It’s been a while since I’ve posted a nib review here on the Happy Hands blog. During the recent Modern Calligraphy workshop, I got asked several times how different the Leonardt 40 nib was from Nikko G. These 2 nibs are usually the ones included in my workshop kits. However, I always advise to use this blue nib only when they’re already used to the G nib. So how different are these 2 nibs, really?
MORE FLEXIBLE THAN THE NIKKO G NIB
The Leonardt 40 is also called Hiro 40, or Blue Pumpkin. Similar to the Brause Steno Blue Pumpkin in appearance, this is a large nib with an equally large ink reservoir. It’s very flexible, so the pressure needed to get a thick swell in a Nikko G is not necessary with the Leonardt 40. Because it’s softer, just a bit of pressure makes the tines open up—allowing the ink to flow and form thick swells.
The Nikko G is stiff and somewhat tough, but the Leonardt is soft and more flexible.
Because it’s more flexible, putting a lot of pressure results in a very thick downstroke. This thickness cannot be achieved using a Nikko G nib. The only downside is that the upstrokes are not very thin, which is essential to Copperplate calligraphy.
THE BLUE PUMPKIN GIVES THICKER SWELLS
For those who love to write modern calligraphy and aim for super thick swells, then this is the nib for you.
For beginners, it’s always best to start with the stiff Nikko G nib (or Tachikawa G, which comes from the same manufacturer). Once you’ve mastered the concept of the pointed pen (pressure on the downstrokes, release on the upstrokes), then you can proceed with using the Leonardt 40.
I’ve also noticed that my ink lasts longer with the Nikko G. I get to write more letters with one dip of ink with the Nikko than the Leonardt. Again, this is due to the flexibility of the latter. Because it produces thick swells, the Leonardt 40 needs more ink. So I dip this nib more often in ink when I’m writing.
I’d say this nib is worth a try if you haven’t done so yet. Nibs behave very differently with every calligrapher, so a nib that works well for one may not do wonders for another. But the paper and ink used also play a part, so make sure all your tools work well together. All in all, this nib is still one of my favourites. Check out my other favourite nibs in this roundup.
So have you tried using the Leonardt Blue Pumpkin? Yay or nay?
Yes, I have tried the Blue Pumpkin nib. On the first try, I pressed for my down stroke and all the ink flooded onto my paper!! LOL! (By the way, I am heavy-handed). I tend to dump a lot of ink on all my down stokes! I am a beginner and I’ve been practicing for about 2 months now. My background is faux Calligraphy! Now I want to write it properly. My first nibs were D. Leonardt & Co. EF Principal and Hunt 101 USA. They seem to be warn out because they keep catching the paper!! So, I bought 2 sets of nibs from Barnes & Noble. I don’t like any of the nibs as well as the two I started with. This has prompted me to begin a search for a good practice nib! Thank you for your review. I want to try the Nikko G. I will save the other nibs for when I master the strokes and letters!
Hi Jil! The Blue Pumpkin has a large ink reservoir, that’s why when you press too hard, all that ink would drop onto your paper. I can imagine the blob it made! 🙂 Word of advice—make sure you prep your nibs really well before writing. New nibs have oil on them to prevent them from rusting while stored. If there’s still oil on your nib, you will get blobs or the ink might not flow at all. I just wash the new nib with soap and water, dry it well, and it’s good to go. I love EF Principal and Hunt 101 nibs, but they’re really tricky to use for beginners. Go for the Nikko G when you practice. All the best! 🙂
This is one of the easiest nibs to work with- holds a decent amount of ink, makes all loops, eyes, up, down, left, right straight, curves – without catching any paper. With a light hand, it just like a ballad on paper. I used it with regular writing ink, and on everyday writing paper- The ink, nib and paper are all inexpensive – but the effect is second to none. I am able to write to heart’s content during lockdown. This does not wear out fast, unlike leonardt EF.
Its design itself is so beautiful, and the color so energetic, the nib itself is a piece of art as much as it produces beautiful art.
What a lovely description. I couldn’t have said it better! As long as the nib, ink and paper all work well together, we can always expect the best results. Totally agree about the Leonardt EF too, but I must admit it’s the best nib for Spencerian IMHO. Thanks for dropping by the blog! 🙂