frequently asked questions
the best way to get a quick response
is to fill out the form here
turn-around time?
The current turn-around time for most nib work is 12-15 weeks. If you have time constraints or need the work by a certain time, please communicate this and I will try my best to accommodate any requests.
If you can’t live without your pen for that long, I offer a rush service. Wait time is about 2-3 weeks; the fees are doubled.
shipping
Please empty your pen of ink and package it carefully before sending it in.
If you use a USPS flat rate box, be sure to tape up the sides and flap.
I ship all packages USPS Priority Mail ($10 within USA, unless a larger box is required) unless otherwise requested. This includes $50 shipping insurance.
If you would like a different shipping method, have specific shipping requests, or would like your pen to be insured for more than $50, please let me know.
If you’d like to ship to me using a service that does not deliver to PO boxes, please use the following address:
Gena Salorino
3001 N. Broadway
#31135
Los Angeles, CA 90031
why get a custom nib grind in the first place?
You’ve already customized everything else about your writing experience: fountain pen, ink, paper… this can be that little extra something to make your writing or art-making unquestionably unique.
Do you retip nibs?
I do not do any retipping, but you can send your pen to Greg Minuskin for that. He does great work!
PEN SHOW APPOINTMENTS?
You can RSVP for a pen show appointment here. Appointments will become available 2 weeks before the show.
Any open spots remaining will be available on the day of the show.
Each appointment is 30 minutes; in that time, we can usually do 1-2 pens. If there’s time to do more, I’m happy to fit in as many as possible. If we don’t get to all your pens, I’m happy to take them back to my workshop and complete them there.
Please empty and flush pens of ink before the appointment if you would like a grind; if they just need a tune-up, inked is fine.
I accept cash, Venmo, PayPal, and credit cards.
Do you ship internationally?
Beyond the U.S. and Canada, international orders can only be accepted if they are shipped to a US address or mail forwarding service.
what makes a nib a good candidate for a custom grind?
Gold, steel, and titanium nibs are all good candidates generally, although Flex modifications are only offered for 14k gold nibs.
For a stub, cursive italic, formal italic, or oblique, a broad nib will give you the most line width variation (meaning, the difference between the cross strokes and down strokes will be most noticeable). However, these grinds can be preformed successfully on nearly any tipping size; it is mostly a matter of personal preference.
For a needlepoint grind, I prefer to start with the smallest tipping size available, although this grind can be done on a nib of any tipping size.
For an architect point/Hebrew point/Arabic point, it gets a little trickier. It is advisable to start with at least a medium nib. There also must be ample tipping material on the writing side of the nib. Ideal candidates for this grind include the Lamy 2000 broad; Sailor zoom and broad; Platinum coarse and broad; Pelikan medium and broad; JoWo broad; and Kaweco double broad.
If you are unsure whether or not your nib is a good candidate, don’t hesitate to send me an email!
how do you test nibs?
I test every nib, including every Esterbrook Journaler, before it leaves the workshop. I use either Waterman Serenity Blue or Parker Quink Washable Blue inks.
I submitted a form but never heard back
Sometimes, my responses get stuck in spam filters. If you don’t hear back from me within 5 business days, please send me an email! customnibstudio@gmail.com
