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A good nib block is essential for straightening work, but vintage examples are nearly impossible to find and modern blocks machined and hand-finished in limited numbers out of tool steel cost hundreds of dollars. Some years ago, we bought a group of old nib blocks from a long-established pen repair service in England. Most were tool steel in various shapes, but a couple were made of acrylic. Though they had some superficial scuffing and scratches from decades of hard use, they were still as good as ever, which inspired us to use the same material for a new run of nib blocks, affordable for every pen hobbyist.
Our new blocks measure 11.5 cm x 5 cm (4.5 x 2 inches), with diameters on both convex and concave surfaces running from 3 to 15 mm (1/8" to 19/32") -- a range that should accommodate nibs of all sizes, from miniatures to oversize dip pen nibs. Note that these blocks are cast, not machined, and that the convex ridge has a saddleback curve in the middle rather than being dead straight across the top.
In many respects, acrylic is an ideal material for a nib block. While in some cases a completely unyielding metal surface is to be preferred, more often the slightest degree of "give" is better when bent metal is to be counter-bent to restore it to straightness (we often put a strip of thin paper over our steel nib blocks for just this reason). We have decided not to sell straightening tools for use with these blocks, given that they are widely available at very modest cost from other sellers. For under $6 one can purchase a burnisher as used by jewelers and engravers, or a set of dapping punches with polished rounded steel heads. Making one's own tools is another option: we have several made from cheap screwdrivers that have been cut short, ground round, and polished smooth.
Finally, the usual disclaimer: use at your own risk, nib repair takes time to learn, etc.
Payment
We are glad to combine shipping charges on multiple purchases, but it is vital that the proper checkout method be used. When buying more than one item, use the Add to Cart button -- NOT the Buy It Now button. View your cart when you are ready to complete the purchase, and if the total shipping charge is incorrect, do NOT pay. Instead, click the Request Total link at the top right and we will send you a corrected invoice.
Terms of Sale
We strongly believe in full and explicit description of any condition problems or flaws, and in very conservative grading. We stand behind our descriptions -- buy with confidence.
About Us
vintagepens is run by David Nishimura (Vintage Pens LLC) based in historic Providence, Rhode Island.David has been buying, selling, and writing about old writing instruments since the late 1980s. He has been on since 1997, the same year he launched one of the first vintage pen collecting websites. David is an active pen history blogger, and a regular presence on pen collecting forums and social media, as well as at traditional pen shows.
