Jinhao 85 Black - Review

In this video I review the Jinhao 85 fountain pen. It reminds for sure the new version of the Parker 51 from 2021.
You can get one here:
- Jinhao 85: ebay.us/HJuPXB
Other pens shown in the video:
- Parker 51 Deluxe Black GT: bit.ly/2TT0ieu | kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXPbh6ONjJafmLM
- Parker 51 Custom Black Aerometric: ebay.us/x66NFa | kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGGWqKSNhbyprZI
- Parker Centennial Duofold Classic Big Red Vintage: bit.ly/34tQWZC | kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2Sxpq2IhbF2q7c
- Jinhao 51A: ebay.to/2WuUbgJ | kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3_WaXWGr9-Ai9E
- Aurora Duo Cart Yellow: bit.ly/34XMaGD
- Lamy Safari All Black: | kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4mlXot8pLOIlcU
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[@dreysnaps]

I just received one of these, a Jinhao 85 with Walnut Wood body for around $6. It's really well made, feels very nice in the hand and the nib is pretty smooth. Seller said it was a 0.38 EF nib, but is more of a 0.5 line with pencil like feedback but super smooth and just the right wetness. One of my biggest issues with it though is that it takes so long to uncap, just a little over 2 full turns. After using it for a while though, I think that was not a bad idea as I can imagine myself stripping the threads off if it was easier to uncap as I also keep mistaking it for a snap cap. Snap cap is definitely better, but it is what it is. Regardless, this is probably my favorite under $10 pen!

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

This pen is simple and a good writer. But that screw cap makes no sense in this design. And there are too many turns, I agree.

[@vincentarackal5511]

I've one with red body. Spent almost $15. Still happy with it, as it writes so smooth. Parker 51 I've of the 1950's.

[@chrisrap52]

I have an 85 - wood barrel & I like it. I do not have a "new" 51 nor any interest in one. I have many vintage 51s. I agree about "Why a screw-on cap?" Makes no sense. Some writers prefer a screw-on as they consider it more secure. Took a while but I now unscrew the 85 cap & not pull on it. To me, that is the one design trait the 85 shares with the new 51 that makes these family members. A trait very few like. Wonder if anyone did a focus group review of this pen before deciding to make it? Can't imagine a group of FPU liking the design.

[@jamesaritchie1]

If I had my way, every fountain pen made would have a screw on cap. It's less about being more secure, though it certainly is, and more about the pen drying out. In my experience, screw on caps go a long way in keeping a pen wet. The snap on cap is also a heck of a lot noisier, which can be a problem at times. and, I also find that snap on caps simply cause a lot more problems than screw on caps, and are far more likely to have a poor fit. Even with some costly pens, one snap on cap barely stays on the pen, and the next takes a mule to remove. It's no coincidence that expensive pens almost all have screw on caps. Market research says it's far and away the favorite method of keeping the cap on the pen. So, for me, screw on caps always make sense, regardless of the make, model, or brand of the pen. Fortunately, more and more cheap pens are coming with screw on caps. I don't buy a lot of cheap pens, but I have no doubt I will buy more as it gets easier and easier to find ones with screw on caps. I really can't imagine a group of fountain pen people not liking this pen, assuming they like the Parker 51 in the first place. I know it has overwhelming approval with my fairly large fountain pen group.

[@chrisrap52]

@@jamesaritchie1 Thankfully you don't have your way. I do not find any significant difference between my snap cap vs. screw cap to maintaining nib wet. I generally have over 50 pens inked up. That is more a function of the cap liner & how it fits the section & how well the feed works. Surprised you'd say vintage 51 (snap cap & tubular nib) owners liking this pen in name only. Parker is promoting this pen based on the name. Hope you enjoy your "new" 51.

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

Thank you for your opinion. I hope they did a focus group and that decision is based on something. For me it makes no sense this way. But I know my opinion does not reflect (necessarily) the opinion of most people.

