Interesting thank you. I love my 21s and 51s. The 616 is something of a naff one due to that awful filler. A far better homage (rather than clone) is the Jinhao 51A. I have tons of them. Cheap, ultra reliable, smooth as glass yet available in modern swirly acrylic body designs if that's your thing, or demonstrators, or solid colours. I can't recommend them highly enough.
Jinhao 51A even comes with wooden barrels, which are really nice, smooth and warm. I prefer those before acrylic ones but the best thing is, you have a choice. My only gripe is that convertors they come with are either leaky or they keep vacuum so good that pens are unusably dry. With cartridges they are fine, converters are hit or miss. I guess design of the feed is to blame.
@@jakublulek3261 The only problem I have with the standard Jinhao converters is that the metal sleeve at the back of some of them is not a tight fit and sometimes spins freely. This seems to just be a cosmetic trim piece though. Unless I've just been very lucky so far, I've found them to hold a decent ink quantity and, particularly as they're included "free" (if there is ever such a thing), they are adequate for my needs. However I know they aren't for everyone and some people have worse experiences, as there is no real quality control. If I do want a more upmarket or stable alternative then I have a stock of Schmidt K1, K2 and K5 converters from which to choose.
I've added really nice 1963 Parker 21 into my collection just a week ago, green with silver cap, to go with my older, burgundy one with chrome cap, and after writing with them exclusivelly for some time, I completely get, why they were so popular. They are at the end of the day fuss-free, no-nonsense instruments that just work. You fill them in a second, they are not messy, especially fine nibs are usable even on bad paper, they are durable and I didn't experienced leaks even in a hot weather. Chinese copies (especially Jinhao 51A) can recreate most of these positives but they have some quirks and from my experience, nibs are hit or miss. Both of mine took some work to write properly and they are fussy with convertors, they work the best with just cartridges. The only thing, and maybe that is a personal preference of mine, I don't enjoy them for longer writing because of their grip but they are perfect everyday writers. With good ink, they can replace ballpoint or gell pen easily.
Hey Unsharpen Dude! Nice video, I like all the writing you do! I have a Wing Sung 618 that I really really like! The barrels crack easily though... With 'dry' pens, you can take a spark plug gapper and floss the nib, gradually going thicker and thicker... quite fun to do! You can definitely make something too wet, so, proceed with caution :) I wouldn't be surprised if you've experimented with that already but, give it a shot! It's definitely breathed new life into some pens that really were unpleasant to write with! I've over done it with some, and it's hard to reverse... Thanks again for the videos! -mike
Hello Gentlemen!, loved the idea!. On the other hand what would you recommend to make a pen dryer?. Assembled for myself from old pen parts a Parker 45 Flighter with gold trims, black plastic end of the barrel and Medium 14 kt gold nib that is a gusher. Since I use it with cheap school notebooks the bleed-through is off the roof, so I use it on the reverse side (it gives a nice XF line that way, with a good flow). What would you recommend besides my solution?. Thanks in advance!
Something triggered me a couple of days ago to start using my Parker 51 aeromatic again. My parents gave it to me around 1963. It's made in England, rolled? gold cap, gold medium nib. I used it a lot in high school, university and the start of my business career. I started flying a lot in 1972 and got some leaks. I've only used the pen in bursts of enthusiasm since then. The last time I used it seriously was probably 1998 to 2000. I was expecting a disaster, but I ran warm water from a tap over the nib area for a couple of minutes and then blue stuff started to flow. I squeezed the filler bar a few times and even more blue stuff flowed out. It seems to be working. There was enough ink left in the reservoir for me to use the pen. I haven't been able to try filling it yet because I don't have any ink. I live in a small town on the east coast of Australia. Pacific ocean views, etc. The local newsagent didn't have any Parker ink, but he did have a refill for my matching ballpoint. There's still some lead in the matching propelling pencil, but the rubber/eraser was diamond hard. I might be lucky. Fingers crossed, eh. The pen writes beautifully. The nib is soft, adapted to my hand shape, and just flows across the paper. The nib is feeding well, but it could probably benefit from a more thorough cleaning.
