Th is was my first time watching your channel and low and behold you reviewed an Asvine that i was looking to buy. Loved the review and you have great penmanship.
@@Hanger-13 I did this video ua-cam.com/video/xOGFRBiDsO4/v-deo.html but also check out my Inkquiring Minds SHORTIES playlist as there are several technical videos there.
Again, excellent video. Agree with the ASVINE P20, I too have the Galaxy in and the Amber in . They are both exceptional performers with little difference between the nib sizes. I also have the X159 and 9019. Of the less expensive pens the only one I really want (not need) is the Wing Sung 630. The only nib size I see it offered in is 0.5mm (which I think is , but my Jinhao X159 lays the thickest line of all my half dozen pens). I would indeed like to sample pens in the $300-$600 range, but that's well outside my budget by an order of magnitude and I'm getting 'similar' look and feel from China for $40. And, as I keep saying, not a collector simply an enthusiast. Good work, again.
I will confess (do you take confessions?) That the Jinhao 9019 was the surprise of the year for me and my most reached for writer. But I think the real winners here Doug are we the viewers of Inkquiring Minds! (No no, gifts are not required 😊)
Thank you for your review, and for all you do for us over the years. Always look forward to your reviews, especially your "best of" listing. What color is the Leo pen you showed at the end , Caramel????
I have the Asvine V126 in Clear Demonstrator. I love this pen: the filling, writing, diameter of the grip, weight... I did see your ealier review of this pen :)...
The nib on the Asvine P20 is described as a long knife, but was a Medium in your earlier review. Did you change the nib between reviews, and where did you get the Kaigeul Long Knife nib? Thanks.
Yeah I was going to but the segment didn't make the cut. My 1945 Parker Vacumatic Azure Blue Pearl with a nib customized by myself, and my Sheaffer Imperial Gold.
Does the Wingsung 630 hold the ink wet when you close it or does it dry after a couple of days like most Chinese pens? I am just tired of cheap pens that dry after a couple of days. My Pelikans may be left there for a month, you open them and you write with no hiccups.
I know you said you do not favor heavy pens.......but this year I have been on a heavy pen bender.....all Diplomats....2 vintage Classics, 2 medium size vintage Attaches....and to top them all ....on a penday sale, I got a new Diplomat Exellence A2...with an EF nib for $88.00.....I did buy the jinhao 9190, but it was a bit too big for me to use, except for short journal entries. Thanks for all your Great Videos!!!
I ended up grabbing an Asvine P20 thanks to this channel and others recomendations, despite already having an m800. It's an incredible value. Absolutely gorgeous pen(Galaxy), twice the ink capacity, ink window, and phenominally smooth nib. Less bulbous grip section helps too, I always found the m800/Leonardo slightly awkward to hold. It's a keeper.
SUPER-DUPER! Am majorly envious. I only got a Platinum 22K with an Infinity symbol on lid. It had a glassy smooth with feedback nib so I swapped in the Platinum 22K with 22 symbol's buttery smooth nib. The next FP will be Sailor 21K with EF for sketching. Mostly, I've been buying gel pens as outlines for my watercolors.
@@InkquiringMinds I am wanting to buy my first higher end Platinum pen, I have a Plaisir, and find I like the feedback. I would like a smooth nib despite its feedback. I find I like the feedback, its almost like the pen's talking to me. Doug, what would you recommend?
@@mariatriesart8389 A Platinum 3776. They come in a larger variety of finishes and nibs. All the 14k nibs have that classic Platinum feedback. Mine is the Platinum President but they don't make that model anymore.
@@InkquiringMinds --- Platinum PG-250 which is one of those pocket pens. For sketching, the Japanese pocket pens (18-22K nibs) are ideal. I wish I had big, strong hands so I could get those gorgeous Italian resins and heavy duty vac fillers! My Montegrappa (converter) are about as big an FP as I can go. They're 1/2 inch smaller, thinner than PenBBS 308.
I think the only pen on your list that I have is the Asvine V126. I also have two of then, I have the translucent amber with gold-toned hardware and the matte-black with black hardware, both in EF. In a way, I'm surprised I really haven't seen any head-to-head comparisons between the V126 and the Pilot Custom 823. I wouldn't mind seeing a "shoot-out" video with the 823, V126, and the WS 699. I don't have any of the Asvine P20, P30, P36, P50 or P80 pens yet, Frankly, most of the color and trim options just haven't appealed to me. Eventually I may settle on a P80 in transparent gray or gray-blue (with an EF nib, of course!).
You're an exceptionally fine person! (EF). I've never had the courage to pull the trigger on a Pilot 823 yet, but a head-to-head with the 823, WS699 and V126 would be interesting.
