I have both Pilot 823 and Asvine V126. I'm amazed at how good Asvine is for just a fraction of the cost! It's excellent value and performed better than many more expensive pens! I noticed a few minor issues with it. It writes too wet to my taste, and with some inks, it has problems reaching the feed. Waterman Tender Purple, for example, often formed a void around the plunger, so I had to shake it from time to time to force inks into the feed.
Likewise. I find the ink flow of the Asvine 126 too “wet”, but the tip glides superbly. Also, the fine point writes more like a fine/medium. An excellent fountain pen but, for my taste, I much prefer my P. 823 and P. 74.
That was great! I'm finding that pens that dry out quickly are one of my largest fountain pen dislikes, so I'm glad you spent extra time on that issue. Thanks!
I have the 823 in all 3 colors, all bought second hand. The cheapest of all was 80 USD, bought at yahoo auctions japan. They went up quite a bit since past year but still you can get some deals if you shop around.
The charm of 823 is mainly because of the awesomely magical nib, the filling mechanism, the weight distribution and the thin but thick grip section. And if I can experience 2/3 qualities for a fraction of the price, it is definitely a good buy.
Oooo I recently got a Asvine V126 after seeing your video on it. I actually love using it, however I do get a bit annoyed by how often the cap gets messy with the ink I use. That’s all more a visual issue though and it’s fixed after cleaning the inside of the cap. It’s definitely my test run on whether or not I get a custom 823 in the future. It’s been a dream pen of mine but being a student sort of makes justifying the cost hard to do. I like that asvine has a similar model to the 823 pen I wanted.
I have an Asvine 200, the titanium one. Love it for what it is. BUT! Its important for people to know that there is no substitute for the Pilot 823's nib experience. It is next level smooth and a luxurious writer that is hard to describe. You are definitely paying the extra bucks for that feature that you cannot get from any of the Chinese copycats.
I agree, I was able to test a bunch of pilots in Friday at my local Pelikan Hub, and I was really amazed. Now I'm trying to find a cheap way to get a Waverly nib that I can put on my Asvine V200.
Yup the 823 is a significant step up. The Asvines are fantastic pen when considering the cost, but the 823 is extremely good. You can have a delicious NY Strip steak but..... the prime rib will always be better
The 823 is great if you get a good nib. They unfortunately aren't consistent. I just picked up an "experienced" black Platinum 3776 BB for $110.00 US and am blown away. I think most of the special editions look cheap and are grossly overpriced, but if you're looking for a solid gold nibbed pen, seek out a used 3776 from a reputable source.
The Wing Sung 699 was my test balloon to check if I like vac fillers. The one feature I like about this pen is that the barrel unscrews from the section as if a c/c pen and a Japanese eyedropper pen had a baby. I liked it enough to pick up a Pilot 823 in amber secondhand for a reasonable price. The Asvine would be interesting as a pen that leaves the house. The Pilot 823 is a SAHP (stay-at-home pen). LOL
Great, absolutely great, thanks Doodlebud! I have several Asvine P20s, they have never let me down (so far), their flow on their EF nibs is excellent. I'm also using two Pilot 823 on F and M nibs respectively. They are of course perfect, but I must say, if anybody reads this, that the writing feeling is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from the Avines P20s on EF nibs. Completely different: more precise, more intimate, softer…
I bought the V126 and the 699. I needed to know if these pens would allow me to determine if I should go for the 823. I thought the 699 is a great pen. Yes, it doesn't have a gold nib but the steel nib writes very well. My only concern is whether the plunger actually seals the barrel as I thought it did, then it didn't. But for the price, I can't complain at all. Oh my V126 also doesn't fill very well. I have to look at the rings and see if it is chewed up or not set correctly.
I have multiples of all three and I love them all. The Pilot is definitely my favorite though, followed closely by the Asvine. The Wing Sung isn’t far behind either!
I had thought that if I were to make a fountain pen, I would look into lapping the cap insert with the mating surface on the end of the section. You are an engineer not afraid to tinker with your pens...
