Editing The Pen Addict 399/transcript (section)

== Pen Hacking and Flex Nibs ==


'''Brad Dowdy:''' Toatsu asks, is making proper flex nibs a lost art? I'm not just reading the Franklin Kristoff review and it really makes me wonder.

'''Myke Hurley:''' Yeah, it is. But just like all other lost arts, they're lost arts because they're no longer commercially viable. Right? It no longer makes sense to invest the money to manufacture the quality we used to have in a profitable way. Like, that's, I mean, I'm assuming this, like that's an assumption on my part, but it makes sense. Like, otherwise we'd have flex nibs like we used to have, but I just don't think the market can sustain what it would actually cost to make those nibs today.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' We live in a supply and demand world, right? And if the supply was, if the demand was there for flex nibs, there would be a greater supply of them.

'''Myke Hurley:''' Yeah. So just go look at all your lost art and I think a lot of them are lost because they're no longer profitable.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' But as we find with a lot of things in this community and with others, their niches exist and like you will still be able to find these products made by people that really care about them. Yes. But you're not going to find lots of options. And as your thing becomes more niche, it will become more expensive.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' So that's just always something to think about. Yep. From Tyler. Tyler sent in a video from JetPens, which is an ASMR video, which is amazing, of Jeobon ink with a frosted glass dip pen. Go watch this video. As Tyler says, it is aesthetic and I agree. It's beautiful and really well done. Like, I hope that they make more of these if they haven't already. Like, it's kind of incredible. But what Tyler goes on to say, what is the experience like with a glass ink pen? And after watching this video, I also had this question. There's a glass making exhibition that happens annually in my area. So I've been considering looking for someone local that might make custom glass pen tips. My question for you guys is what sort of inks will work well with this? Is there anything I need to keep in mind while shopping around?

'''Myke Hurley:''' So the inks, I don't know that there is really a specific ink that's better or worse. There probably is based on, like, the consistency of the ink. But I think they're just made really for most liquids.