Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was looking for a pen for Copperplate calligraphy, and most of the reviews tend to focus on everyday writing, so I wanted to add some thoughts on the flex nib aspect. I also uploaded some sample flex writing using both the medium and the fine nibs for comparison. 1) On the flexibility scale, it is semi-flex. So compared with vintage true-flex pens, you have to apply more pressure to achieve decent line width variation. The amount of pressure needed tires and strains the hand, and the steady pressure required also makes it harder to write flowing letters, especially compared with a dip pen nib. Still, it's hard to beat the convenience of a flex fountain pen. 2) There is a break-in period. The nib will feel super resistant at first, but gradually softens after some flex writing. The initial resistance may be disappointing, but it does decrease over time. 3) In terms of modern flex pens, Namiki's only competitor is the Noodler Flex pens (which retail for around $20). But you really do get what you pay for. When the Noodler works, it works great, but more often then not, I found myself having to tweak the Noodler and still found it unreliable. The Namiki Falcon on the other hand has reliable ink flow, and seldom rail-roads. 4) The flexibility of the nibs doesn't change between the nib sizes. This means that the max line width you can achieve is the same. Thus, you get maximum line width variation with the Fine nib, and reduced line variation with the medium nib, etc. If you're choosing between nibs for flex writing, the Fine nib is best to accentuate swells. 5) In terms of the spectrum of flex pens price points, I think this is the best entry point. The Noodler is too unreliable. The next price point begins at around $250, by custom nibmeisters such as Richard Binder, or vintage pen restorers such as Mauricio Aguilar. As others have noted, the Namiki Falcon has a subdued elegance, and just feels right in the hand. To be honest though. If you're just looking for a pen for everyday non-flex writing, the TWSBI Diamond 540 is what I would recommend. It's $50 and in terms of smoothness in normal writing is comparable to the Namiki Falcon.