Speedball C-Series Lettering Pen Set, Left-Handed - 1 Penholder with 6 Nibs Review (2026)

Six nibs built specifically for left-handed writers

This set includes six nibs from Speedball's left-handed C-Series line, labeled LC0 through LC4 plus a numbered 513EF nib, each cut with an edge oriented for a left-handed grip rather than simply being a standard right-handed nib turned around. That distinction matters for broad-edge lettering, since the angle of the cut edge affects how evenly ink lays down as the pen moves in different directions across the page. Having six widths in one box means a left-handed beginner can move from smaller, more controlled letters up to bolder display lettering without buying nibs individually while still learning which size suits their hand.

What the C-Series shape is good for

Speedball describes this set as suited to Italic and Roman Gothic alphabet styles, along with accenting line drawings, scrolls and scripts, which reflects the broad, flexible edge shared across the C-Series line. That flexibility gives some pressure-based line variation beyond the basic thick-thin contrast built into the nib's angled edge, letting a practiced hand add subtle flourishes. Because these are classic broad-edge nibs rather than pointed nibs used for styles like Copperplate or Spencerian, this set is best matched to blackletter-adjacent and italic hands rather than the pointed-pen scripts common in modern wedding calligraphy.

A dip pen setup, not a self-contained pen

Unlike a fountain pen, this set requires a separate bottle of calligraphy or India ink and a dedicated dip pen holder, both of which are things a brand-new calligrapher needs to budget for alongside the nibs themselves. The holder included here is a standard straight pen holder sized to fit most broad-edge nibs, which is functional but plain compared with shaped wooden holders sold separately by specialty pen makers. Working with dip nibs also means learning to manage ink loading and occasional blotting, a different workflow from a cartridge pen, though many calligraphers eventually prefer dip nibs for the control and easy nib swapping they allow.

Why nib quality control matters here

Speedball states that each nib in its lineup is inspected by hand to check shape, flexibility and overall quality before being boxed, a detail worth knowing since dip nibs from lesser-known brands sometimes ship with burrs or uneven tines that make smooth ink flow harder to achieve. Because Speedball nibs are widely stocked by art supply retailers, replacing an individual size that wears out or gets bent is straightforward, which is not always true for less common or import-only nib brands. That combination of quality checks and easy replacement parts is a meaningful advantage for a beginner still learning to care for dip nibs.

Who should pick up this set

This is a solid starting kit for a left-handed calligrapher who wants to learn broad-edge scripts like Italic or Roman Gothic and does not already own a left-oriented nib collection, since finding true left-handed cuts from other brands can be harder than sourcing standard right-handed nibs. It is not a complete beginner kit on its own, since ink and practice paper need to be bought separately, and anyone chasing pointed-pen scripts like Copperplate will need a different nib style entirely. For broad-edge lettering specifically, the range of six widths covers most of what a left-handed learner needs to get started, and the plastic holder is easy enough to swap later for a shaped wooden one without buying new nibs.

Frequently asked questions