cnramsayFYI the tips on the nibs are what generally lead to smooth vs scratchy writing. Also the tips on the nibs on the pens are never just steel, it's a harder substance. This is also the case for gold nibs, the points are tipped with a different material, sometimes the exact same as the "steel nibs." thus they would both be smooth. The flex of the nib and thus the flow of the ink is affected by the material being either gold or steel. In my opinion gold nibs "appear" to have better nibs because they flex more allowing more ink flow but if you want the same efffect on a steel nib just buy an ink with more flow. Gold also does not corrode where the ink meets the tip but this really has no effect on the smoothness of the writing. I prefer rigid steel nibs for everyday consistent writing and gold flexible nibs for more creative calligraphy writing to adjust flow of ink by pressure to the tip.