The X159 is such a lightning rod, but as someone who isn't a Chinese pen fan, I love it and bought a second as soon as I tuned the nib on my first and saw what a delight it was. The tines on both required flossing, but that was it. They both write like wet mediums and as someone who doesn't care for skinny sections I find the x159 very comfortable. I rank this pen as Surprise of the Year!
I have two x159 pens, black and blue. Both nibs are great... thankfully, no fiddling needed. They're better than the steel nib on my Lamy Safari, which isn't terrible but also isn't great, especially for a German medium.
The x159s were my stocking stuffers! And I've two, loved it so much (even after my kids gave me a 149): the silver nib and the two-toned one, both in black.
Great ranking, Doug! I love how you ponder the quality and price of the fountain pens without letting yourself be influenced by the big brands. Merry Christmas and the best 2023 for you and your family.
I am so happy that you featured the Jinhao x159 as a great pen - I recently picked up a couple and I was so surprised at how smooth and wet they write! As a collector of budget-friendly fountain pens I don't really have any high-end pens to compare it with so I really value and appreciate your informed opinions and assessment in your reviews. Thanks again for sharing, very helpful :)
Thanks for another fascinating video. And it's a joy to see you happy with so many inexpensive pens. The only one of these pens I have is the x159, which cured me of #8 nib fever AND confirmed my disinterest in Montblanc, both for
I look forward to your best of the year video and appreciate that your selections are honest and your own (as opposed to just going along with the masses). Have a great 2023, Doug!
I’m really surprised the Ranga ranked so low, but I admire your Type-A approach to categorizing your opinions in a spreadsheet to rank them 😎 Also, I was really happy to hear you open the video with “welcome to Inkquiring Minds” rather than “my channel.” Such a silly little detail, but as a live production guy, it always sounds better to me when someone uses the name of their program in the welcome of the video. Please keep it :-)
Can't really get over how pretty that Carene is! I've been watching your reviews of the Carene over and over, and how I am looking forward to have one for myself. Thanks Doug and great video!
Wonderful list! I gotta go back to watch the full episodes since my 2022 was a (that kind of year-use any word that means sucky, etc). But I’m back in the swing of nibs, ink, twistin’ pistons, and your divine guitar pickin’ pen reviews! Thanks & cheers to 2023!
Good list and good fun, thanks Doug! I was looking for your Hongidan 1841, but it didn't make the cut. Happy for you that your deep-pocket-dive LMZGDPS2021JBEM2 made it. Cheers!
The AFOMOC is here! Each year, this is one of my favorite videos. What does AFOMOC stand for? Of course, it's the "Annual Fear Of Missing Out Check" where I determine whether I missed out on a memorable fountain pen experience. It won't cost me a lot of money to revamp this year's selection, even though I have a lot to catch up on. I won't even have to "blame" you for overspending. Thank you, Doug.
Great video, like (most of) the picks and thanks again for reviving my FOMO on some of 2022's excellent choices of pen. I have a question on the X159 #8 nib: how does it compare to other #8 size nibs on the market? it's understandibly (or understandingly?) sacrilegious to consider that anyone would even think of putting a different #8 nib on a pen that cost 20 times less than the nib, and that's exactly why YOU sir are the right man for this question. Thanks for a great year of reviews, keep them coming.
I have a blue Jinhao X159 with it's supplied two tone fine nib. My best pen which is used daily. I have 2 black Jinhao 80s, one with a Lamy 1.1 nib and the other with a Lamy 1.5 nib. My favourite Jinhao 80 is the Avacado green one with it's original fine gold toned nib. So smooth to write with. It has a gold clip to match.
The Majohn (formerly Moonman) P136 (your #3) was frequently knocked for not posting. I find that mine does post but not in a way that most other pens post - the cap rotates but does not slip off. The Jinhao X159 is a clear 2022 winner. I missed the Ranga review. I'll have to look back at the archives. What a stunner!
I fully agree with your choice of winner, Doug, my X159 is inked all the time along with (at the moment) one of my PFMs. Along with you, I wish they'd sort out a decent nib selection, there must be a market for them.
An entertaining show and an interesting list. I have dip tested a MB 146 and like it very much, but not at MB prices, so I''ll probably buy one clones. Looking forward to more in '23, especially more vintage. All the best to you and yours for Christmas and the New Year from Bruce of Bendoc.
Thanks! I have the Hong Dian N7 and Jinhao x159, wonderful pens, and like the Asvine P20 even a hair better! Great look, medium nib, smooth piston action. I couldn't by more pleased at the price.
A reasonable list apart from the Rangan and Penbbs which I find unobtainable. The Icon and Hongdian with the long blade/architect nib have turned out to be great everyday writers. The X159 is amazing value for money. The Black Sea disaster is a remarkable example of your persistence and dedication to the hobby, but personally that’s where I would have left it- the Black Sea that is. All the best for Xmas ,New Year and 2023. Thanks for all your efforts this year 🎉.
I find these “pen Year” videos so wholesome and enjoyable - especially when you see one or two of your own making the list! Agree Hongdian are exceptional
Love this list and the ranking of the X159. It’s a great value and writes so wet and smoothly. Looking forward to tomorrow’s Pen Resurrection Sunday. 👍👍👍++😎.
