What Is The Best Jinhao Pen?

[dipperdolphin]

Hi all,

 

I have two Jinhao pens that I really like, with my x750 being my favourite. I also have the 301 which I really like, apart from the fake jewels on the cap (is there any way to modify this to get rid of them).

 

Any suggestions for a few others I should get? Really like the brand and looking for a few more - what are the best ones they offer?

 

Thanks in advance!

[SoulSamurai]

I have a 601 that I quite like due to the knurled grip. It's attractive, comfortable and the nib is nice. Unfortunately it has a tendency to dry out quickly so it doesn't really get used (that's something I can't really tolerate).

[JollyCynic]

It really depends on what you like about the brand, and what you like about fountain pens in general. Of course, I'm guessing the low price tag is its strongest draw, so you can always throw a bunch into the cart and see what you get.

 

I like tinkering, so I get spare nibs. That means I can play with them without fear of damaging them, test out a variety of styles for very little money, and I don't have to worry about getting a dud nib, because I've got a drawer full of them.

 

The X750 and the X450 are both nice in the heavy metal pen, no.6 nib group. I don't know that there's enough of a difference to worry about trying the other if you've got one, so maybe you can put the X450 in the check-out-later category. The (MB 149-inspired) 159, though, is the same nib, feed, and converter in a much larger body and bright colours.

 

The 8802 Shell is a favourite of a lot of people, too.

 

A lot of their plastic pens use their no.5 nib, but their "parallel calligraphy" version of the 599 (Lamy clone inspired) has lots of interesting nibs which can be purchased separately and swapped onto any of them ... or lots of other pens that take no.5 nibs. There are many reports of the translucent 992 (Sailor Procolor clone inspi... No, it's a clone) cracking at its end-plug, but mine's been a daily writer for a month of fairly hard use (I've even removed and replaced the end plug a few times just to try to get it to crack) without incident, so the issue may have been addressed in newer versions.

 

Personally, right now I'm enjoying playing with the 51a (guess what its "inspiration" is?) with an acrylic gradient body allegedly from Caliart, the hooded section replaced with a no.5 section from another 51a, and the standard Jinhao no.5 nib replaced with a 1.1mm stub.

 

Their converters are questionable. Flush them within an inch if their life when you get them, and think about putting a glass bead from a spent cartridge in as an agitator. Or pop in a Schmidt K5.

[dogpoet]

The x750, is (imo) one of Jinhao's best. There's something called a 159, which is a blatant copy of a Montblanc 149, That might be worth a look if you fancy another Jinhao.

I also really like the Confuscius Commemorative, but I'm not sure what the model number for the plain version of that one is.

[Carrau]

On a lark, I bought a 159 to play around with. It’s been a great writer from the start (after flushing the convertor and nib unit as many have recommended). I switched the nib out for a 1.1 stub, and I like it even better in that configuration. It’s a dreadnought of a pen, but I usually write with it unposted, and it’s comfortable for me.

[dipperdolphin]

It really depends on what you like about the brand, and what you like about fountain pens in general. Of course, I'm guessing the low price tag is its strongest draw, so you can always throw a bunch into the cart and see what you get.

 

I like tinkering, so I get spare nibs. That means I can play with them without fear of damaging them, test out a variety of styles for very little money, and I don't have to worry about getting a dud nib, because I've got a drawer full of them.

 

The X750 and the X450 are both nice in the heavy metal pen, no.6 nib group. I don't know that there's enough of a difference to worry about trying the other if you've got one, so maybe you can put the X450 in the check-out-later category. The (MB 149-inspired) 159, though, is the same nib, feed, and converter in a much larger body and bright colours.

 

The 8802 Shell is a favourite of a lot of people, too.

 

A lot of their plastic pens use their no.5 nib, but their "parallel calligraphy" version of the 599 (Lamy clone inspired) has lots of interesting nibs which can be purchased separately and swapped onto any of them ... or lots of other pens that take no.5 nibs. There are many reports of the translucent 992 (Sailor Procolor clone inspi... No, it's a clone) cracking at its end-plug, but mine's been a daily writer for a month of fairly hard use (I've even removed and replaced the end plug a few times just to try to get it to crack) without incident, so the issue may have been addressed in newer versions.

 

Personally, right now I'm enjoying playing with the 51a (guess what its "inspiration" is?) with an acrylic gradient body allegedly from Caliart, the hooded section replaced with a no.5 section from another 51a, and the standard Jinhao no.5 nib replaced with a 1.1mm stub.

 

Their converters are questionable. Flush them within an inch if their life when you get them, and think about putting a glass bead from a spent cartridge in as an agitator. Or pop in a Schmidt K5.

Thanks for this! I'm looking for nibs at the moment for my existing 750, but don't really know what to go for. I'm in the UK, so not sure what shops to get it from (I've only used Cult Pens so far, don't think they carry nibs).

 

Also, what does the 8 on the feed mean? I thought it meant size 8 nib.

 

Thanks in advance!

