Discover The Absolute Best Chinese Fountain Pens: My Top 5 Picks!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Mea culpa! I misspoke when I mentioned the capacity of the 9019's converter. It is 1.5 to 1.6ml (your mileage may vary).

[@limmoblack]

Yep, they're heavy on the fuel for sure.

[@lizpilgrim1]

1. Asvine P20 2. Jinhao 9019 3. Jinhao X159 4. Jinhao 159 5. Jinhao x450 4.

[@tayterlik]

For me, Moonman M800 (two - Amber is a cat + Galaxy), both with Kaigelu Medium nibs, writing like a nice Broad. Pretty acrylics, wide line to have fun out of inks, simple construction with a converter. I have tried Leonardo nib, but strangely it did not want to fit properly, there was problem with ink flow. Kaigelu nibs do not have even a smallest problem.

[@thorhilda]

If I had to choose among my Chinese pens, these are the ones that come to mind first: - Live In You LY502 RIIMOO (I prefer it over my Sailor ProGear Slim), - Tianzi T01 (after I replaced the nib and the feed with Jowo’s), - Moonman M100 (with a flex 0.7 italic nib made by Pembleton Brown), - Wing Sung 601A (its EF tubular “sheafferesque” nib is perfect for small annotations on cheap paper), - Asvine P20 (as is). And for honorable mentions, I would also include the Moonman A1 and the Hero 565. If the Moonman A1 had a choice of nibs and the Hero 565 (the best hooded nib I’ve ever used) was not so poorly made, they would be on that list and they would easily compete with Pilot and Sheaffer. The Moonman Q1 is a novelty pen. It does not belong on a Top Fountain Pen list, but I love it anyway. Unfortunately, my Moonman M800 has crossthreading issues. And the Moonman M700 takes 4 turns to uncap.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Nice list. Interesting our top list contains so many nib swaps.

[@thorhilda]

@@InkquiringMinds Yes. I treat most affordable fountain pens as potential nib holders rather than finished products. I don’t necessarily expect them to have a good nib, but if they do, it’s a bonus and a pleasant surprise. This way, I avoid a lot of disappointment.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@thorhilda100%😊

[@thorhilda]

@@numerounoleo Hijacking threads started by others is rude. Please start your own thread instead.

[@willemgroenewegen5934]

Just got a 9019, it's even bigger IRL. The v126 is my favourite still, even though I now have some of the classic German pens. I watched another pen show last week (won't name names) where they talked down Chinese pens (the disingenuous 'copy' stuff) and I just turned it off, so disappointing. Next buy will be either the Wing Sung or Moonman I think.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much, @willemgroenewegen5934!

[@HaberfieldchiropracticAu]

Hey will just watched a show on the jinhao 80 then picked mine up and the threading fell apart. I wondered whether the one I got supercheap was a bootleg from China cost cutting at its finest. I started some 15 yrs ago with a hero and thought well that's garbage they have come up market with jinhao wingsung and other brands with the cheaper types...haven't ventured into the dearer models. My general rating is 5 out of 10. Jinhao nibs are fine but have had barrels cracking caps falling apart even cross threading one can't complain to much about a pen under 10 dollars. Vintage pens like a 50s 51 or a 60s vp 45 61 or 75 parker or the cousins in the sheaffers line up the touchdown fillers snorkels and other imperials are a credit to companies previous to the late 50s exposure book by Vance Packard the waste makers. ...worth a read if it's in your local library or 2nd hand bookshop. Jk

[@archivist17]

My top Chinese fountain pen has changed recently from the PenBBS 456 to the HongDian M2!

[@InkquiringMinds]

That’s quite a shift!

[@DanCarmell]

I haven’t inked mine yet, but I love the cat/ying yang cap finial!

[@archivist17]

@@DanCarmell Cool, isn't it? Hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine.