I do have a few pens that are on the list. I am still betwixt and between the Wing Sung 629 and the Majohn 136. Which is better? Very close performance but I still hold the 629 I. High regards if only they copied the resin down to the actual color - not black but a very dark red that only shows if you place a bright light behind it. I thought you would have included the Asvine P20. It is a wonderful pen and certainly on par with the Nahvalur Schuylkill.
Fantastic list Doug. I have a few on here. Definitely bought them after you did reviews on them. Loved the X159 so much I have 4 of them and even got a Gravitas titanium pen with the X159 nib fitted to it. I did not know they had more colors, I need the orange one now. Great content as always.
Jinhao 80 for me was a bit of a hit and miss. After watching your review, i bought Lamy nib immediately after ordering the pen. And it writes beautifully. WHEN it writes. The feed seems to dry out even on the next day and requires a little bit of scribbling to get the ink flowing again. Not sure if it's Sailor Black ink that's on the dry side, or just my luck with Jinhao QA. Edit: My own highlight of the year 2022 would be 1946 Parker Vacumatic.
Excellent video! I agree with your #1 choice. I've bought several of them in different colors and they all have extremely smooth nibs and the fit and finish is pretty good for a pen that costs less than ten bucks US. If Jinhao ever improves the materials quality and adds a piston filler to the pen while keeping the price around thirty dollars, watch out! Thanks for the video and a very happy holiday season to you and your family! Ho ho ho!
Thanks for the recap .. did I hear you incorrectly, or did you say the price of the P136 was dropping to unde $10? (time @13:30) I only see prices in the $30 - $35 range on Ali Express. At $10'ish, I'd pick up a green one in a snap.
Amazing 2022 pen list, I've seen all the previous reviews and are great, I have some of them on my wishlist, I hope could get them soon, thanks for your videos
The haters of the Jinhao X159 doth protest too much, methinks. I reckon they can't believe what a nice pen you get for a pittance. Kinda makes a lot of other pen-makers look silly, hence,the hate. But,hey,the MANY fans of the X159 are still loving,writing with, gifting/penabling,and slinging ink! It's too good of a pen to only have one. First I got the black/silver X159 then,the Maroon/gold;and,now have the beautiful Noire Bleu/Gold. Two-tone nibs are sublime. That the smooth, "fine" nib writes like a wet medium is just gravy. I love gravy.
13:35 Love to know where the P136 is available for less than $10, Doug? I can't find the _pen_ on Etsy, Ali or eBay for less then about $34. The tool and the nib selection *is* available for less than $10, though.
You mentioned Ranga as one of the best Indian made pens. I agree. Have you experienced any Magna Carta Pens? A little pricey for me but heard great things. Happy New Year
Wow!! Thank you for such a great selection and well thought out list! What is the name of the colour acrylic on your Abhimagho (I know I'm spelling it wrong) pen? acrylic
My X-159 writes like a dream. But the pen rattles. It’s instantly clear that the fit and finish is very basic. I must push the cap down hard to make it post securely. Having said that, it’s a great bargain.
Jeez, I have pretty much all of these. Must have something to do with watching a certain TH-cam pen reviewer... They are all fantastic pens! We certainly live in a wonderful time of Fountain Pen revival - lucky us!
Could you tell us more about longblade nibs? This is the second time I’ve encountered that term this week after never hearing it before. Is it a new option?
Great video! So just to clarify, Appelboom took an order In Nov 21, delivered several months later, sent a faulty pen, and (eventually) replaced it with the incorrect pen!?
@@InkquiringMinds This is a significant service failure. I took note because I've had two sub-par experiences with Appelboom (out of two attempted purchases), and was hoping it may have just been an anomaly. But I've seen quite a few similar issues, and this in particular cements the concern.
I received a Caréne for my birthday a couple of years ago, I have alot of higher end pens but this one is my most beautiful and has one of my best nibs. It's such a nice pen, I don't know why it doesn't get much attention over its competitors.
New to your channel, I like that you review knock-offs. I've wondered about many and am not sure if they would just be total junk. But you change so many nibs on them that it really isn't rating the real pen as delivered. I'm rather new to this pen wold after enjoying fountain pens over 39 years ago. So, swapping nibs is a bit over my expertise. So far, I've gotten some nice pens, but after your reviews, I may save some money and may buy some of the knock offs on your list although I may need to learn more about nib replacements.
Nice review. Personally I wouldn't recommend any pen with nib requiring any adjustment, pressing down on page 7 times, replacement, flossing, sanding, etc. There are so many now that are superb and cheap out of the box such as Twsbi, Wing Sung 618, Platinum Preppy, etc that there is no longer a need to tune nib with possible risks involved. Cheap pens obviate expensive pens as they are now in many cases better than expensive pens other than titillations of sparkle and price.
Just to defend the PenBBS nibs; they are designed to write dry out of the box to suit eastern style calligraphy. And it doesn’t take an engineering degree to get them writing to suit western cursive. The Chinese market is a few million more than the west!
I love my Jinhao x159 too. Wrote great out of the box and I only have one other size 8 nib and it’s on my favorite Ranga pen. I have three Ranga pens and all are terrific writers
With you about the Wahl-Eversharp. Many from the 1920s are just a joy to write with. (And the others, though I seem to attract trolls lately when I like anything from China. Not here, fortunately. Yet. Could be my jab at "precious resin" the last time...)
