New Finds

New Finds from The Nib & Ledger, shaped by its Fashion Collectibles focus.

New Finds from The Nib & Ledger, shaped by its Fashion Collectibles focus.

Posts

Why Certain Vintage Fountain Pen Brands Hold Their Value

Why Certain Vintage Fountain Pen Brands Hold Their Value

Discover why certain vintage fountain pen brands and materials hold significant value and how to identify high-quality collector pieces in a crowded market.

The Tuning Bench: A Blueprint for Fixing a Scratchy Nib

The Tuning Bench: A Blueprint for Fixing a Scratchy Nib

How-To

Before you throw away a skipping pen, check the tines. Here is the technical blueprint for smoothing a scratchy nib and restoring its proper flow.

Julian VanceJulian VanceApril 7, 2026
New Fountain Pen Releases March 2026: Kaweco Sport & More

New Fountain Pen Releases March 2026: Kaweco Sport & More

Explore the March 2026 fountain pen releases, from Kaweco Sport colorways to fresh limited editions, with hands‑on impressions and buying tips.

Julian VanceJulian VanceMarch 16, 2026

The Nib Width Lie: Your Japanese Fine Is My European Extra-Fine

There is no ISO standard for fountain pen nib widths. A Japanese Fine runs 0.3mm. A German Fine runs 0.5mm. The letter on your nib is a manufacturer's declaration — and a century of parallel craft traditions that never compared notes.

Julian VanceJulian VanceMarch 1, 2026
When Smooth Becomes Silent: The Baby's Bottom Problem and the Lost Art of Feedback

When Smooth Becomes Silent: The Baby's Bottom Problem and the Lost Art of Feedback

An over-polished nib isn't luxury—it's a defect. Julian Vance explains "baby's bottom," why smoothness has become a manufacturing failure, and how to identify (and fix) a nib that skips when it should sing.

Julian VanceJulian VanceFebruary 23, 2026