Flat-edged nibs transform ink into architectural letterforms with crisp, sharp edges that define traditional calligraphy. Speedball's C-series nibs cut clean horizontal strokes while maintaining the thick-thin contrast essential to Roman capitals, Gothic textures, and italic hands. The broad edge creates characteristic thick downstrokes and thin cross-strokes in a single fluid motion, letting you build letterforms with structural precision rather than outlining and filling.

Nib widths span from C-0's generous 3.5mm edge down to C-6's delicate 0.5mm, offering the range needed for everything from poster-scale capitals to fine manuscript work. Larger sizes (C-0 through C-2) handle display lettering and bold headlines; mid-range sizes (C-3, C-4) suit standard text work; smallest sizes (C-5, C-6) excel at delicate scripts and decorative flourishes. The numbering runs counterintuitively, larger numbers mean smaller nibs, so verify your selection against actual measurements.

These nibs fit standard pen holders: Speedball's B holder, General's cork grip, or Koh-I-Noor crow quill holders depending on your grip preference. Sets provide curated selections with holders included, eliminating compatibility guesswork. Individual nibs let you replace worn favorites or expand your collection toward specific lettering styles.