Some people look down on the brand but for a pen in this style I really enjoy my Platinum 3776. I think they come in around half the price of the 823 but you still get a very smooth gold nib so its kind of a mid point between the Pilot and alternatives like the Asvine. Its not vac fill though, it takes a converter which is a plus for me, might be a negative for someone else. Its one of the pens I keep going back to and use a lot, partly because I like it so much but also because it seals extremely well and I have yet to dry it out, so I don't hesitate to leave it pretty much permanently inked. As you cap it you can feel a slightly higher resistance for the last 1/4 turn, I think the end of the section is gently squeezed inside the cap liner.
No one looks down on either Platinum or the 3776. The resistance you feel is the VERY well known and effective "slip and seal" mechanism. What are you on about?
@@jacobus57 Over the years I've seen quite a few people opine that Platinum's materials and processes aren't up to the standard of manufacturers like Pilot or Sailor. That's what I meant by "some people look down on the brand." To say that no one holds a point of view that you personally happen not to have heard is a bit daft to be honest.
Interesting video. Of note there's another pen that is a lot less than the Pilot Custom 823, but scratches a lot of the same itches. It's a pen that I've had recommended to me the most often when I mentioned I was looking for the 823, but couldn't quite afford it. And that was the TWSBI Vac 700r. At $80 this pen is a pretty good value for what you're getting. I bought one and have been loving it so far. Not saying I wouldn't still get the 823 if I had the spare cash, but I feel like I've gotten a lot of what I would have gotten out of that, in the Vac 700r.
I love my Asvine V126s! I now own one in every color! They are amazing writers right out of the box, don't dry out even after months of no use, and I've even taken one overseas with me with absolutely no issues and without having to refill it! I Still might try to get the 823 one day, but for now I'm loving these!
Nice and comprehensive review DB. I have 2 V126's and a 699 that have been solid performers. It's funny, I must be the odd man out as I don't feel compelled to get an 823!!
Seeing the topic of your video, I went to get my Asvine 126, which hasn't been used in months. It started writing immediately. I'm a big supporter of Asvine pens; the P20, V200, and V126.
I have an Indian pen which feeds ink great, except when I cap it and leave it for even a couple of hours. It dries out immediately, and I have to prime it to get it writing again. It comes with a JoWo nib style assembly. A thorough cleaning did nothing to remedy the situation, so I decided to disassemble it to check the feed channels. Not easy. I broke it. I ordered a replacement nib assembly from Fountain Pen Revolution. Now it writes like a champ even after a week of being capped.
2 more to add to my wishlist to try. I apprciate the insight until I can figure out what things I like as a newer FP user. Thanks again for the wisdom!
Thank you for the comparison. It would be great if you compare the three pens using the change of pressure simulator you used in some of your first videos. I suspect that the Asvine and the Wingsung won't pass the test. If not, it would be great to hear you comments about fixing that issue. Thank you again for the awesome content.
I bought a couple of wing sung 699s and an 823 (B). The Pilot holds a lot more ink and I’ve had problems with the plunger rubber seals on the 699. I’d still prefer the Pilot 🧑✈️.
I have the Wing Sung 699. I used it a lot when I first got It. It always has ink in it because it holds a lot and I hate cleaning out my vac fillers. It often goes for months without being used now. It never dries out. I don't have the V126 but I have several Asvine and Hongdian pens now. I love their nibs, especially the "long knife" ones. The Wing Sung 699 is a good lookalike for the Pilot and did have one of the nicest Chinese nibs 2-3 years ago when it came out. Today, the Asvine nibs have it beaten hands down.
I got one and was very disappointed that it was fitted with a slightly smaller than #6 nib. The nib that came with it was a mystery, so when I couldn't switch it out it became a permanent drawer-dweller.
I just wish Asvine matched the resin color to that dark brown of the Pilot And yes, I'd like to see you attempt to fix the 699's seal. Different pen so probably not transferrable but i love my Sailor Hoscal except that it dries out in 1-2 days 😭
I have had great experiences acquiring and saving on both the custom 845 and urushi from Japan on eBay. Wish I knew why Pilot is ok gouging the NA market.
All Japanese pen manufacturers gouge EU and NA markets. It has to do with duties, the cost of distribution, and mainly because they can. It's unfair to ethical authorized retailers..
Ive had 2 Wingsung 699 crack on me in different areas that were bad enough to render them useless. The Asvine is nice and mine functions but for my hand and writing style the Wingsung just feels nicer sadly. Wish I could get in contact with wingsung about the leaky pens.