Great video Doug. OMG, I bought the P20 shortly after watching your review. I have the blue , galaxy . Just love the pen. Had a Jowo nib to put one, but the Asvine is just fine. Just completed my first year in this hobby, so my top ten revolves, but my fav is a Visconti Mythos Mirage Apollo .Thanks KB
Great selection of the top 10. I have the 9019 currently inked. It is such a fabulous pen for me. I do have the P20. It is certainly a keeper. I would have added the penBBS 495 onto the list with its mini fude nib. It is such a smooth writer. It is also my first pen with the fude styled nib. Why i waited so long to have such a nib is beyond me. I have seen the 630 with the steel nib and it is a soft nib. I may get one to put it next to the 630 with the gold nib that I have. Have you gotten the Hong Dian N10? It has a #8 nib.
My pen of the year has to be the Leonardo Furore because of how it writes and its build. In terms of worth the price, I would pick my Jinhao 82, because it's so affordable and useable in a variety of settings and the nib required very minimal adjustment to write the way I prefer.
Great list! I've had the P20 in my "save" cart on Amazon for weeks now. Heading over to re-watch your original review to see if you mention what size nib it has in it. If it has something similar to a #6, I might be even more tempted to try to switch that out for a flex nib...
Where can I find a good price on a Wing Sung 630 and Jinhao 9019? One UA-camr said he only paid $3 for the 9019. The cheapest I could find it on Ama*** was $13.90 -- still a good price. But where do you guys find the best deals? I have six pens in my collection already, so I don't NEED one-day shipping (anymore). Again, love the video! Brandon
A great list --as always! I picked up a PF2 a while back, thought the design was intriguing but at first wasn't crazy about it (certainly not for carry) so let it sit in storage (i.e. "time out"). I took it back out ~ 3 months ago, limited it to desk/table top use and now find I reach for it all of the time! I guess it grew on me, too. I also agree with you on the X159 vs. 9019. I was having fun with the X159 (like larger pens) but stopped using it the INSTANT I laid hold of the 9019 and felt how it wrote. I have to hold off on my thoughts on the Gravitas Ultem Vac -- rumor has it one will be waiting under the tree for me Christmas morning. I can't wait!
Great list! I suspect that some of your top ten '23 may make it onto my top ten '24 list... I think I am done buying pens for the year with my recent purchase of two Hong Dian pens; both are the A3 in black. One will be a gift for my brother(along with a pile of HongDian black ink cartridges since he wants as simple a filling method as he can get) with a medium nib. The second one is for me with their "long knife" nib. And a bottle of their blue ink. The tough part will be waiting to play with my new pen until after I gift the other one. :D Thanks for the good, quick overview of your top ten and the links to the individual reviews!
Hi Doug. Jim from Madrid, Spain (a New Yorker expat living abroad). It's been a while since I posted a mssg, though I usually watch your videos (very busy lately making Art... 😁👍). Great list and picks for 2023. I have a question, though, that I hope you can help me with... I have bought already +15 Fountain Pens (FPs) throughout the year... but I always find myself with the same problem... - "Fountain Pens where the Nib easily dries up" - All of my Jinhao's have this problem. Even my Lamy Safary, though it is easier to restart with water. This never happens, though, with my TWSBI ECO nor with my Platinum Preppys. Additionally, I do need a good/large ink reservoir because I use my FPs for writing as well as to create Art, and I need them to be able to work at any given time (when needed depending on the ink they're filled with - colour and type - watersoluble or non-watersoluble and always using ink for FPs only) even if I don't use any one if them individually speaking for over a week (I use FPs every day, but I use the ones that I need for such day). I do my due dilligence in servicing and maintenance on a regular basis (once very 2-3 weeks) and I cannot afford expensive FPs (I wish I could but as an Artist, my budget needs to be stretched to many different materials such as paint, inks, special paper for each medium, brushes, pencils, charcoal, watercolors, gouache, palettes, etc, etc, etc.). So... my question is double, per say. 1. Witch FP would you recommend that has a big ink capacity (using an , , and/or nibs) where the nib will NOT dry out easily (at least for a week or 2 if possible)? 2. From your list... what's your opinion about the Asvine P20 & V126, as well as for the Pen BBS 495 w/ mini FUDE nib, based on my 2 main parameters (ink drying & price or, also called, BBFTB)? I know I'm not asking an easy question (actually 2 but totally related) but I hope you can help me out selecting my next purchase(s). Thank you in advance for your help and Cheers from Sunny Spain!!! 😁👍😎✌
I would recommend a Wing Sung 601 tinyurl.com/bdf9js8z They have a large ink capacity and are inexpensive so you can three of them; one in EF, one in F and one to swap with one of "Bobby's" mini-fude nib replacements for the 601 tinyurl.com/mpfux2x4 The P20, V126, and Penbbs 495 are roughly the same price. You can get the same character from the WS601 with a Bobby nib as with the 495. I've had no issues with ink drying out on any three of these pens as they all have a step milled into the inside of the cap to seal the nib against the top of the section.