I have a Parker 21 Mark 1! I accidentally dropped it on it's nib but, with about a week of correcting and tweaking, I got it back to its original smooth state.
I got my P-21 at an estate sale today for five bucks along with two other pens. I may go back tomorrow as they did have Conklin, Shaeffer and the like in pearlescent.
Back in Kenya, in the 80's, I used to have the Hero pens. At that time I had never heard of the Parker 51. Than I came to England and never saw the Hero being sold here. It was not until the internet was invented, so to speak, in the 2000's or late 90's, that I first heard about the 51. And that was the first time I came to know that the Hero can be purchased online only. Anyway, I never bought the Hero again but today have four 51's - they are superb. And extremely practical.
I have saw some very mixed reviews about the Hero 616 on Amazon, so anyone thinking about buying, keep that in mind. The Wing Sung 601 on the other hand is definitely on my radar. That particular model has a hooded nib and a Vacumatic style mechanism and the write-ups online seems to be pretty positive. Might be worth checking out.
The hero 616 in this video is a fake 616. You can check details of the cap jewel and the aluminum cap of sac. The cap jewel of real 616 fits well to the clip and cap. Also the aluminum cap is a polished one while the fake is not. The real 616 is way much better. Most of the 3 sets or 10 sets on amazon are fake.
Great video. I don't have any 51s, but I have a 21 Super that is one of my favorite fountain pens and actually made me a fan of hooded nibs.The cap on my 21 slides on and off like butter, but stays on securely. I also have a couple of Hero 51 clones. They do feel lighter than my 21, but they write nicely enough.
Can you check if the plastic parts are interchangeable between the chinese copy and the 21 ? I would like to replace some cracked plastic parts from a 21 !
Hey, I think your 51’s blind cap may be for the “51” demi, these were smaller and slimmer, and yours seems to be on of those, whilst you have a normal sized 51
I apologize in advance that I am not wedged in the subject. I have a question about reffil to a Montblanc ballpoint pen. Which handle of this sigment is suitable for this reffil? Thanks for the info.
There are quite a few clones or rather pens inspired by Parker 51 (the old variant) there are many clones, even from China which themselves have already become Vintage, I have some Hero 616 variants produced in the 80s but also other similar pens from other Chinese brands that were produced also in the 80s and the 90s, some of which even have 12 K or 14 K gold nibs. I currently have the following hooded nib pens in use in a 5 slot pen case a modern 2022 Wing Sung fountain pen a 12k gold fine to medium nib pen, a 2010 Hero 100 made with a 14K fine gold nib, the hero 100 is thought and designed as a premium pen and comes in many versions, i have the classic version with an aerometric system, also another pen with a hidden nib from the five is the Lamy 2000 stainless steel version, with a medium nib, and the last two places in my pen case are occupied by two Parker 51, a Parker 51 from 1953, aerometric, with a 14K gold B nib, and the second Parker 51 is the new 2021 version, with a fine 18K gold nib .
@@unsharpen Well, there is the Hero 100 that comes in several versions, the classic version that is produced from the 60s - 70s, it is about 50-60$, there are also two versions, with a metal insert in the hood in the Parker 61 style, which went into production somewhere at the end of the 90s but they all have aerometric filling system and the cap that closes with a click, something like Parker Sonnet, they are about 100 - 110 $, it is also the newer version of Hero 100 produced after 2020 with cartridge /converter filling system, made entirely of stainless steel including the hood, that its about 110 - 130 $ , and there is also the new Hero 100 released at the end of 2023, standard and the 2024 special editions with cartridge/converter filling system, but with a cap on the threads and plastic section, there are also ok the Wing sung 601 with 14 or 12 K gold nibs. I think Hero 100 is ok and the best known, although the classic version at $50-60, I recommend that it be bought only from reputable sellers, because it is one of the most counterfeit pens, also Wing sung 601 is very ok and has a parker 51 style vacumatic filling system the first variants, like the one you have, only it is an improved vacumatic filling system the rubber diaphragm has been replaced with a system based on a piston that is actuated when the button is pressed by a stainless steel spring.