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

@@jamesaritchie1 I see your point there. I don't have many modern snap cap pens. But I the one I have I like them quite a lot. Two are not current models but have 10 -15 years: Parker 45 and Parker 100. No problem at all. Also, a modern one - I bought it only last December and it was recently released in this new version: the Aurora Duo Cart. Nib always wet., doesn't dry and I dont think the cap is loose. And it is from a brand that makes expensive pens. And they have screw caps and push fit caps on their lineup. But I undestand there are people who may have different experiences.

[@bumblesby]

Well... since I am still waiting for my new Parker 51 to arrive (I preordered), perhaps I will try one of these for fun. I will probably get the one from China before the Parker!

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

😀 This is a simple and inexpensive pen. Maybe you will have fun comparing them side by side or showing both to non-fountain pen people and ask which one is the most expensive...

[@jamesjacocks6221]

I have a nice Parker 51 that is a model of reliability, ink flow and feel, and still have a place for my Wing Sung 618 look alike which has a 12 kt. nib. What I like about the Jinhao is the cap, which doesn't seem to impress any reviewers. Perhaps the look is fine but the execution is lacking? There are striated caps on pens in the higher price tiers that don't look better (from here). Thorough review, thanks.

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

Thank you for your comment. I don't think the execution of the cap of the Jinhao 85 is missing. In my personal opinion I just don't like the larger lines and the matte finish. But that is because I don't like it, not because I think they are poorly made. There is a reviewer who likes the cap a lot: Chrisrap52: kzbin.info/door/bE2Ff4viQmV2U64-IxEsQg

[@ginopagnani7286]

I would definitely buy the Jinhao 85 before the new Parker 51. That gap between the nib and the hood just looks like a design flaw.

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

Maybe it isn't a flaw because they are different inside and I believe that makes some difference. But, said that, I find it makes no sense at all.

[@alexdaniel1618]

From where I can buy this pen, please advice me sir. give me the sellers name and place. Thank you.

[@jasondaniel918]

I have tried to find a Jinhao 85, too. The best I could do was a search on e-Bay. 85's are available there.

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

On eBay. There is a link on the video description.

[@archivist17]

Interesting review, thanks, Paulo.

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

👍

[@acmramon]

The way it writes i think is amazing. Just bought 2 in silver steel colour. Hope they will write the same

[@jamesaritchie1]

I'm not a Parker 51 fan, and I don't like hooded or partly hooded nibs. I think the nib is the most beautiful part of many pens, particularly plain Jane pens like the 51, so I want to see it when I'm writing., both for beauty, and for easy orientation with the paper. Like the majority of people, I greatly, greatly prefer screw on caps to snap on caps. If I had my way, every fountain pen would have a screw on cap.

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

I see your point. i agree that the pens with an exposed nib are more beautiiful and a big nib is nice to the sight. But I got my first Parker 45 (semi-hooded nib) while I didn't like it that much. And it grew on me to the point it became one of my favourite pens. I like big exposed nibs but also some of the semi-hooded nibs. Maybe this one is "too hooded" for me, also.

[@jamesjacocks6221]

Albeit that we share most of a name (James Ritchie J. here) we don't agree on Parker 51 pens. What I like about 51 pens is their pure style, uninterrupted line from cap to finial with an almost perfect integration of the nib into the pen's lines.

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

@@jamesjacocks6221 Agree. The step, though small, from the barrel to the section breaks the design.

[@davidanderson3425]

Hi Paulo. The fortunate timing for the release of this pen means Jinhao can say, in all confidence, that Parker made a more expensive 'knock off' of the 85. Joking aside, I own the Jinhao 85 and initial tests show a slightly disappointing performance. The pen is fairly dry when using Diamine 'Prussian Blue'. I would prefer a pen that writes more like the example in your video. I will try other inks and paper to see if it makes a difference.

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

That is true... The Parker came after! 😁I had a good performance with mine. But I didn't try any other ink besides the Parker Quink Black because it is an ink that I love and it was the ink I wanted to ink the 51 with, also, to be able to compare them. Maybe I can try it with other inks now. Or I was just lucky with the way mine writes.