[@robbiemer8178]

Fun video, thanks! My top 5 are: 5--Wancai Mini 4--Asvine V126 3--Hondian N7 grey rabbit with the long knife nib 2--PenBBS 456 1--Wing Sung 601a All of these except the Wancai Mini are currently inked and the Mini is only empty today while I decide what ink to refill it with. :) The 601a has D'Atramentis Document Green in it, the 2,3, and 4 pens all have Hongdian Black ink in them.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Awesome list!

[@kenblair2538]

As usual , Doug , great presentation. And thanks to your reviews, I to have the WingSung 601 Flighter, Asvine P20 and Moonman M800 . My favorite was the Moonman M800, but now the Hongdian N-9. Thanks KB

[@InkquiringMinds]

Good choice!

[@runedart5048]

Oh, wow. Mad love for your Leonardo. That’s a gorgeous pen.

[@pagisubuh]

happy to discovered you channel. Im a big fan of chinese fountain pen.

[@fossilimprint2954]

Great video, I was wanting such a video for a long time. Thank you!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ichirofakename]

1. I'm down to one Chinese pen, the Jinhao 82 , but it is perfect. But if these babies had been available back when I was tooling up, I'd have many more. 2. I do hope you will finish out your Best Of (Country) with Germany, Japan, Italy, etc. Especially Italy, which I have zero of.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I wouldn't be able to do best of Germany, Japan, Italy as each would have just one pen. I can't afford to purchase more than a couple from each of those countries.

[@ichirofakename]

@@InkquiringMinds dang

[@OllytheOl]

Also note that only China of those countries is not actively supporting genocide. That might sway which country gets your money.

[@andreapalma7570]

My favorite Chinese pen used to be Jinhao x750 or 450. But I just got the Hongdian N7 with Longknife nib and that thing has blown the Jinhaos to smithereens. I LOVE my Hongdian!!! Every time I use up the ink, I just try a new ink. And I own plenty of Sailors, Pilots, TWSBIs, Esterbrook and Leonardo. They are great, but so is this $25 pen!

[@llchapman1234]

I appreciate these videoes about affordable pens (for the rest of us).

[@jjbishop134]

Excellent choices I am the satisfied owner of all top 3. Arguably the best value as well as excellent writers. I learned a lot by watching your channel, and for that I say - THANKS

[@InkquiringMinds]

Excellent!

[@zeus52452]

My current favorites are the Hongdian N11 & M2, a Jinhao 82 Mini, and a second Asvine V126 in Matte Grey. Of course, that's subject to change with a WingSung 601 flighter and the steel replacement section as well as a Hongdian C1 & hooded nibs on the way!

[@manifunk1]

A great review and food for thought, I think my favourite Chinese pen is the Wing Sung 601 and 601a they are always inked up and used all the time

[@raviykrishna]

Out of 601 and 601a what would be your one pick? Please share your insights. I am planning to buy one of these but not able to decide which one:)

[@manifunk1]

@@raviykrishna ok I would go for the 601a but they are quite different if you can afford it get both you won’t regret it

[@KennyLarson]

I want an Asvine P20 in silver/chrome trim

[@davidnygard1817]

I have a Jinhao Dadao 9016 (yes a 9016 not 9019) on order and en route. I have every color variation of the 9019 sold and I really enjoy them but it is a large pen, and sometimes a thinner pen is what works best in the moment. The 9016 has the same converter as the 9019 but is thinner and has a #6 nib which, like other Jinhao's, is easily swappable. I fully expect this pen to climb high on my list of Chinese fountain pen favorites. I may just have to get the Mahjohn M800. I've lumped that pen as just another Moonman with a #6 nib, but too many love this pen for me to keep ignoring it. Thanks Doug!

[@InkquiringMinds]

I can’t wait for mine.

[@davidnygard1817]

@@InkquiringMinds Likewise!!! Number 8 nibs are terrific, but Jinhao #6 nib pens are like Ford Model A's or the original VW Beetles, you can modify the heck out of them and not be afraid to ruin them. Some of those experiments might just become fantastic!