Of course show the 699 capliner fix. It is part of what you do and your viewers have come to expect it. This type of episode, fixes, is what sets you apart from the rest
Hi DB. Can't afford the 823, otherwise would get me one. For me, the Asvine wins all the time. I own two of them. I had bad luck with two 699's, the caps wouldn't screw to the body of the pen. PS: Please note that I am calling it the Asvine and not Asvine like some pholks out there!!. Same applies for the ink Diamine. 😂
Hm, I like this video. I just wish those threads on the asvine were less sharp. I do hope to get an asvine V126 at some point, and when I do, I'll do what I can to smooth out those threads. Yes it would be interesting to see how you want to fix the inner cap liner.
Vacuum fillers seem like they’re more trouble than they’re worth. Where would you get a replacement Asvine 0-ring, for instance? What are the advantages of a vac fill pen? Why would you want this system?
Ink capacity is typically more than twice that of a c/c pen, and you can seal off the main ink chamber to prevent leakage during air travel. Piston fillers usually have a similar ink capacity.
They aren't difficult at all. It's capacity and the ability to tap the ink back into the main chamber to seal it off. That said, I prefer one way "Japanese" valve eyedroppers. More capacity and easier. Opus pens are great values for this filling style.
I have the Asvine V126 in the frosted clear, and I noticed you pointed out the ledge by the threads, which on yours looked quite sharp. On mine it's very nicely rounded off and not sharp at all. It's been a great pen, but I have thought about getting the Pilot 823 as my first expensive/gold nib pen. I'll keep in mind your advice about looking on the second hand market. Are there any fountain-pen specific markets or is Ebay the place to go?
@2:50 that is a good point, Doodlebud!!!! Personally, I even tend to go with snap caps, because I believe that for a pen to work as a workhorse, it needs to be like that. I use my LAMYs for the office for that reason. Sometimes I also use my 823s as well, but for fast taking notes, LAMYs are the winners. By the way - any good suggestion for good snap caps, if I may, please? It would be preferable if you have any good Japanese or European suggestions, if of course you see my comment, and happens to have some time to suggest something of good quality. Thanks, as always, for your amazing and informative videos!!!
Pilot Prera has a blissful snap cap: ua-cam.com/video/oFYhw5vYlRI/v-deo.html Diplomat A2 is fantastic: ua-cam.com/video/Wra_J_rI3zE/v-deo.html And Lamy 2000 caping is wonderful
@@Doodlebud thanks very much! I have two LAMYs 2000 for the time being, but using more colours I need more snap caps for the office. Thus, your diplomat suggestion is a very good option to consider! I saw your relevant video by the way - nice one! Thank you, again, Doodlebud!!!!
Hi! A quick question… I’ve cleaned my Asvine V126 with water and a bit of dish soap… this removed a bit of lube and increased the friction. As soon as I operated the piston, the rubber gasket fell apart. Is it broken? Can I fix it? Thanks a lot…
Hi DB! Interesting video! I have both pens, but my 699 is a piston fill. Unfortunately, both pens are not inked up right now so I can't test the sealing on my 699. I have had a sort of unhappy experience with the V-126 as mine came with a tight nib. Now it's almost TOO wet since I adjusted it and I just don't use it much. It's a beautiful pen that has a nice quality feel, but I think I would like to try the vacuum fill version of the 699, as I liked the nib much more on my 699. I actually almost broke my 699 when I got it, because I didn't know I had ordered the piston version instead of the vacuum, and I pulled the piston rod clean out of the back of the pen!! I got it back together so it would work, though!
Additional info! Tried to refill the V-126 and I could not get hardly ANY ink in it! Mine has NEVER been apart, either! Also ink residue is getting on the VF rod, so I guess they might have bad o-rings all the way around? This is only the third attempt at filling, also. So, it shouldn't be worn out. Caveat Emptor. Have a vacuum 699 on the way, so we'll see how that works.
@@JefferyHall-ct2tr the rod of a vac filler sits in the ink chamber, so residue there is normal. The low fill issue is more concerning. Thanks for the update.
@@denisewenke8323 Hi! Thanks for the info! I did get my V-126 fixed. I unscrewed the section and the gasket looked dry. So, I put some of that silicone grease from TWSBI and tightened it down really well, and now it fills almost three-quarters full!