Asvine V126 is constantly showing up as a pen "one day I will buy", but then you show P20 in Galaxy acrylic and I am not so sure anymore... :) Great list, congratulations on Delta pen.
The P20 has a serious design flaw. If you firmly post the cap, it locks onto the piston filler knob very snugly. If you twist it to get the cap off, the piston filler cap turns and ink shoot out of the nib all over the place. I gifted this to a close friend at lunch who did this and ink went everywhere including hands and all over the table. This needs to be fixed!!!
I bet that the Hongdian N11 with the “rhombus,” aka “lozenge” pattern would have been on this list if you had gotten it in time. It’s a wonderful writer with perfect balance, weight and comfort in my hand. And it’s beautiful. I got the green, and I bet you choose the green-leaning blue. Ever since I got it, I have found myself reaching for it for routine writing. A true pleasure to use and so beautifully made. I got the fine nib, and it is very smooth with just the right amount of feedback. Taking rapid notes was never so effortless. The only flaw, if it can be considered that, is that it uses a converter, albeit a well-made one. (I hope more pen makers adopt Jinhao 9019 style enormous converters, which makes them comparable to piston- or vacuum-fillers in ink capacity.) I’ve inked my N11 with Diamine Green Black and am loving the results.
@@InkquiringMinds : Another item on my pen design wish list: not only much larger, well-designed converters, but CAPS/PLUGS for them so changing inks doesn’t mean losing the existing ink. The Jinhao 9019 converter not only has a capacity of almost 2 ml, it screws in, which probably increases its longevity if it is switched out. Wouldn’t matching screw-in caps be nice? Good for spares during traveling too.
@@InkquiringMinds : Same here. I recall that a guy basically started a business of making them. But they don’t have to be brass - though that is attractive and durable - and they make more sense for a larger cartridge or converter, especially one that screws in.
@@InkquiringMinds : one more thought re caps for large durable converters or cartridges: if I were selling them, I’d also offer little ziplocked bags or capped tubes with write-on labels to store the full converters/cartridges in. Not only would this enable easy recording of the contents, it would protect against leaks. I’d offer, say, two or three bags or tubes per cap, with the option to buy more separately. Brass caps would be a more valuable product than plastic ones for the producer.
Hi Doug sir, I really liked your clear explanation about Wing Sung 630 and Jinhao 9019 that made to the top pens list and how they are better with X159 in a couple of aspects. Glad that I have 3 of my pens based on your review in top list🙂.. Asvine p20, Jinhao 9019, Wing Sung 630 ( steel nib version)...I think Hongdian N1S was not included in the list though it was a candidate earlier?
Great video! I love your list. So far I haven't spent more than $35 on a pen and couldn't be having more fun. Couldn't agree more with your thoghts on Asvine. I have a V126 and it's my favorite pen so far. I have a trio of x159s each with different colored ink for my journaling. I think I'll give away the black one and replace it with the 630 since I use black ink the most. You also convinced me that I need a 9019. I've been on the fence since it came out. Thanks for the tip on the solid color.
I can’t say enough good things about the Asvine pens. Amazing quality for the money. I’d argue the P20 is probably best bang for the buck piston filler and the V126 is the BBFTB vacuum filler. Now I’m wondering who’s next in the #8 nib movement. Will it be Majohn, Asvine, Fuliwen, Kaigelu or Pen BBS?
@@InkquiringMinds that’s a nice one too. The black coated nib feels really nice. The green one goes well with Emerald of chivor. Who do you think will come out with the next #8 size nib wielding pen?
@@galessi1226Yes. It makes the pen long but the cap will post securely. It does drag on the piston knob however, so it can turn the piston by accident.
Thanks for yet another top notch video, my friend. I am in the market for a piston filler. Would you say the Asvine P20 is your favorite piston filler overall? I also will buy a 9019 because the x159 I got came with a hopeless nib. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your vidoes and help you give me individually!! God Bless, sir!!🦽🦼🎶🎶🎵
Thanks Doug…the pen currently in my pocket as I write ( type ) this is as you so apply described in your first review “ the big ass pen 9019 from Jinhao” writes like a champ, # 8 size nib, and a large capacity converter. Love it❤! Cheers from Nova Scotia…MikeR.
Hello ;=) This is amazing all what you share, so i wanted to Thank you ! All this Fun reservoir ^^ I'm catching up :=) I'm experiencing Jinhao line so far, this is already amazing imo.
