0 Comments Dip Pen Anatomy

Knowing the parts/anatomy of a dip pen can be a big help, especially when you are looking for help on specific topic. I have created two different images so all the parts can be shown easier.

Overall Anatomy

1. Pen holder - the largest overall part that is held to use the pen and holds the pen nib in the front end (usually the largest end).
2. Grip - where the pen is held and is often custom shapes and material for better gripping.
3. Gripper, Pen insert - this is what holds the pen nib. It can widely vary in material and construction depending on brand and intended pen nib size.
4. Pen nib - sometimes also called a pen point. The nib is the actual part that comes in contact with paper.

Nib Anatomy

The image below is a closer look at the typical pen nibs I use. Pen nibs vary in sizes and shapes depending on the type of nib and the intended use; however, all nibs have the same basic parts listed.

1. Tail, Heel, Base - this part is inserted into the pen holder.
2. Body, Shank - the overall part of the nib.
3. Vent, Breather Hole - acts like a ink reservoir to feed the slit.
4. Shoulders - the end of the body that starts the transition to the tines
5. Tines - the harder the nib is pressed onto paper the wider the tines will spread apart (increasing the Slit #6) to make a wider line.
6. Slit - the gap between the two tines. The wider the slit gets the wider the line will be.
7. Tip, Point - the tip created by the tines, and is the only part of the nib that touches paper.