The pen is the metal nib. We insert it in a holder or handle. Metal nibs vary in shape and strength.
Some dip pens are use for calligraphy; to make extremely thin or thick lines, etc., there are even some for stripes.
A stylograph is easier to use but it never renders the richness or the intensity achieved with ink applied with a dip pen. This won't matter in some pieces of art; for example, when the picture will be scanned and coloured using the computer.
To begin inking, I will set a piece of paper on the side of my drawing. I will unload on it whenever the pen has too much ink. This will prevent it from leaking or spilling undesired ink over our piece. It will also serve as testing ground before applying ink to our piece.