@@JefferyHall-ct2tr great! I've been using Noodler's Eel series inks in a couple of my vintage piston fillers to lubricate the gaskets since disassembling them isn't an option. It's slower than the direct approach, but it also seems to be working.
Not that it's very useful or even desirable to me, but the o-ring at the end of the plunger doesn't seem to seal anything on my Wing Sung 699 when the blind cap is screwed all the way in. The inner dimension of the section that faces it is too large in the Wing Sung.
I have two V126 pens, one teal and one brown. And I am very pleased with both of them. The cap threads--well, the threads for the cap by the section--and the small step do not bother me and the pens write so well for me that I will likely get another one. Probably the frosted "clear" version. Both of my Asvines fill just fine. So far, anyway. But I also have not had any reason to disassemble them so the o-rings are likely intact. And I hesitate to disassemble them to check. :) Thanks for the discussion of the pens today!
My Wingsun does not seem to have the same profile as yours and mine seals incredibly well. I've let it sit for months and it writes as if it was freshly inked. I still don't love the pen though and I don't have a good reason for it. Something about the in hand feel is off for me. I don't reach for it.
They don't look like the 823, but I would suggest a TWSBI Vac 700R or an Asvine V200 as a reasonably inexpensive (but more than the pens you review here) alternative to the 823. The 700R and the V200 are both high capacity vacuum fillers, like the 823
Are counterfeit pens much of a problem in the used market? I'm interested in a few pens on the used market, like the pelikan 1000, but don't want to get burned. And I don't know how to tell real from fake.
The only counterfeits I hear about are Montblanc clones. I don't think it's really possible to make a convincing counterfeit of a Pelikan m1000 because of the way they make the barrels.
They should really change that rear O-ring on the Majohn housings so it gets squeezed between the back of the housing and a ledge in the grip rather than being mangled in the threads every time, it's just absolute garbage tier engineering an intern would know not to do. It's been years now and the longer they wait, the more of them will be out there. I know they don't want multiple versions out there to avoid confusion, but better bite the bullet now instead of shipping a faulty design for a decade.
Yup I agree. One sure fire way to damage an oring is have is twisting through threads. Have it on the back so it gets compressed and enlarges radially to make a concentric seal.
Dear Bud: one request please: Would you kindly do a video, recommending FP made of all metal, no plastic/resin in the body/grip? Why all metal? For those of us please, who consider a pen as a "tool," not a "product." Ever see a mechanic use a plastic wrench, or a surgeon use a plastic scalpel? Thank you. Max (Florida) 09/29/2024
@@Doodlebud There is also the Wing Sung 601 Flighter! I've only ever seen it with a plastic section, but it can be replaced with a stainless steel version which is what I did.
I have both Pilot 823 and Asvine V126. I'm amazed at how good Asvine is for just a fraction of the cost! It's excellent value and performed better than many more expensive pens! I noticed a few minor issues with it. It writes too wet to my taste, and with some inks, it has problems reaching the feed. Waterman Tender Purple, for example, often formed a void around the plunger, so I had to shake it from time to time to force inks into the feed.
Likewise. I find the ink flow of the Asvine 126 too “wet”, but the tip glides superbly. Also, the fine point writes more like a fine/medium. An excellent fountain pen but, for my taste, I much prefer my P. 823 and P. 74.
@@mcl6857ofcourse
That was great! I'm finding that pens that dry out quickly are one of my largest fountain pen dislikes, so I'm glad you spent extra time on that issue. Thanks!
I have the 823 in all 3 colors, all bought second hand. The cheapest of all was 80 USD, bought at yahoo auctions japan. They went up quite a bit since past year but still you can get some deals if you shop around.
From Wednesday, April 6, 2022, Yahoo! JAPAN is no longer available in the EEA and the United 😢 Kingdom
😢
I bought the V126, liked it but it didn't solve the itch, so I bought an 823 as well. The Asvine is a good pen, the 823 sublime.
Yup, the may look similar but the 823 is on another level
The charm of 823 is mainly because of the awesomely magical nib, the filling mechanism, the weight distribution and the thin but thick grip section.
And if I can experience 2/3 qualities for a fraction of the price, it is definitely a good buy.
Oooo I recently got a Asvine V126 after seeing your video on it. I actually love using it, however I do get a bit annoyed by how often the cap gets messy with the ink I use. That’s all more a visual issue though and it’s fixed after cleaning the inside of the cap.
