One of the most fascinating things that you can do with the analogue world is open yourself to new creativity and new possibilities. Getting myself a zoom nib did just that for me. Through this post, I share what I found.

Context for newbies
A zoom nib is a specialty fountain pen nib that offers versatility in terms of changes in the line width based on the angle at which you hold the pen.

Reviews and purchase
I watched a few videos online to understand if ‘Zoom’ nib is something that I might end up liking. Adamant but determined, as I usually am, I made my purchases. However, something within me was still unsure. For those in India, I evaluated a few good alternatives and ended up buying my zoom nib from Kanpur Writers, popularly known as Kanwrite. They know their capabilities very well and have capitalized on their areas of strength. Here is the link in case you are interested (or, like me, are headstrong!): #6 Steel Specialty Grind Zoom Nib Unit.

Shipping and arrival
I think I received the package in less than three days. The packaging was more than sufficient for a heavy-duty, rough manhandling of the cute, cozy little midget that cocooned the nib. I have attached a couple of images for your reference. I am really happy with the way they ensured that I have a good initial impression. I also have a Kanwrite Legacy in Solid Pearl Green, which I have reviewed here on my site. That piston filler is fun to use, is a great companion if you want to carry it, and houses a good, wet nib.

Initial impressions
I got myself a JoWo-compatible nib unit with ebonite feed. I must say that I am pleasantly surprised at the way the ink keeps up the flow. It is not super wet, but it is soaked just right, right from the moment I inked it up.

Do keep in mind that when filling ink for the first time or using a new feed, flush the ink through the pen at least a couple of times so the feed gets used to the ink’s character. This rule applies more tightly for inks with a dry character, pigments, or sheening qualities. This one from Kanwrite is just right!

Here is my candid writing sample! Honestly, I didn’t plan to post it, earlier. I created it in less than ten minutes for my daughter. She enjoyed the variation and encouraged me to share it here. Based on the angle at which you hold your pen, the nib produces a smooth consistent line that varies in its width.

So, here is the magic of the zoom nib, in the descending order of the line width:

For reference, here is the line chart that you can get on the internet. For nib tipping width, see this resource on Pen Chalet’s site. And, here is the picture of the line variation, based on the angle of writing. See picture on the right.

30°: Produces a double-broad line. The nib is super-smooth and super-wet. It might take more time to dry.45°: Broad line. Perfect for everyday use, as well.55–70°: Medium line. You will probably use the pen at this angle the most.90°: Fine lines, but you have to hold the pen upright, which is an awkward angle.Reverse writing: Limited ink flow but still functional. I also felt that the pen scratches the paper a little bit. But that could be because of several factors. The GSM of the paper, the paper quality, my writing pressure, and the flow of ink. A smoother ink flow might solve this issue a little bit. But the ink will eat into the paper and might lead to bleedthrough since the nib, at extra fine, is just about piercing into the paper while writing.

Brands and customizations
I think this nib is a great choice if you are into journaling. I would recommend buying it from Kanwrite. As an Indian brand, Kanwrite delivers quality craftsmanship at an accessible price, making it a great choice for local pen enthusiasts. I find that Sailor’s 21KT gold zoom nibs—Sailor introduced zoom nibs—have a similar feedback and enjoy a similar fan base, depending on writing preferences. I am glad that mine aligns quite well with what others think.

There are a few things noteworthy, here. First, Sailor nibs are not easily available in India. If they are, they are quite expensive (because they are 21KT solid gold nibs). For even a serious penthusiast, it is a lot of money to invest on a nib that they might use occasionally. I haven’t tried a Sailor zoom nib, therefore I will leave that part out of my comments.

Mine is a JoWo-compatible nib unit with an ebonite feed. But you can get one in Bock or Kanwrite-compatibility, as well. All the same options in plastic feed, as well. And since they are in Stainless Steel, they are relatively cheaper to manufacture. Here is the page that I used to place the order for my custom specialty nib. I’d suggest you get a couple of custom specialty nib units and then keep swapping those in and out as needed.

Time for some gripe
Oh yes. I have a couple of them! While I love the versatility of my double-broad zoom nib, I found myself wanting the triple-broad option for even more dramatic line variation. Additionally, enhancing the reverse writing experience with an extra-fine tip could make this nib a true all-rounder. Kanwrite, this one’s on you. A customer is never satisfied, I guess. Especially if it is me!

Who’s it for?
If you are someone who enjoys broader strokes, go for it. The point is, the normal writing angle (at about 45 degrees), the nib will produce a wider line. If that is something you admire, you will love the fee l of it. However, if you plan to use it as your ONLY nib, you might be in for a surprise. This nib writes a finer line only at about 90 degrees, upright position.

‘Should I get one for myself’ is a question that is as subjective as it gets. For example, I prefer (and have grown to lean more and more in favor of) finer nibs. I’ve got a small handwriting, and I love using nibs that bring out the smaller curves in my writing. Don’t get me wrong! I do love huge curves, no puns intended, but the handwriting doesn’t seem to be mine with thicker, broader strokes. That said, there is some fun in watching the same pen produce five different variations of line widths.

If you’re a journaling enthusiast or love experimenting with line widths, the Kanwrite’s double-broad (or even triple-broad) zoom nib is a fantastic addition to your collection. In my case, it won’t replace my finer nibs, but it certainly has brought a playful creative flair to my writing.

Will you give it a try? Let me know in the comments!