Trouble For Other Brands? Asvine J16 Fountain Pen Review

[@cynthiaalvarado8610]

I’m really liking Asvine for their constant tweaking to have something for everyone all while keeping costs at a good price point to make them as accessible as possible. I like the look of this pen. Thanks for the review DB

[@Doodlebud]

Yup, they really are doing a great job with their manufacturing and price points. Great pens at very reasonable prices

[@bethg7026]

I have the asvine nib on the V200 and I love it, its every bit as good as the Jowo medium nibs I have. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with my pens that have Jowo nibs, but it added to the uniqueness of Asvine pens that it wasn't yet another Jowo nib.

[@ChrisGVE]

I agree their stock nibs are really good! But a Jowo housing gives some flexibility to exchange the unit with some specialty nibs.

[@bethg7026]

@@ChrisGVE this is true. Personally I'd rather see Asvine start making a wider variety of nibs than going with the plain old Jowo 😞

[@zeus52452]

@@ChrisGVE In the V200 you can change the stock Asvine nib with a Bock compatible nib. I changed mine with a Bock compatible FPR Ultra Flex nib unit.

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

Absolutely. I prefer the Asvine nibs.

[@Doodlebud]

Yup, they make a pretty damn good and consistent nib. I'd choose the Asvine over the Bock any day. Having a Jowo nib & housing is handy for nib swapping

[@Bushviking]

Great review Sir! I own one as well, but the smooth Titanium one (M). With mine, the dry-out stopped when I thoroughly greased and re-screwed that small top part. Perfect seal since.

[@charlieperkins1395]

Received my J16 today with a Jowo nib. I already had a V200, V136, and a P20. Those are nice pens. I wish the V200 weren’t so slick. The J16 on the other hand is outstanding. It writes as well as many of my much more expensive pens. Thank you for the recommendation.

[@Doodlebud]

Its really a cut above the other Asvine pens. I would say this is my #1 Asvine then the V126 #2

[@charlieperkins1395]

I said V136. I should have said V126.

[@catherinehubbard1167]

Looks interesting! Also interesting is that Fountain Pen Revolution has a JoWo-compatible #6 steel ultraflex nib unit, which I assume would fit this pen, for $50 US. That’s with an ebonite feed; you can also get a plastic feed. (That’s a sale price, will be $55 after it ends.) I’d love to see someone try out that combination.

[@mrcharon6197]

I just saw this last night on Amazon and ordered immediately. I'm glad I stalled for a very long time on the other one. A always thanks for a great review!

[@mariexlupin]

Ooh, this is very tempting! I actually enjoy Asvine's own nibs quite a bit, but being able to get a broad nib makes it very appealing.

[@Doodlebud]

I'm super impressed with the Asvine nibs but good to see more nib size options and the ability to swap in your favorite Jowo nibs from other pens if you have ones you want to try.

[@aquanox4438]

After this video, I just ordered one. Great analytical view of this pen.!

[@michaeloleary258]

So did I :)

[@Aurord1a]

Literally just bought this on a wim after seeing it pop up on Amazon; very excited now!

[@paulmchugh1430]

Like you, I love titanium pens. I am glad Asvine has made the switch to Jowo which I think has a better consistency in quality than Bock. Schmidt comes in a close second, lately. How does this compare to the P36? I would love to see Asvine make a Japanese eyedropper, be it titanium or clear acrylic.

[@Doodlebud]

Personally I prefer this one over the P36. The P36 isn't as comfortable in the hand for me

[@paulmchugh1430]

@@Doodlebud This may end up being a Christmas present to myself 😉.

[@richardsimms251]

Does the metal surface make it difficult to hold onto ? Is there hand fatigue ? Great video RS. Canada

[@rakisk8r]

Thank you for the hot tip! Glad to have you out there helping me, Doodlebud! ~kari in Vic

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

HI DB! Asvine and a couple of others continue to impress! When you got ink all over your fingers, I just have to chuckle, as I have done that SO MANY times! Thanks for sharing!

