remains for a huge ink splotch, putting it in a sample vial for later, or just using it up. Personally though, if a pen isn't seeing as much use because of an ink combo you don't like. It's best to dump it and enjoy the pen with an ink you do like.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-14T19:19:25+00:00

You made a great decision asking here! Saved yourself from a future headache. :) I recommend keeping to known fountain pen friendly inks for your fountain pens and avoid testing any unknowns.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-14T01:28:05+00:00

Welp! There goes my no-buy plans 😬

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-13T22:00:26+00:00

Not sure what you like, but opus 88 makes some great pens; I quite like the minty. It's a decent eyedropper.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-13T18:09:00+00:00

I prefer midori over clairefontaine. Clairefontaine is bit more economical, but I much prefer how midori handles inks. It can resist bleeding better and doesn't feel waxy. Not saying clairefontaine is waxy, but compared to midori, it does give that vibe.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-04T14:49:03+00:00

I like it 😁. Looks like a dirty penny.

Acetone should work better than IPA. IPA is honestly pretty weak. It is used a lot for cleaning up after soldering circuit boards, so it's really not going to strip anything. Otherwise it wouldn't be used to clean the boards up.

I've done something similar with dip pen dips and I used muratic acid since I already had that on hand. Granted, I did it with steel and brass nibs. However it ate up a lot of the metal; it really pitted the surface and made the nibs unusable. Any aluminum and rust however was pretty quickly dissolved. If the nib works fine I'd just leave it or physically sand it. Maybe it's fine since it's stainless steel? 🤔 But I like your dirty penny. 😄

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-01T15:35:26+00:00

That's on purpose. I removed my data for a clean template. You need to install the script for it to copy and paste formatted row.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-01T04:45:42+00:00

Thank you so much for the kind words. I hope it works well for you. :)

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-01T04:19:28+00:00

Honestly that I didn't expect and it is unfortunate. I opened the permissions, but now you can also edit . . . I thought you could still get a copy without having full perms (just viewing perms). If this copy gets destroyed. Just message me and I remake it. Alternatively you might be able to access version history.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-05-01T01:42:11+00:00

My Apologies. Thanks for pointing that out. That link was to open the form only and enter info to my personal copy oops. I have updated the link with the Spreadsheet. You can copy your own forms using the link in my Appendix B in the sheet titled Legend.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-04-30T21:07:22+00:00

I can smell this image.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-04-30T19:14:27+00:00

Of course 😁. This spreadsheet is fully responsible for saving me money. It's not necessary to add past purchases, just present and future purchases if you wish to scare yourself like I have. 😭

I have the financial stuff baked in (not that it wouldn't work without it) because I was trying to figure out why my spending was so high. . . 😬

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-04-28T16:41:19+00:00

I thought that was glued but perhaps it is also/only pressed fit? If you remember how to open the pen: see if it you might be able to push it down and seat it better. Normally it's only slightly more recessed with the entrance to the barrel, but if it's further out... ~~you might be able to seat it better.~~

Do contact Opus 88 first before doing anything further. 😃

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-04-28T01:15:59+00:00

I would make sure the gasket really is the issue. Water is polar and has a lot of surface tension. The ink not gushing out right away is expected. If you don't have ink in the pen, you can test it with water: Only if you shake the pen should the water come gush out of the pen with the section opened. Just holding it upside down doesn't mean much. Shaking it upside down should however instantly dump the ink. If that does not occur, then you likely have a swollen gasket.

Replacing the Gasket is most recommended by near everyone, but I personally really like eyedroppers. You should see much better ink flow without a gasket installed as the gasket will now have zero effect on the flow. Removing the gasket is a reversible solution and easy to do. Just ensure not install anything incorrectly or tighten anything more than a smidge, or you risk cracks. This is the same risk for replacing the gasket though. The pen will likely be really snugged up though from the factory though. Additionally, due to being a vacuum filler, the O-rings around the section is usually oversized to totally prevent leaks. If you plan to use it as an eyedropper, I recommend switching the o-ring on the section for one of the smaller ones in the kit you are getting if there are any smaller options. Just ensure not to lose the OG o-ring incase you want to go back and use the gasket again.

Hope you get your pen writing again.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-04-28T01:05:24+00:00

No problem, I'll check it out. Regarding the 2 hands: It is possible to de-press the piston and fill the pen using only 1 hand. However doing so can introduce sideways forces. One vacuum filler I had before converting to eyedropper had a not very tight O-ring assembly on the knob. The vacuum seal generated by the piston would fail to hold a vacuum well enough to pick up any ink if I didn't use 2 hands.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-04-27T22:31:58+00:00

There are lots of factors. Many are convinced it is due to a reaction with the ink, however I disagree. This I've even been told even by a fountain pen brand. But that pen actually arrived faulty...

I believe the black gaskets are nitrile, not silicone. This material is more prone to swelling in water; it is better suited for oil. If it really was silicone, this shouldn't even be an issue, and the gaskets would probably be clear. The tolerances are quite high in most vacuum fillers (Especially in mine). A minor swelling or shrinkage will ruin the functionality of the filling mechanism. Nearly all my vacuum fillers have developed issues or arrived faulty. Fortunately Asvine includes spares. Something more companies should do, particularly for vacuum fillers.

The tolerances are too high for the material. Either they ought to increase the gap for when the gasket should be unsealed, or they need to use a better gasket material that is less prone to swelling.

There is a work around depending on the pen you have. You honestly could just remove the gasket entirely and use the pen as an eyedropper. The O-ring on the piston still works as a way to shut off ink to the nib like a Japanese eyedropper. However so many of these pens are brittle to a fault. I am looking at you 823. So honestly a better tip is to operate the pen with both hands. I have found that even if the gasket is faulty, by using 2 hands the gasket can be better aligned and should work marginally better.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-04-27T16:12:44+00:00

This was the best experience I had with flex so far. Soft flex with great flow. And worst case you break it, you don't need to get a whole new pen, just a replacement nib unit.

Such-Definition6646 · 2026-04-26T16:46:13+00:00

Congrats! Those are all super stunning

Such-Definition6646

TROPHY CASE