Author: admin

Founder of Flexible Nib Factory LLC
Posted on by

Factory Move Update

The factory move is complete. While restoring the machine I use to make feeds, housings, and collars, I discovered a hydraulic leak, so we are down until the leak can be repaired. I would estimate a week before I will be back into production.

I will not be able to make more of the out of stock products until the machine is repaired, so please be patient.

I hope to resume custom work in mid-April and have most or all of the outstanding custom work done by the end of that month.

I am about to order a second machine for making feeds, housings, and collars, but this machine won’t be online until June at the earliest. At that time, lead times will drop significantly and I will be able to create new products, including a line of housings with non-standard converters to allow use of converters with Pilot, Sailor, Platinum, and other nibs instead of being limited to non-converter pens as with current products for these nibs.

Please note our new address, which can be found on the Contact Us page.

Posted on by

Shipping Update

Due to large increases by the USPS, we have had to move to an actual cost + $0.25 for all shipments worldwide. The flat rates we used to provide are no longer offered except for the flat rate FedEx 2nd Day service in the USA.

We hope that the increased shipping costs will not deter you from ordering.

Posted on by

Factory Update

The factory remains shutdown due to illness since December 30. We don’t know at present as to when we will be able to restart operations and begin to restock out of stock parts such as the J6E, Z6E, S6E-XF, SB6E-XF, 912EN, and 912E.

Thank you for your patience.

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

Shipping Update

Postage rates have increased on October 6 by both FedEx and the USPS for the Christmas season. These increases are reflected in the rates we charge worldwide.

Australia and New Zealand can only be shipped via USPS Priority Express International and DHL Express. We hope the governments of these two countries will come to their senses and cease their ridiculous COVID policies and let their citizens go back to normal lives.

Due to the number of lost packages, USPS First Class to India is no longer offered and only DHL Express is now allowed. Rates are automatically calculated based on postal code.

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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