[@Plhmel561]

Great review! The Asvine P20 is a great pen. I have two, galaxy and amber. I have two of the Majohn M800s. I am waiting on my example of the new Jinhao 9016 which should arrive in the next few days.

[@sailcat9]

Excellent choices and well done! For me, I would have chosen: 1. Asvine P20 2. Moonman P136 3. Wing Sung 630 4. Asvine V126 5. Jinhao 9019 Honorable Mention: HongDian M2 (All choices are subject to change without notice!) Thanks for the video and well done!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Excellent! Well said, @sailcat9!

[@BlairShores]

I enjoy your videos - i bought a m800 and replaced nib with Jowo based upon your reviews Is Penbbs going to do more of their better colors like the 456 amber? The available options aren’t as tempting

[@InkquiringMinds]

I’m watching and waiting.

[@cjpsmachado]

When you talked about the Wing Sung 601 I fought about a Jinhao 911 that is a excelente writer that surprised me (also a "inspiration" on the Parker 51). The good thing about this Jinhao 911 is that the cap is as the original, slip on nor screwed and it uses a converter, which allows for the uses of cartridges if you are out of home and the ink finishes, that being one big advantage form the vacuum system, also easier to clean. honestly, I own a Parker 51 vintage and can't really feel the difference except for the better finish on the clip and the jewels top and bottom.

[@theprof_001]

Great video! I swapped nibs in my M800 galaxy blue. It writes like a dream. It’s my favorite Chinese fountain pen as well. You got good choices! 👍

[@InkquiringMinds]

Very cool!

[@bluerosesanjuan8464]

What nib did you put in

[@theprof_001]

@@bluerosesanjuan8464 It was a generic Jowo medium nib. Any well tuned medium nib is an improvement in these pens. Broad will work also.

[@ibpopp]

Excellent show. I'll wait till I have finished tinkering with another Wing Sung 601 before looking further. Certainly is a bullet-proof performer; hard to believe it's so good for the price. Stay warm. I think I'll go to the beach. Cheers, Doug.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You go sun on the beach! ;)

[@unknowncrash1]

Currently my favorites are: 1. Asvine p80 gold red (bock f) so so beautiful. 2 and 3. Moonman T1 and the M800 4. Hong dian 6013 black (ef) 5. Delike Alpha

[@mukunddhar6657]

The Moonman M800 is def on top of my list to buy this year.

[@tayterlik]

Take two of them 😀 - one in a colour that is definitely your favourite, and second one in "probably good too, but I have never had it". Quite possibly you will have two fantastic pens!

[@deandesrosiers6857]

Great list Doug! My (two years experience) top five are, 1. Asvine P20, 2. Moonman A1 (it’s motivated me to purchase a Pilot VP), 3. PenBBS 456 (cloud), 4. Wing Sung 630 (it and my P20 have the best steel nibs) and 5. Jinhau x159. Honorable mention to my TWSBi Diamond 580 ALR because it’s always inked but not really from China, unless something bad happens. I have not swapped any nibs and am highly regarded to to have zero penmanship skills.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Good stuff!

[@Kmcmichael1959]

The 9019 Jinhao is my favorite. The size is perfect for larger hands. It is more comfortable than the MB149. I have one and more on order. As soon as I can get different nibs and ebonite feeds, the mods will begin.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Right on

[@MrRorschach87]

I believe it has more than 1ml ink capacity. I think 1.5 or 1.6 ml.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@MrRorschach87Yes! I misspoke. It is 1.5ml

[@sajjadhusain4146]

While I quit buying Chinese fountain pens since just before the pandemic struck in early 2020, I once used to own 16 Chinese pens. Today I have only two. I’d say the 5 best Chinese pens I ever bought were the Wing Sung 601, Wing Sung 618, PenBBS 355, PenBBS 456 and the Hero H718.

[@АлександрТорянников]

I would also include Hongdian N10

[@rforriya908]

Great video! Would you mind sharing where you got that gorgeous pen rest?

