Glossary
Nib tines
The two flexible metal points at the tip of a pointed pen nib that separate under pressure and channel ink onto the page.
Nib tines are the two thin metal points at the very tip of a pointed pen nib, split by a slit that runs partway up the nib. When pressure is applied on a downstroke, the tines flex apart, widening the slit and letting more ink flow onto the paper for a thicker line. When pressure is released, the tines spring back together for a fine hairline, which is the core mechanism behind pointed pen thick and thin contrast.
Tine alignment matters a great deal. If the two tines are not perfectly even, ink can flow unevenly, one side can scratch the paper, or the nib can split unevenly under pressure. New nibs occasionally arrive slightly misaligned and can sometimes be gently corrected, though a nib that is significantly bent is usually best replaced rather than forced back into shape.
Caring for nib tines means avoiding excess pressure that can bend or splay them permanently, cleaning ink buildup regularly so dried residue does not stiffen the slit, and storing nibs where they will not get crushed or dropped tip-first. A common mistake is pressing far too hard trying to force more flex out of a firm nib, which can spring the tines apart permanently instead of giving controlled, repeatable flex.