I'm Curious, How Many Of Us Have Kaigelu 316's?

[richardandtracy]

There are so many different sizes that I've not bothered to try any other sleeve, I must admit.

 

Regards,

 

Richard

[blazingthrough]

I have one in charcoal!

[katerchen]

So ... my finials should get here soon, hopefully. What glue do you recommend (that's readily available in the US) ? I don't have Shellac. If that's the only acceptable answer, where would I buy just the tiny amount I need?

 

Thanks in advance

-k

[richardandtracy]

I use epoxy.

 

Regards,

 

Richard

[dcwaites]

I use Multihesive which is a styrene glue that behaves like PVA until it dries, then it behaves like a styrene glue (i.e. Tarzan's Grip). However, it is also heat-labile - really hot water will soften it, like shellac.

There should be equivalents in your part of the world.

[musicman123]

I have a 316 that I bought out on a limb from eBay! The stock nib was pretty bad, so I switched it up with a TWSBI #6 nib. Now it writes well, but gets a bit top heavy. I did not know you could switch out the top!

[richardandtracy]

The barrel finial is glued in. A couple of years ago I saw Flounder had removed his, did the same to mine, and having a lathe I replaced it with an acrylic one. Made the pen feel just like my high quality Duofold Centennial, so I made a few more for other people. The effect of the change is reported in my K316 review post here: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/206822-kaigelu-316-charcoal/?p=2671965 . I have a classified ad for polyester versions of these bits under the Pen Parts & Tools section of classifieds.

 

Regards,

 

Richard

[dcwaites]

Almost makes me want to buy a second one, especially one in grey/black. However, I find that the lighter and smaller Jinhao Century MkII more convenient. Except when I have the 316 in my hand. Gees, I wish humans were consistent...

[Flounder]

I have 2 charcoals and would buy a third if the other colours were as nice, the pens are that good. I'd snap at a cherry swirl or duck egg blue.

[richardandtracy]

The charcoal is the best black colour pen I've seen, and is my only one of this colour. I need another. Or two or three.

I love the amber & grey too, but neither of my pens is as nice as the ones advertising YCPens' EBay BIN for them.

 

I do not really like the white & black stripe - too transparent by far.

 

If they did other colours I'd snap them up immediately too.

 

Regards,

 

Richard

[dcwaites]

I have just spent this month's allocation on pens. I'm going to have to get a charcoal 316 next time, and I'll have to get another finial.

[Ambien]

Recently tested the K316 in charcoal and it's a nice writer with the adjusted finial too.

[Isay]

I ordered a pearl and black Kaigelu just now; excited to see it in a month or so.

 

Richard, do you still make finials? Would definitely be interested in ordering a couple to make my Kaigelu into my edc.

[richardandtracy]

I'm not making any at the moment - it's too cold for me to make any in my workshop. The resin gets very brittle & I can't machine it without getting a failure rate of 80-100%. Maybe later in the year.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

[s_t_e_v_e]

I have one in amber-grey that I got from isellpens.com a few years ago. In my experience the pen is a good performer. It is priced lower than a Lamy Safari and slightly higher than the Pilot Metropolitan. Having used all 3 I am inclined to say that I would recommend the 316 over the Safari or the Pilot.

[Barkingpig]

I first tried a grey/white & indeed found the transparency bothered me. But I took a chance on swapping the body from a roller balled Charcoal/Amber & found it solved the problem. The roller ball was actually pretty nice that came with the pen. I was fortunate to find them @ ISELLPENS during his sale. Both pens were on sale & I am happy I took a chance on my first "Chinese" pens. They feel & look much nicer than $15.00 pens. I appreciate finding the support so many posted here in regard to these pens.

[Isay]

I'm not making any at the moment - it's too cold for me to make any in my workshop. The resin gets very brittle & I can't machine it without getting a failure rate of 80-100%. Maybe later in the year.

Regards,

Richard.

I understand, thanks for replying! I'll await your next batch of finials.

[Ian the Jock]

I have the white, but the transparency doesn't bother me at all, in fact, I think it adds to the character of the pen.

I like the way the transparency shows the innards, to give the appearance of having "gold bits" on the inside as well as the outside.

It really is one of my favourite pens.

[Piper 987]

The Kaigelu 316 is one of the pens I've added to my search for the perfect (+/-), large, inexpensive Chinese pen. I'm waiting on two of them. I already have a couple of Jinhao 159's and just ordered two more. I'm also waiting on a Wing Sung 590 (the Great Dane of Chinese pens).

[inkeverywhere]

Have just taken delivery of a white/grey marbled 316. Heaviest pen I own but a pleasure to write with, daily writer at present. First chinese pen purchase and could not be happier.

 

 

Greg