[@paulherman5822]

Although I actually like the Jinhao extra fine nibs, (some of the only extra fine ones I do like, though I agree. More of a fine than extra fine), and I have a Jinhao 85, I'm waiting for a nib from Bobby from China Pens on Etsy or office_supplies_pen on eBay. He does a Waverly style nib for the Jinhao hooded and Wing Sung hooded pens that's a joy to write with. Slightly wider line, definitely wetter, and gloriously smooth. Should take my under $10 Jinhao to be even nicer. Does it compare to a Parker? Probably not, though the Bobby nibs are a definite improvement to a already decent enough writer. Is it a copy of the Parker? Not sure. Which one actually went into production first? There's only so many ways to make a pen, though they look suspiciously alike, there's a definite difference between the pens. I get that there's a trend of the Chinese manufacturers to duplicate others. Look at what Moonman has done with the Montblanc copies, just mild cosmetic differences. Even down to the flaws... I like everything I've gotten from Jinhao, the 85 included. Do I have a Parker to compare? Nope. Though I'm looking at a Parker Challenger DeLuxe from the 1930s. And that's like comparing apples to octopuses. 😁 I agree with you about the Jinhao pens. They've really stepped up the quality. Is it a Parker? No. But it's still a great workhorse pen, that, unlike the steel nibbed Parker, comes with a converter. (Only ones I don't like are the Lamy-esque models, but I don't like the way that type of Lamy looks, either. 😁) Thanks for sharing this!

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

Thank you for your comment. Jinhao pens are getting better and this pen is no exception. The Parker Challeger Deluxe... I have one. I love that pen. It is one of my favourite pens ever. And the nib makes noise while writing. I usually say it sings. I like everything in that little pen. It reminds me it is a good excuse to ink it again.

[@paulherman5822]

@@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita I have a set of the Jinhao 992s for giving away, when I come across someone interested in fountain pens. They're a good pen, and consistently decent, look like a classic fountain pen, and in sets of 6 are under $2 USD each. I want to encourage fountain pen use, and these are cheap and good. Missed the Parker I was trying to get, but there's more on eBay, so I'm still hopeful. My fixed disability income limits me on occasion. It kind of has to be something unrestored, something that I can either do myself, or the sending it out is cheap enough (like the feed that I am getting replaced in a ca. 1912 Mabie Todd Swan and the Sheaffer Tuckaway vacuum filler I have.) It's the thrill of the hunt, sometimes. 😉

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

@@paulherman5822 I agree that is better to find an unrestored Parker Challenger out there, for a better price. If there are no structural problems to the pen, the Challengers are quite easy to restore. I think when I got mine, maybe 15 years ago, there were a lot more of those in unrestored condition and very inexpensive. I think that is no longer true.

[@paulherman5822]

@@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita I've not seen any for under $40, which is a bit more than I'm currently willing to pay, but, thanks to eBay and sellers that really don't know what they are selling, I have hope. Didn't get the one I was looking at, but I'm looking at several more. And I have several Sheaffer pens of various sizes and models. Only need a Waterman's to really cover the vintage "big name brands," if I can get a Parker.

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

@@paulherman5822 I think $40 may be quite a low price for a Challenger Deluxe. Maybe easier for the smaller ones.

[@explorerextraordinaire5472]

❤️❤️👍❤️❤️ looks like a nice pen. pretty sure I'm never going to buy one though. I'm not a big fan of those but that's alright. If it writes, it writes!

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

I agree. If you are not a fan, don't buy and save for a pen you want more. I'm not a fan either, but because I knew I would get a Parker 51 on loan from Appelboom I had the need to buy this one just to show on the channel and use it for pen comparison.

[@DrPhilologist]

Oh man, if Jinhao wakes up and remakes the pen with a push cap, this will be the absolute Parker 51 2021 re-release. Shame they currently opted to fully imitate Parker and go with that stupid thread design.

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

I guess they are making the threaded cap design because they studied consumers and that is what they want. But I'm not sure. In fact that is the detail I like the least in these two new pens. It makes no sense in a Parker 51 type pen.

[@archivist17]

Interesting review, thanks, Paulo.

[@OdE-ObjectosdeEscrita]

Thanks!