[@InkquiringMinds]

I got it from Coppertist Wu. www.coppertistwu.com/

[@catherinehubbard1167]

Nitpicking on this point again: the giant Jinhao 9019 converter holds much more than one ml of ink. By weight after a casual filling, Doodlebud measured a capacity of at least 1.6 ml and others reported even more. I go by Doodlebud’s number. 1.6 ml is more than many piston fillers. I really enjoy my two Asvine P20s (Galaxy Blue and chatoyant Amber) and my two V126s (“stealth” translucent black and transparent amber). I also like my HongDian N7 in the “Moon Rabbit” variant and my HongDian N12 piston filler in Galaxy Blue. I also rely on several Jinhao 9019s. All these pens are beautiful, well-made, always start immediately, and a joy to write with. They came with excellent nibs which are swappable if I choose to do so. For a tough little pen to carry around in a trouser pocket, I have a HongDian M2 in umber-tinted aluminum. I could not have acquired them without the reasonable prices. I can indulge my love for multiple inks and nib types.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes. I misspoke. It holds 1.5ml.

[@oscarmedina1597]

I like your selections, Doug, and I LOVE the ending of this video! 😂

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it Oscar!

[@CarzorStelatis]

2:10 I think it's meant to be a clone of the Namiki Emperor though rather than the Sailor KOP. Although that just reinforces your point since the Emperor costs even more!

[@pierre-r.tremblay3800]

My top 5 chinese fountain pens are: Pen bbs 489, Hero 9209, HongDian N6 long knife nib, Moonman M800, Wing Sung 699,runner un, Wing Sung Wing Sung 618. 😊

[@GaryCalder]

I think honourable mention should be made of a couple of pens, which for me defined the transition of Chinese fountain pens from cheap but fairly cr*p to inexpensive and very reasonable quality. They are the Kaigelu 316 (which did require the heavy finial to be replaced and a nib swap to make an inexpensive alternative to a Parker Duofold) and the Wingsung 698. The latter was the first inexpensive Chinese piston filler that I came across and came with the added benefit that the nib was compatible with the likes of the Pilot MR2/Metropolitan, Plumix/Pluminix, 78G etc. so a complete range of nibs became available including a stub. They may not be quite up to the quality of the more recent releases that you include (most of which I have in my collection), but nonetheless they were a revelation when they appeared back in 2016.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Certainly those were stepping stones in the evolution of Chinese pens. I had a WS698 that was total crap. So I bought another expecting it might be better. It was worse. They went in the bin - unusable. I think the Jinhao 100 Centennial is much better than the Kaigelu 316 and I've owned five of the 316, new ones and old ones.

[@GaryCalder]

@@InkquiringMinds Well Doug, your mileage certainly has varied to mine! I’ve also tried the Jinhao 100 (5, not sure if they are all Centennials) and I dunno, the Kaigelu just looks and feels nicer IMO. Maybe my judgement is coloured because I spent an awful long time replacing the heavy finials on the original 3 I have (2 also with replacement Bock nibs), but the 3 newer 316s are un-modified. But anyway, the more recent Asvine piston and vacuum fillers are a step ahead (albeit more expensive).

[@MrAndrew1953]

You may want to consider adding the Jinhao Dadao 9016 to this list. I’ve ordered a demo with a medium nib. I’ll keep you posted.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Mine is on the way.

[@tbayless8324]

I would like to know about that one too, since it since it is smaller than the 9019 I have. Love the pen, it is just too big for my hands.

[@DanCarmell]

Besides the smaller girth, the 9016 posts very deeply compared to the 9019 and it feels very good posted, even though I typically only post pocket pens and Parker 51-style slip caps.

[@masoodkhan427]

Thank you for the lovely vlogs ..and the last line about opinions 🤣🤣🤣 👏👏👏

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL! Thank you!

