Why Is My Fountain Pen Scratchy?
- Janet Zhou
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Common Causes Behind That Unpleasant Feedback
There’s nothing more disappointing than a beautiful fountain pen that feels… scratchy. Whether you’re jotting down thoughts or signing your name, a scratchy nib can ruin the experience.
At Inkcision Works, we specialise in diagnosing and treating scratchy nibs, many of which look fine at first glance.
Let’s explore the most common (and often hidden) reasons why your nib might not be writing smoothly.
1. Tine Misalignment – The Most Common Culprit
The two tines of a nib should be perfectly aligned, with equal height and pressure on the page. If one tine is even slightly higher than the other, it creates uneven contact, leading to scratchiness, skipping, or dragging.
📌 This type of misalignment is very hard to see with the naked eye and often requires magnification tools to diagnose properly.
2. Uneven Tine Edges or Surface Imperfections
Even if the tines are aligned correctly, imperfections can still cause scratchiness. These include:
Uneven tine lengths
Burrs or micro-scratches on the tipping material
Poorly finished edges from the factory or heavy use
These flaws can catch on the paper, especially when writing in certain directions. A light hand won’t always feel them — but a normal writing angle or faster motion can reveal the roughness.
3. Factory Defects or Physical Damage
Sometimes a scratchy nib isn’t just out of tune — it’s flawed from the start or has been damaged along the way.
Common issues include:
Off-center or misapplied tipping
Cracks near the breather hole
Dropped pens causing bent tines or shifted alignment
Even expensive gold nibs can leave the factory with quality control issues, and damage can occur during shipping or cleaning. These cases usually require professional inspection and repair.
4. Overly Sharp or Under-Polished Nib Tip
The tipping material should be smooth and well-rounded — but that’s not always the case. If it’s too sharp or angular, it can feel scratchy regardless of alignment.
On the flip side, a nib that’s over-polished might feel smooth in one direction but skip in another. The balance of feedback and glide is delicate, and that’s where nib tuning and grinding really shines.
5. Paper, Ink, and Writing Style
Not all scratchiness is mechanical. Some combinations of paper and ink naturally create more feedback. For example:
Fibrous or textured paper adds resistance
Dry-flowing inks don’t lubricate the tip as well
Writing with too much pressure or at a steep angle can exaggerate roughness
Always test on smoother paper with a known ink before diagnosing a nib issue.
Final Thoughts: Most Scratchy Nibs Can Be Saved
The good news? Most scratchy nibs aren’t beyond help — they just need some expert care. At Inkcision Works, we use magnification, precise tools, and years of experience to bring nibs back to their full writing potential.
Whether you’ve got a slightly scratchy writer or a pen that refuses to cooperate, we’re here to help you rediscover the joy of smooth writing.
✍️ Think your nib might be scratchy? Let us take a closer look. A small adjustment might be all it takes.
📮 Book a Repair with Inkcision Works
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