@@unsharpen However, I would recommend the Wing Sung 601, it is about 50 to 70 $ and it is a very versatile fountain pen with an extremely good protection against ink drying in the cap. I left my Wing Sung 601 pens for a whole year and when I removed the cap, the pen wrote straight from the first time. Also, this pen is very customizable, you want the body of the pen to be made of stainless steel, there is the option, you want a golden cap, you can, the pen in various colors including translucent colors or totally transparent, there is also the vacumatic filling system, you want it to be the modern system based on piston or the vacumatic filling system in the classic way on the rubber diaphragm, it is also possible, the hood can be made of stainless steel or plastic, the jewel that holds the clip can be made of stainless steel or blue or white plastic, that it is also possible. There is also a special version of the Wig Sung 601 with a 925 sterling silver cap and a 14K gold nib.
There's an old pen shop whose owner is planning to retire next year. He has some brand new P 51 but he wants US$250 for one. Any idea what's a fair price for a genuine brand new in inked P 51?
@@unsharpen yep, the gaskets may have deteriorated over the years especially in the hot and humid climate in my country. The body is great though free of scratches.
There is no clutch on Parker 51, it is rather another type of friction fit. True clutch should be the one that hold in only one position like in Parker Frontier with noticeable click.
Interesting thank you. I love my 21s and 51s. The 616 is something of a naff one due to that awful filler. A far better homage (rather than clone) is the Jinhao 51A. I have tons of them. Cheap, ultra reliable, smooth as glass yet available in modern swirly acrylic body designs if that's your thing, or demonstrators, or solid colours. I can't recommend them highly enough.
Jinhao 51A even comes with wooden barrels, which are really nice, smooth and warm. I prefer those before acrylic ones but the best thing is, you have a choice. My only gripe is that convertors they come with are either leaky or they keep vacuum so good that pens are unusably dry. With cartridges they are fine, converters are hit or miss. I guess design of the feed is to blame.
@@jakublulek3261 The only problem I have with the standard Jinhao converters is that the metal sleeve at the back of some of them is not a tight fit and sometimes spins freely. This seems to just be a cosmetic trim piece though. Unless I've just been very lucky so far, I've found them to hold a decent ink quantity and, particularly as they're included "free" (if there is ever such a thing), they are adequate for my needs. However I know they aren't for everyone and some people have worse experiences, as there is no real quality control. If I do want a more upmarket or stable alternative then I have a stock of Schmidt K1, K2 and K5 converters from which to choose.
I've added really nice 1963 Parker 21 into my collection just a week ago, green with silver cap, to go with my older, burgundy one with chrome cap, and after writing with them exclusivelly for some time, I completely get, why they were so popular. They are at the end of the day fuss-free, no-nonsense instruments that just work. You fill them in a second, they are not messy, especially fine nibs are usable even on bad paper, they are durable and I didn't experienced leaks even in a hot weather. Chinese copies (especially Jinhao 51A) can recreate most of these positives but they have some quirks and from my experience, nibs are hit or miss. Both of mine took some work to write properly and they are fussy with convertors, they work the best with just cartridges. The only thing, and maybe that is a personal preference of mine, I don't enjoy them for longer writing because of their grip but they are perfect everyday writers. With good ink, they can replace ballpoint or gell pen easily.
How do you see the date code on your Parker 21?
Hey Unsharpen Dude! Nice video, I like all the writing you do! I have a Wing Sung 618 that I really really like! The barrels crack easily though... With 'dry' pens, you can take a spark plug gapper and floss the nib, gradually going thicker and thicker... quite fun to do! You can definitely make something too wet, so, proceed with caution :) I wouldn't be surprised if you've experimented with that already but, give it a shot! It's definitely breathed new life into some pens that really were unpleasant to write with! I've over done it with some, and it's hard to reverse... Thanks again for the videos! -mike
Spark plug gapper is a great idea. I have seen it recommended but have mainly used pressure or a little bit of brass sheet. Thanks!!
