Kaigelu 316 Modification (250 #6 Bock Nib / Beaufort Ink Converter)

[Frank66]

1. TITLE

Modification of Kaigelu 316 fountain pen using Bock type 250 nib unit (EF, stainless steel, 2-tone) and Beaufort Ink premium Ink Converter.

 

2. INTRODUCTION

Recently, I acquired two Kaigelu 316 fountain pens which I adore, one is ivory or pearl colored with black swirls and the other is brownish colored with orange waves. The pens seem to be imitations of the more expensive Parker Duofold fountain pens. I bought them without their box from an ebay store in China, for under 20euros each (1). Figs 1a-1b

 

3. OBJECTIVE

However, I was a little disappointed by the nib of the Kaigelu pens, which although smooth, write too broad for my liking. My one option would be to grind the pen nib, which I am currently learning how to improve at, however I am not adept at it yet. My other option would be to find a high quality replacement nib. A little web search proved that it has been difficult to find a replacement nib for this pen.(2-4) It would be great if I could fit an extra fine (EF) Bock or Jowo nib into my Kaigelu 316.

 

4. METHODS AND MATERIALS

Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in seperating the nib from the feed in my Kaigelu, however in trying to do so, I managed to completely remove the nib housing from the inside of the pen barrel. Please note that the Kaigelu 316 nib housing does not have any threads on its outer surface, the nib housing and the section are actually held together by friction-fit. Interestingly enough, the Kaigelu pen section does have internal threads at approximately 10mm from its nib-end, which, alas, are not engaged with the nib housing at all. It could have been that I accidentally have torn the housing threads myself, in my attempt to remove it from the pen section, but there appears to be no remnants of torn threads on the external surface of the Kaigelu nib housing at all. For owners of other Kaigelu pens, which have the nib housings attached firmly in the pen sections, it is recommended to place the pens in hot water for 4-5 minutes, and then to attempt to unscrew or remove the two pieces apart. Fig 2a-2d

 

After measuring the nib housing dimensions, I contacted both Jowo and Bock companies. The Jowo nib housing dimensions (7.5mm in diameter) differed significantly from the Kaigelu one as pictured in the Fpnibs website (5), I was finally referred to Phil at Beaufort Ink (6), which is the Bock representative in UK (no affiliation, just a happy customer). Phil suggested that the Bock type 250 nib housing (8 mm in diameter), with a stainless steel, 2-tone nib, could perhaps fit this pen's barrel. He even emailed me a diagram with the dimensions of this nib unit which proved that this might be a good replacement option to try. Fig 3a-3c.

 

I ordered two Bock units type 250, in EF and F nib size, in stainless steel and 2-tone color. Furthermore, I ordered the Beaufort Ink's own-marketed ink converter, which in retrospect proved very thoughtful, as the Kaigelu screw-type ink converter dimensions would not match the Bock housing's ink inlet. When the package arrived, I saw that Phil was kind enough to include some other Bock housings so I could experiment in other pen modifications too. Fig 4a-4d.

 

Side by side comparison of the nib housings reveals that the original Kaigelu units are slightly shorter than the Bock ones. However, I was able to insert the Bock nib unit into the Kaigelu pen barrel, where it would fit perfectly. Even though the nib housing's and the barrel's threads did not engage at all, the two parts would be retained by friction fit in an excellent manner. Although Phil had suggested that I could use transparent nail polish to retrievably attach the nib housing to the pen barrel, I was amazed to find that the pen was secure enough to be used only with the two parts retained snugly together with friction fit. Alternatively, I guess I could have used shellac too, but I did not find this necessary, as it allowed me to change nib units at my own will. As far as the ink converter is concerned, it was also retained by friction-fit inside the top of the pen section in a perfect manner. The Beaufort Ink premium ink converter was not screw-retained as the original Kaigelu ink converter used to be, but it was tight enough and matched perfectly in size, so that I did not have any problem with ink leakage whatsoever. Although I am sure they had not intended on purpose, it seems as if the Beaufort Ink premium Ink Converter was perfectly crafted for this Kaigelu pen, I feel so lucky! Fig 5a-5f.

 

5. DISCUSSION

It might also be interesting to note that the Bock nib can easily be removed from the its housing and occasionally be replaced with a Jowo EF or any other size Jowo nib, if one so desires. Here is the same Kaigelu pen with a EF Jowo nib purchased from Anderson Pens (7) in Milwalkee (no affiliation, just a happy customer). I could easily interchange the Jowo nib taken from the pictured Jinhao x450 and transfer it, back and forth, to the Kaigelu 316. Fig 6a-6b.

