• The nib is the business end of the pen.nib image by Alex White from Fotolia.com
  
  The nib is the part of a pen that delivers ink to the page. It typically consists of a shaft that tapers to a pointed tip that is split with one or more narrow slits. The shape and design of each nib is specifically tailored to create different kinds of ink lines suited to drawing, writing, and calligraphy.
  
  

Quills and Reed Pens

• Pens can be created by cutting the tip of a feather quill or a reed to the desired shape and splitting the point to provide a capillary channel for the ink to flow to the point. Such nibs give a unique line quality, but the point wears down quickly.
  
  

Metal Nibs

• Metal nibs are made to fit into pen holders so that different points can easily be swapped in and out. The strength and flexibility of the metal nib makes a great variety of line widths possible by varying the pressure on the point.
  
  

Lettering Nibs

• Lettering nibs come in a full range of sizes with points that are round, oval, double pointed, or chisel-tipped. The points are shaped to accommodate the specific strokes used in each calligraphic alphabet. Some nibs, such as those made by Speedball, have an ink reservoir clipped to the top.
  
  

Fountain Pen Nibs

• Some metal pen nibs are shaped to fit into the ink feed assembly of fountain pens. They may feature ornate shapes and decoration, gold plating, and an iridium tip for durability and smooth handwriting. Fountain pen nibs are available with standard points for general writing, and chiseled tips for italic script.