Category: News

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New JoWo #6 Nibs in the Wild

We have recently learned that JoWo has a new style of their popular #6 nib. Fortunately, the old and new #6 nibs can be distinguished by the placement of the size marking (EF, F, M, B, etc.). The original JoWo #6 nib has the size mark centered below the area reserved for engraving or etching the pen makers logo in line with the slit and breather hole. The new style nib has the size marking on the right side of the nib. Here is a comparison photo of the new nibs versus the old ones. The top row has three of the new style nibs, the bottom has three of the old style nibs.

JoWo #6 Nibs (New, top row; Old, bottom row)

For our JoWo #6 products, the red ebonite products should not be used with the new style nibs, as the shoulder of the nib is wider and may cause the red ebonite housing to crack. The black ebonite products can be used with the new style nibs, but be aware that a heat set may be required, as the curvature of the tip of the new style nibs is slightly less than the old style and there may be a gap between the tip of the nib and the tip of the feed.

Since the acrylic feeds can’t be heat set, we don’t recommend using the new style nibs with those products.

We will be creating new housings and feeds for the new style nibs, though no schedule is yet known. We hope that the new products will be usable with both nib types, but we are uncertain if this is possible.

If you have any questions, please contact us and we will help you determine if you have the new or old style nibs.

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Weather Update

As many of you know, we have been slammed with horrific winter weather here in Texas. Though I have been able to operate my factory in a reduced capacity, shipping is a problem as USPS hasn’t processed many of the packages I’ve sent, and FedEx and DHL Express have been unable to pick up packages. Please be patient; your order will get to you in due time as the weather improves. Please contact us if you have any concerns.

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Shipping Update

Due to increased fees from the USPS, we have had to increase our charges for first class and first class international flat rates. The following are the new charges:

  • USA, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, flat rate is now $3.50.
  • Canada, flat rate is now $11.50
  • Rest of the world, flat rate is now $14.50

I understand that FedEx is going to raise the 2nd Day One Rate fee, but as of now, it remains $6.99.

There are still some countries in the world not accepting shipments from the USA. Please see:

USPS International Shipping

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Update on operations

We have resumed normal manufacturing operations, though custom work remains suspended while we build inventory. Volume shipments will resume in May.

Shipping times overseas have increased dramatically due to the lack of flights available for USPS shipments. DHL Express is still available and runs on time, though very expensive.

Shipping times domestically and to Canada are mostly on time, but some customers have reported long delays, particularly into areas heavily affected by the pandemic. FedEx 2 day shipping runs on time.

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Notes on shipping time during the pandemic

Shipping times via USPS first class within the USA and Canada are running more or less the same as before. FedEx 2nd Day Air still runs on time. USPS First Class International (except Canada), please expect delays of 1 to 2 weeks due to the small number of international flights. Mail is low priority for the airlines at this time.

We continue to ship from home available inventory.

May God bless you and yours on this Good Friday.