[@Doodlebud]

So tough to pay attention and record at the same time LOL

[@archivist17]

@@JefferyHall-ct2tr When I saw the ink splat, I just thought what a great colour it was 😄

[@the_knife_degenerate]

6:39 “Sir! Excuse me, Sir! It’s leaking. The pen is leaking! Your pen is leaking! It’s leak… ok he realized it.” 😂

[@Doodlebud]

You should see how hard it is to do a nib grind video while recording. The worst grinds I do are ones when I try to record it LOL

[@the_knife_degenerate]

@@Doodlebud I just started getting into fountain pens. As you can tell by my name, I’m really into pocket knives and love the whole edc category. Love my vanishing point and just ordered some TWSBI’s and the ensso bolt that are on the way. I do travel for work and usually leave my fountain pens at home and roll with a couple of tactile turn bolt actions (one in ti and other in zirc) however I wanna start bringing a fountain pen. Anyways, if you got questions about knives, I’m your guy and if I have any pen questions I’ll rely on you 🤘🏼

[@archivist17]

This is very interesting, and tempting indeed. Of all the Chinese manufacturers, Asvine is one of the last which needs a change of nib. I like the Majohn Ti-136, but I have the P136, which suits me fine.

[@robertosans5250]

Great video, I just ordered one in a brushed finish and F nib. Pity here in the EU is a bit more expensive than in North America but it looks very nice.

[@jinjang1026]

Ordering immediately.. might be a fun candidate for some st home anodization

[@chojoel1148]

A monoc nib with this would be 👌🏻

[@osirisgolad]

I honestly don't really care if Asvine's pens use JoWo or Asvine nibs just for the nib quality in itself. However, not having to deal with the atrocious Moonman nib housings Asvine uses, having more available nib sizes(even if it's not directly from Asvine themselves) and having a JoWo compatible "nib stick" is a big plus. I think the next move for Chinese nib manufacturers should be to produce nibs with triple broad tipping material, because that would make them attractive as a canvas for custom grinds; I don't know of any manufacturer in the West or Japan that mass produces steel nibs with generous tipping material. I bet you'd see a bunch of enterprising nib grinders buy a hundred of them, convert them into a special grind and then sell them to people directly. No need to sacrifice a nib, no need to send your pen out, and no waiting times. A bit like Monty Winnfield does, but less bonkers/talented.

[@Aurord1a]

New viewer here, absolutely love how detailed your reviews are. Practically binge-watched 20 of 'em. Keep up the amazing work, it's just getting better and better! btw, would I be able to fit an o-ring onto the cap threads? Hoping that would help the seal a bit.

[@Doodlebud]

I don't see a stop where an oring could fit properly. Would end up getting chewed up in the threads. Good to hear you're enjoying my vids 👍

[@LChaderton]

Doodlebud, thanks so much for your efforts, I really appreciate your candour, thoroughness and engineering perspective! In this video, you mentioned you have some pens with superb sealing - I've appreciated your capless drying-out time video; with that aforementioned engineering perspective, I wonder if you would consider doing a video that covers a range of high-performing pens in that respect? I appreciate it would take some time literally leaving pens untouched to test, perhaps a more anecdotal, conversational video based on your previous experience? Otherwise, could I a little more selfishly ask which more affordable pens you'd rank in this category?

[@Doodlebud]

I could possibly do a video touching on some of those pens. TBH there are many I find to have very good cap sealing, but could mention some of my favorites at different price points

[@toddg330]

Platinum slip and seal is hard to beat and even comes on the preppy. Lots of the Japanese companies have very good sealing pens. Cheaper pens, some of the "classic" Jinhaos do okay. Avoid Monteverde and Conklin if a good seal is what you're after.

[@williamcatalano1762]

If Asvine did a Brass model of this exactly, I'd be ALL OVER it haha I'm interested in this now for sure. Awesome video as usual Doodlebud. Did you see the new limited edition Visconti carbon that came out? That thing looks awesome!!

[@Doodlebud]

No haven't seen it I'll have to give it a look. Im guessing already its over $2000 LOL

[@williamcatalano1762]

@@Doodlebud Yup right at 2 grand LOL... Bit too steep for me. I have a rule not to spend much over a grand on a pen, and even then I don't like doing that. haha

[@ibpopp]

An excellent review of a very desirable pen. Thanks, as ever, Mr DB.

