When choosing a fountain pen, the nib is the heart of the writing experience. But beyond shape and size, the material a nib is made from has a profound effect on how it feels, performs, and ages. This guide covers everything you need to know about fountain pen nib materials.
Steel Nibs
Steel nibs are the most common and affordable option, found on entry-level and mid-range pens from brands like Lamy, TWSBI, Kaweco, and Pilot. Don't let the price fool you — modern steel nibs are precision-engineered and can deliver an excellent writing experience.
Pros
- Durable and resistant to corrosion when used with standard inks
- Springy and responsive, offering a satisfying feedback on the page
- Affordable — ideal for beginners or everyday carry pens
- Easy to replace if damaged
Cons
- Less flex than gold nibs
- Can feel slightly stiffer compared to softer gold alloys
- May be more susceptible to corrosion with certain specialty inks (e.g., iron gall) over time
Best for
Beginners, students, everyday writers, and anyone wanting a reliable workhorse pen without a large investment.
Gold Nibs
Gold nibs are the hallmark of premium fountain pens and are found on pens from Pelikan, Pilot, Sailor, Montblanc, Waterman, and many others. Gold is used not for its prestige alone, but for its unique physical properties.
Gold nibs are typically made from 14ct or 18ct gold alloys. The higher the gold content, the softer and more flexible the nib tends to be — though the alloy composition matters just as much as the carat.
14ct Gold
14ct (585) gold nibs offer a balance between softness and durability. They have a pleasant spring and feedback, and are found on many mid-to-high-end pens. Pelikan's M400 and M600 series use 14ct nibs to great effect.
18ct Gold
18ct (750) gold nibs are softer and more flexible, offering a more cushioned, springy writing feel. They are typically found on flagship pens such as the Pelikan M800 and M1000, Pilot Custom 743, and Sailor Pro Gear. The increased gold content makes them more resistant to corrosion from acidic inks.
21ct and 23ct Gold
Some Japanese manufacturers, particularly Sailor, produce nibs in 21ct gold. These are exceptionally soft and responsive, prized by calligraphers and flex writers. They are rare and found only on top-tier pens.
Pros
- Natural spring and flex that softens the writing experience
- Excellent corrosion resistance, compatible with a wider range of inks including iron gall
- Tends to improve and "break in" with use, conforming subtly to your writing style
- Available in a wider range of specialty grinds (flex, music, zoom, etc.)
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than steel
- Softer gold can be more easily damaged if dropped or mishandled
Best for
Experienced writers, collectors, those who write for long periods, and anyone seeking a premium, personalised writing experience.
Titanium Nibs
Titanium nibs occupy an interesting middle ground between steel and gold. Titanium is lightweight, extremely strong, and has a natural springiness that gives it a writing feel closer to gold than steel.
Brands like TWSBI (on select models) and some boutique pen makers have experimented with titanium nibs. They are less common but growing in popularity.
Pros
- Excellent spring and flex — often compared favourably to gold
- Very strong and resistant to damage
- Lightweight
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Less widely available than steel or gold
- Can be more difficult to tune or adjust
- Higher cost than steel
Best for
Writers who want a gold-like feel at a lower price point, or those with metal sensitivities.
Palladium and Rhodium Plating
Many nibs — regardless of their base material — are plated with palladium or rhodium. These are hard, corrosion-resistant metals used to protect the nib surface and give it a bright, silver appearance. Plating does not significantly affect the writing feel but does improve durability and aesthetics.
Gold nibs are sometimes left unplated (showing their yellow or rose gold colour) or plated for a uniform silver look. This is purely cosmetic.
The Tipping Material: Iridium and Beyond
Regardless of the nib material, almost all modern fountain pen nibs are tipped with a small ball of hard metal alloy at the writing point. This is commonly referred to as "iridium" — though true iridium is rarely used today. Modern tips are typically made from osmium, ruthenium, or proprietary alloys.
The tip is what actually contacts the paper, and its size determines the line width (EF, F, M, B, etc.). The quality of the tipping and how well it is polished and split is what separates a smooth nib from a scratchy one — regardless of whether the nib body is steel or gold.
Which Nib Material is Right for You?
Here's a quick summary to help you decide:
- New to fountain pens? Start with a quality steel nib — a Lamy Safari, TWSBI Eco, or Pilot Metropolitan will serve you brilliantly.
- Writing for long sessions? A gold nib's natural spring reduces hand fatigue over time.
- Using iron gall or acidic inks? An 18ct or higher gold nib offers better long-term corrosion resistance.
- Want flex writing or calligraphy? Look for a high-carat gold nib or a dedicated flex nib.
- Interested in something different? Explore titanium nibs for a unique feel at a mid-range price.
If you'd like help choosing the right pen and nib for your needs, our team at Pure Pens is always happy to advise. Get in touch or browse our full range of fountain pens.