Amazing, i live in huntsville and met the man that created the moon landing pen at a pen meet here. He was trying to sell me one at a reduced price. He showed me the prototype.
Hello, Doug. Since this is your favorites of 2022, what are your all time favorite fountain pens. The ones that you won’t go without. Your top 3 if possible? Cheers @InkquiringMinds
I do not mean to be argumentative in these comments. First: what spreadsheets do you use? I use Google sheets, finding it easier than Excel. In my opinion the nib is key to any pen so for me if you change out the nib, you no longer have the same pen. But that is me. Happy Holidays to you. Love your videos
There are people like me who are absolute newbies. I have no idea what the brand of the second pen you spoke about. It would be SO SO helpful if you would provide the names of the pens you speak about in the bottom of the thumbnail, whatever you call it. It would be so helpful! And I think it would not be difficult. Please?
I too have a horrible experience buying from Appelboom. Well, not one but two. I complained but to deaf ears. I’ll avoid them in future. Such a shame, I really enjoyed their TH-cam videos. I really wanted to have another pen seller friend in another country. Oh well. Thanks for your great videos this year.
I had a Carene black sea fountain pen nightmare buying from Applebaum too! Twice I was sent a black sea cap whose band came off making it impossible to cap. I just gave up after 5 months or so and gave up. Now Im afraid to use my Carene, my favourite looking pen EVER, lest the same thing happens to it.
“This is my Pen. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My Pen is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my Pen is useless. Without my Pen, I am useless. I must guide my Pen true. I must scribe straighter than my alter who is trying to top me. I must scoop him before he scoops me. I will …
I had to hit rewind to hear again how the "panty-twisted, ink-stained fingered old men were driving up demand for these pens.😂 I think I have about 3 of the ones you showed, on & off the countdown, that I own because of this channel.
How you doin’, Doug! Adam, over on his TH-cam channel, ‘An Ink Guy,’ did a pen review video yesterday about your favourite vac-filling pen, the PenBBS 456. I don’t want to spoil too much, but let’s just say it disappointed him a bit too much… - Check out his full review here: m.th-cam.com/video/6tKH6lJ3t0c/w-d-xo.html - Afterwards, comment down your thoughts/opinions regarding the pen review… and here’s a tip: add a comment on Adam’s recent video after you watch the whole thing!
As for the classic cigar-shaped pens and other look-alikes, I find it sad that there are still curmudgeons who think it is their duty to oppose the simple pleasures of life. And why is that? To save the reputation of a brand that doesn't need saving? Or to assert a social status? There are some agreed-upon statements that have no reason to be perpetuated, because they demonstrate a lack of manners, even a lack of humanity.
I agree 100%, Þórhildur! I think it is the anger of those who actually spent the $$$$ on a Montblanc, knowing that someone else might get the same writing pleasure out of a pen a fraction of the cost. Plus a blind brand loyalty that comes from membership with a rarified elite.
@@InkquiringMinds Pleasure, yes. The same one, no. There are many imperatives in luxury marketing that have been widely studied. I remember one of those studies when I was working in a related field. Every stage of life is marked by rites of passage and accompanied by objects that symbolise and embody them, such as the graduate's diploma, the bride's dress, the pensioner's engraved watch, and so on. As children, we receive these marks of progression in life from our elders. Then, as we get older, recognition becomes scarcer and we have to award our own trophies. When you start to look like Santa, you have no other choice but to become your own Santa. I think many uninformed objectors conflate the symbolic value of these milestones with their material value. They get offended because they think that the price of these objects is the reward. They therefore wrongly feel that the x159 or the N8 somehow devalues their Meisterstück or their Souveran, belittling their financial or other success. Contrary to popular belief, luxury is not the upper, extra expensive level that rises above high performance. It is not the continuation of the performance curve that rises exponentially in y when you go further in x. On the contrary. Luxury extends into a completely different, orthogonal dimension, z : that of intangible qualities. This is why luxury is often synonymous with art, tradition, terroir, reputation, nobility, exclusivity, esteem, creativity, etc. while the antithesis of practicality, availability, economy, basic needs, etc. Pushing further toward excellence, in z, is almost certainly at the expense of performance, in y. The Montblanc experience is not an experience of writing per se, but rather a contemplation on the theme of achievement. The 149 is meant to be contemplated while the owner congratulates himself on having reached a new peak in his life. And then, as he leafs through the catalogue of the brand's other works of art, to tell himself that other aspirations await him. The grail pen is always the next one, not quite attainable today, but hopefully one day. The x159 is, from a functional point of view, as much a good fountain pen, if not a better one because it offers a sufficiently equivalent writing experience for a fraction of the cost of the 149. But, if you want to bathe in the aura of the world's greats, look no further than Pelikan, Montblanc and their peers. This is why it is totally ridiculous to defend luxury against its ersatz, as if physical similarities jeopardise intangibles. The two worlds, affordable pleasures and status symbols, do not even intersect. They are on completely different planes.
@@thorhilda An excellent and erudite analysis Þórhildur! I especially appreciate the thought, "The Montblanc experience is not an experience of writing per se, but rather a contemplation on the theme of achievement." Well said.