 

In my experience, both EF and F Bock nibs write 'buttery' smooth, however the Jowo nib pleasantly gives a little more feedback which I personally like. This is consistent with similar findings by other fountain pen users on Fountain Pen Network (FPN) threads (8). One can write ever so slightly finer lines with the EF Jowo nib compared to the EF Bock one, using the same ink and paper, at least with the Bock and Jowo nibs at my hands. One explanation for why a Jowo nib writes a little crisper than a Bock nib might be the slightly different nib geometry at their tips. Under magnification, the Bock EF seems to have a slightly broader nib-paper contact area than the Jowo. However, if it wasn't for the Bock housing, no other high quality nib could be substituted for this pen. According to my personal experience, I can write easier with the Bock EF nib on plain paper, compared to the Jowo EF nib which somewhat “catches” on cheaper paper, and seems to write smoother on better quality paper only. Here are writing samples with the Kaigelu pen with EF and F Bock nibs and also with the Kaigelu original nib. I only wish I had a better macro lens so I could take better closeup shots of both Bock and Jowo nibs, the nib on the left is the Bock, the one on the right is the Jowo. Fig 7a-7b.

 

Finally, other users have described the Kaigelu 316 as a heavy pen, however, I personally do not find it cumbersome to hold, as it fits my style of writing perfectly. However, if one does want to modify the weight of the Kaigelu, richardandtracy's thread on finial replacement at FPN discussing this matter might be useful.(9) The modified Kaigelu pen also seems to be 1.5 to 2 mm longer with the Bock nib compared with the original nib but this, combined with the fact that the pen is slightly back-heavy, helps with the pen's weight balance more so than not. Fig 8.1-2

 

Here are a quick writing sample with the Kaigelu 316 with Bock 250 EF nib, please excuse my terrible handwriting... Fig 9

 

6. SUMMARY

A 250 Bock nib housing could be fitted inside the Kaigelu 316 fountain pen section and a Bock or Jowo nib could used alternatively, along with a Beaufort Ink premium ink converter. I have been using my modified Kaigelu 316 for three weeks now without any issues. Now that the Bock or Jowo nibs has been proven that can be fitted into this pen, other high quality #6 nibs like Edison, Goulet, Anderson, Monteverde or Franklin-Christoph could potentially be fitted successfully into this pen. I hope this was useful to other pen enthousiasts possessing or interested in acquiring a Kaigelu 316 pen.

 

7. DISCLAIMER

As quality control varies with chinese pens in general, no warranty is given that results can exactly be reproduced with all other Kaigelu 316 fountain pens. The techniques described above are given as a guideline and can be replilcated at each one's own discretion and responsibility. There is no commercial relation or affiliation with the pen brands / stores mentioned in this article. My respects goes to all pen enthusiasts, both professional and amateur, who have toiled for the improvement of the fountain pen experience.

 

Regards, Photios

 

 

8. REFERENCES

(1) ebay store jewelry mathematics http://www.ebay.com/usr/jewelrymathematics

(2) Matt Armstrong / The Pen Habit http://penhabit.com/2014/06/04/pen-review-kaigelu-316

(3) Matt Armstrong / youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cDfBdjSaN8

(4) Stephen Brown / Writing with the Kaigelu Century Star 316, youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_kZKo-8Pyw

(5) FPNibs, Official Jowo representative in Spain, diagram with dimensions of #6 Jowo Nib Unit, and #6 EF Jowo Nib Unit, http://www.fpnibs.com/en/size-6-jowo/85-plumin-de-acero-tamano-5.html

(6) Phil at Beaufort Ink / Bock UK representative, http://www.beaufortink.co.uk

(7) Anderson Pens, 10 E. College Ave. Suite 112A, Appleton, WI 54911 http://www.andersonpens.com/

(8) dsolmei at FPN thread, Jowo Vs Bock - Which Do You Think Is Better And Why? https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/252283-jowo-vs-bock-which-do-you-think-is-better-and-why/

(9) richardandtracy's thread on FPN- https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/245065-kaigelu-316-acrylic-barrel-finial/

[Prithwijit]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing this. I am wondering of we can try the same with an original Parker Duofold centennial or international nib unit.

