Need help selecting a pen

[bnoles]

I'm still a little new and dumb at pen making so try not to get all of your amusement off just my post tonight [:I]

My wife enjoys Calligraphy and I would like to make her a really nice pen for Christmas. I have been looking at Craft USA and got my self totally confused (not really that hard to do). [xx(]

Maybe some of you experts can coach me along in selecting the right pen and nibs for this quest. My wife is a small woman with small hands, so I need to stay as small and light weight with this pen as possible. To give you an idea of how small her hands are, try a ring size of 3 1/2. Anyhow, back to my plea... Which style, kit and nibs do I need to be looking at that will help me resolve this confusion. If the kit can be used as a rollerball between caligraphy use that would be a plus as well. Twist pens I understand.... fountain pens I turn stupid. [B)]

TIA for any help or advice you can offer.

 

[mrcook4570]

How about a dip pen that can accept any speedball nib?

Other than that, the slimmest fountain pen I can think of would be the American Streamline from Berea. If you buy both a rollerball kit and a fountain nib for that style, you would be able to switch back and forth. However, I'm not sure if that nib is available in a calligraphy nib.

 

[Skye]

That would by suggestion too, although I have no idea how to make those, lol

That pic reminds me of Fletch. "Dr. Jellyfinger"

 

[tone]

The only calligraphy nib I know of is from Craft Supplies USA. It is a "stub" which basically means its ground straight across and doesn't have an iridium ball.
It fits the smaller kits like the gent and I believe (but not sure) the american and european types as well. The grips on the gents are not very large in diameter. I would put it on a dedicated pen rather than switch back and forth with a rollerball. A set would be nice. Either will dry out if not capped.

Tony

 

[txbob]

Hi Bob,

Take a look at this:

http://www.trade80.com/JCP/projects/dip_pens/dip.htm

Not sure if that's what you want, but dip pens are common in calligraphy. There are a lot of different nibs available for them. Look at stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby, or on the net.

txbob

 

[bnoles]

Thanks so much for the helpful replies, both here as well as by email and PM.

The wife currently uses cartridges so I better stick with that method for this particular pen project, however, I do like the pictures you have shared of the dip pens. After I defeat the original goal of making her's for Christmas, I am certainly going to do one of those dip models... they are cool.