Warning to all: I purchased a Jinhao x159 after watching this review. AliExpress said it was delivered. It was not. It is impossible now for me to connect with any live person or even to submit a claim. Rip-off.
@@InkquiringMinds I am not upset at all with Jinhao. I feel ripped off by AliExpress. (I did check the vendor who had a supposedly good rating.) Even when I follow the "directions" on their Web site to get a refund, the connections do no function and I can't submit the complaint. Plus, the 24 hour chat is a complete total robot and answers questions with a list of things you can do, which when you follow them, you can't do anything. I don't understand how this operation works. I see they sold $85 billion or something like that. It's beyond me.
@@Lorvina1 Tried but can't. Forgot my password, and when I try to change it, the AliExpress system does not function and will not allow me access. AliExpress remains impossible to contact. I am screwed. I am curious, too, why I received a "your order has been delivered" notification via my e-mail from AliExipress when in fact nothing had been delievered. It's a scam, IMO.
I really dislike my. nahvalur original + the purple is really red and it also has a very horrible nib. I think I got really unlucky... I'm debating contacting their support but I feel bad asking for a free nib fro a smaller company that has more "fair" pricing, unlike say esterbrook. and for me due to the way the shut off valve and the pen are designed, I can write like at minimum 2 pages before unscrewing it. I actually only unscrew it once a week even with a thick M nib :P
@@InkquiringMinds yeah, my original hippocampus purple was my fav pen of all time probably, and had a great nib, but it got stolen :\ I wish I could exchange it for a hippocampus, but I'm sure they'd only send a nib as (it sheens red and I hate red but love purple) doesn't seem like a great reason for exchanging a pen :D
The X159 is such a lightning rod, but as someone who isn't a Chinese pen fan, I love it and bought a second as soon as I tuned the nib on my first and saw what a delight it was.
The tines on both required flossing, but that was it. They both write like wet mediums and as someone who doesn't care for skinny sections I find the x159 very comfortable. I rank this pen as Surprise of the Year!
Go try the Jinhao 80. I think it will give you a lot of pleasure for very little money, because of its ability to use the Lamy Z50 nibs.
I agree 100% Jackie!
I have two x159 pens, black and blue. Both nibs are great... thankfully, no fiddling needed. They're better than the steel nib on my Lamy Safari, which isn't terrible but also isn't great, especially for a German medium.
The x159s were my stocking stuffers! And I've two, loved it so much (even after my kids gave me a 149): the silver nib and the two-toned one, both in black.
Great ranking, Doug! I love how you ponder the quality and price of the fountain pens without letting yourself be influenced by the big brands. Merry Christmas and the best 2023 for you and your family.
Thanks Santiago!
I am so happy that you featured the Jinhao x159 as a great pen - I recently picked up a couple and I was so surprised at how smooth and wet they write! As a collector of budget-friendly fountain pens I don't really have any high-end pens to compare it with so I really value and appreciate your informed opinions and assessment in your reviews. Thanks again for sharing, very helpful :)
Thank you Jannah. That is much appreciated!
Another Classic. I look forward to your Best of Year vids every year. They are always entertaining and informative.
completely agree with the #1, the Jinhao x159 knocked it out of the park! I'd love it if they made a flat top version aka Montblanc 139...
Thanks for another fascinating video. And it's a joy to see you happy with so many inexpensive pens.
The only one of these pens I have is the x159, which cured me of #8 nib fever AND confirmed my disinterest in Montblanc, both for
A bargain pen that resolved so many issues for you!
@@InkquiringMinds information worth the price
I look forward to your best of the year video and appreciate that your selections are honest and your own (as opposed to just going along with the masses). Have a great 2023, Doug!
I’m really surprised the Ranga ranked so low, but I admire your Type-A approach to categorizing your opinions in a spreadsheet to rank them 😎
Also, I was really happy to hear you open the video with “welcome to Inkquiring Minds” rather than “my channel.” Such a silly little detail, but as a live production guy, it always sounds better to me when someone uses the name of their program in the welcome of the video. Please keep it :-)
I totally agree! I only started once I officially got the "Inkquiring Minds" name from TH-cam.
I already have the Diamine Oxblood ink and now I have ordered a maching Jinhau 159 burgundy (and a black one). Thanks for the video
Can't really get over how pretty that Carene is! I've been watching your reviews of the Carene over and over, and how I am looking forward to have one for myself. Thanks Doug and great video!
I love the Carene too, I love design and colors. I'd loved to have one red sea.
Wonderful list! I gotta go back to watch the full episodes since my 2022 was a (that kind of year-use any word that means sucky, etc). But I’m back in the swing of nibs, ink, twistin’ pistons, and your divine guitar pickin’ pen reviews! Thanks & cheers to 2023!
Awesome!!
Love all your reviews! I Appreciate all your reviews and hope toue guitar 🎸 fingers heal soon.
Good list and good fun, thanks Doug! I was looking for your Hongidan 1841, but it didn't make the cut. Happy for you that your
deep-pocket-dive LMZGDPS2021JBEM2 made it. Cheers!
The AFOMOC is here! Each year, this is one of my favorite videos.
What does AFOMOC stand for? Of course, it's the "Annual Fear Of Missing Out Check" where I determine whether I missed out on a memorable fountain pen experience. It won't cost me a lot of money to revamp this year's selection, even though I have a lot to catch up on. I won't even have to "blame" you for overspending.