[@JohnTravena]

Love your reviews and I’m always wondering How does this guy know so much about machining and production and how is his writing so nice? If you are ever lost for words a video on your experience here would be interesting.

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

He is an engineer.

[@JohnTravena]

@@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564 Oh thanks, that explains both. : )

[@Doodlebud]

I used to do precision laser measurement systems. My writing was trash at that time, but as I did the channel my writing improved

[@JohnTravena]

@@Doodlebud Thanks mate - reckon there’s hope for my handwriting then.😂👍

[@arcboy2011]

Great review DB! Not my aesthetic but it looks like a quality pen. The Pelican is also not my jam, but hopefully folks will like it.

[@paulll47]

Looks interesting, it doesn't even look like a knockoff of some other design from what I can see... Asvine is getting better.

[@slo_carry]

Very nice. As tempted as I am to get one, I'm trying to not buy any more pens this year haha.

[@Doodlebud]

You probably have more than you need LOL Interesting to see them offer Jowo nibs now for those you prefer them

[@stephen_hynes]

I have the brushed finish with a broad nib. Also have the Majohn p136. They are very different. The Asvine body has bumps in its curves, as though it was swaged to accept the insert in the cap and the piston. Or these items were just forced into a thin metal body and deformed the surface. The metal of the p136 seems thicker and is perfectly continuous. The Asvine piston is a bit smoother in operation and I think the Jowo nib is better than the p136 nib, although that is easily replaced with a Bock nib and feed which I think significantly improves the pen. The main thing about the Asvine is the irritating sharp edged washer above the ink window that rubs my fingers as I hold the pen. It sticks out enough to really bug me. I can't see how to remove the metal shell, I expect the thing is just glued together and will likely break in the attempt to free the part for a little adjustment. As it is the pen is unfortunately useless to me.

[@escargotomy]

Asvine still killing it. Gee I wish they would have offered Jowo when I bought my V200. The stock one is nice but I find Jowo always outpunches in its class. I will probably get the superflex replacement for it eventually. What is that PenBBS or Pen Revolution?? I already forgot.

[@Doodlebud]

Im not sure the exact one you're referring to but I know FPR does have a superflex nib

[@escargotomy]

@@Doodlebud Saw some video at some point where someone swapped in one of those modern superflex nibs on their Asvine 200. I guess it wasn't here. But you're probably right that it was FPR. I think the stock Asvine feed unit is Bock spec, so this flex one was too..maybe> I'll have to go back and look. Thanks!

[@T4FF3R]

That's a good looking pen. I definitely didn't need it, but mine will arrive on Wednesday...

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

Do you know if Asvine has plans to release this pen with their Asvine nibs? I've just had two Jowo nib feeds break off; two in one day! Which makes me gun shy about purchasing another pen with a Jowo nib, especially at that price. I wouldn't hesitate if there was an option with an Asvine nib. Probably an Asvine housing won't fit. Can you confirm that? Otherwise, a very nice offering although the nib dry out would be really annoying.

[@Doodlebud]

He mentioned to me at present they only have the Jowo available for the J16. So not sure if that means in the future they will be offering it with a Asvine nib or not

[@ChrisGVE]

That's a beautiful pen, I like the P136 (hammered version) but out of my current budget, but this cigar shaped Asvine seems really nice, isn't it comparable in size to a 146? I would imagine exchanging the Jowo nib with a ZebraG Jowo-compatiable nib unit and use it for calligraphy. That's now two Asvine on my list: V200 in black and the J16. BTW Have you seen that there is a new WingSung titanium with a #9 gold nib, I think it is the WingSung 900? I saw it at $500 on 365 on AliExpress, that would be a nice pen to test even if pretty expensive for a Chinese pen.

[@Doodlebud]

Yeah its pretty similar to a 146 size and shape. Pretty popular pen to mimic it seems. I haven't seen that new WingSung. I'll have to give it a look!

[@meloenboom]

What is that small brass (?) pen in the background? It looks interesting!

[@santauxia]

That's another nice pen from Asvine.

