Pen nibs come in a range of sizes that create different styles of calligraphy fonts. Depending on the size of the nib tip as well as its shape, the calligraphy that is produced may either consist of thin, narrow script or more bold lettering that look more classical or anything in between.

The ability to create beautiful designs and letters using a calligraphy pen nib is a learned art that requires an intimate knowledge of the ways in which the nib works. It’s all about getting the angle of the pen right as well as holding the pen steady enough to keep the lines smooth and well formed.

Metal nibs come in various sizes from the very fine through the medium sized nibs and up to the wide nibs used for bold writing. The selection could be a little daunting if you've never bought a calligraphy pen before so here is a brief run-down of the main categories and their uses.

• Round-hand. These are the most widely available types of calligraphy pen nibs. Their sizes range from 0 (broadest) to 6 (narrowest) with 1/2 sizes numbered throughout. The nib edge can be either square-cut or oblique. When buying a round-hand nib it's best to get one with a separate reservoir because the ink-flow is more readily controlled.
• Copperplate. These are nibs that have been specifically designed for copperplate writing. Some have an elbow-shape to them which makes them look curious and a little difficult to use.
• Italic. These nibs come in a wide range of sizes. They are cut differently depending on whether you are right or left handed. Right-handed writers will use an italic nib that is cut straight across while a left-handed writer will use one that is at an oblique angle.
• Script. These nibs havea rounded tip that will provide a consistent line of thickness with none of the thick and thin lines that you get with other square-cut nibs.
• Poster Pen. These nibs are much larger than the round hand nibs and are used for bold writing.
• Scroll. These nibs are double-pointed to produce more decorative work.

There are many different types of calligraphy nibs and pens that can be fitted with them will differ to accomodate your preference for the feel that you prefer. You will be able to find a nib to suit the type of work you want to perform, but it may take some searching and the best place to do that is online.

Visit The Calligraphy Pen Store to find a full range of calligraphy pen nibs to buy.

The reason an offset nib is needed to produce Copperplate comes about because when a right-handed calligrapher uses a pen to write script at the usual slant angle of their letters, there is a dragging effect on the right-hand tine of the nib. This dragging effect causes a ragged edge to appear on the right-hand side of the line. Without some sort of mechanical offset, the calligrapher would have to adjust his/her hand into a very awkward writing position.

An important point to remember when setting the position of the flange on your oblique calligraphy pen is to align the tip of the nib as closely to the centre of your pen holder as you can. You may find that if the nib isn’t aligned properly the pen will feel unbalanced when writing.

There is a  drawback with using an elbow nib and that is that there is no room for adjustment of the pen angle to allow for the variations in each individual’s writing style. On the flip side, the pen should feel equally balanced every time you attach the nib.

Whether you choose an oblique pen holder or an elbow nib, minor adjustments are inevitable before you are going to feel completely comfortable. Practice on a scrap piece of paper until you’re happy with the feel of the pen in your hand, the nib on the paper and the sharpness of the line you have produced.