The links to the reviews are in the description and the reviews have the details about where I bought them and how much they were at the time. Search Aliexpress, Etsy, and Amazon for the models and you'll get current pricing.
The only pen missing on this list is the Hongdian C1. It is a wicked good hooded nib pen that, while brass, is light and well coated. Too bad you purchased the Wing Sung 630 with the gold nib -- I have the steel nib and it is fantastic. The Jinhao 9019 Dadao is my pick for the year, however. I also loved the x159 but the 9019 is the better value pen. I have not sprung for an Asvine P20 as I have been burned by an earlier Asvine a few years ago. Maybe it is time to get over it.
Not the Majohn (Moonman) C1 - the HongDian C1. I am not sure why HongDian would use C1 for this pen, but it is brass, converter filling, hooded nib fountain pen. Like most new issue fountain pens, there are only ef/f nib choices. That said, my fine neon yellow pen is a terrific writer.
Great, you're going to make me buy even more pens next year, grmbl. Only joking, the V126 is the best pen yet in my fledgling collection (7 so far). I'm going to spend the Xmas holidays studying the individual reviews you made of your top ten and then buy pen no.8 in the new year.
I haven't plucked up the courage to spend the money on one yet. I don't like either the smoke amber or smoke grey colours. I wish they'd make one like the Custom 74 transparent blue.
@@InkquiringMinds I feel the same way, I believe they did have a deep blue limited edition for an anniversary at one point. There is also the fully transparent model, but that's a bit tricky to find outside of Japanese sellers....I managed to find a lightly used smoked version for a great deal, the medium nib is a joy to write with and the section is much more comfortable than the Custom 74. It feels like a more solidly built Wing Sung 699 in the hand.
Thank you Doug. I loved pens and have English listening practice with your videos. I bought Asvine p20 purple red after your review watching.
Wonderful! If you learn English from watching my videos, you'll end up with a Canadian accent eh?
Me too! I just bought mine tonight.
@@InkquiringMinds I'm really liked your content and humor
Gotta try the P20. The 9019 was my most used pen this year by far, incredible for the price.
Th is was my first time watching your channel and low and behold you reviewed an Asvine that i was looking to buy. Loved the review and you have great penmanship.
Awesome, thank you! Welcome aboard!
@@InkquiringMinds Do you have videos on how clean and reassemble the fountain pens you review?
@@Hanger-13 I did this video ua-cam.com/video/xOGFRBiDsO4/v-deo.html but also check out my Inkquiring Minds SHORTIES playlist as there are several technical videos there.
@@InkquiringMinds thanks, will do.
Well said regarding the 9019, one of my absolute favorites. I love these top 10 list type videos.
Glad you enjoyed!
Great list. Have you tried the 9016? Seems like a thiner 9019 with the same features.
I have one on the way.
Just getting into fountain pens and I appreciate how you go through everything. Cheers!
Thank you!🙏
Again, excellent video. Agree with the ASVINE P20, I too have the Galaxy in and the Amber in . They are both exceptional performers with little difference between the nib sizes. I also have the X159 and 9019. Of the less expensive pens the only one I really want (not need) is the Wing Sung 630. The only nib size I see it offered in is 0.5mm (which I think is , but my Jinhao X159 lays the thickest line of all my half dozen pens). I would indeed like to sample pens in the $300-$600 range, but that's well outside my budget by an order of magnitude and I'm getting 'similar' look and feel from China for $40. And, as I keep saying, not a collector simply an enthusiast. Good work, again.
Thanks for sharing, Kevin!
i restrain myself to 1 pen a year and your review of the DV has me considering it. i was pretty set on an m800 but that's looking mighty good
My p20 has terrible inkflow. I used waterman serenity ink
There's all kinds of things that might be wrong. Clean it thoroughly in water with a drop of dish soap.
I will confess (do you take confessions?) That the Jinhao 9019 was the surprise of the year for me and my most reached for writer. But I think the real winners here Doug are we the viewers of Inkquiring Minds! (No no, gifts are not required 😊)
Thank you @wrkane. That is much appreciated!
I need to get the 630. Hongdian D5 tops my list … I didn’t expect much of it, was curious about it and love it!
Thank you for your review, and for all you do for us over the years. Always look forward to your reviews, especially your "best of" listing. What color is the Leo pen you showed at the end , Caramel????
Yes. Caramel with ruthenium trim.
I have the Asvine V126 in Clear Demonstrator. I love this pen: the filling, writing, diameter of the grip, weight... I did see your ealier review of this pen :)...
Thanks for sharing!
Great list Doug! Good way to start Christmas shopping. Got a Wing Sung 630 last week.
Right on!
The nib on the Asvine P20 is described as a long knife, but was a Medium in your earlier review. Did you change the nib between reviews, and where did you get the Kaigeul Long Knife nib? Thanks.
