Zebra G Fountain Pen (Titanium Nib)

I am in love with these pens! Although not a completely traditional approach for Copperplate, the nib flexes beautifully and I don’t need to worry about an inkwell. Pairing with one of Noodler’s Eel inks makes for a dynamite combo.

I was skeptical at first but was pleasantly surprised how well this pen works. I am a dip pen user for drawing (Gillott 303, 291 nibs) so I was very interested in complementing this with a fountain pen that comes as close to dip pens as possible. The first ink I tried in it was Noodlers Polar Black (not the Noodlers black that was provided). I had trouble with the ink leaking and forming a blob of ink under the tip of the nib. The ink flow was not right. Next I switched over to Platinum Carbon Black and this pen works like a charm. No issues at all. I haven't tried other inks, but you should definitely consider your ink if the pen gives you trouble. Bottom line is I can get a finer line width from this pen than from the traditional fountain pens I own. It's not a pen that replaces dip pens for me. I will say I haven't been using my traditional fountain pens much since I got this one.

I don't know why, but so far no fountain pen can create letters the same as an oblique holder and Zebra G nib.

I like the pen, overall, but I have concerns with the longevity of the nib... I've used Zebra G Titaniums on Asian pens and a Noodler's Ahab with mixed results, but the one thing they had in common was that the underside of the nib where it's in contact with the feed corroded (on the underside) before long, adversely affecting the ink flow. I'll be keeping a close eye on this one! It's nicely constructed, and comes with everything needed to change the nib with no trouble, provided you follow the accompanying directions. My real problem with it is that unless it is used frequently (read: daily), it dries out and won't write at all unless it's disassembled and thoroughly cleaned. I'm becoming quite good at it, after doing it a number of times. The included Noodler's Black worked well enough, though it was quite easy to provoke 'railroading.' I imagine messing with the feed channel would remedy this... but might well make it too wet for other inks. I'm currently using Noodler's Anti-Feather black... and the stuff dries almost overnight. Won't be repeating that. I'll have to give the Mont Blanc Burgundy mentioned in Lloyd's review and see if my mileage is any better with it.

I am extremely pleased with this pen. The functionality of the nib is slightly different in the pen than on an oblique holder, but it still allows for great variation in line width. The quality of the materials is what you'd expect for the price.

I had, for many years, drawn with the Osmiroid Pen fitted with their amazing Copperplate point. After a change of ownership rendered the Copperplate non-functional, usable replacements became impossible to find. John Neal Books suggested this pen, and it seems a worthy replacement for my favorite drawing instrument. At last, my pen has come along.

This is almost exactly what I've been looking for -- a good flexible nib on a fountain pen with a feed that can keep up. The feed goes a little beyond keeping up for me, however. I've only tried Vinta Andrada ink so far -- I will try some others as suggested by a prior reviewer. If I write quickly, with relatively large letters, things are ok, and I even get the rare railroad. If I write slowly, or try to use pressure with a small x height, I get VERY wet lines, and occasional blobs. It seems to slow mayyyybe a little bit after writing for a few lines, but not enough to be able to practice calligraphy forms slowly. I got the blue, which is actually a little bit translucent, which I like. I'd have preferred the aqua, but it was out of stock.

I'm a newish calligrapher and my styles tend to be modern instead of traditional. This pen works really well for me, with Noodler's Black ink. I mostly use smooth papers, such as my Rhodia notebook. The pen flows well and the titanium nib seems to be a bit smoother than the traditional nib, but it will catch if you press too hard. I get very decent hairlines and nice thicknesses on my down strokes. For me, it's much easier than using a dip pen; but like any straight pen holder, it is a bit challenging if you want to write on a slant. I'm giving this pen a solid 5 stars because it works so well for me and the styles I like; and it is very effortless to use. I give the nib a quick rinse in water when I'm done and dry it off very well. I like that it's always ready and willing to write for me any time I want to pick it up; and that I don't have to pull a lot of supplies out to do a little practice.

While not a master calligrapher and having converted Asian pens to work with dip pen nibs, I find this pen works very well.I cleaned the pen and used the black ink it came with. It will rail road if pushed hard but with the ebonite feed I plan on opening up the feed for better ink flow. Paper quality is essential with this pen as the nib is scratchy. Glad I bought the Osprey first instead of the more expensive Pilot Falcon.

I thoroughly enjoy writing with my new pen. It allows me the ability to practice my writing, without having to keep dipping into a ink bottle. I am able to practice my Spencerian with no problem.