Thanks for the comprehensive reply.Where can I find a relatively inexpensive, semi-to-full-flex fountain pen?
You can't in fountain pens. The reasonable place to look is in dip pens where you can still find real flexible nibs.
There aren't many true flex fountain pens being made these days and the few companies that are or were (Omas) making them were not inexpensive. Also, flex nibs really don't work well as a work's pen.
If you want a works pen that also provides some contrast in writing look for the variations in italic nibs, While Hard or Sharp Italic demands slow and controlled writing, Cursive Italic and Stub nibs work great as general work-horse pens.
One possible exception is the Esterbrook family. The nibs were simple user changeable screw in units and the characteristics were clearly labeled in a 4 digit system. There are several dealers that specialize in Esterbrooks and can get you started.
Esterbrook pens were well made, pretty durable, came in several sizes and colors and while never fancy they simply worked.
You can now get the Zebra nib in titanium, which I see is available on Amazon at £17 for 10. They do last a lot longer, but, in common with the semi-flex Bock FP titanium nib, they'll spring if you push them too hard. I have a couple of Jinhao/Zebra "Frankenpens" I set up for myself (with some difficulty).First and foremost, calling @jar! I've noticed you're quite prolific on the fountain pen network!
This is also a reach out for anyone else who may be able to help me in my searches. I've been playing around with the Jinhao X750 + Zebra G nib 'frankenpen' with some mixed results. For the most part, they've been hard starters but quickly give in to some quite wet writing. However, as they're situated in a fountain pen, which is naturally wet, they're rusting at an alarming rate as well as the nibs starting to round. I think it's an inherent issue with using an otherwise replaceable nib in an unfriendly-to-replace host.
Which brings me onto my question;
Where can I find a relatively inexpensive, semi-to-full-flex fountain pen?
I've seen a lot of talk of Noodlers' Ahab and/or Konrad pens with modifications to improve flex and flow, though that goes back down the DIY route. How about flexible pens out the box?
Price-wise, I'd probably be looking to spend no more than £45 (off the top of my head) as it would be a works' pen and used for daily writing. For reference, I'm enjoying using Diamine Ruby and Diamine Majestic Purple these days.
Cheers!
I wasn't too impressed with the Jinhao and Zebra nib combo. I was happier with the standard nib, I would also suggest a dip pen with G nibs
Top man! I'll be doing some scouring of those sites tomorrow. Thanks.I'd try something vintage if I were you. You get get a gold nib vintage semi-flex pen (equivalent to a modern full-flex dip nib) for a reasonable amount. You could try
http://www.andys-pens.co.uk/
https://www.penworkshop.co.uk/.html
https://www.vintagefountainpens.co.uk/
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