Hello Gentlemen!, loved the idea!. On the other hand what would you recommend to make a pen dryer?. Assembled for myself from old pen parts a Parker 45 Flighter with gold trims, black plastic end of the barrel and Medium 14 kt gold nib that is a gusher. Since I use it with cheap school notebooks the bleed-through is off the roof, so I use it on the reverse side (it gives a nice XF line that way, with a good flow).
What would you recommend besides my solution?. Thanks in advance!
Something triggered me a couple of days ago to start using my Parker 51 aeromatic again. My parents gave it to me around 1963. It's made in England, rolled? gold cap, gold medium nib. I used it a lot in high school, university and the start of my business career. I started flying a lot in 1972 and got some leaks. I've only used the pen in bursts of enthusiasm since then. The last time I used it seriously was probably 1998 to 2000. I was expecting a disaster, but I ran warm water from a tap over the nib area for a couple of minutes and then blue stuff started to flow. I squeezed the filler bar a few times and even more blue stuff flowed out. It seems to be working. There was enough ink left in the reservoir for me to use the pen. I haven't been able to try filling it yet because I don't have any ink. I live in a small town on the east coast of Australia. Pacific ocean views, etc. The local newsagent didn't have any Parker ink, but he did have a refill for my matching ballpoint. There's still some lead in the matching propelling pencil, but the rubber/eraser was diamond hard. I might be lucky. Fingers crossed, eh.
The pen writes beautifully. The nib is soft, adapted to my hand shape, and just flows across the paper. The nib is feeding well, but it could probably benefit from a more thorough cleaning.
I have a Parker 21 Mark 1! I accidentally dropped it on it's nib but, with about a week of correcting and tweaking, I got it back to its original smooth state.
Good save. I have some dropped pens I’ve bought cheap and fixed. They’re don’t look great but they work well enough
I got my P-21 at an estate sale today for five bucks along with two other pens. I may go back tomorrow as they did have Conklin, Shaeffer and the like in pearlescent.
Nice pickups
Back in Kenya, in the 80's, I used to have the Hero pens. At that time I had never heard of the Parker 51. Than I came to England and never saw the Hero being sold here. It was not until the internet was invented, so to speak, in the 2000's or late 90's, that I first heard about the 51. And that was the first time I came to know that the Hero can be purchased online only. Anyway, I never bought the Hero again but today have four 51's - they are superb. And extremely practical.
Wonder if it’s the same company
@@unsharpen Must be.There has only been one company that made the Hero pens.
the 21 is crazy good for copying on absorbant paper (smudging). I used one in grade 5 and still use it for crazy exam seasons
I have saw some very mixed reviews about the Hero 616 on Amazon, so anyone thinking about buying, keep that in mind.
The Wing Sung 601 on the other hand is definitely on my radar. That particular model has a hooded nib and a Vacumatic style mechanism and the write-ups online seems to be pretty positive. Might be worth checking out.
@@unsharpen the 613 is worth checking out
The hero 616 in this video is a fake 616. You can check details of the cap jewel and the aluminum cap of sac. The cap jewel of real 616 fits well to the clip and cap. Also the aluminum cap is a polished one while the fake is not. The real 616 is way much better. Most of the 3 sets or 10 sets on amazon are fake.
Comprehensive, detailed report, just add something about the plastic or resin of the main body. Thank you!
This was most fascinating! Thank you Sal for the education.
Great video. I don't have any 51s, but I have a 21 Super that is one of my favorite fountain pens and actually made me a fan of hooded nibs.The cap on my 21 slides on and off like butter, but stays on securely.
I also have a couple of Hero 51 clones. They do feel lighter than my 21, but they write nicely enough.
Love my jinhao 911, EF NIB writes smooth
Can you check if the plastic parts are interchangeable between the chinese copy and the 21 ? I would like to replace some cracked plastic parts from a 21 !
Curious too.
Hey, I think your 51’s blind cap may be for the “51” demi, these were smaller and slimmer, and yours seems to be on of those, whilst you have a normal sized 51
I apologize in advance that I am not wedged in the subject. I have a question about reffil to a Montblanc ballpoint pen. Which handle of this sigment is suitable for this reffil? Thanks for the info.