[@TymberJ]

Not my favorite Chinese fountain pen (singular), but honestly I think Jinhao 82s are collectively my favorite Chinese fountain pens (plural). So many color combinations, and a form factor that really allows those combinations to look great (who would have expected that?). For any ink I feel like using, I can match an 82 that will look smashing with it. And price is so good I don't mind a bit of inconsistency, I'll swap nibs if needed. It would be like if Preppies looked great and came with converters!

[@tma-1704]

My favorite from this list is the Asvine P20. I have it in a medium nib and love it!!! I have a Jinhao 9019 coming but it's been "stuck" in the USPS system since January 11 according to tracking info. :( Thanks for the review, I may just get all the pens on your list.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for sharing!

[@manoloyloles]

Now there is a new clear olive transparent and a teal unit as well for the Jinhao 9019. Ah! And the M800 does not come with a Schmidt, but with a Bock nib (optional). I finally bought all 4 colours. I am nuts. My choice is: 1. Asvine P20. 2. Wing Sung 630. 3. Moonman M800. 4. Asvine V126. 5. Jinhao X159. Honorable mention goes to Hongdian N-something, the one with the wild turkey 🙂

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes. You’re right - Bock. But mine was awful.

[@DanCarmell]

I was surprised Doug rated the Moonman 800 above the P20-my rating would be more like yours. My one knock on the P20 is that the double-Greek key cap band is a little too much for the pen.

[@McAmeron089III]

Thanks for the video,Doug! I have very limited/no experience with most of the pens you presented here. The cartridge/converter HERO 565 is my top pick. I have collected all four, boring,non-colors! Under $5 per each.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for sharing! Too bad the Hero 565 and 616 are so cheaply made.

[@McAmeron089III]

Yep. 2 cents is too much for the 616 imho. Thorhilda gave the 565 an honorable mention! I appreciate your guidance on how to dull the edge of the cap on the 565. They come dangerously sharp. Cheaply made? Yes,they are less than $5.@@InkquiringMinds

[@kevinblack8365]

Hard to argue with that. My top 5 from Most Favourite: WingSung 630, Asvine P20, Hongdian N7, Jinhao X159, Jinhao 9019. But I'd be comfortable reordering, certainly a toss up between the WingSung 630 and the Asvine p20. I am certainly erring towards piston fillers, I just like the mechanism and the classic cigar shape is really hard to beat (3 in my top 5).

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Javi_C]

Great picks! Thanks Doug!

[@InkquiringMinds]

You bet!

[@donhall-aquitania1025]

Doug, are Chinese pens the future after I max out on grail pens? I wanted to get a Sailor KOP this year but I already have enough so yesterday a bought a Jinhao x159 with a medium nib. And Brian Goulet just showed us how to pull the feed from a Pilot Varsity so we can reuse those cheap eyedroppers.

[@InkquiringMinds]

They seem to be coming out with a lot of new models! Especially Hongdian!

[@tayterlik]

I am in the first fill with 9019 - and it writes as if it is a fire hose, it simply lays down a layer of ink, then for next few lines it writes with consistent Chinese M, and after some time again fire hose. No idea what is the reason for it, the ink is relatively wet - Diamine Writer's Blood, the pen has been flushed before filling... I have ordered two of them, soon I will see how the second one writes.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Make sure the converter is in tight.

[@tayterlik]

@@InkquiringMinds I have pushed it and turned maybe 1/3rd or 1/4th of rotation more, carefully as not to break it. First line was still fire hose, then it normalized and one full page of A4 written with consistent M. Thank you, you can mark next soul saved!

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@tayterlikWonderful!

[@wittwittwer1043]

My favorite Chines pens are all made by Hongdian: Maple leaf, Peacock, and Qin Dynasty.