Yeah I changed it to the Kaigelu Long Knife nib. I love them! tinyurl.com/rntnvuhz
Thank you very much!@@InkquiringMinds
Thanks purchased from that seller
Thanks Doug! Were you going to add your 2 favorite pensurrections too?
Yeah I was going to but the segment didn't make the cut. My 1945 Parker Vacumatic Azure Blue Pearl with a nib customized by myself, and my Sheaffer Imperial Gold.
Ah, good choices!
Does the Wingsung 630 hold the ink wet when you close it or does it dry after a couple of days like most Chinese pens? I am just tired of cheap pens that dry after a couple of days. My Pelikans may be left there for a month, you open them and you write with no hiccups.
The WS630 will write after being set aside for weeks.
I know you said you do not favor heavy pens.......but this year I have been on a heavy pen bender.....all Diplomats....2 vintage Classics, 2 medium size vintage Attaches....and to top them all ....on a penday sale, I got a new Diplomat Exellence A2...with an EF nib for $88.00.....I did buy the jinhao 9190, but it was a bit too big for me to use, except for short journal entries. Thanks for all your Great Videos!!!
9019
You might like this Sunday's review - Asvine P80 piston filler. Heavy pen.
I ended up grabbing an Asvine P20 thanks to this channel and others recomendations, despite already having an m800. It's an incredible value. Absolutely gorgeous pen(Galaxy), twice the ink capacity, ink window, and phenominally smooth nib. Less bulbous grip section helps too, I always found the m800/Leonardo slightly awkward to hold. It's a keeper.
Awesome!
SUPER-DUPER! Am majorly envious. I only got a Platinum 22K with an Infinity symbol on lid. It had a glassy smooth with feedback nib so I swapped in the Platinum 22K with 22 symbol's buttery smooth nib. The next FP will be Sailor 21K with EF for sketching. Mostly, I've been buying gel pens as outlines for my watercolors.
What model Platinum?
Yes, which model Platinum?
@@InkquiringMinds I am wanting to buy my first higher end Platinum pen, I have a Plaisir, and find I like the feedback. I would like a smooth nib despite its feedback. I find I like the feedback, its almost like the pen's talking to me. Doug, what would you recommend?
@@mariatriesart8389 A Platinum 3776. They come in a larger variety of finishes and nibs. All the 14k nibs have that classic Platinum feedback. Mine is the Platinum President but they don't make that model anymore.
@@InkquiringMinds --- Platinum PG-250 which is one of those pocket pens. For sketching, the Japanese pocket pens (18-22K nibs) are ideal. I wish I had big, strong hands so I could get those gorgeous Italian resins and heavy duty vac fillers! My Montegrappa (converter) are about as big an FP as I can go. They're 1/2 inch smaller, thinner than PenBBS 308.
Hi, can you make a video of your favorite fountains pens from your collection ? Maybe top 10 or top 15 . Thank you
I have something planned for the New Year!
@@InkquiringMinds perfect !
I think the only pen on your list that I have is the Asvine V126. I also have two of then, I have the translucent amber with gold-toned hardware and the matte-black with black hardware, both in EF. In a way, I'm surprised I really haven't seen any head-to-head comparisons between the V126 and the Pilot Custom 823. I wouldn't mind seeing a "shoot-out" video with the 823, V126, and the WS 699. I don't have any of the Asvine P20, P30, P36, P50 or P80 pens yet, Frankly, most of the color and trim options just haven't appealed to me. Eventually I may settle on a P80 in transparent gray or gray-blue (with an EF nib, of course!).
You're an exceptionally fine person! (EF). I've never had the courage to pull the trigger on a Pilot 823 yet, but a head-to-head with the 823, WS699 and V126 would be interesting.
Great video Doug. OMG, I bought the P20 shortly after watching your review. I have the blue , galaxy . Just love the pen. Had a Jowo nib to put one, but the Asvine is just fine. Just completed my first year in this hobby, so my top ten revolves, but my fav is a Visconti Mythos Mirage Apollo .Thanks KB
I like my Visconti Mythos Apollo as well, but I wish it didn't rattle when posted.
Great list!!🫶
Thank you!! 😁 You are responsible for a few of them!
Hi what nib is that on the p20? doesnt seem like the stock asvine
Kaigelu long knife.
@InkquiringMinds thanks. I ended up purchasing it and can't wait to try it on my p20
Great list! I love my Asvine P20 in Galaxy. I didn't even realize they call it Milky Way.
Great selection of the top 10. I have the 9019 currently inked. It is such a fabulous pen for me.
I do have the P20. It is certainly a keeper.
I would have added the penBBS 495 onto the list with its mini fude nib. It is such a smooth writer. It is also my first pen with the fude styled nib. Why i waited so long to have such a nib is beyond me.