There are quite a few clones or rather pens inspired by Parker 51 (the old variant) there are many clones, even from China which themselves have already become Vintage, I have some Hero 616 variants produced in the 80s but also other similar pens from other Chinese brands that were produced also in the 80s and the 90s, some of which even have 12 K or 14 K gold nibs. I currently have the following hooded nib pens in use in a 5 slot pen case a modern 2022 Wing Sung fountain pen a 12k gold fine to medium nib pen, a 2010 Hero 100 made with a 14K fine gold nib, the hero 100 is thought and designed as a premium pen and comes in many versions, i have the classic version with an aerometric system, also another pen with a hidden nib from the five is the Lamy 2000 stainless steel version, with a medium nib, and the last two places in my pen case are occupied by two Parker 51, a Parker 51 from 1953, aerometric, with a 14K gold B nib, and the second Parker 51 is the new 2021 version, with a fine 18K gold nib .
Great info, thank you! I’ve never tried the Chinese brands with a 14k, just the cheaper models. You’d recommend?
@@unsharpen Well, there is the Hero 100 that comes in several versions, the classic version that is produced from the 60s - 70s, it is about 50-60$, there are also two versions, with a metal insert in the hood in the Parker 61 style, which went into production somewhere at the end of the 90s but they all have aerometric filling system and the cap that closes with a click, something like Parker Sonnet, they are about 100 - 110 $, it is also the newer version of Hero 100 produced after 2020 with cartridge /converter filling system, made entirely of stainless steel including the hood, that its about 110 - 130 $ , and there is also the new Hero 100 released at the end of 2023, standard and the 2024 special editions with cartridge/converter filling system, but with a cap on the threads and plastic section, there are also ok the Wing sung 601 with 14 or 12 K gold nibs. I think Hero 100 is ok and the best known, although the classic version at $50-60, I recommend that it be bought only from reputable sellers, because it is one of the most counterfeit pens, also Wing sung 601 is very ok and has a parker 51 style vacumatic filling system the first variants, like the one you have, only it is an improved vacumatic filling system the rubber diaphragm has been replaced with a system based on a piston that is actuated when the button is pressed by a stainless steel spring.
@@unsharpen However, I would recommend the Wing Sung 601, it is about 50 to 70 $ and it is a very versatile fountain pen with an extremely good protection against ink drying in the cap. I left my Wing Sung 601 pens for a whole year and when I removed the cap, the pen wrote straight from the first time. Also, this pen is very customizable, you want the body of the pen to be made of stainless steel, there is the option, you want a golden cap, you can, the pen in various colors including translucent colors or totally transparent, there is also the vacumatic filling system, you want it to be the modern system based on piston or the vacumatic filling system in the classic way on the rubber diaphragm, it is also possible, the hood can be made of stainless steel or plastic, the jewel that holds the clip can be made of stainless steel or blue or white plastic, that it is also possible. There is also a special version of the Wig Sung 601 with a 925 sterling silver cap and a 14K gold nib.
Somethings wrong with the fit of the blind cap on the 51. There should be no seam showing.
They sell 616 pens in 10 packs so that maybe you’ll get one that writes. Thankfully the Chinese pen quality has moved beyond that for most brands.
There's an old pen shop whose owner is planning to retire next year. He has some brand new P 51 but he wants US$250 for one. Any idea what's a fair price for a genuine brand new in inked P 51?
That’s not crazy for a new old stock Parker 51 when sold in person but I’d recommend looking into a restored one as NOS might still need work.
@@unsharpen yep, the gaskets may have deteriorated over the years especially in the hot and humid climate in my country. The body is great though free of scratches.
There is no clutch on Parker 51, it is rather another type of friction fit. True clutch should be the one that hold in only one position like in Parker Frontier with noticeable click.
my 51 runs dry and i cant figure it out
I wonder if you released this video because of the confirmed (by Parker HQ) leak of the upcoming re-release of P51 within 2020.
For real?