[@zeus52452]

Interesting review for an interesting pen, DB!! Yeah, it may give some brands a major run for their money in the $50-$100 range of pens being near the lower end at $60 USD for the brushed version about $4 USD less for the Bright model. It is a nice looking pen, but my focus is elsewhere on this one!! The Pelikan P361 should be arriving tomorrow, and I have a Jinhao 51a on the way as well. I do love the cheap Chinese pens!!

[@Doodlebud]

Oh damn you snagged a P361. I hope you enjoy it. Im going to give my OB a grind to be more line variation into the nib. Super fun pen to use

[@zeus52452]

@@Doodlebud I picked up both pens this afternoon and just inked the P361. Now to way for the capillary action. I know from your video your nib didn't seem quite right for an OB. Good luck with the grind, I'm sure you can get it to the right shape.

[@manuelsalazar3938]

I don't need more Jowo nibs, I'm already fed up with that brand, so, I hope they offer it with Asvine nibs, which i also don't use in favor of my Narwhal nibs 😂 If the Jowo nibs in these pens turn out to be just as reliable and smooth and whatever people claim they are, it may prove my suspicion that major brands don't actually tune their Jowo offerings as they claim, we'll see.

[@meepmorprobotcaptain]

Oooh, this is pretty! If only Moonman had taken the "user disassembleable" approach to the Ti-500 instead of gluing everything in place.... *rolls eyes into oblivion*

[@blaberus1]

Is your pen the bright or the brushed titanium? You mention "brushed" in the video, but the pen looks like the bright finish (but it could be down to your lighting).

[@Doodlebud]

Mine is the brushed

[@blaberus1]

@@Doodlebud Sorry - made a mistake. I meant to post that comment on another video, not yours!

[@Shap85]

Almost certainly have to buy this now

[@Doodlebud]

My condolences to your wallet 💸

[@LivingArmor196]

Is this the cheapest Jowo nib pen around? That brushed finish looks very slick.

[@bradwavemb]

I think some TWSBI and Faber Castell nibs are custom made by Jowo. You can also get Opus 88 pens with #5 Jowo nibs for a comparable price.

[@AndrewWertheimer]

This is a steel nib rather than Titanium, right. JoWo makes both, I think. We all can relate to inky fingers. Keep it real and thanks again.

[@Doodlebud]

Yes its a steel nib

[@AndrewWertheimer]

@@Doodlebud thank you

[@fossilimprint2954]

So you mentioned you have pens that are top notch at sealing, please would you mention which pens?

[@Doodlebud]

There are tons I have that are great. Could do a video on that I guess

[@YasBean]

@doodlebud do you know where one could find replacement o-rings like the one that ran off your feed?

[@Coffeedav]

Ahhh... it turns the piston knob... Sir, thank you... love the vids. Algo bump! Thumbs up 👍, already subscribed... almost spit my coffee out... 😂 life of a fountain pen enthusiasts.

[@Doodlebud]

At least now everyone knows it turns the knob

[@avgjoeshow4208]

What’s the little triangular torpedo shaped brass pen behind your hand while you’re showing off the Asvine?

[@Doodlebud]

New one coming for review soon by Topdrawer

[@avgjoeshow4208]

@@Doodlebud looking forward to that one!!!

[@zanejenkins5761]

What’s the brass object in the background with the stainless end? Is that a pen? 13:40

[@UneFontaineDePlumes]

(sorry for DoodleBud as it is not your fault, you have my thumb(s) up :-), but sometimes things must be written). It is very painfull to see now Asvine pens selling only to the US market (and Canada for sure), whereas many other countries (like France) must wait. Recently the V200 new finish, and now the J16. Probably outside US and china, Asvine don't care to sell and consider other markets as uninsteresting. Thank you Asvine! I appreciate to be neglectable for you. DoodleBud, thank you for your review ;-)

[@afrog2666]

HaH, I`m Norwegian, we don`t get anything outside of the regular Lamy`s etc, everything must be imported unless it`s either among the most popular products, or if it`s VERY expensive, so I can get a Namiki Emperor here, but no Jinhao, Majohng, Asvine etc. Maybe our retailers are TWSBI simps 😂 And I can understand that to be honest, we`re a very small country, fountain pens are kinda nichè, it`s not just about what Asvine considers a good market, someone has to pull the trigger and import the products as well. But a country as large as France? One would think the market was quite good?