I have seen the 630 with the steel nib and it is a soft nib. I may get one to put it next to the 630 with the gold nib that I have.
Have you gotten the Hong Dian N10? It has a #8 nib.
The N10 arrives Monday or Tuesday.
My pen of the year has to be the Leonardo Furore because of how it writes and its build. In terms of worth the price, I would pick my Jinhao 82, because it's so affordable and useable in a variety of settings and the nib required very minimal adjustment to write the way I prefer.
The Furore is so under-rated and under the radar! I have one in Galaxy and one in Salt. Awesome pens!
I’m interested in that asvine P136
How about asvine p20 vs p50?🌍🌍
The P20 was a close runner-up. The P50 not so much.
Thanks for sharing your list Doug!
Thanks for watching!
Great list! I've had the P20 in my "save" cart on Amazon for weeks now. Heading over to re-watch your original review to see if you mention what size nib it has in it. If it has something similar to a #6, I might be even more tempted to try to switch that out for a flex nib...
Hope you enjoy it! It is a completely swappable #6 size nib.
Great video- thank you!
Where can I find a good price on a Wing Sung 630 and Jinhao 9019? One UA-camr said he only paid $3 for the 9019. The cheapest I could find it on Ama*** was $13.90 -- still a good price. But where do you guys find the best deals? I have six pens in my collection already, so I don't NEED one-day shipping (anymore).
Again, love the video!
Brandon
The best deals are on AliExpress:
a.aliexpress.com/_mLzbKuk
a.aliexpress.com/_mt0hPDK
A great list --as always! I picked up a PF2 a while back, thought the design was intriguing but at first wasn't crazy about it (certainly not for carry) so let it sit in storage (i.e. "time out"). I took it back out ~ 3 months ago, limited it to desk/table top use and now find I reach for it all of the time! I guess it grew on me, too. I also agree with you on the X159 vs. 9019. I was having fun with the X159 (like larger pens) but stopped using it the INSTANT I laid hold of the 9019 and felt how it wrote. I have to hold off on my thoughts on the Gravitas Ultem Vac -- rumor has it one will be waiting under the tree for me Christmas morning. I can't wait!
Something to look forward to!
Great list!
I suspect that some of your top ten '23 may make it onto my top ten '24 list...
I think I am done buying pens for the year with my recent purchase of two Hong Dian pens; both are the A3 in black. One will be a gift for my brother(along with a pile of HongDian black ink cartridges since he wants as simple a filling method as he can get) with a medium nib. The second one is for me with their "long knife" nib. And a bottle of their blue ink.
The tough part will be waiting to play with my new pen until after I gift the other one. :D
Thanks for the good, quick overview of your top ten and the links to the individual reviews!
Thank you @robbiemer8178. That is much appreciated!
Hi Doug. Jim from Madrid, Spain (a New Yorker expat living abroad).
It's been a while since I posted a mssg, though I usually watch your videos (very busy lately making Art... 😁👍).
Great list and picks for 2023.
I have a question, though, that I hope you can help me with...
I have bought already +15 Fountain Pens (FPs) throughout the year... but I always find myself with the same problem...
- "Fountain Pens where the Nib easily dries up" -
All of my Jinhao's have this problem. Even my Lamy Safary, though it is easier to restart with water. This never happens, though, with my TWSBI ECO nor with my Platinum Preppys.
Additionally, I do need a good/large ink reservoir because I use my FPs for writing as well as to create Art, and I need them to be able to work at any given time (when needed depending on the ink they're filled with - colour and type - watersoluble or non-watersoluble and always using ink for FPs only) even if I don't use any one if them individually speaking for over a week (I use FPs every day, but I use the ones that I need for such day). I do my due dilligence in servicing and maintenance on a regular basis (once very 2-3 weeks) and I cannot afford expensive FPs (I wish I could but as an Artist, my budget needs to be stretched to many different materials such as paint, inks, special paper for each medium, brushes, pencils, charcoal, watercolors, gouache, palettes, etc, etc, etc.).
So... my question is double, per say.
1. Witch FP would you recommend that has a big ink capacity (using an , , and/or nibs) where the nib will NOT dry out easily (at least for a week or 2 if possible)?
2. From your list... what's your opinion about the Asvine P20 & V126, as well as for the Pen BBS 495 w/ mini FUDE nib, based on my 2 main parameters (ink drying & price or, also called, BBFTB)?
I know I'm not asking an easy question (actually 2 but totally related) but I hope you can help me out selecting my next purchase(s).
Thank you in advance for your help and Cheers from Sunny Spain!!!