[KBeezie]

X750 just seemed to work well all around, better snap on the cap, better posting etc.

 

X450 isn't bad, and has some more classic colors to pick from.

 

The 159 isn't bad if you want it substantially larger (I just don't remember being able to post that well on them).

 

Seems like replacing the nib and the converter made it nicer, but nothing really to replace the feed with to improve that if it needs to be aside from giving it a good detergent clean and rinse to get rid of factory oils.

[JollyCynic]

Thanks for this! I'm looking for nibs at the moment for my existing 750, but don't really know what to go for. I'm in the UK, so not sure what shops to get it from (I've only used Cult Pens so far, don't think they carry nibs).

 

Also, what does the 8 on the feed mean? I thought it meant size 8 nib.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

I have no idea what the 8 means. I believe Chinese nib measurements are normally in length, rather than width, so they'd probably call the nib a 35mm.

 

As for nibs in the UK, there are a few options. Sometimes it's not too expensive to import nibs from the States, but you can get JoWo nibs from fpnibs.com in Spain (no affiliation) for less than £20 shipped, and the cost per nib goes down if you combine shipping. You can also get some awesome custom grinds.

 

You can get Bock nibs from BeaufortInk (still no affiliation) for less than £12.

 

Another option that I've just been toying with but haven't tried yet, is getting one from MrPen (nope, no affiliation, but Mr. Ford from MrPen does occasionally check in here). They recently started selling their Italix Chaplain's Tankard with a no.6 nib for £25 (plus shipping), but you may be able to get replacement nibs for it at around £13 plus VAT and shipping ... This option was briefly on their website but has been removed. They also have a huge array of custom grinds available. It may require a phone call to check.

 

Cult Pens is an option, but it's tricky. They only sell nib units for a few pens. I believe the TWSBI 700 Vac nib unit could be purchased and have its nib stripped from the unit. And maybe a Karas Kustoms, but you've got to be careful about getting a no.6, and I'm not familiar enough. The other options are probably better, but it's there.

 

And, of course, you could just get a bunch of cheap Jinhao nibs and practice your own grinds.

[dipperdolphin]

 

I have no idea what the 8 means. I believe Chinese nib measurements are normally in length, rather than width, so they'd probably call the nib a 35mm.

 

As for nibs in the UK, there are a few options. Sometimes it's not too expensive to import nibs from the States, but you can get JoWo nibs from fpnibs.com in Spain (no affiliation) for less than £20 shipped, and the cost per nib goes down if you combine shipping. You can also get some awesome custom grinds.

 

You can get Bock nibs from BeaufortInk (still no affiliation) for less than £12.

 

Another option that I've just been toying with but haven't tried yet, is getting one from MrPen (nope, no affiliation, but Mr. Ford from MrPen does occasionally check in here). They recently started selling their Italix Chaplain's Tankard with a no.6 nib for £25 (plus shipping), but you may be able to get replacement nibs for it at around £13 plus VAT and shipping ... This option was briefly on their website but has been removed. They also have a huge array of custom grinds available. It may require a phone call to check.

 

Cult Pens is an option, but it's tricky. They only sell nib units for a few pens. I believe the TWSBI 700 Vac nib unit could be purchased and have its nib stripped from the unit. And maybe a Karas Kustoms, but you've got to be careful about getting a no.6, and I'm not familiar enough. The other options are probably better, but it's there.

 

And, of course, you could just get a bunch of cheap Jinhao nibs and practice your own grinds.

Awesome, thanks - I'll check out those sites. I really appreciate the help!

[KBeezie]

The nibs that go into the X750, X450, 159 are Jowo #6

 

And some of their smaller nib ones like the 250 are Jowo #5

 

Very common information for those models. (PS Bock nibs do not have the same curvature and will have difficulties making it work in something meant for a Jowo nib)

 

The feed numbers are arbitrary.

Edited October 24, 2018 by KBeezie

[LizB]

I have Bock #6 nibs (from Beaufort Inks) in my JInhao 159s and x750s and they fit fine.

[SoulSamurai]

Also, what does the 8 on the feed mean? I thought it meant size 8 nib.

 

 

I always assumed that numbers on the feeds were an internal thing; maybe the different numbers have something to do with the feed shape and therefore which nibs or bodies it will fit, or maybe it has something to do with feed wetness (so wetter feeds are matched to broader nibs)?

[Karmachanic]

The nibs that go into the X750, X450, 159 are Jowo #6

 

And some of their smaller nib ones like the 250 are Jowo #5

 

Very common information for those models. (PS Bock nibs do not have the same curvature and will have difficulties making it work in something meant for a Jowo nib)

 

The feed numbers are arbitrary.

Sometimes. This is why we have nylon jawed jewler pliers.

Jinhao pens are made for Jinhao nibs. There is no problem fitting either Bock or Jowo. Both will fit without issue. YMMV

[JaAmEater]

 

 

I always assumed that numbers on the feeds were an internal thing; maybe the different numbers have something to do with the feed shape and therefore which nibs or bodies it will fit, or maybe it has something to do with feed wetness (so wetter feeds are matched to broader nibs)?