[@Doodlebud]

They first offer new pens on their Amazon US store. After a while the pens will pop up on other Amazon locations and AliExpress. So give it a little time and Im sure it will be available elsewhere

[@robertosans5250]

@@Doodlebud These are available in the Amazon spanish store

[@ichirofakename]

I'm just slightly disappointed they went with Jowo; the more companies making nibs, the better. Pen looks nice, though, thanks for the show.

[@Doodlebud]

Good to hear you're only slightly disappointed instead of full on disappointed 😁

[@e.meisner3824]

DB, I should stop to watch ur vids. I have already 2 Namisu Nova Titanium Pocket pens, Pelikan 149, Pelikan 400 from 80-90s. And now I ordered J16. 😅

[@Doodlebud]

Oh man!

[@e.meisner3824]

In Germany it costs about 84€😢

[@schm4704]

Come on Asvine... Only available through Amazon US and won't ship to Europe?! Could you please take my money? 😢

[@Doodlebud]

They put it on their US Amazon store first and then it appears on other markets including AliExpress so keep an eye out.

[@schm4704]

@@Doodlebud Right, about 6 hours after my comment it appeared in our local Amazon marketplace. 👍

[@sunnycharacter]

That’s a pretty pen!

[@CozyEccentric]

It's 106.00 plus shipping on Canadian Amazon. That make it a big 'no' for me.

[@louishalleux]

Does it turn the piston knob 😂😂😂😂😂

[@afrog2666]

It`s 72 now on Amazon :/ I`ll keep my feelers out for this one though (:

[@Doodlebud]

Amazon.com?? I just checked and its still the same price as I mentioned if you by directly from the Asvine store.

[@darkoz1692]

I gotta stop watching your reviews Mr. Doodlebud. I bought my first Fountain pen less than two weeks ago and I now have 4 in my collection, thankyou very much.

[@Doodlebud]

Ok damn! Take time to enjoy the pens you have so far

[@darkoz1692]

@@Doodlebud - Will do, I think they are beautiful just to look at, thankyou for your knowledge and reviews.

[@theheathen100]

You're Canadian, why are you giving us the American prices. It confuses us up in Canada.

[@darkoz1692]

What's a Canada?

[@Doodlebud]

They currently only have it on their Amazon US store so I listed the US price. Living in Canada we're all very used to exchange rates. I actually don't mention price very often in videos because prices change over time not to mention exchange rates. I have viewers all over the world and prices in are impacted significantly depending where you live as there is regional pricing done by manufacturers sometimes.

[@KL005]

BOOM

[@bradwavemb]

Why on earth would you put a Montblanc-style clip on a pen? Why?? Just put the most generic clip possible. Why the Montblanc clip?

[@EnCwoisant]

Doooooooodlebud!

[@Doodlebud]

EnCwoisaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnt!

[@peterhess2610]

When I first got started with fountain pens I found that certain nibs were not as good as others. I quickly found out the majority of them were jowo nibs. After spending a good deal of money in my search for a good jowo I gave up on finding a decent nib. As a result I stopped collecting pens as nearly every pen I could afford came with a jowo nib. My second most disliked nibs are lamy. After learning my lesson from jowo and lamy nibs I quickly gave up on collecting pens. I learned that unless you can afford scads of $$$$ it’s just not worth it.

[@nccastro653]

Chinese nibs… they will surprise you. Jinhao, asvine and Hongdian. Majohn as well… Believe me.

[@bethg7026]

@@nccastro653 I love the bounce of some of the Hong Dian nibs. I've bought three Hing Dians. For 2 the tines were way too tight together (but doodlebud's shim trick fixed them), and the third was perfect out of the box.

[@Doodlebud]

I found most of my issues to come from Bock nibs and rarely have issues with Jowo. Guess it can be luck of the draw

[@Vatican22]

I sent you a message on IG. Love your videos, looking for a little advice, thanks!

[@Doodlebud]

Got your message and replied