As an artist, I’m always on the lookout for new tools to enhance my creations. Recently, I stumbled upon a brass dip pen from Kakimori and wanted to give it a try and share my experience with you and help you decide if it’s the right tool for you.

Firstly, let’s discuss the brass nib itself. Kakimori offers three different nib materials – stainless steel, brass, and glass. I chose the brass one because it’s best suited for drawing and sketching. I believe the stainless steel version of the nib may produce a smoother and finer line, the brass nib is perfect for creating bolder and more expressive lines.

The angle of the pen can also make a significant difference in the line quality. Depending on the angle, you can get different line thicknesses, giving you more control and versatility in your work.

Now, let’s talk about the nib holders. I have a few different ones, and I wanted to test which one would work best with the brass nib. The first one I tried was the cheapest, a manuscript nib holder that costs around $3. It has these little tines that hold the nib in place. I’ve seen other artists try this before, and it’s been a bit of a tight fit for them and it was also the same for me. I didn’t want to force it and risk scratching it, so I moved on to the next one.

The second one I tried was another manuscript holder, but with a bit of a fancier grip, costing around $10. While I was skeptical, it surprisingly fit better than the cheaper one and with this cushioned cork grip (that does get kinda stained over time) it is definitely a good option.

I also tried a 5.6mm lead holder from Jackson’s, which costs around $5-8, and it worked surprisingly well. The nib was a little thicker than the 5.6mm lead it usually holds, but it still held it securely and didn’t scratch it up at all.

Finally, I tried a Tachikawa nib holder, which I purchased on Amazon for around $8. This one is my favorite because it’s the most gentle fit for the brass nib, and it doesn’t scratch it up because it seems to be some kind of silicone or rubber. It also has a squishy grip that makes it comfortable to use for longer periods. Additionally, it has a circular coupling, just like the Kakimori nib holder, making it the best fit.

One of the standout features of this nib that differentiates it from traditional dip nibs is its ink capacity. The Kakimori Brass Nib can hold a generous amount of ink, which means you won’t have to dip as often as other more traditional dip nibs. This is great news for artists who want to just stay in the flow of sketching or writing without having to constantly re-dip.

Overall, the brass dip pen from Kakimori is an excellent tool for artists who want to create bold and expressive lines. While the manuscript holders work, they can be a bit tight and uncomfortable to use for long periods. The lead holder from Jackson’s is an excellent alternative, and the Tachikawa holder is the best fit for the brass nib, providing comfort and versatility. I highly recommend the brass dip pen from Kakimori for any artist who wants to experiment with new tools for sketching, and the expressive organic marks it makes really add something to your art. Happy creating!