It’s definitely my test run on whether or not I get a custom 823 in the future. It’s been a dream pen of mine but being a student sort of makes justifying the cost hard to do. I like that asvine has a similar model to the 823 pen I wanted.
I have an Asvine 200, the titanium one. Love it for what it is. BUT! Its important for people to know that there is no substitute for the Pilot 823's nib experience. It is next level smooth and a luxurious writer that is hard to describe. You are definitely paying the extra bucks for that feature that you cannot get from any of the Chinese copycats.
I agree, I was able to test a bunch of pilots in Friday at my local Pelikan Hub, and I was really amazed. Now I'm trying to find a cheap way to get a Waverly nib that I can put on my Asvine V200.
Yup the 823 is a significant step up. The Asvines are fantastic pen when considering the cost, but the 823 is extremely good. You can have a delicious NY Strip steak but..... the prime rib will always be better
@@Doodlebud And if you're going to get the prime rib, you might as well get the end cut I always say!
The 823 is great if you get a good nib. They unfortunately aren't consistent. I just picked up an "experienced" black Platinum 3776 BB for $110.00 US and am blown away. I think most of the special editions look cheap and are grossly overpriced, but if you're looking for a solid gold nibbed pen, seek out a used 3776 from a reputable source.
The Wing Sung 699 was my test balloon to check if I like vac fillers. The one feature I like about this pen is that the barrel unscrews from the section as if a c/c pen and a Japanese eyedropper pen had a baby. I liked it enough to pick up a Pilot 823 in amber secondhand for a reasonable price. The Asvine would be interesting as a pen that leaves the house. The Pilot 823 is a SAHP (stay-at-home pen). LOL
Great, absolutely great, thanks Doodlebud! I have several Asvine P20s, they have never let me down (so far), their flow on their EF nibs is excellent. I'm also using two Pilot 823 on F and M nibs respectively. They are of course perfect, but I must say, if anybody reads this, that the writing feeling is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from the Avines P20s on EF nibs. Completely different: more precise, more intimate, softer…
Please add a video of fixing the WingSung 699 seal. (I purchased a gold nib version one)
I bought the V126 and the 699. I needed to know if these pens would allow me to determine if I should go for the 823. I thought the 699 is a great pen. Yes, it doesn't have a gold nib but the steel nib writes very well. My only concern is whether the plunger actually seals the barrel as I thought it did, then it didn't. But for the price, I can't complain at all.
Oh my V126 also doesn't fill very well. I have to look at the rings and see if it is chewed up or not set correctly.
Terrific analysis of the drying issue with that demonstrator. Thanks for your skill.
I have multiples of all three and I love them all. The Pilot is definitely my favorite though, followed closely by the Asvine. The Wing Sung isn’t far behind either!
I had thought that if I were to make a fountain pen, I would look into lapping the cap insert with the mating surface on the end of the section. You are an engineer not afraid to tinker with your pens...
Some people look down on the brand but for a pen in this style I really enjoy my Platinum 3776. I think they come in around half the price of the 823 but you still get a very smooth gold nib so its kind of a mid point between the Pilot and alternatives like the Asvine. Its not vac fill though, it takes a converter which is a plus for me, might be a negative for someone else. Its one of the pens I keep going back to and use a lot, partly because I like it so much but also because it seals extremely well and I have yet to dry it out, so I don't hesitate to leave it pretty much permanently inked. As you cap it you can feel a slightly higher resistance for the last 1/4 turn, I think the end of the section is gently squeezed inside the cap liner.
No one looks down on either Platinum or the 3776. The resistance you feel is the VERY well known and effective "slip and seal" mechanism. What are you on about?
@@jacobus57 Over the years I've seen quite a few people opine that Platinum's materials and processes aren't up to the standard of manufacturers like Pilot or Sailor. That's what I meant by "some people look down on the brand."
To say that no one holds a point of view that you personally happen not to have heard is a bit daft to be honest.
Interesting video. Of note there's another pen that is a lot less than the Pilot Custom 823, but scratches a lot of the same itches. It's a pen that I've had recommended to me the most often when I mentioned I was looking for the 823, but couldn't quite afford it. And that was the TWSBI Vac 700r. At $80 this pen is a pretty good value for what you're getting. I bought one and have been loving it so far. Not saying I wouldn't still get the 823 if I had the spare cash, but I feel like I've gotten a lot of what I would have gotten out of that, in the Vac 700r.
