I tend to buy things in multiples, especially those things that I use regularly. This goes for pens, notebooks, and even nibs. Over the years I’ve done a fair bit of experimentation with nib grinds, and the specific nibs that I’ve settled on as best for my particular style of handwriting are: (1) a .4mm cursive italic with soft edges; and (2) a kodachi-style nib. Lately, nearly all of the nibs that I’ve had ground fall into the second category.
For purposes of this review, I’m going to use the terms “Kodachi-style” or “Naginata-style” because there are so many different variations on this grind, from different companies and nib grinders, that there’s a fair bit of disagreement as to what constitutes a “true” Kodachi or a “true” Naginata nib. Personally, the version that works best for me is the “Perspective” nib grind by Gena Salorino at Custom Nib Studio, which I reviewed last year. I enjoy this nib because it gives your handwriting two different types of line variation: a wider cross stroke similar to an architect nib (without the sharp edges of an architect), and the ability to vary vertical line width by angling the nib up or down. I now have three different Perspective nibs, and while each of them writes slightly differently due to things like nib design, the feed, etc., they’re all excellent.
You can see the similarities between the Perspective Nib (left) and the Lamy Cursive Nib (right). Both have a wedge shape, though the Perspective is slightly more defined (and also a narrower nib to begin with). I would best describe the width of the Lamy Cursive as a standard western fine.
Because this nib grind works so well for my handwriting and the type of writing that I do, which involves a lot of moving between longhand notetaking and annotation, I was immediately intrigued when I heard that Lamy had released their “Cursive” nib. While Lamy doesn’t describe this particular nib as a Kodachi, in reality that’s how it’s being marketed, as suitable for Chinese, Japanese, or other “cursive scripts” where the ability to alter line width using a brush-like stroke can be considered important. I tried one of these nibs at our local pen club and loved it, but put off picking up a couple for my own pens until my initial shipment of Lamy products arrived for the shop.
The line variation is more subtle than with an architect, but it’s there.
I now have the Lamy Cursive nib installed in two different pens - a Safari and a Studio - and I have to say that I’m enjoying it a lot. It’s an excellent pre-ground specialty nib that I would personally describe as a hybrid between an architect and a Kodachi-style nib that leans more to the latter. While you don’t have the sharp edges of the architect grind, you also don’t get quite as much line variation by angling the pen as you would with a true Kodachi. That said, I would consider the Lamy Cursive nib to be an excellent introduction to both styles. For $23, you can get a sense of whether this type of nib would work for your personal style of handwriting without permanently modifying a more expensive pen or nib in your collection. If you decide you’d like sharper edges with a thinner vertical line and more definition on the cross-stroke, then you may want to try a true architect. If you find you enjoy the ability to vary the line width by adjusting your writing angle, then perhaps you try a Kodachi or a Perspective. And you may even find that the Lamy Cursive nib suits you just fine, and you can move it between your various Lamy pens!
Writing samples from four different pens. There is some slight variation even between my two Lamy Cursive nibs, with the top one showing slightly less line variation than the bottom (though this could also be due to the Yama-Budo being a wetter ink.)
Takeaways and Where to Buy
I’m glad to see Lamy offering additional options for their swappable nibs, and honestly was surprised that they went this route with such a specialized grind. We’re now able to offer the Cursive nibs directly in the T.G.S. Curated Shop, and have them available for purchase at $23. If you’re interested in learning how to swap them, check out this short YouTube demonstration I did last week. I’m also happy to install one of these nibs for you, and will do so with the purchase of any Cursive Nib + any Lamy Safari or AL-Star fountain pen if you message me after placing your order. Just use the “Contact” link on the navigation bar.
The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. This post does not contain paid advertising or third-party affiliate links.