[richardandtracy]

Now, that is really interesting. I shall have a try with my ones.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

[Frank66]

  On 1/19/2016 at 1:30 PM, richardandtracy said:

Now, that is really interesting. I shall have a try with my ones.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

 

Richard, your opinion counts so much for me, so I am really looking forward to hearing from you how the Bock nibs worked on your Kaigelus 316. Thanks Photios

[Biber]

So the section does have internal threads? Wonder what they're designed to match.

[Frank66]

  On 1/19/2016 at 6:15 PM, Biber said:

So the section does have internal threads? Wonder what they're designed to match.

Yes, the section does have internal threads, as shown on Fig 2d. It could be that these threads correspond to the intaglio surface of the section that correspond with the ink converter. My Kaigelu nib unit though does not seem to have external threads, and that is true for both my Kaigelu 316 pens. It could be that I tore the nib housing's threads away when I removed the nib unit from the section, however, there appear no remnants of threads on the external surface of the Kaigelu nib units, as the pictures demonstrate also, on both pens. I am not a pen professional, I would suggest if someone would like to remove the nib unit from the section to first immerse it in hot water for 4-5 minutes, and then try to unscrew / separate the two parts. I hope this was useful. Regards Photios.

Edited January 20, 2016 by Frank66

[Frank66]

As this has been my first post with pictures, I had difficulty uploading the proper size/quality of pictures showing the beauty of this rather inexpensive pen. I hope I am not overindulging the forum's kindness if I may add two more pictures of my modified Kaigelu 316 fountain pen, so other viewers can appreciate it better. Thanks Photios

 

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah12/phzervas/IMG_0418_zpskettvfwj.jpg

 

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah12/phzervas/IMG_0417_zpsjdij0ujt.jpg

[bobje]

Photios, this detailed description of the research and execution of your nib modification is a fascinating contribution for the many fans of the Kaigelu 316. Thank you.

[Frank66]

  On 2/6/2016 at 3:42 PM, bobjpage said:

Photios, this detailed description of the research and execution of your nib modification is a fascinating contribution for the many fans of the Kaigelu 316. Thank you.

 

Bobjpage, thank you for your kindness. Regards Photios

[owend]

Very interesting project, Photios!

 

I have 316 which tends to dry after a bout a page of writing, and although smooth the nib is too wide for my taste and a real nail, and the pen doesn't get much use. This thread inspired me, and I'd like to try the solution here BUT when dismantling, the feed and nib came cleanly out of the housing, which I can't shift from the section; I don't want to use extreme force (hammer, punch etc) in case I seriously damage the section.

 

Do you know if the Bock nib would come out of the Bock unit that Beaufort Inks sell and then refit in the 316 using the Kaigelu feed and (stuck!) housing?

 

Or can you advise how to remove the jammed nib housing?

 

Owen

Edited February 8, 2016 by owend

[Phil_Dart]

Hi Owen.

I don't want to hijack Photios's thread, as he is the man with the experience, but I can certainly answer part of your question with authority, because Beaufort Ink is my company.

 

Yes, the Bock nib can be removed from its housing. However, you say that your existing nib writes on the dry side, so putting a new nib into the existing housing and feed may not solve your problem - the drying out problem may lie with the old housing and feed to start with. It would be better if you could get the old housing out and use the new Bock one.

 

If the pen hasn't been used for a while, have you tried soaking it in hot water to get soften any dried up ink that may be holding it in? A sonic bath if you can get hold of one is a good trick too. Gentle heating may do it on the basis that the housing and section will expand at different rates - don't over do it - you don't want to melt your housing. Conversely, a spell in the freezer may do it on the basis that they will contract at different rates too.

 

At the end of the day, if you've made the decision to replace the housing anyway, brute force may be a last resort. You don't need the old housing anyway, but having said that, someone else may pop along soon with some more tips and tricks,

 

I hope that helps.

 

Phil

[Frank66]

Hi Owen, I think you are very close to success:

1. First you need to remove the jammed nib housing. In my case it was not that difficult. I would reinsert the Kaigelu nib and feed back into the Kaigelu section, as snugly as you can. Then I would put the whole section in very hot water (close to boiling temperature) for 3-4 minutes. The heat helps dissolve/soften the adhesive between the Kaigelu housing and barrel. Then, using a small towel or gloves, I would grasp the nib and feed between my left index finger and thumb and the barrel between the right index finger and thumb and try to pull them apart. One or two times is all it usually takes, your goal is to break the bond of the adhesive between the Kaigelu housing and the barrel, and the heat is what does the trick.