Thank you, Doug.
Thanks for that! :)
Great video, like (most of) the picks and thanks again for reviving my FOMO on some of 2022's excellent choices of pen. I have a question on the X159 #8 nib: how does it compare to other #8 size nibs on the market? it's understandibly (or understandingly?) sacrilegious to consider that anyone would even think of putting a different #8 nib on a pen that cost 20 times less than the nib, and that's exactly why YOU sir are the right man for this question. Thanks for a great year of reviews, keep them coming.
Thanks jj. But this is the only #8 nib I’ve tried! We’ll other than the borrowed MB149 flex nib which is a rare and unique nib.
I have a blue Jinhao X159 with it's supplied two tone fine nib. My best pen which is used daily.
I have 2 black Jinhao 80s, one with a Lamy 1.1 nib and the other with a Lamy 1.5 nib.
My favourite Jinhao 80 is the Avacado green one with it's original fine gold toned nib. So smooth to write with.
It has a gold clip to match.
The Majohn (formerly Moonman) P136 (your #3) was frequently knocked for not posting. I find that mine does post but not in a way that most other pens post - the cap rotates but does not slip off. The Jinhao X159 is a clear 2022 winner. I missed the Ranga review. I'll have to look back at the archives. What a stunner!
Thanks for sharing, David!
I fully agree with your choice of winner, Doug, my X159 is inked all the time along with (at the moment) one of my PFMs. Along with you, I wish they'd sort out a decent nib selection, there must be a market for them.
Jinhao is pretty adept at testing the market and responding. Look at the explosion of different Jinhao 100s from last year!
An entertaining show and an interesting list. I have dip tested a MB 146 and like it very much, but not at MB prices, so I''ll probably buy one clones.
Looking forward to more in '23, especially more vintage. All the best to you and yours for Christmas and the New Year from Bruce of Bendoc.
Thank you so much, ibpopp!
Only thing that would improve Jinhao x159 would be some jazzy acrylic design choices with breathtaking chatoyance.
Thanks! I have the Hong Dian N7 and Jinhao x159, wonderful pens, and like the Asvine P20 even a hair better! Great look, medium nib, smooth piston action. I couldn't by more pleased at the price.
Very nice! I have an Asvine P30 on the way.
Well-deserved #1 spot... there is a reason I have 5 of them.
Great selection. I'm looking forward to getting a P136 myself.
Good choice
I think my top pen of 2022 was the HongDian N6, with the 100 not far behind.
A reasonable list apart from the Rangan and Penbbs which I find unobtainable. The Icon and Hongdian with the long blade/architect nib have turned out to be great everyday writers. The X159 is amazing value for money. The Black Sea disaster is a remarkable example of your persistence and dedication to the hobby, but personally that’s where I would have left it- the Black Sea that is. All the best for Xmas ,New Year and 2023. Thanks for all your efforts this year 🎉.
Thank you so much, Andrew!
@@InkquiringMinds You’re welcome.
I find these “pen Year” videos so wholesome and enjoyable - especially when you see one or two of your own making the list! Agree Hongdian are exceptional
Yay, thank you!
✍️🤠Thanks for Replicating the Jianhao to a Lamy 🤩🤓🤓🤓 I would have done the same
Love this list and the ranking of the X159. It’s a great value and writes so wet and smoothly. Looking forward to tomorrow’s Pen Resurrection Sunday. 👍👍👍++😎.
Hope you enjoy it!
I do have a few pens that are on the list. I am still betwixt and between the Wing Sung 629 and the Majohn 136. Which is better? Very close performance but I still hold the 629 I. High regards if only they copied the resin down to the actual color - not black but a very dark red that only shows if you place a bright light behind it.
I thought you would have included the Asvine P20. It is a wonderful pen and certainly on par with the Nahvalur Schuylkill.
It is a good pen, but didn't rise to "best of" status.
Great Video. Waiting for Jinhao X159 and Jinhao 80 to try :) Have a nice day Doug.
OMG! The Leonardo pen is one of the most stunning pens I have seen. That acrylic is absolutely out of this world.
I know right??
Fantastic list Doug. I have a few on here. Definitely bought them after you did reviews on them. Loved the X159 so much I have 4 of them and even got a Gravitas titanium pen with the X159 nib fitted to it. I did not know they had more colors, I need the orange one now. Great content as always.
You learned that Gravitas trick from Doodlebud
@@InkquiringMinds might need to watch the doodlebud video you are talking about. I bought it from Gravitas already assembled with the jinhao nib.
Ah right. I had forgotten they did that.
Jinhao 80 for me was a bit of a hit and miss. After watching your review, i bought Lamy nib immediately after ordering the pen. And it writes beautifully. WHEN it writes. The feed seems to dry out even on the next day and requires a little bit of scribbling to get the ink flowing again. Not sure if it's Sailor Black ink that's on the dry side, or just my luck with Jinhao QA.
Edit: My own highlight of the year 2022 would be 1946 Parker Vacumatic.
Try a wetter ink like Iroshizuku and also flush it with distilled water with a drop of dish soap.