[@Vermiliontea]

I have them all, except the WS 630, but I suppose I'll be getting that one then. Anyway, I sometimes pick up this mystery pen that lies around somewhere on one of my desks, try it and think "that's a remarkably good pen, who made it?". And yes that's MM 800. They're all good, but still, my favorite Chinese pen is still the Wing Sung 699 vac, with medium nib, I also like the WS 618 a lot, now that I've learned to operate it correctly (it's a piston filler that allows you to position the piston - and you should, to expel gas/air as ink is depleted). I also like the old Baoer 801 and 388 models for small utility pens. IMO they beat the Pilot Metropolitan in both smoothness with a fine nib and being better sealed, i.e. less prone to dry out. Particularly my stainless 801 is very well sealed.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Awesome! Thank you.

[@swfl2720]

For around $40... three Hongdian C1's (all EF) and a Jinhao X-159 (EF) meet my current needs. All were recommended from YT presenters or commenters. Would like to have the X-159 in (M). Nice additions to my small, daily written tribe of 13 FPs.

[@markmolnar4319]

Very informative, as usual. Thank you. I remember you were enthusiastic about the Jinhao x159 which I have bought. Does it have the same nib as the Jinhao 6019? If yes, I doubt if is worth buying them both. What do you think? - Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes the x159 has the same nib but normal converter and it isn’t as well built.

[@uhohDavinci]

I have the p20 and the m800, i think the p20 is ojbectivly a better than the m800 in everyway. More in capacity, ink window, piston filler, no wonky grip section, better balanced, nib writes perfectly out of the box. They are both galaxy(favorite finish). The p20 fixed all the things i didnt like about the m800. my list: 1. Winsung 699 - 95% of the 823 for 10% of the price. 2. Asvine p20 3. Moonman m800 4. Moonman T1- Brass Gorgeous antique looking pen. 5. Jinhao x450 - the pen that started it all, super cheap, durable, just works, crazy value.

[@gstfrr2]

Where did you get your rattlesnake pen holder that I'm love with?

[@InkquiringMinds]

It is from Coppertist.Wu tinyurl.com/2fz3wmz7

[@gstfrr2]

@@InkquiringMinds thanks. Sadly they don't ship to Brazil, yet.

[@xkrfan]

Isn't the ink capacity of the 9019 closer to 2 ml, not 1? As I move along in this hobby I really appreciate the extra capacity of these newer pens, so I rate the P20, which is a great pen, above the M800, but both are great choices.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes yes yes I misspoke. 1.5ml

[@richardplug8452]

Looking for expert information on Chinese fountain pens, I came along your - well made - video. Considering your advice - and your interesting background - I have bought the marble Moonman M88 with Bock M-nib. Thank you and best wishes, Richard

[@InkquiringMinds]

M88?

[@richardplug8452]

M800 I mean, it was a typo

[@sushanart]

I have no Chinese FP yet. It's hard to choose which one to start with. 😁❤️👍

[@paulmchugh1430]

I have most of these pens. I have not bought the M800. I don't know why. I have it in mind to get one soon. How can I not get one? I have been looking at the Jinhao 9016, the smaller version of the 9019 with the same converter as the 9019. I have an unused Jowo nib that is looking for a home.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Sounds like a nice combo.

[@MrCristoflanga]

Hi! Out of these, in your opinion, which has the best nib? In terms of what comes with the pen itself?

[@InkquiringMinds]

The 14k gold WS630 easily!

[@sbornot2b]

I'm confused. The m800 is offered in two versions, one being a bock nib fitting. Is it otherwise Schmidt? Which one takes a Leonardo nib? Would either take a Jowo #6? Wait, the Leonardo is a Jowo, so the answer would be the same.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I misspoke. The two versions are with a Moonman nib and feed or a Bock nib and feed. You can use #6 size nibs from Bock, Schmidt, Jowo or whatever, as long as you use the nib collar and feed that came with the pen.

[@Sapta_Chakra]

Hello Prof., I think it's been a while you have shown Indian pens. Are you planning to review one soon? I recommend Ranga Bamboo or a Lotus ebonite pen if you are looking for the next!