2. However if you cannot succeed in the above steps, and the Kaigelu housing is still stuck inside the barrel, then one needs to use a knockout block. You may try to search this forum or the internet for pen knockout blocks, but they are expensive and allow me to show you a different method you can use for this pen. What you need is the plastic cover of a 5cc hypodermic needle as shown in the pictures below, or a plastic hollow instrument or an insulin syringe with its tip cut off. What is important is that it needs to be less than 8 mm in outside diameter, however its internal diameter needs to be larger than the diameter of the nipple of the Kaigelu nib housing. In this case, you need to cut the head of the plastic 5cc syringe cap with a pliers, so it is hollow/open in both sides. Then you may insert the plastic cap inside the section from its cartridge end, until it touches the nipple of the housing inside the section. Then you gently push the plastic cap with a small hammer, or tap the whole complex on the table a few times. If the adhesive is already softened by the prior heat treatment, then one or two taps is usually all it takes. I hope the pictures below can show what I mean.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah12/phzervas/IMG_0429_zpsixutz38z.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah12/phzervas/IMG_0432_zpstufjkzpq.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah12/phzervas/IMG_0431_zpsysr3dtmj.jpg

3. As far as the Bock nib is concerned, this can easily come off the Bock nib housing. You can grasp the nib and feed between your left index finger and thumb and the housing between your right index finger and thumb, and pull and they will come apart easily. They did not appear tightly held together in my case. However if you may find them too tight, one can try the same maneuver just described above wearing latex examination gloves or wrapping an elastic band around the nib. The elastic material in the elastic bands or the gloves increases the friction between your hands and the nib so it is easily removed. You may also try searching FPN for more ways to remove nibs and feeds, but I think this will suffice.

3. It is the Bock #250 housing that you need to insert in the section, once you can do this you can alternate the Bock #6 nib with other same quality nibs like Jowo or Goulet, or Anderson etc. I am happy with a Bock EF at the moment.

4. To answer your last question, no, I do not think that you could fit a #6 Bock or Jowo nib in the Kaigelu nib housing, this is exactly the problem. The same opinion is shared by Matt Armstrong in his relevant Pen Habit post (see References in original post above). It would take shortening and thinning of the new nib and the Kaigelu feed to make them fit inside the Kaigelu housing, and at the end I do not think this could work without ink leakage. So you would either have to fix the existing Kaigelu nib or place a new nib housing in the pen.

By the time I finished writing this, Phil had already put in his very useful information. When in doubt, please follow his recommendations, he is a professional, I am an amateur pen hobbyist, I just hope we were able to help.

I am looking forward to hearing from you how you have succeeded in your effort. Hope you may find the pictures useful and not too graphic. Good luck. Regards, Photios

Edited February 8, 2016 by Frank66

[owend]

Thanks for the advice, Phil and Photios; I'm always impressed by the wealth of knowledge available on FPN!

 

I had tried soaking in warm water before, Phil, and nothing happened, not even old ink seeping out. I then tried water so hot I couldn't touch it, no result. Lastly. I tried the old brute force approach, which got the housing out but made it no longer usable.On close inspection, there is a very slight clogging of the feed channel (?on top of the feed) which was surprising as it hasn't had much use, and a couple of corrosion pits underneath the nib, hidden by the feed. I'll try with a new #6 nib and report back.

 

As Phil commented, and I had recognised, the drying issue was probably related at least in part, to the feed/converter environment, so a new feed and converter should help. I hope so, as the pen itself is great to hold - I enjoy the pen even without any finial replacement as mentioned in richardandtracey's posts. It was the nib and feed which were frustrating!.

 

PS notice the background, I think this counts as recycling

 

 

 

I've ordered a #6 nib from Beaufort Inks.

 

Owen

[Frank66]

Hi Owen, it is good to see that you were successful in removing the nib housing from the pen section; you see, it wasn't that difficult after all. I will be happy to learn how you were able to fit the new Bock nib housing in the pen, and how satisfied you are with the new nib. Regards, Photios

[owend]

The nibs came yesterday and I've had a workshop session. The results are quite pleasing: the 316 eventually came apart and the new #6 Bock nib fitted well except for being slightly long - I could feel and hear the nib rubbing on the cap when being capped. I took it apart again and removed the gold ring at the end of the section which seems to let the nib fit slightly deeper and it no longer rubs. The Bock nib is much more satisfying than the original, the Fine is a pleasant width, with a regular slightly wet line which is surprisingly bleed-through free, and a smooth slightly flexible feel. It improves the pen immensely, and I actually prefer the look of the section without the gold ring.