Excellent video! I agree with your #1 choice. I've bought several of them in different colors and they all have extremely smooth nibs and the fit and finish is pretty good for a pen that costs less than ten bucks US. If Jinhao ever improves the materials quality and adds a piston filler to the pen while keeping the price around thirty dollars, watch out! Thanks for the video and a very happy holiday season to you and your family! Ho ho ho!
Thanks for sharing!
this video requires its own cup of coffee.......
Just as I finished my 3rd cup...
@@paulherman5822 🤣👌
Whaddya know I was sipping coffee as I read that comment hehe
Thanks for the recap .. did I hear you incorrectly, or did you say the price of the P136 was dropping to unde $10? (time @13:30) I only see prices in the $30 - $35 range on Ali Express. At $10'ish, I'd pick up a green one in a snap.
It was my bad! I think I priced the wrench. Best I’ve seen has been around $25.
@@InkquiringMinds ah, ok, thanks for clarifying .. just wanted to make sure .
Great review Doug! 👏👏
Thanks! 👍
Amazing 2022 pen list, I've seen all the previous reviews and are great, I have some of them on my wishlist, I hope could get them soon, thanks for your videos
Good luck!
The haters of the Jinhao X159 doth protest too much, methinks. I reckon they can't believe what a nice pen you get for a pittance. Kinda makes a lot of other pen-makers look silly, hence,the hate. But,hey,the MANY fans of the X159 are still loving,writing with, gifting/penabling,and slinging ink! It's too good of a pen to only have one.
First I got the black/silver X159 then,the Maroon/gold;and,now have the beautiful Noire Bleu/Gold. Two-tone nibs are sublime. That the smooth, "fine" nib writes like a wet medium is just gravy. I love gravy.
I'm surprised by how wet, smooth and thick the Fine nib is from Jinhao! Not like an eastern nib at all.
Wonderful list, thank you.
I ordered a Jinhao x159 thanks to you! Are there any similar to montblanc 145 as well? Any alternative? :)
Not that I know of
13:35 Love to know where the P136 is available for less than $10, Doug? I can't find the _pen_ on Etsy, Ali or eBay for less then about $34. The tool and the nib selection *is* available for less than $10, though.
I know. My bad. I think I was quoting the price of the wrench. They are $25 - $30.
Thank you Prof. Doug. Awesome recap. What would you suggest to replace the nib of the N7? Mine is terrible in an otherwise great pen.
I put a Kaigelu Long Blade nib on mine and I love it.
You mentioned Ranga as one of the best Indian made pens. I agree. Have you experienced any Magna Carta Pens? A little pricey for me but heard great things. Happy New Year
Not yet!
Wow!! Thank you for such a great selection and well thought out list!
What is the name of the colour acrylic on your Abhimagho (I know I'm spelling it wrong) pen? acrylic
It is called "Chestnut"!
My X-159 writes like a dream. But the pen rattles. It’s instantly clear that the fit and finish is very basic. I must push the cap down hard to make it post securely. Having said that, it’s a great bargain.
Jeez, I have pretty much all of these. Must have something to do with watching a certain TH-cam pen reviewer... They are all fantastic pens! We certainly live in a wonderful time of Fountain Pen revival - lucky us!
Right on!
Quite a list , thank you for sharing 👍
Thanks for watching, Luc!
Where is this secret stash of $10 P 136s? Oh, and thanks for the list, and another year of great content, Doug!
I think I misspoke on that one. Must have been looking at the price for the wrench!
yeah I went looking also...immediately!
The Carene is on my must have list...
Absolutely!
Could you tell us more about longblade nibs? This is the second time I’ve encountered that term this week after never hearing it before. Is it a new option?
They are basically an architect style grind; thin verticals and thick horizontals. The opposite of a stub. Check it out here: tinyurl.com/4w7nrj4v
Great video!
So just to clarify, Appelboom took an order In Nov 21, delivered several months later, sent a faulty pen, and (eventually) replaced it with the incorrect pen!?
Correct!
@@InkquiringMinds This is a significant service failure. I took note because I've had two sub-par experiences with Appelboom (out of two attempted purchases), and was hoping it may have just been an anomaly. But I've seen quite a few similar issues, and this in particular cements the concern.
I received a Caréne for my birthday a couple of years ago, I have alot of higher end pens but this one is my most beautiful and has one of my best nibs. It's such a nice pen, I don't know why it doesn't get much attention over its competitors.
I agree. I keep my two Carenes right on my desk at all times. They are incredibly gorgeous, well-balanced and beautiful writers.
I need a fountain pen that will write through 3 copy carbonless. Could you try a few on 3ply?
Most Chinese steel nibs are very stiff and will write through carbons.
Excellent video, as usual! I also rank the x159 at the top of my list and have three of them now. Side question: where do you get your pen pillows?
They are from Penbbs on Etsy.
@@InkquiringMinds Thank you!
New to your channel, I like that you review knock-offs. I've wondered about many and am not sure if they would just be total junk. But you change so many nibs on them that it really isn't rating the real pen as delivered. I'm rather new to this pen wold after enjoying fountain pens over 39 years ago. So, swapping nibs is a bit over my expertise. So far, I've gotten some nice pens, but after your reviews, I may save some money and may buy some of the knock offs on your list although I may need to learn more about nib replacements.
Swapping nibs isn't that difficult once you know the technique and what to look for. I should do a "Nib Swapping 101" video.