[@InkquiringMinds]

I was kinda waiting for MP Kandan to send me one as I've purchased three at full price. I'm not interesting in spending the money on an overpriced Magna Carta, so I might have to bite the bullet and get another Ranga. Great pens.

[@kathleenbaldwin7013]

Where can one buy a Ranga?

[@Sapta_Chakra]

@@kathleenbaldwin7013 Best way to buy is to contact them directly. They are very responsive. Google Ranga Pens

[@dr.s.p.]

Both informative and a few good giggles along the way.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@StarKnightZ]

Why do you prefer the Wingsung over the Montblanc?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Because it is $1000 less expensive and works just as well.

[@StarKnightZ]

@@InkquiringMinds So if they costed the same you'd have no preference one over the other? The Wingsun is legitimately the montblancs equal quality wise in everyway?

[@RaoulKunz1]

While I love the Jinao 9019 it's less useful than the same nib on the X159 for my rather specific purposes I use the cheaper pens (writing ON orthopaedic inlay elements while constructing complex orthotics... I told you it's weird😅) so sadly they don't enter my personal list very high (though I like them as a writer) - I'm about to check out the new 9016. Personally I was most impressed (and about equally) by the Wing Sung 630 with it's beautifully surprisingly soft steel nib - feels almost (but *not quiet* though when tested side by side with a Montblanc 146 ) like a gold one. The other one it the Hongdian N12 - while not as "golden" in feel it's still a beautiful writer and it's also comfortably wet, I personally hate dry pens, I have time, no need to hurry the dry time, I think it's the reason I love my assorted Pelikans (several M400s, a Streseman M800 - I love the 20s anyway stylistically 😉, a BO nibbed M200...) as well as the Montblanc 146. I'd add the X159 for sheer value but that's nothing I recently acquired - let's see how the 9016 works out once it arrives... Best regards Raoul G. Kunz

[@cdnmember]

Great review, will be buying a couple of your top Chinese pens. Question for you: when ordering from Cult Pens to Canada, have you been charged Duty or GST?

[@InkquiringMinds]

It depends on the declared value of your purchase how much or if any duty is applied. GST will be applied, but the biggest added price will be the roughly $20-25 Cdn upcharge fee from UPS, DHL, Purolator or whatever service is delivering it.

[@cdnmember]

@@InkquiringMinds ok, thx. Looks like i will stick with local purchases!

[@Roger_Stenning]

Wing Sung 699 vacuum filler?

[@jpg5540]

Hongdian Qin Dynasty blew my mind in 2023! #1

[@MonkeyFarmFrankenstein]

I can't disagree with any of your choices as great pens, though the Leonardo-style of the P20 and M800 just aren't for me. I would have to include Hong Dian N6 and N12 somewhere near the top of my list. Also, the Lemon M2 is giving my Jinhao 100s a run for their money.

[@clc3897]

Is it really a Chinese pen if the nib or other parts of it are changed out?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes.

[@PhilipfDuffy]

You seem to glance over the places where you buy nibs/parts and the people and locations of the stores you use. Could you share those in a separate video, Please??? Philip

[@InkquiringMinds]

I've mentioned my sources in several videos. I'm not sure the two or three places I shop are worthy of a full video. I got to Pentooling.com theinkynib.com and fifteenpens.ca

[@DrinkWater713]

IMO if you swapped the nib, then it shouldn't count, because the nib is a BIG factor

[@InkquiringMinds]

Nope.

[@johnsomers8269]

Doug, Opinions are like noses. Everybody has one, and they have holes! The Jinhao Centennial is one of my faves, any my Jinhao Dadao is my constant inked pen. I use my Pelikan pens for those epistles that an OM nib gives that flare of credence that is required! My "gift box" will soon be on its way, thank you!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you John!