😁👍😎✌
I would recommend a Wing Sung 601 tinyurl.com/bdf9js8z
They have a large ink capacity and are inexpensive so you can three of them; one in EF, one in F and one to swap with one of "Bobby's" mini-fude nib replacements for the 601 tinyurl.com/mpfux2x4
The P20, V126, and Penbbs 495 are roughly the same price. You can get the same character from the WS601 with a Bobby nib as with the 495. I've had no issues with ink drying out on any three of these pens as they all have a step milled into the inside of the cap to seal the nib against the top of the section.
Asvine V126 is constantly showing up as a pen "one day I will buy", but then you show P20 in Galaxy acrylic and I am not so sure anymore... :) Great list, congratulations on Delta pen.
Thanks for sharing!
Great list!
Glad you think so!
The P20 has a serious design flaw. If you firmly post the cap, it locks onto the piston filler knob very snugly. If you twist it to get the cap off, the piston filler cap turns and ink shoot out of the nib all over the place. I gifted this to a close friend at lunch who did this and ink went everywhere including hands and all over the table. This needs to be fixed!!!
Yep! A LOT of these Chinese piston fillers post on the piston!
I bet that the Hongdian N11 with the “rhombus,” aka “lozenge” pattern would have been on this list if you had gotten it in time. It’s a wonderful writer with perfect balance, weight and comfort in my hand. And it’s beautiful. I got the green, and I bet you choose the green-leaning blue. Ever since I got it, I have found myself reaching for it for routine writing. A true pleasure to use and so beautifully made. I got the fine nib, and it is very smooth with just the right amount of feedback. Taking rapid notes was never so effortless. The only flaw, if it can be considered that, is that it uses a converter, albeit a well-made one. (I hope more pen makers adopt Jinhao 9019 style enormous converters, which makes them comparable to piston- or vacuum-fillers in ink capacity.) I’ve inked my N11 with Diamine Green Black and am loving the results.
Indeed! Probably 2024!
@@InkquiringMinds : Another item on my pen design wish list: not only much larger, well-designed converters, but CAPS/PLUGS for them so changing inks doesn’t mean losing the existing ink. The Jinhao 9019 converter not only has a capacity of almost 2 ml, it screws in, which probably increases its longevity if it is switched out. Wouldn’t matching screw-in caps be nice? Good for spares during traveling too.
@@catherinehubbard1167 I've seen brass plugs for standard international converters/cartridges before, but can't find them again.
@@InkquiringMinds : Same here. I recall that a guy basically started a business of making them. But they don’t have to be brass - though that is attractive and durable - and they make more sense for a larger cartridge or converter, especially one that screws in.
@@InkquiringMinds : one more thought re caps for large durable converters or cartridges: if I were selling them, I’d also offer little ziplocked bags or capped tubes with write-on labels to store the full converters/cartridges in. Not only would this enable easy recording of the contents, it would protect against leaks. I’d offer, say, two or three bags or tubes per cap, with the option to buy more separately. Brass caps would be a more valuable product than plastic ones for the producer.
Thank you Doug
Hi Doug sir, I really liked your clear explanation about Wing Sung 630 and Jinhao 9019 that made to the top pens list and how they are better with X159 in a couple of aspects. Glad that I have 3 of my pens based on your review in top list🙂.. Asvine p20, Jinhao 9019, Wing Sung 630 ( steel nib version)...I think Hongdian N1S was not included in the list though it was a candidate earlier?
The HD N1S is a good pen and close to making the list. Hongdian just keeps making excellent pens.
@@InkquiringMindsagree 💯
Great video! I love your list. So far I haven't spent more than $35 on a pen and couldn't be having more fun. Couldn't agree more with your thoghts on Asvine. I have a V126 and it's my favorite pen so far. I have a trio of x159s each with different colored ink for my journaling. I think I'll give away the black one and replace it with the 630 since I use black ink the most. You also convinced me that I need a 9019. I've been on the fence since it came out. Thanks for the tip on the solid color.
Thank you so much, @HagothVoyage!
I can’t say enough good things about the Asvine pens. Amazing quality for the money. I’d argue the P20 is probably best bang for the buck piston filler and the V126 is the BBFTB vacuum filler. Now I’m wondering who’s next in the #8 nib movement. Will it be Majohn, Asvine, Fuliwen, Kaigelu or Pen BBS?
It will be the Hongdian N10 I think. I get one in a couple of days.
@@InkquiringMinds that’s a nice one too. The black coated nib feels really nice. The green one goes well with Emerald of chivor. Who do you think will come out with the next #8 size nib wielding pen?
@@ryansullivan3081The Hongdian N10. I'll get one next week.
Does the Asvine P20 post comfortably?
@@galessi1226Yes. It makes the pen long but the cap will post securely. It does drag on the piston knob however, so it can turn the piston by accident.