Nice review. Personally I wouldn't recommend any pen with nib requiring any adjustment, pressing down on page 7 times, replacement, flossing, sanding, etc. There are so many now that are superb and cheap out of the box such as Twsbi, Wing Sung 618, Platinum Preppy, etc that there is no longer a need to tune nib with possible risks involved. Cheap pens obviate expensive pens as they are now in many cases better than expensive pens other than titillations of sparkle and price.
Just to defend the PenBBS nibs; they are designed to write dry out of the box to suit eastern style calligraphy. And it doesn’t take an engineering degree to get them writing to suit western cursive. The Chinese market is a few million more than the west!
I love my Jinhao x159 too. Wrote great out of the box and I only have one other size 8 nib and it’s on my favorite Ranga pen. I have three Ranga pens and all are terrific writers
Is your #8 Ranga a Bock? What model(s)?
@@InkquiringMinds it is a Bock on a Ranga 5. As I tell people “THIS is a pen” it huge but I have big hands and I love it
@@cathiescott7382 I’ve been mulling the purchase of a 5 with an 8 nib.
With you about the Wahl-Eversharp. Many from the 1920s are just a joy to write with.
(And the others, though I seem to attract trolls lately when I like anything from China. Not here, fortunately. Yet. Could be my jab at "precious resin" the last time...)
My precioussssss!
Amazing, i live in huntsville and met the man that created the moon landing pen at a pen meet here. He was trying to sell me one at a reduced price. He showed me the prototype.
Cool!
Hello, Doug. Since this is your favorites of 2022, what are your all time favorite fountain pens. The ones that you won’t go without. Your top 3 if possible? Cheers
@InkquiringMinds
th-cam.com/video/zNVXPXe6Nu8/w-d-xo.html
@@InkquiringMinds thank you for the link. I’m going to go watch it now. Can’t wait to see what they are. Cheers
I do not mean to be argumentative in these comments. First: what spreadsheets do you use? I use Google sheets, finding it easier than Excel. In my opinion the nib is key to any pen so for me if you change out the nib, you no longer have the same pen. But that is me. Happy Holidays to you. Love your videos
I use Microsoft Office Online
@@InkquiringMinds That is q good option (Excel). I have used it and love it but Google sheets is what works for me
What is the ink you use in the introduction?
J. Herbin Kyanite du Nepal.
What do you charge for vintage pen restoration?
I don’t do restorations for others. I’m just learning myself.
There are people like me who are absolute newbies. I have no idea what the brand of the second pen you spoke about. It would be SO SO helpful if you would provide the names of the pens you speak about in the bottom of the thumbnail, whatever you call it. It would be so helpful! And I think it would not be difficult. Please?
I've written the name of each pen on paper during the video and each pen has a separate chapter with the name of the pen printed as well.
I think you should have ranked them with the nib they came with.
How do you sign up for the Ranga mailing list?
rangapens.com/contact Either email them or follow them on Facebook and/or Instagram (both links are on that page).
I too have a horrible experience buying from Appelboom. Well, not one but two. I complained but to deaf ears. I’ll avoid them in future. Such a shame, I really enjoyed their TH-cam videos. I really wanted to have another pen seller friend in another country. Oh well. Thanks for your great videos this year.
Sorry to hear that!
I had a Carene black sea fountain pen nightmare buying from Applebaum too! Twice I was sent a black sea cap whose band came off making it impossible to cap. I just gave up after 5 months or so and gave up. Now Im afraid to use my Carene, my favourite looking pen EVER, lest the same thing happens to it.
I'm using my broad Black Sea Carene almost weekly. With J Herbin Shogun ink, it is spectacular!
The P136 is not selling under 10usd, it's the P136 parts, like the wrench and nib units that are under 10usd. Lowest I've seen is 17usd ish.
Yeah. My mistake.
The Carene is on my wish list.
“This is my Pen. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
My Pen is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.
Without me, my Pen is useless. Without my Pen, I am useless. I must guide my Pen true. I must scribe straighter than my alter who is trying to top me. I must scoop him before he scoops me. I will …
Excellent!
Can you please name the pen you used to write before you started the video?
It is a Leonardo Momento Zero Blue Hawaii with J Herbin Kyanite du Nepal ink.
Nice vlog not sure about the skits in between
Me neither
I had to hit rewind to hear again how the "panty-twisted, ink-stained fingered old men were driving up demand for these pens.😂
I think I have about 3 of the ones you showed, on & off the countdown, that I own because of this channel.
😂
How you doin’, Doug!
Adam, over on his TH-cam channel, ‘An Ink Guy,’ did a pen review video yesterday about your favourite vac-filling pen, the PenBBS 456. I don’t want to spoil too much, but let’s just say it disappointed him a bit too much…
-
Check out his full review here:
m.th-cam.com/video/6tKH6lJ3t0c/w-d-xo.html
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Afterwards, comment down your thoughts/opinions regarding the pen review… and here’s a tip: add a comment on Adam’s recent video after you watch the whole thing!
I don't understand why I watched all the way through that video. So many mistakes.
Buena selección
¡Muchas gracias!
Hopefully we can continue to cyber bully you into trying various pens in 2023 from down here in the peanut gallery. :)
LOL! Go for it!
