Must-Know: 3 Tips for Setting Up the Flange of the Moblique

Adjusting the Flange Angle of the Moblique Penholder

The Moblique flange is pre-set to suit most users, but because each person’s hand position and grip are unique, you may find that some small adjustments are beneficial. Here’s how to fine-tune the flange angle for your writing style.

1. Adjusting the Tilt Angle of the Flange

The tilt angle affects how the nib touches the paper on upward and downward strokes. If you hold your Moblique to the side, you’ll notice that the flange tilts slightly upward.

• Problem: Upstrokes Catching on the Paper
  If your upstrokes frequently catch on the paper, the flange angle may be too steep.
• Problem: Thin Lines Are Not Thin Enough
  If thin strokes seem too broad, the angle might be too flat.

To adjust this:

1. Insert a nib into the flange.
2. Hold the tip of the penholder securely with one hand.
3. With your other hand, gently rotate the flange to increase or decrease the tilt, adjusting it until the nib glides smoothly on both up and down strokes.

** The angle and tilt can vary greatly depending on the individual’s hand and style. Everyone should find what works best for them and their penholder.

2. Adjusting the Inward Cant Angle of the Nib

The inward cant angle determines how evenly the nib tines split on the page when pressure is applied. Ideally, both sides of the nib should touch the paper evenly.

To test this:

1. Hold the penholder and relax your grip.
2. Place the nib on the paper in a natural writing position and apply gentle pressure.
3. Observe the split of the nib’s tines. If one side of the nib isn’t touching the paper, adjust the inward cant angle by rotating the flange inward or outward until both tines touch and split evenly.

3. Aligning the Nib with the Penholder’s Centre Axis

For optimal control and balance, the nib tip should align with the central axis of the penholder.

To check and adjust alignment:

1. Position the Penholder: Place the penholder on a straight line, ensuring it is centred along the line.
2. Check Flange Orientation: Ensure the slot of the penholder is parallel to the paper surface.
3. Adjust the Nib Position: Adjust the nib by pushing it slightly inward or outward in the flange until the nib tip aligns closely with the penholder’s centre axis.

By fine-tuning these three aspects, you’ll optimise both the comfort and precision of your writing experience with the Moblique. Adjust gradually and test after each change to find the best setup for your unique grip and style.

Liz @flourishedhope and Luis Creations have teamed up to bring you these tips! This is the third in our series, and a big shoutout to Liz for turning tricky info into such an easy-to-follow video. If you’re enjoying this type of content, let us know—we’d love to create more tips like this for you! And feel free to let us know what kind of tips you’d like to see next!