Top 5 Best-Selling Nibs for Traditional Calligraphy - and why we like them
Traditional Calligraphy
Traditional Calligraphy styles include Roman Capitals, Foundational Hand, Italics, Uncials and Gothic. They are bold, timeless, and beautifully balanced. Their strength comes from consistent pen strokes and proportions, and they are best created with a broad-edged nib that delivers crisp, clear lines.
We’ve chosen the five best-selling nibs for Roman Capitals from Scribblers customers, along with our own expert notes on how to get the most from each.
1. William Mitchell Round Hand Nibs
Broad-edged, available in 10 sizes, made in England.
Why it’s popular: The go-to choice for all styles of broad-edged calligraphy. Right-handers use the square-cut version; left-handers use the left-oblique cut, which helps maintain the correct pen angle. The reservoir is purchased separately and must be fitted before use. See our Fitting a Reservoir guide for help.
Best for: All levels, from beginner to advanced.
Pro Tip: Size 2 is the perfect place to start. The 3.5 nib produces a 1mm stroke.
Shop William Mitchell Round Hand SQUARE Cut Nibs
Shop William Mitchell Round Hand LEFT OBLIQUE Cut Nibs
2. Brause Bandzug Nibs
Broad-edged, available in 10 sizes (4 cut Left Oblique), made in the EU.
Why it’s popular: These nibs come with a fitted reservoir, so there’s no need to fit one yourself. Right-handers use the square-cut version; left-handers use the left-oblique cut.
Best for: All levels, from beginner to advanced.
Pro Tip: The number on the nib is the nib width. For example, size 2 = 2mm stroke.
3. Speedball C-Series Nibs
Broad-edged, durable, made in the USA.
Why it’s popular: Easy to use, with a fitted reservoir.
Best for: All levels, from beginner to advanced.
Pro Tip: Left-handers should use the LC range (cut-left oblique). Popular sizes are C2 and C42. Note: nib numbers do not match widths - C0 is the largest, C6 the smallest.
Shop Speedball C Style Nibs
Shop Speedball LC Style Nibs
4. Leonardt TAPE Nibs
Broad-edged, integrated reservoir, made in the UK.
Why it’s popular: Very similar in feel to the Bandzug range, but more affordable.
Best for: All levels, from beginner to advanced.
Pro Tip: Sadly, left-oblique cut versions aren’t made for left-handed calligraphers.
5. William Mitchell Italic Nibs
Broad-edged, gold-coloured nibs, made in England.
Why it’s popular: Available in 5 sizes for both left and right-handers. Reservoirs are sold separately. See our Fitting a Reservoir guide for help.
Best for: All levels, from beginner to advanced.
Pro Tip: Suitable for all broad-edged scripts, not just Italics. Sizes 1R–5R are for right-handers; 1L–5L are cut left-oblique for left-handers.
William Mitchell Italic Square Cut Nibs
William Mitchell Italic Left Oblique Nibs
Choosing Your Perfect Traditional Calligraphy Nib
Traditional Calligraphy styles including Roman Capitals, Foundational Hand, Italics, Uncials and Gothic, are timeless, and beautifully balanced. These five nibs are loved by beginners and seasoned calligraphers alike, each offering a slightly different feel.
If you’re unsure where to begin, try our Popular Traditional Nibs Selection Pack, which includes the most popular sizes of William Mitchell, Brause, and Speedball nibs so you can test and compare.
Don’t forget: prepare your nib before first use to help the ink flow and achieve the best results.