Best Quality Chinese Fountain Pen?

[Valid]

Edit: Lots of people have recommended the Pilot Metropolitan, and I have read very good reviews about it. Can't wait for it to arrive!

Edited September 12, 2014 by Valid

[usk15]

Why Chinese pen? You can get a Pilot Metropolitan for $15, or a Lamy Safari for $25...far better quality!

[dcwaites]

Kaigelu 356 (medium small)

Kaigelu 316 (medium large)

 

Jinhao 163 (small)

Jinhao 601 (medium size, and light)

Jinhao X-750 (medium size, medium weight)

Jinhao 159 (large and medium heavy)

 

I have listed a range of sizes and weights because I don't know how large your hands are.

 

All pens are in the $5~$15 range and are of reasonable to high quality, irregardless of the price.

I have examples of all of them, and they all write smoothly, with very nice nibs.

 

I don't have a Pilot Metropolitan, so I can't comment, but I do have some Safaris , and would not like to use one for extensive note taking or essay writing.

 

You should be able to get any of them on eBay with free shipping.

You can use any inks, as they all come with converters but if you want cartridges they take International cartridges.

You might want to try the Jinhao Blue cartridges as they have a nice colour, are inexpensive by cartridge standards, and perform well on many, even poorer quality, papers.

 

I also have some high quality pens, such as Sailor 1911 and Pro Gear, Parker 51s and 100, and Lamy 2000. The pens I have listed compare well with those pens.

[FedericoMedina]

I got to try out some duke pens at Payton street pens they where absolutely fantastic. They are a Chinese/German venture.

 

I love my lamy all star but the Bulow x450 is a pretty fantastic pen however it is on the heavier side with metal construction. I have had them for years and function withought fail. I use one as an everyday writer.

 

Good pens at affordable prices I would recommend them.

Edited September 12, 2014 by FedericoMedina

[ac12]

A few more options:

 

For about $30 you can buy TWO Pilot Metropolitans or 78Gs. Primary and spare/backup pen. And they come with the ink converter (for bottle ink).

 

The Lamy Safari will come in right at $30. Then you have to buy the converter separate.

Contrary to dcwaits/DaveW, I could write a lot with the Safari, and I do so with its sibling the Lamy joy. The joy is the same pen as the Safari, just a different body. This is an example of how people differ in how a pen works with them or not.

 

The Sheaffer 330 and 440 "seconds" from Peyton Street Pens, $30 for the 330 and $28 for the 440. I do not know if these pens will take converters, you need to contact Peyton Street Pens and ask them. You have to buy the converter separate.

 

I bought a 6-pack of Baoer 388 for $24. But, I had to adjust the nib on 4 of the 5 pens that I tested, to flow ink properly. Not difficult to do, but something that you may not want to do.

[Valid]

Thanks for the recommendation guys.

I searched for the Pilot Metropolitan but they're selling it for $40~$50 here :-(

[Jamerelbe]

Thanks for the recommendation guys.

I searched for the Pilot Metropolitan but they're selling it for $40~$50 here :-(

Pilot 78g has the same nib as the Metropolitan (though gold coloured), and is more readily available outside the Us. It's pretty lightweight get I'm a fan!

[Jamerelbe]

If you don't mind the tripod grip of the Lamy Safari, a Jinhao 599 might come into the frame. Fine nib only AFAIK (where the X750s and 159s are medium to broad) - but you can get them for $5-7 international postage included on eBay.

[shawndp]

my fav Chinese pen is the Hero - the one that looks like a Parker 51 knockoff - used them as a student in primary school and was never disappointed - there are more $$ versions but some models can be had amazinly cheap and yes I would take that pen over a Metropolitan - nothing wrong with the Metro - I have one and just don't use it often.

[arcadeflow]

Can you spend $35.00? Buy a Pilot Prera with a medium nib off eBay. Or a 78G if you want cheap.

[usk15]

Thanks for the recommendation guys.

I searched for the Pilot Metropolitan but they're selling it for $40~$50 here :-(

 

 

I don't know where are you, but there's a site in UK selling Pilot MR, European version of Metropolitan, for about $33 with international shipping. The plus is a good quality FP taking standard international C/C!

But if you insist for a Chinese FP I have and can recommend Baoer 79, Jinhao X750 and 599. Very inexpensive and decent quality pens. You should be able to get them from EBay.

[TaylorT]

If you're considering the Metropolitan, Goulet pens has it for $15. If you're in the states, they're in Virginia and have quick shipping (to me at least). Also I have been very pleased with my Jinhao x750 and hear the Jinhao 159 is pretty good as well.

[Valid]

Thanks guys! I've ordered my Metropolitan from a reputable dealer on ebay for $17+$9 shipping. Can't wait to get it!

[tendollarword]

Can you spend $35.00? Buy a Pilot Prera with a medium nib off eBay. Or a 78G if you want cheap.

 

How does the plastic in the Prera compare to the plastic in the 78G?

 

I really like the way my 78G writes, but the plastic feels pretty cheap.

[Scootz]

How does the plastic in the Prera compare to the plastic in the 78G?

 

I really like the way my 78G writes, but the plastic feels pretty cheap.

I think the Prera has a higher quality feel as well as a bit more weight, and prefer it to the 78g. The Prera is shorter, but caps ok.

[brandonweng0426]

The pens from MAINLAND China is really a piece of (bleep).

 

BUT, for the pens that are made in "Republic of China(also known as Taiwan)" are great, Taiwan's pen manufacturers used to make pens for American and European company, the best pen company in Taiwan is the "TWSBI", highly recommend TWSBI pens, around $50(price in Taiwan), it got the quality you will satisfied with.

 

I own a TWSBI Diamond 580, and a Tri-Tech Slim, both of them are amazing pens.

[tendollarword]

I think the Prera has a higher quality feel as well as a bit more weight, and prefer it to the 78g. The Prera is shorter, but caps ok.

 

Thanks.

 

In pictures, the Prera's section looks wider than the 78's. Is that right? Also, can the Prera take the Con-50?

[Tom Traubert]

Pretty sure Pilot are Japanese...

 

Chinese pens - Jinhao X750. It is better than some pens that cost 20x more.

[arcadeflow]

 

Thanks.

 

In pictures, the Prera's section looks wider than the 78's. Is that right? Also, can the Prera take the Con-50?

 

Yes, the section is wider and it takes the CON-50. It is more adequate as an everyday pen, although I've been taking my red 78G outside. I like both, but if I had to pick one, the Prera all the way.

[terim]

A few more options:

 

For about $30 you can buy TWO Pilot Metropolitans or 78Gs. Primary and spare/backup pen. And they come with the ink converter (for bottle ink).

 

The Lamy Safari will come in right at $30. Then you have to buy the converter separate.

Contrary to dcwaits/DaveW, I could write a lot with the Safari, and I do so with its sibling the Lamy joy. The joy is the same pen as the Safari, just a different body. This is an example of how people differ in how a pen works with them or not.

 

The Sheaffer 330 and 440 "seconds" from Peyton Street Pens, $30 for the 330 and $28 for the 440. I do not know if these pens will take converters, you need to contact Peyton Street Pens and ask them. You have to buy the converter separate.

 

I bought a 6-pack of Baoer 388 for $24. But, I had to adjust the nib on 4 of the 5 pens that I tested, to flow ink properly. Not difficult to do, but something that you may not want to do.

We do include the original squeeze converters with our 330/440 seconds.

 

Teri