 

I also ordered a #5 nib and I've refitted my Kaigelu 356 (the Sonnet lookalike). It was a bit of a pain, I had to drill out the old nibholder which just wouldn't budge with various techniques of soaking, rubber bands etc. Then having carefully cleared the section, the Bock nibholder wouldn't fit: it has a small collar at the nib end which wouldn't fit into the section. I carefully trimmed it off (fine craft knife, loupe and patience!) but then the holder could slip right into the section. So, the adapted holder is now superglued into the section, the nib fits perfectly and another Chinese nail becomes a much better pen.

 

And in a game of musical chairs the old Kaigelu 356 nib fits straight into my Hero 725! Now that writes again even if it's a hard nib: the Hero was a sacrificial pen for me to practice nib smoothing, ink flow adjustment etc, as a result of which it wasn't usable. A shame as the Hero was advertised as a solid gold nib (on a pen costing £5 including postage from China. Yeah, right).

 

 

So thanks to Beaufort Inks, and especially Photios for your hard work on the original conversion. Now I'm tempted to get another 316 and renib that too!

 

Owen

[Frank66]

It was really nice to see how resourceful you have been in your pen workshop attempts, Owen. Your dark-colored Kaigelu 316 with the gray-greenish swirls looks awesome.

 

I hope you fully enjoy your pen with the Bock replacement nib. It was a good idea to remove the gold-plated ring, since I agree the pen feels slightly longer now, though this does not seem to bother me. Personally I have been using the EF Bock nib for a while now, and I couldn't agree with you more, it is a juicy smooth nib. What ink are you using in the pictures that you show us? The truth is that personally I like drier nibs, so, yesterday I could not resist grounding the nib down to an XXF. Here it is:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah12/phzervas/IMG_0464_zpsnpwkxcyx.jpg

 

 

As far as the Kaigelu 356 is concerned, it looks awesome. The new gold nib contrasts nicely with the rhodium trim of the rest of the pen. I have the same pen in which I have placed a cheap chinese #5 nib that I got from ebay, which I have modified to an EF semi-flexible nib. Although this "semi-flexy" nib is far from perfect and occasionally skips, this is a very well balanced pen, my only other complaint about it is that the cap is too stiff to take off from the barrel. It is nice to know that one can fit a #5 Bock nib in this pen, it may well be one of my next pen projects. Here is a writing sample (this has been one my first attempts at flexy nibs, so please be a little forgiving):

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah12/phzervas/IMG_0465_zpsnmumtczj.jpg

 

 

It is nice to know that you can fit the Kaigelu 316 nib into a Hero 725. I do not have this pen, but I am thinking of ordering it, so I can fit my spare Kaigelu nib. I am a firm believer that no nib should ever be wasted.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah12/phzervas/IMG_0466_zpsqsuxksgb.jpg

 

 

Thanks for sharing your experience, may you enjoy your new pens. One may get extra satisfaction knowing that they have put their own effort to make a pen suit one's writing needs better. I hope other members may come forward with their own attempts for a replacement nib for the Kaigelu 316 pen as well.

 

Regards, Photios

Edited February 14, 2016 by Frank66

[owend]

Thanks Photios, I liked the Kaigelu 356 before changing the nib, it's well-balanced and reliable. My cap is also a bit firm to remove, but I wouldn't say it is too stiff - it is reassuring that it's not going to come off in a pocket, and I think the close fit helps keeps the nib moist. My only real grumble is that it won't post, but I usually use pens unposted so it isn't a problem

 

I know Chinese pens are variable, but my Hero 725 had a scratchy nib, and it doesn't feel great in the hand. Try it by all means, but you may be disappointed!

 

Well done grinding the 316 nib to an XXF: I haven't dared to grind a nib down yet (I find a Fine is as narrow as I like anyway). And thanks for posting such clear photographs, I wish I could get mine as good!

 

Owen

[owend]

Hopefully a better photo, but I see that the file, which is 1.3Mb as I upload, only appears as 24.34Kb, which is probably why the definition is low. I don't know how to load at a larger size, and thus hopefully better definition!