I love my Asvine V126s! I now own one in every color! They are amazing writers right out of the box, don't dry out even after months of no use, and I've even taken one overseas with me with absolutely no issues and without having to refill it! I Still might try to get the 823 one day, but for now I'm loving these!
Nice and comprehensive review DB. I have 2 V126's and a 699 that have been solid performers. It's funny, I must be the odd man out as I don't feel compelled to get an 823!!
If you like your current V126 & 699 then no need for the 823
Seeing the topic of your video, I went to get my Asvine 126, which hasn't been used in months. It started writing immediately. I'm a big supporter of Asvine pens; the P20, V200, and V126.
I have an Indian pen which feeds ink great, except when I cap it and leave it for even a couple of hours. It dries out immediately, and I have to prime it to get it writing again. It comes with a JoWo nib style assembly. A thorough cleaning did nothing to remedy the situation, so I decided to disassemble it to check the feed channels. Not easy. I broke it.
I ordered a replacement nib assembly from Fountain Pen Revolution. Now it writes like a champ even after a week of being capped.
2 more to add to my wishlist to try. I apprciate the insight until I can figure out what things I like as a newer FP user. Thanks again for the wisdom!
Both are great pens but the call of the 823 will still be there 😂
I love my Asvine V126, but I don't love how it posts when the valve is open. It's less secure and it can spin.
Thank you for the comparison. It would be great if you compare the three pens using the change of pressure simulator you used in some of your first videos. I suspect that the Asvine and the Wingsung won't pass the test. If not, it would be great to hear you comments about fixing that issue. Thank you again for the awesome content.
I bought a couple of wing sung 699s and an 823 (B). The Pilot holds a lot more ink and I’ve had problems with the plunger rubber seals on the 699.
I’d still prefer the Pilot 🧑✈️.
To throw in another vac filler which is similar size and weight wise, though not aesthetically, I would suggest the Nahvalur Original Plus.
I have the Wing Sung 699. I used it a lot when I first got It. It always has ink in it because it holds a lot and I hate cleaning out my vac fillers. It often goes for months without being used now. It never dries out. I don't have the V126 but I have several Asvine and Hongdian pens now. I love their nibs, especially the "long knife" ones. The Wing Sung 699 is a good lookalike for the Pilot and did have one of the nicest Chinese nibs 2-3 years ago when it came out. Today, the Asvine nibs have it beaten hands down.
I got one and was very disappointed that it was fitted with a slightly smaller than #6 nib. The nib that came with it was a mystery, so when I couldn't switch it out it became a permanent drawer-dweller.
Yes, please do an additional video on your sealing idea.
I just wish Asvine matched the resin color to that dark brown of the Pilot
And yes, I'd like to see you attempt to fix the 699's seal. Different pen so probably not transferrable but i love my Sailor Hoscal except that it dries out in 1-2 days 😭
I have had great experiences acquiring and saving on both the custom 845 and urushi from Japan on eBay. Wish I knew why Pilot is ok gouging the NA market.
All Japanese pen manufacturers gouge EU and NA markets. It has to do with duties, the cost of distribution, and mainly because they can. It's unfair to ethical authorized retailers..
Ive had 2 Wingsung 699 crack on me in different areas that were bad enough to render them useless. The Asvine is nice and mine functions but for my hand and writing style the Wingsung just feels nicer sadly. Wish I could get in contact with wingsung about the leaky pens.
Of course show the 699 capliner fix.
It is part of what you do and your viewers have come to expect it.
This type of episode, fixes, is what sets you apart from the rest
I worked on it last night and recorded how I did it. Seal better than the 823 now 😉
Look at all those members! Super excited for the future of this channel. Well deserved @Doodlebud!
I'm amazed but its super helpful. I have now been able to make some forward progress on a bunch of projects!
Hi DB.
Can't afford the 823, otherwise would get me one.
For me, the Asvine wins all the time. I own two of them.
I had bad luck with two 699's, the caps wouldn't screw to the body of the pen.
