The evolution of a nib specialist usually starts with a challenge, and for me, that challenge was the Artist. As my first signature grind, it featured a tri-grind (fude, needlepoint/mini stub, architect) nib that required a very deliberate change in hand angle to access its 3 grinds. While it was a perfect fit for cross-hatchers, it was a specialized tool that demanded a specific technique.
The spark for something new happened while I was developing the third generation of my Needle Point grind. An artist friend reached out with a specific request: they needed a nib as fine as humanly possible, but smooth enough to handle the tooth of mixed media paper. My previous versions performed beautifully on standard fountain pen paper, but they struggled on more textured surfaces.
The Breakthrough
While prototyping, I realized the tip of a Needle Point shares a lot of DNA with the Naginata Senior grind. The Senior is notably smoother than the Junior despite its precision. As I worked to incorporate those features, my friend’s description of the "perfect" feel led me to a different discovery entirely.
Enter my second signature grind: the Pencil.
Organic by Design
The Pencil grind is defined by its organic nature. Because of its unique geometry, every slight shift in your hand motion results in a change in line width. No two lines are ever quite the same, giving your writing or drawing a human, living quality.
I can execute this grind on anything from a Fine to a Double Broad. The larger the starting tipping, the more dramatic the variation you’ll see at lower angles. The shape is conical, much like a sharpened graphite pencil, and I can tune the tip to produce lines anywhere from 0.1mm to 0.5mm.
The User Experience
Unlike the Artist grind, which requires a learning curve, the Pencil is incredibly user-friendly. It suits almost any grip style:
• Regular or reverse writing
• High or low angles
• Casual or professional use
What sets it apart is a specific grinding technique I developed to mimic the feedback of a pencil. It isn't scratchy; instead, it provides a tactile sensation that connects you to the paper. You can feel the texture of the page without the nib catching.
Three Distinct Features
1. Tactile Feedback: A consistent, pencil-like feel across all grinds.
2. Angle-Dependent Width: The line becomes thicker and the ink flow more generous as you lower your writing angle.
3. Natural Variation: Small shifts in your hand create beautiful, unique line variations.
This nib has quickly become a personal favourite and has received glowing reviews from the art community. In fact, out of all the grinds I have created, this is the only one that has earned a permanent, daily spot in my own pen rotation.