 

 

Anyway, when I was looking I liked the tortoiseshell and to a lesser extent the ivory/black, but the black/blue looked even better: it makes me want to sign an international treaty, or a cheque for £1,345,876.

 

The ink is a homebrew, Lamy, Blue-black I think, and some Diamine Aqua which gives a slightly shaded effect.

 

Owen

[Frank66]

Hi Owen, I too like to mix inks and blue/black is one of my favorites. I first started using blue/black after I noticed the salesman in a local pen store offering customers pens to try them out with this ink. I use the PILOT blue/black which I find is slightly "runny" and I do not know if it is my impression only, but I can write thinner lines with the similar shade Pelikan 4001 inks. Do you find the Lamy ink you are using is more viscous? The reason I am asking you, is that I am trying to evaluate the effect of my inks in writing thinner lines with my pens.

As far as inks that I use with my Kaigelu is concerned, I also like the Waterman Florida blue and the Havana Brown, and also the harmonious Green after I have added a little black or blue/black to make it darker green. Pelikan 4001 inks I use also, but I am mostly fond of the Violet and also the Turquoise which I usually modify by adding a little blue/black to make it a Teal color which I adore. I do not have any Iroshizuku inks yet, but I do have the Pilot blue/black, black and the seldom used blue. I do not have access to Diamine inks but there is a bookstore nextdoor that sells Herbin inks, IMHO I find them rather unsaturated, although they do offer a great palette and have an even greater history.

As far as the photograph uploading to FPN is concerned, I had problems with it too originally. What worked for me best, is uploading the images into photobucket and then copying the "Direct" link from photobucket into the FPN insert image button caption. Sometimes it gives me troubles too, I hope it works for you. As far as the image with the nibs is concerned, it was taken with a foldable magnifying glass that I found at a local bookstore. It is very convenient for general purpose nib work, and you can easily carry it around in a briefcase because it is foldable. Although mine does not have LED lights, may I refer you to this link in ebay if you are interested.(Black 10X Magnifier Glass Foldable Round Lens w LED Light)-- (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-10X-Magnifier-Glass-Foldable-Round-Lens-w-LED-Light-/301738510313?hash=item46410447e9:g:Qx0AAOSwpzdWq4Bn) However, let me add that I have other magnification tools that I rotate around too.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah12/phzervas/foldable%20magnifier_zpsqgobl7su.jpg

I could not agree with you more, the ivory Kaigelu looks too flashy to use in everyday writing, I regard your blue/black one and my orange/brown equally better. Sometimes I feel ashamed people think I hold such an expensive pen, people may think I am so arrogant, but it is not true, and sometimes I tell them about this post... Regards, Photios

Edited February 16, 2016 by Frank66

[richardandtracy]

Sorry for not replying earlier. I lost this thread & then forgot about it.

 

It occurred to me that I have been doing some pen making, and in doing so I have been talking to Phil_Dart at Beaumont about decent nib units for kit pens. Kit pens have a different housing from the standard Bock housing, and I wanted to use them in the Chairman's kit pen. Which has a different housing still. Phil is able to obtain Chairman's housings and supply them if you ask for them specifically when ordering a kit pen nib unit.

 

Anyway, it struck me that the housing in my K316 white with black stripe was rather like a Chairman's housing, and I have made a prototype custom pen with one of these in it. So let's compare:

http://i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx356/richardandtracy/penmaking/Sam_1324a_zpsohtfu2rw.jpg

The upper one is the Kaigelu with a home ground JoWo broad Italic replacement nib. The bottom one is Phil's Bock nib in a Chairman's housing.

The two housings are the same length, same diameter to within 0.01mm (the limit of my measurement), and the only difference I can see is fact this Kaigelu housing has no threads though others sometimes do. The Bock Chairman's housing is a direct replacement for the Kaigeu housing and fits in the Kaigelu perfectly.

 

One word of caution.

Phil told me the Chairman's housing does not feed as well as the standard one, and I can slightly confirm this as my prototype pen is a bit dry.

 

And a word of Warning

Look in the photo above. The Chairman's housing spigot is a visibly larger diameter in the photo (it's at least 0.1mm - though my electronic calliper battery died before I could take a proper reading). This is the diameter the slightly leaky Kaigelu 316 c/c was designed for and seals perfectly against. If you use a c/c on the Chairman's housing, it cannot then be used on any other standard pen because the opening will have been stretched. I found this out the hard way with the c/c from my Onoto Magna Classic.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.