PS:
Please note that I am calling it the Asvine and not Asvine like some pholks out there!!. Same applies for the ink Diamine. 😂
Hm, I like this video. I just wish those threads on the asvine were less sharp. I do hope to get an asvine V126 at some point, and when I do, I'll do what I can to smooth out those threads. Yes it would be interesting to see how you want to fix the inner cap liner.
Happy to learn the Asvine V126 pen is an alternative to the Pilot Custom 823, because I have two of the Asvine V126..
Vacuum fillers seem like they’re more trouble than they’re worth. Where would you get a replacement Asvine 0-ring, for instance? What are the advantages of a vac fill pen? Why would you want this system?
Ink capacity is typically more than twice that of a c/c pen, and you can seal off the main ink chamber to prevent leakage during air travel. Piston fillers usually have a similar ink capacity.
They aren't difficult at all. It's capacity and the ability to tap the ink back into the main chamber to seal it off. That said, I prefer one way "Japanese" valve eyedroppers. More capacity and easier. Opus pens are great values for this filling style.
I have the Asvine V126 in the frosted clear, and I noticed you pointed out the ledge by the threads, which on yours looked quite sharp. On mine it's very nicely rounded off and not sharp at all. It's been a great pen, but I have thought about getting the Pilot 823 as my first expensive/gold nib pen. I'll keep in mind your advice about looking on the second hand market. Are there any fountain-pen specific markets or is Ebay the place to go?
ebay is one place but you can find them on reddit here www.reddit.com/r/penswap/ and on IG here instagram.com/virtualpenshow/
@2:50 that is a good point, Doodlebud!!!!
Personally, I even tend to go with snap caps, because I believe that for a pen to work as a workhorse, it needs to be like that. I use my LAMYs for the office for that reason. Sometimes I also use my 823s as well, but for fast taking notes, LAMYs are the winners.
By the way - any good suggestion for good snap caps, if I may, please? It would be preferable if you have any good Japanese or European suggestions, if of course you see my comment, and happens to have some time to suggest something of good quality.
Thanks, as always, for your amazing and informative videos!!!
Pilot Prera has a blissful snap cap: ua-cam.com/video/oFYhw5vYlRI/v-deo.html
Diplomat A2 is fantastic: ua-cam.com/video/Wra_J_rI3zE/v-deo.html
And Lamy 2000 caping is wonderful
@@Doodlebud thanks very much! I have two LAMYs 2000 for the time being, but using more colours I need more snap caps for the office. Thus, your diplomat suggestion is a very good option to consider! I saw your relevant video by the way - nice one! Thank you, again, Doodlebud!!!!
Well the adventure with the o-ring proves the old adage of if it’s not broke, don’t f’ with it. 🤣🤣
Hi! A quick question… I’ve cleaned my Asvine V126 with water and a bit of dish soap… this removed a bit of lube and increased the friction. As soon as I operated the piston, the rubber gasket fell apart.
Is it broken? Can I fix it?
Thanks a lot…
If you removed the grease during cleaning you need to reapply some silicon grease to the barrel. Reach out to Asvine for a replacement gasket
I recently saw an Asvine spare parts kit for $10.00....
Hi DB! Interesting video! I have both pens, but my 699 is a piston fill. Unfortunately, both pens are not inked up right now so I can't test the sealing on my 699. I have had a sort of unhappy experience with the V-126 as mine came with a tight nib. Now it's almost TOO wet since I adjusted it and I just don't use it much. It's a beautiful pen that has a nice quality feel, but I think I would like to try the vacuum fill version of the 699, as I liked the nib much more on my 699. I actually almost broke my 699 when I got it, because I didn't know I had ordered the piston version instead of the vacuum, and I pulled the piston rod clean out of the back of the pen!! I got it back together so it would work, though!
Additional info! Tried to refill the V-126 and I could not get hardly ANY ink in it! Mine has NEVER been apart, either! Also ink residue is getting on the VF rod, so I guess they might have bad o-rings all the way around? This is only the third attempt at filling, also. So, it shouldn't be worn out. Caveat Emptor. Have a vacuum 699 on the way, so we'll see how that works.
@@JefferyHall-ct2tr the rod of a vac filler sits in the ink chamber, so residue there is normal. The low fill issue is more concerning. Thanks for the update.
@@denisewenke8323 Hi! Thanks for the info! I did get my V-126 fixed. I unscrewed the section and the gasket looked dry. So, I put some of that silicone grease from TWSBI and tightened it down really well, and now it fills almost three-quarters full!