[@numerounoleo]

5. Jinhao 80 ivory with golden trims 4. Jinhao 85 lacquered black with golden trims 3. Jinhao x159 black with steel trims 2. Moorman m800 blue with golden trims 1. Jinhao 100 crushed ice with golden trims Surprisingly Jinhao 85 writes immediately upon unscrewing the cap even after 3 to 4 months. No hard start, whereas my expensive Germany pens failed to do so...! Doug, do you feel any difference with Jinhao 9019 in comparison to X159 from writing perspective? And in gripping?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes. They are quite different. The 9019 is thicker.

[@princeajaz9167]

I have been hunting for penbbs 456 amber since 1 year, but not successful yet. Are you willing to sell yours?😊

[@InkquiringMinds]

No. Sorry. 😞

[@princeajaz9167]

@@InkquiringMinds Any tips to hunt one

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@princeajaz9167Ask in the Taste the Rainbow Facebook group

[@Scouzeboy]

Greetings from Australia. Great video. I'm surprised and a little disappointed that Hong dian is not represented in your lineup. I have a few Moonman, but I don't think they come anywhere near Hong dian. But that's my opinion. Video suggestion: Your thoughts on Grail Pens. Mine is the Conway Stewart Churchill Shingle. A beautiful pen for $1000Aud. I'm afraid of being disappointed after spending so much money, especially when there are great pens like the Hong dian D5 that write perfect for a fraction of the cost. A topic I'm interested in.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[@cjpsmachado]

The Moonman M800 doesn´t go by this name anymore, now you can only find her as Admok M800

[@InkquiringMinds]

The Admok M800 is a completely different pen. The Moonman is now the MaJohn M800.

[@cjpsmachado]

@@InkquiringMinds Thanks for the feedbck, i'm sorry, I Thought the Majohn was now Moonman and not the other way around. didn´t even thought about looking for the Majohn M800

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@cjpsmachado Moonman was the name of the company before Kaweco registered the name in the EU and forced them to change their name to Majohn.

[@bharatc.sampat6406]

Excellent

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks

[@neilpiper9889]

And now the Jinhao 9016....

[@aag24]

Thank you for another excellent video. If only I had your skills at getting those good pretty acrylics (and other finsihes) then I'd be even happier! Sadly they are never around when I'm ready to buy! Bets wishes to all at Rathbun House. .

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

I can always tell how cold it is; where you live ; Alberta?; by how you're dressed in your video.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes!

[@georgeparapadakis]

Gratifyingly predictable ;-) Although I did wonder if the Asvine or a Hongdian might have taken the lead.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Almost, but not quite!

[@oldfool2635]

Kudos for a quick video. I only wish you had omitted the potty mouth comments. Otherwise an excellent perfectly timed review.

[@bkstarkey]

….”and they all stink”.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You must mean FPR

[@bkstarkey]

@@InkquiringMinds hahaha. Was more adding an end to your opinion sentence.

[@LordAllfar]

A great list I respect Doug 👍😎 Thanks to whoever wanted you to make the video and to you who made it happen 🤗 You disliked the Majohn M400 with original nib.? I did too, nib is stiffer than a man's morning bread 😁 When I replaced the Moon Man nib with the Kaigelu F nib I bought on eBay from Lidetool, which writes like M after minimal work and writing, like your recommendation of 7 strokes (best advice anyone has ever given me, thank you Doug 😍) the M400 is the only fountain pen I'm grabbing at the moment. The M400 is almost perfect in every way for my needs and wishes 🥰 My Jinhao X850 has a Kaigelu nib too, but since the feeder is so wet, I tested it with EF since F was simply a bit too much. I have also tried the Kaigelu nib in HongDian fountain pens, but the HongDian nib is a few microns thinner so I do not recommend that combination. Can be a nightmare to get out again, if you get everything in place. Kaugelu F is permanently in my Hong Dian N1s without it being in the right place where it should be (too long), it's a bit loose and I notice it when I write. Immensely appreciate the wonderful work you do for the fountain pen community, Doug 🤗 "Written in Norwegian and translated into English, so I hope the translation is good this time."

[@InkquiringMinds]

Translation is fine! Thanks for sharing!