Tachikawa Manga Nibs — G, Maru, School & Saji

G-Nib / Single

£4.80

1/2

Tachikawa Manga Nibs — G, Maru, School & Saji

The nibs that define manga illustration.

Tachikawa makes the dip pen nibs Japanese manga is drawn with. This page brings the full range together: the G-nib for figures and outlines, the Maru for the finest detail, the School nib for steady, even lines, and the T-600 Saji for a firm hand. Every nib fits the Tachikawa T-25 holder, and they are sold singly or in packs of ten.

G: the firmest of the three G-nib makers we stock —
forgiving and predictable · Maru: stiff · School: firm · Saji: firm

G: fine to bold with pressure · Maru: consistently very fine · School: steady, even line · Saji: fine and steady

G, School and Saji: Tachikawa T-25, T-40, TAMO and standard holders · Maru: Maru-compatible holder only — the T-25 takes it in its inner ring

Single nib or pack of 10

Saji is Steel, chrome-plated, G, Maru and School are steel

Replace when tipping wears or flex becomes inconsistent

Tokyo, Japan — Tachikawa Pen Co.

£4.80

Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Nib Type

Pack Size

Packaging:

We know art supplies are fragile. All professional pair and boards are shipped in reinforced rigid flat mailers. No tubes, no folds, no crushed corners.

Order Processing Times:

Orders are processed within 1–2 business days - we always aim to dispatch all “in-Stock’ items within 24 hours..

Note: Orders placed after 2 PM GMT on Fridays will be processed the following Monday.

Domestic Shipping (UK):

Standard (2–4 days): £3.50 (Free for The Illustrator & Studio Master tiers).

Priority (1–2 days): £4.50 (Free for Studio Master tier)

International Shipping:

We ship globally. Costs are calculated at checkout based on weight and destination. Please note that customers are responsible for any local customs duties or taxes.

Order Tracking:

You will receive a tracking link via email the moment your tools leave our studio.

30-Day Change of Mind:

We offer a 30-day return window (exceeding the UK legal minimum of 14 days). Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in "as-new" condition.

Faulty Goods:

In the rare event of a defect, you are entitled to a full refund or replacement within 30 days. We will cover all return shipping costs for faulty items.

Defective Nibs:

Occasionally, a pen may arrive dry or a nib maybe scratchy. Contact us within 7 days of purchase with a photo/video of the issue and we will send a replacement immediately.

Exclusions:

Due to the nature of the product, unless faulty we cannot accept returns on opened markers or used paper pads returned.

Digital Goods:

The "Birthday Palette" and other digital downloads are non-refundable once accessed.

How to Start a Return:

Email studio@inkwellartsupplies.com with your order number. We aim to process all refunds to the original payment method within 5–10 business days of receiving the item

"Gravity Happens. We’ve Got You Covered."

We know the heartbreak of a fountain pen hitting the floor. As a member of our Creative Rewards, you don't have to worry about the 'tines.' If the worst happens, just send us a photo and we'll send you a 50% discount for a fresh start.

"The Nib Safety Net" – Terms & Conditions

Eligibility: This benefit is exclusive to active members of the Creative Rewards program at the time of the accident.
Coverage: The 50% discount applies strictly to accidental damage (e.g., dropping the pen) that renders the nib unusable. It does not cover intentional damage, loss of the pen, theft, or normal wear and tear.
The Claim: To activate your discount, you must provide a clear photo of the damaged nib and your original order number to oops@yourstore.com.
Limitations: This discount is valid for a one-time replacement per pen purchased and applies only to the cost of the replacement nib unit. It cannot be combined with other promotional codes or used for full pen replacements.
Availability: We will provide the discount for the exact nib model where stock is available. If the model is discontinued, we will offer a 50% discount on a comparable alternative nib unit.

Choosing your nib

G-Nib — start here. The firmest of the three G-nib makers, so a heavy or uncertain hand still produces a clean line rather than a split stroke. Swell from thin to bold with pressure for figures and outlines. Maru — the finest line in the range: eyes, hair, hatching and texture. Its tubular shape gives a consistent hairline whatever the pressure, but it needs a Maru-compatible holder. School — a firmer nib with a steady, more even line for backgrounds, panel borders and lettering. T-600 Saji — saji means spoon: a firm nib whose cupped shape holds more ink, so you get longer strokes between dips. Made for heavy hands and consistency.

The production standard

Tachikawa has been making nibs in Japan since 1935, and its G-nib and T-25 holder are the tools many professional manga artists learn on and keep using. A manga page uses several nibs for different jobs, which is why we sell the range together: G for the figures, Maru for the detail, School or Saji for the backgrounds and borders.

Honest Note:

Nibs are consumables — a nib used daily wears within weeks, which is why the pack of ten
is the better buy once you know your nib. TheMaru is not a first nib: it needs a light, consistent touch and a Maru-compatible holder, so check yours before ordering (the Tachikawa T-25 fits; some holders, including Tachikawa’s own Model 20, do not). If you want more line variation than the Tachikawa G gives, the Nikko G is slightly more flexible and the Zebra G more so — see our G-nib
guide.

Who is it For?

• Beginners starting manga and comic inking — begin withthe G-nib

• Illustrators building a full Japanese dip pen kit: G,Maru and School cover a whole page

• Artists with a heavy hand who split or wear out softernibs (G or T-600 Saji)

• Calligraphers working in monoline or modern styles(School or Saji)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)

Which Tachikawa nib should I start with?

The G-nib. It is forgiving of varied pressure, widely available, and the correct starting point for both manga illustration and general dip pen work. The G-nib teaches you what flex feels like and builds the pressure control needed before moving to the more demanding Maru nib.

Why does a new nib repel ink?

All new steel nibs are coated with a thin protective oil to prevent rust during storage and shipping. This oil repels water-based inks. Pass the nib briefly through a candle flame (one second only — you are burning off the oil, not heating the metal red) or wipe firmly with isopropyl alcohol on a cloth before first use. The ink will then load correctly.

What holder should I use with Tachikawa nibs?

The Tachikawa T-25 straight holder is the standard and is compatible with all three nib types. For copperplate calligraphy with pointed pen nibs (Brause Steno, Rose), you would use an oblique holder instead — but for G-nibs, Maru nibs, and School nibs, the straight T-25 is correct.

Tachikawa, Nikko or Zebra?

Tachikawa is the firmest and most forgiving, Nikko slightly more flexible and smoother, Zebra the most flexible. Start with Tachikawa; our G-nib guide explains when to try the others.

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Tachikawa Manga Nibs — G, Maru, School & Saji

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