@@JefferyHall-ct2tr great!
I've been using Noodler's Eel series inks in a couple of my vintage piston fillers to lubricate the gaskets since disassembling them isn't an option. It's slower than the direct approach, but it also seems to be working.
Wing Sung 699 please. Any savings made on purchasing a pen such as the 823 are often wiped out by the extortionate overseas postage costs.
Not that it's very useful or even desirable to me, but the o-ring at the end of the plunger doesn't seem to seal anything on my Wing Sung 699 when the blind cap is screwed all the way in. The inner dimension of the section that faces it is too large in the Wing Sung.
I have two V126 pens, one teal and one brown. And I am very pleased with both of them. The cap threads--well, the threads for the cap by the section--and the small step do not bother me and the pens write so well for me that I will likely get another one. Probably the frosted "clear" version.
Both of my Asvines fill just fine. So far, anyway. But I also have not had any reason to disassemble them so the o-rings are likely intact. And I hesitate to disassemble them to check. :)
Thanks for the discussion of the pens today!
do the video of the Wing Song been repaired 😁😁
My Wingsun does not seem to have the same profile as yours and mine seals incredibly well. I've let it sit for months and it writes as if it was freshly inked. I still don't love the pen though and I don't have a good reason for it. Something about the in hand feel is off for me. I don't reach for it.
Mine could have just been a bit off during the molding
They don't look like the 823, but I would suggest a TWSBI Vac 700R or an Asvine V200 as a reasonably inexpensive (but more than the pens you review here) alternative to the 823. The 700R and the V200 are both high capacity vacuum fillers, like the 823
As always ... a dab of fountain pen silicone grease on threads will lesson any wear of metal on plastic.
I like my caps to snap on.
Are counterfeit pens much of a problem in the used market? I'm interested in a few pens on the used market, like the pelikan 1000, but don't want to get burned. And I don't know how to tell real from fake.
I keep hearing Peyton Street Pens come up in videos as a trusted place people get used pens.
The only counterfeits I hear about are Montblanc clones. I don't think it's really possible to make a convincing counterfeit of a Pelikan m1000 because of the way they make the barrels.
Yeah MB are the ones that seem to get the most counterfeits done. Lamy gets some as well
@@Doodlebud Forgot about the Lamy Safari fakes. Whoops.
They should really change that rear O-ring on the Majohn housings so it gets squeezed between the back of the housing and a ledge in the grip rather than being mangled in the threads every time, it's just absolute garbage tier engineering an intern would know not to do. It's been years now and the longer they wait, the more of them will be out there. I know they don't want multiple versions out there to avoid confusion, but better bite the bullet now instead of shipping a faulty design for a decade.
Yup I agree. One sure fire way to damage an oring is have is twisting through threads. Have it on the back so it gets compressed and enlarges radially to make a concentric seal.
Yeah, try to fix the Wing Sung, since you don't use it anyways.
I actually just finished doing the fix, recorded the process, and did an "airplane test" against the 823 to see how well it seals now.
Dear Bud: one request please: Would you kindly do a video, recommending FP made of all metal, no plastic/resin in the body/grip? Why all metal? For those of us please, who consider a pen as a "tool," not a "product." Ever see a mechanic use a plastic wrench, or a surgeon use a plastic scalpel? Thank you. Max (Florida) 09/29/2024
I have seral reviews of all metal pens. Search my channel for pens from Gravitas, Ensso, or Namisu
@@Doodlebud There is also the Wing Sung 601 Flighter! I've only ever seen it with a plastic section, but it can be replaced with a stainless steel version which is what I did.
The dead souls of threads. LOL
Let us take a moment to thank them for their service 🙏
fix it
Did it last night and it seals even better than the 823. I did a test and was pleasantly surprised. I should have the vid up tomorrow I home
😇🩷🙏🙌
Try the Asvine, outside of the golden nib, they blow the quality of Pilot away.
3 asvine v126... 3 crap pens. No more asvine for me 👎👎👎 €100 down the drain. Much better save and buy 1 good pen that cheap pen.
Hmm thats odd. I haven't hear anyone get 3 bum pens from them
BOOM
EARLY
too many words in a very mediocre pen.
ball pen with jell writes better.