Thanks for yet another top notch video, my friend. I am in the market for a piston filler. Would you say the Asvine P20 is your favorite piston filler overall? I also will buy a 9019 because the x159 I got came with a hopeless nib. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your vidoes and help you give me individually!! God Bless, sir!!🦽🦼🎶🎶🎵
My Pelikan M800 is my best piston filler.
Great list, professor. I hope 2024 brings you many many more awesome pens to tell us about! Cheers from MB!
Same to you! Thank you!
Thanks Doug…the pen currently in my pocket as I write ( type ) this is as you so apply described in your first review “ the big ass pen 9019 from Jinhao” writes like a champ, # 8 size nib, and a large capacity converter. Love it❤! Cheers from Nova Scotia…MikeR.
Hey Mike! Thanks so much1
Hey Doug! I wonder what will be in this list 🤔😄😉
Spoiler!
Hello ;=) This is amazing all what you share, so i wanted to Thank you ! All this Fun reservoir ^^ I'm catching up :=) I'm experiencing Jinhao line so far, this is already amazing imo.
You have some interesting pens in there, Doug! Cheers!
Thank you! Cheers!
I wished you would write the price down for each model on your pad.
The links to the reviews are in the description and the reviews have the details about where I bought them and how much they were at the time. Search Aliexpress, Etsy, and Amazon for the models and you'll get current pricing.
It’s crazy how similar my top ten list is compared to yours. Great inkquiring minds think alike!
Awesome! Great taste!
The only pen missing on this list is the Hongdian C1. It is a wicked good hooded nib pen that, while brass, is light and well coated. Too bad you purchased the Wing Sung 630 with the gold nib -- I have the steel nib and it is fantastic. The Jinhao 9019 Dadao is my pick for the year, however. I also loved the x159 but the 9019 is the better value pen. I have not sprung for an Asvine P20 as I have been burned by an earlier Asvine a few years ago. Maybe it is time to get over it.
The C1 isn't a new pen. I reviewed it three years ago. It is certainly the largest eyedropper I know of.
Not the Majohn (Moonman) C1 - the HongDian C1. I am not sure why HongDian would use C1 for this pen, but it is brass, converter filling, hooded nib fountain pen. Like most new issue fountain pens, there are only ef/f nib choices. That said, my fine neon yellow pen is a terrific writer.
Great, you're going to make me buy even more pens next year, grmbl. Only joking, the V126 is the best pen yet in my fledgling collection (7 so far). I'm going to spend the Xmas holidays studying the individual reviews you made of your top ten and then buy pen no.8 in the new year.
Fair enough!
Do you know that pininfarina PF 2 is made by a car brand pininfarina
REALLY??? Who knew???
Your vids are so fun! 😂🩵✌🏽🩵😂
Thank you so much, @Sonicman415!
but do you like deftones doug?
Thank you for another super good video. It’s great to have the views of the Most Independent and Objective (™) reviewer on UA-cam!
Much appreciated!
You see ,we learned something every day . I just learn that WACK was metric. LOL Thank you , great List
But it is spelled WHACK in Australia.
And I accidentally broke my P20, dropping it from the table. Great top, Doug.
I’m curious. Did it break at the ink window?
@@InkquiringMinds No, the funny thing is, the pen was in the original box, I dropped it from the table, and the piston mount broke off
@@АлександрТорянниковYou'll need another!
@@InkquiringMindsDefinitely, but i think my next pen will be P50, because I didn’t like the section shape of P20
Have you tried the Pilot Custom 823? Its widely considered the best vac filler out there (though takes some bravery to disassemble)
I haven't plucked up the courage to spend the money on one yet. I don't like either the smoke amber or smoke grey colours. I wish they'd make one like the Custom 74 transparent blue.
@@InkquiringMinds I feel the same way, I believe they did have a deep blue limited edition for an anniversary at one point. There is also the fully transparent model, but that's a bit tricky to find outside of Japanese sellers....I managed to find a lightly used smoked version for a great deal, the medium nib is a joy to write with and the section is much more comfortable than the Custom 74. It feels like a more solidly built Wing Sung 699 in the hand.
If the #1 pen didn't make the list, I was ready to talk major 🤬🤬🤬😁. I love it and I guess the rest of the list is ok too😉.
LOL
Best of the year already? there's a whole month left!
Yup! Leave something for 2024!
Asvine P20, you say? To the Google!
Can't go wrong!
This guy is out of his mind.
Well if I am, then you certainly are! You watched and commented! Thanks!
Mr Doug sir watches and replies to everyone's comments as a good gesture. So be in your senses when you write something next time 😅. Thanks!
I am not a friend of knockoffs or copycats. Even more when they are so obvious. 😒
Great list!
Glad you think so!
Great list!
Glad you enjoyed it