My handwriting is pretty OK even with a manifold or a nib with a ball of iridium from another planet or iridium-like material from a modern laboratory.

I have a selection of stubs and italics from an immeasurable fine on a nice Parker 75, a Wahl, a 1.1 Lamy, a Pelikan Script 1.5, several others and a few shovel-like on no name pens.

Seems the most friendly stub on a normal cotton paper with a smooth finish should be no greater than 1.1. However I prefer .08, slightly narrower. I write from the forearm, not the wrist and I can be a swift writer. Friends, try writing from the forearm, not the wrist. All or most of the movement pretty much becomes second nature and effortless. Fine tuned flex with descenders comes from the fingertips. Long shaped flex nibs are another life experience for serious writers.

The Joy of Flex, (title of an article in our article archives on Home Page - look it up) most enlightening. Takes some practice, develop your own style and enjoy the unlimited results you can achieve.

Sorry I can't post my own imagesat this time, I'll make up for it later.

BTW, you know, the broader, wider, heavier bold nibs will use a tidal wave more ink than a normal M nib. Ink today is over $1,000. a gallon so the Scrooge in me says "write fine and smaller.

Tell us about your stubs, italics, and flexes. What do you prefer and how important is the paper for your various nibs.