 

I agree. The Jinhao 599 and 992 share the same #5 nib, but have different feeds adapted to their bodies.

Edited October 24, 2018 by JaAmEater

[Phil_Dart]

The nibs that go into the X750, X450, 159 are Jowo #6

 

And some of their smaller nib ones like the 250 are Jowo #5

 

Very common information for those models. (PS Bock nibs do not have the same curvature and will have difficulties making it work in something meant for a Jowo nib)

 

The feed numbers are arbitrary.

 

Not sure that's true I'm afraid. The nibs that are supplied with Jinhao pens are made by Jinhao to the best of my knowledge. A £5 or £10 pen supplied with a Jowo nib is unlikely, to be frank - on the other hand Jinhao themselves make a lot of nibs for other Far eastern pen brands.

 

The different curvature thing is an urban myth too I'm afraid. I'm pretty certain that if you compared the two on sensitive measuring apparatus there would be differences, but to all intents and purposes, they are so insignificant as to be, well, insignificant.

 

A Bock is an excellent fit in a Jinhao and we have hundreds if not thousands of customers worldwide who would be able to testify to that. I use an x750 myself with a Bock #6 in the front and I can assure you there are no comparability issues whatsoever.

 

 

I always assumed that numbers on the feeds were an internal thing; maybe the different numbers have something to do with the feed shape and therefore which nibs or bodies it will fit, or maybe it has something to do with feed wetness (so wetter feeds are matched to broader nibs)?

 

The number on the feed has nothing whatever to do with the nib itself, or the housing. Most, if not all feeds from China and Taiwan have that number on them, which is generally between 1 and 8. The best theory we've managed to come up with is that it may simply denote the position on a moulding rack, although I don't know that for certain. Some housings have a number on them too, but most don't, which means there is no correlation between the two. It's just an internal thing which has nothing to do with nib sizes or wetness. It does give rise to a good discussion now and then though.

 

Edited October 26, 2018 by Phil_Dart

[KBeezie]

 

Not sure that's true I'm afraid. The nibs that are supplied with Jinhao pens are made by Jinhao to the best of my knowledge. A £5 or £10 pen supplied with a Jowo nib is unlikely, to be frank - on the other hand Jinhao themselves make a lot of nibs for other Far eastern pen brands.

 

The different curvature thing is an urban myth too I'm afraid. I'm pretty certain that if you compared the two on sensitive measuring apparatus there would be differences, but to all intents and purposes, they are so insignificant as to be, well, insignificant.

 

A Bock is an excellent fit in a Jinhao and we have hundreds if not thousands of customers worldwide who would be able to testify to that. I use an x750 myself with a Bock #6 in the front and I can assure you there are no comparability issues whatsoever.

 

 

Noted, and I know that Jowo does do large bulk orders on varying tiers (which can be done really cheap depending on the alloy), and considering that the Jinhao pens can be had for as low as 3 to 5 USD (far lower than the import rate caused by the UK) it wouldn't surprise me that the nibs would be lower too. I would assume that the nibs would be made by Jowo unless Jinhao and others are openly lying about "irdium point germany" on a number of their nibs. But it's also possible that in recent years they've added manufacturing capability to bulk produce their nibs too which happen to have the same engraving and flair as Jowo's generic unbranded nibs.

[bobje]

Amusingly enough, "Iridium Point Germany' doesn't mean much of anything, does it? Maybe the point is made there, but it's not iridium. It seems to mean that something or other, maybe an idea, originated in Germany.

[Phil_Dart]

Once upon a time, when nibs had iridium points, the Germans stamped their nibs "Iridium point Germany". The Chinese thought they'd like piece of the action so stamped all theirs the same, because they are prolific, cheap copyist, and very good at muscling in on everyone else's ideas and products. Consequently, the Germans promptly stopped stamping theirs that way

I you see a modern nib stamped Iridium Point Germany (generically known as IPG nibs in the industry) it is a 99.99% guarantee that the point is not iridium, nor even anything close to precious, and that the nib, including the point, was made no closer to Germany than Shanghai.

Edited October 26, 2018 by Phil_Dart

[Maurizio]

On a lark, I bought a 159 to play around with. It’s been a great writer from the start (after flushing the convertor and nib unit as many have recommended).

 

My experience also. My 159 - after appropriate flushing as soon as I unwrapped it - wrote smoothly and well from the start. I've had a 750 and a 301 neither of them wrote as well as my 159 which is still part of my regular rotation. I use it unposted. It's big, it's heavy, I like that but if that would bother you, skip it. If it does not, this is, in my experience (admittedly limited) , the best Jinhao fp.

[katerchen]

750 for me. It's just a good workhorse pen.

 

I did however upgrade it with a #6 Titanium nib (the original wasn't bad, but I like the soft bounce of Ti nibs) and put in a much better converter as the factory one fell apart after a few uses.

 

-k