Title Suggestion: After replacing the original nibs on these nock-offs, here are my favorite pens. 🙄😂
Yeah there's a lot of that! LOL
Oh, honorable Sheaffer! What they do with you.
As for the classic cigar-shaped pens and other look-alikes, I find it sad that there are still curmudgeons who think it is their duty to oppose the simple pleasures of life. And why is that? To save the reputation of a brand that doesn't need saving? Or to assert a social status?
There are some agreed-upon statements that have no reason to be perpetuated, because they demonstrate a lack of manners, even a lack of humanity.
I agree 100%, Þórhildur! I think it is the anger of those who actually spent the $$$$ on a Montblanc, knowing that someone else might get the same writing pleasure out of a pen a fraction of the cost. Plus a blind brand loyalty that comes from membership with a rarified elite.
@@InkquiringMinds Pleasure, yes. The same one, no.
There are many imperatives in luxury marketing that have been widely studied. I remember one of those studies when I was working in a related field.
Every stage of life is marked by rites of passage and accompanied by objects that symbolise and embody them, such as the graduate's diploma, the bride's dress, the pensioner's engraved watch, and so on. As children, we receive these marks of progression in life from our elders. Then, as we get older, recognition becomes scarcer and we have to award our own trophies. When you start to look like Santa, you have no other choice but to become your own Santa.
I think many uninformed objectors conflate the symbolic value of these milestones with their material value. They get offended because they think that the price of these objects is the reward. They therefore wrongly feel that the x159 or the N8 somehow devalues their Meisterstück or their Souveran, belittling their financial or other success.
Contrary to popular belief, luxury is not the upper, extra expensive level that rises above high performance. It is not the continuation of the performance curve that rises exponentially in y when you go further in x. On the contrary. Luxury extends into a completely different, orthogonal dimension, z : that of intangible qualities. This is why luxury is often synonymous with art, tradition, terroir, reputation, nobility, exclusivity, esteem, creativity, etc. while the antithesis of practicality, availability, economy, basic needs, etc. Pushing further toward excellence, in z, is almost certainly at the expense of performance, in y.
The Montblanc experience is not an experience of writing per se, but rather a contemplation on the theme of achievement. The 149 is meant to be contemplated while the owner congratulates himself on having reached a new peak in his life. And then, as he leafs through the catalogue of the brand's other works of art, to tell himself that other aspirations await him. The grail pen is always the next one, not quite attainable today, but hopefully one day.
The x159 is, from a functional point of view, as much a good fountain pen, if not a better one because it offers a sufficiently equivalent writing experience for a fraction of the cost of the 149. But, if you want to bathe in the aura of the world's greats, look no further than Pelikan, Montblanc and their peers.
This is why it is totally ridiculous to defend luxury against its ersatz, as if physical similarities jeopardise intangibles. The two worlds, affordable pleasures and status symbols, do not even intersect. They are on completely different planes.
@@thorhilda An excellent and erudite analysis Þórhildur! I especially appreciate the thought, "The Montblanc experience is not an experience of writing per se, but rather a contemplation on the theme of achievement." Well said.
Warning to all: I purchased a Jinhao x159 after watching this review. AliExpress said it was delivered. It was not. It is impossible now for me to connect with any live person or even to submit a claim. Rip-off.
The warning should be about the vendor/store on Aliexpress not about Jinhao.
@@InkquiringMinds I am not upset at all with Jinhao. I feel ripped off by AliExpress. (I did check the vendor who had a supposedly good rating.)
Even when I follow the "directions" on their Web site to get a refund, the connections do no function and I can't submit the complaint.
Plus, the 24 hour chat is a complete total robot and answers questions with a list of things you can do, which when you follow them, you can't do anything.
I don't understand how this operation works. I see they sold $85 billion or something like that. It's beyond me.
@@user-br3sl9go3b Did you open a dispute? I easily got my money back in situations like these.
@@Lorvina1 Tried but can't. Forgot my password, and when I try to change it, the AliExpress system does not function and will not allow me access. AliExpress remains impossible to contact. I am screwed.
I am curious, too, why I received a "your order has been delivered" notification via my e-mail from AliExipress when in fact nothing had been delievered. It's a scam, IMO.
Alibaba enables too many outright theives.
lol top pens "i changed " of 2020 lol 😂 none of them would have been on this list without the modifications lol 😂😂😂
I couldn't promote all those knock-offs.
You do you. Start your own channel and put your money where your mouth is.
I don't promote anything. I'm a user who buys all my own pens and just talks about what I like.
Thank you sir!
You bet!
I really dislike my. nahvalur original + the purple is really red and it also has a very horrible nib. I think I got really unlucky... I'm debating contacting their support but I feel bad asking for a free nib fro a smaller company that has more "fair" pricing, unlike say esterbrook.
and for me due to the way the shut off valve and the pen are designed, I can write like at minimum 2 pages before unscrewing it. I actually only unscrew it once a week even with a thick M nib :P
I wouldn't hesitate to contact Nahvalur about a replacement. I'm sure they'll help you out.
@@InkquiringMinds yeah, my original hippocampus purple was my fav pen of all time probably, and had a great nib, but it got stolen :\ I wish I could exchange it for a hippocampus, but I'm sure they'd only send a nib as (it sheens red and I hate red but love purple) doesn't seem like a great reason for exchanging a pen :D