Nib
Grinds
This is an educational guide to the different nib grinds we offer.
Learn how each grind can enhance your writing experience and find the perfect nib for your style.
The Basics
To start, refer to the video below for a demonstration of what is meant by 'down-' and 'cross-' strokes when describing writing characteristics.
The key principle behind all grinds is how the tipping contacts the paper to lay down ink.
Stock nib tipping consists of a mostly round contact point (with a smaller ‘ball’ or larger ‘ball’ to account for differences between an extra fine to bold).
This allows for a smooth writing experience with a similar line width between down strokes and cross-strokes.
Stock Nib
Different Grinds
Italic nibs have broad downstrokes and thin cross-strokes, offering strong line variation. A crisp italic provides the most contrast but requires precise writing to avoid scratchiness.
A cursive italic softens the edges for a smoother, more forgiving experience, balancing line variation and ease of use—making it the most popular choice.
A stub is even rounder, reducing line variation further for a smoother feel. Some brands offer unique takes, such as Esterbrook’s Journaler or Franklin-Christoph’s SIG (Stub-Italic-Gradient) nibs.
Customer Feedback Writing Sample - Crisp Italic
Customer Feedback Writing Sample - Cursive Italic
Customer Feedback Writing Sample - Cursive Italic
Architect grinds are the opposite of italics, with narrow downstrokes and wide cross-strokes. They require precise tuning for smooth writing and are customised to the writer’s angle.
The angle at which the pen contacts the paper affects the results of an architect grind, thus it is tailored to the writer.
These grinds offer a very unique writing style and are not offered by most pen manufacturers, partly due to the requirement of precision tuning of the nib to still offer smooth writing.
Stock architects are more rounded, allowing for flexibility at the cost of some line variation.
Please Note: Architect grinds are highly sensitive to writing angle. By default, our architect grinds are tuned for optimal performance at a 45-degree writing angle.
If you write at a significantly different angle, please let us know during checkout so we can adjust the grind accordingly.
Engineered for Precision. Crafted for Control.
Needlepoint grinds are the gold standard for fine-line writing — ground to a razor-sharp tip (~0.25mm) for unmatched precision. Finer than a standard extra fine nib (~0.4mm), they’re perfect for small handwriting, detailed sketching, and tight annotations. This speciality grind is ideal for:
Writers who favor tight line spacing.
Artists creating intricate cross-hatching or micro-sketches
Annotators and note-takers working in the margins or on grid-lined paper
The result? Lines so crisp, they almost feel engraved.
Why choose Needlepoint?
Exceptional Precision – Produces crisp, hairline strokes ideal for micro-journaling, cross-hatching, or writing in small spaces.
Minimal Ink Spread – Reduced feathering and bleed-through, even on absorbent paper.
Consistent Lines – Delivers uniform width regardless of writing angle.
Tactile Control – Offers subtle feedback, keeping you connected to the page.
Light Pressure Needed – Glides effortlessly when used with a gentle touch.
When detail matters most, the needlepoint delivers:
Whisper-thin lines. Surgical accuracy. Total control
Needlepoint (0.25mm) vs. stock extra fine (0.4mm)
Blade grinds (or Naginata) - Known as Naginata in Sailor’s lineup, blade grinds are a beautifully expressive nib shape designed to replicate the brush strokes used in traditional East Asian calligraphy. But what really sets them apart is how the line width changes depending on the writing angle — giving you a full range of stroke variation with just one nib.
At a high angle (75–90°), you’ll get a fine, delicate line, perfect for intricate lettering or writing compact characters.
As you shift to a mid angle (45–60°), the line broadens slightly, producing a more fluid, expressive stroke ideal for cursive or everyday journaling.
When held at a low angle (25–45°), the nib opens up dramatically, giving you broad, brush-like strokes that feel alive on the page — great for sketching, dramatic flourishes, or large writing.
This isn’t the predictable vertical variation you get from stubs or italics — Naginata grinds are dynamic and responsive, shaped to follow the natural movement and rhythm of your hand.
One nib, endless expression — all in the angle of your hand.
Bold & Medium
BOLD
MEDIUM
Bold
Customer Feedback Writing Sample
Versatile dual grinds for expressive writing
The Double is a unique grind developed by Daniel through hands-on experimentation. Each nib features two distinct writing styles — one on each side — offering maximum versatility without switching pens.
Why Choose a Double Grind?
Two grinds in one nib — switch writing styles by simply flipping the pen
Smooth, expressive strokes with varied line widths and angles
Perfect for versatility — from daily notes to decorative lettering
Each Double grind is handcrafted with attention to balance,
flow, and feel — designed to elevate your handwriting
with fluid transitions between styles.
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The Double (Bold)
Medium Architect (front) + Medium Italic (reverse)
Crafted from a broad nib, the Double combines two of the most popular expressive grinds in one nib: a smooth, flowing architect on the front side and a crisp italic on the reverse.
This combination offers distinctly different line qualities depending on orientation — ideal for writers, artists, and calligraphy enthusiasts who love variation in their strokes.
Due to the size of the broad nib’s tipping, minimum line widths are slightly wider, but the writing experience remains exceptionally smooth and dynamic.
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The ‘M’ini Double (Medium)
Fine Architect (front) + Fine Italic (reverse)
A more compact version of the original Double, the M’ini Double is built from a medium nib and designed for those who prefer finer lines and more controlled detailing.
With a fine architect on the front and a fine italic on the reverse, this grind offers the same dual-functionality in a sleeker footprint — great for everyday writing or small-format journaling.
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The Reverse Double
Medium Italic (front) + Medium Architect (reverse)
For those who prefer italics as their primary style, the Reverse
Double inverts the standard Double layout. This version features a medium italic on the front and a medium architect on the reverse.
Like the original, it’s built from a broad nib to ensure ample tipping material for both grinds and a smooth, balanced writing feel. Due to the limitations of smaller nib sizes, the Reverse Double is currently only available on broad nibs.
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Please Note: Architect grinds are highly sensitive to writing angle. By default, all of our architect grinds—including The Double and Sparrowhawk—are tuned for optimal performance at a 45-degree writing angle.
If you write at a significantly different angle, please let us know during checkout so we can adjust the grind accordingly.
The Sparrowhawk is a special grind created by Daniel inspired by the Sailor Cross Concorde and Monty Winnfield's impressive nibs... From a medium nib, a needlepoint is ground on the front side, and a fine-medium architect ground on the reverse.
The nib has a striking appearance of a sharp beak or talon, hence the name!
Please Note: Architect grinds are highly sensitive to writing angle. By default, all of our architect grinds—including The Double and Sparrowhawk—are tuned for optimal performance at a 45-degree writing angle.
If you write at a significantly different angle, please let us know during checkout so we can adjust the grind accordingly.