My experience is the nib assemblies are not the same. I've compared Bock, Jovo, Moonman, Jinhao & Schmidt. All have different threads. Moonman may have used their nib collar for the Bock nib. I prefer the Bock nib in my Amber to Moonman F & PenBBS F nib. It does have slightly more feedback which I like, like a pencil.
Thank you so much, Chris! I was able to screw a Monteverde and a Conklin nib assembly into the Moonman section and both of those assemblies, I assume are Jowo? A
Wow! Thanks, Doug. This review had it all, drama, pathos, history, science, Scotty, and nib swapping...racy indeed. You've got some nice pen friends, too. I am not giving you anything including grief. Another fun interesting trip down the rabbit hole. Peace.
I received the M800 I ordered this week. Much faster than I was expecting it. I paid for the Moonman nib version, they shipped me the pen with Bock nib installed. It's a really good nib. I haven't felt the need to tune it at all. It's a great pen, and the purple amber is just fine with me.
@@InkquiringMinds I've got it inked up with Diamine Imperial Purple. It's a good match. I had to tell someone about the amazing luck I had. My wife didn't care, and I don't have any other pen friends. I'm on an island out here, Doug!
@@FrankenBeanzzz I get that completely! My wife loves her pens and confiscates the pens that come in that appeal to her, but when I talk models and inks and nibs, she just glazes over. LOL
Doug- I just got the Bock nib in broad and swapped it out- I like a thicker line. It is beauteous! Very smooth! I learned from you that when able, swapping a nib unit completely as I just did is the way to go- no messing with feed setting etc. Thanks very much for the advice and for answering my question. Happy Holidays!
Thanks! This is an amazing instrument. I got is very cheap as it was built slightly off at the factory but I had an incredible luthier make it play like butter!
Your videos are so professional and they really are the best (by a longshot) of all the pen & paraphernalia reviews I've seen. Heck, I'd watch them even if I wasn't feeding my growing pen habit! I'm still catching up and just watched the vid when Covid-19 had first made waves & you were "suited" up in a mask, gloves & surrounded by toilet paper. Ever had hot coffee come out your nose? Thanks Doug!
I've been looking forward to this video...and wow, that's a beautiful pen! I appreciate your detailed review of the three nibs and I was pleasantly surprised to hear that amber can make every aspect of my life better.
Just received mine today and I can say that I'm in love both with the pen and the Bock nib ! Since Moonman uses the the Bock screwing system for the housing I am going to get a couple of different colour Moonman bodies and use my spare Bock nibs :-) Might get one of the real Leonardo pen later since the new colours that came out lately are really amazing!
That's a great way to use those Bocks and save some money. I found the Bock in my Amber worked really well in my Penbbs 309. Go figure! I'm still waiting for my Leo MZ Blue Hawaii. Excited!
My experience with the Bock nib unit varies significantly from Doug's. I bought some Bock #250 units in 2019 from a UK vendor, and still had one lying around and inserted it into my Moonman/Moonman amber. The Bock nib was noticeably better and I have simply parked the Moonman nib in inventory. It would appear that my UK shop did some testing/tuning of the nibs they sell prior to shipping to me. Appearance is also different, with my nib being all gold monotone. The back end of the nib unit is also slightly shorter than the Moonman,, but not enough so that there are any problems seating converters or with ink leaking. I tried some Levenger units, and a Monteverde black, and had no problems but they did not match my Bock's performance.
I think I"m just spoiled by the "feel" of the mini-fude nib and anything else feels odd now. There is very little difference between this Bock and the Moonman however. I'm sure the Bock will be much better when I've really opened it up as it was still very dry. I didn't want to alter it a lot until I'd done the writing sample. I'm toying with where the Bock might end up. I'm also toying with the idea of getting a #6 gold nib for one of these two Moonman M800s. What would you suggest, Joel. You know I respect your opinion.
@@InkquiringMinds A 14K #6 Bock nib will set you back £125 and a 18K #6 Bock £145 .... you'd have to make sure you will like what you will get ... may be a Titanium Bock nib for ~£60 is a preferable alternative
When I bought my Galaxy M800 with a Moonman nib, I got sent a Bock nib on accident. And to be totally honest, it's hands down the best pen I own. I just can't stop looking at it, and for me the Bock nib writes absolutely perfectly.
OK, Doug, you got me with that review! I am just enough of a trivia fan (learning all esoteric things that do me no earthly good, and curious about everything) that you review of the pen I wrote I “ache with envy” that you actually got it. I have been cancelled twice! I did take the green (emerald) a a substitute. Now, I have more information (from you), and I will keep trying. But, worse yet, I may have to purchase the other amber pens you threw in. Ouch! This review is going to cost the old prof! (I like the looks of an amber Conklin I got, buy the way. Well, my tendency to be far too verbose has just facilitated far too many words again. (Yet, I could say more. :))
Yeah, I'm getting used to this dance with the ebay sellers. They say they are in stock but they really aren't. They take your order and then wait for their supply run. Lately, the supply runs have (for good reason) been interrupted. So, what I've been doing lately, is to make an order and only wait, say three to four days to get the "process" notification from ebay that they are fulfilling my order. If not, I will message them and usually get the note about being so sorry that their supply chains are fouled up. Then I'll cancel the order and go to the next vendor. esybuy on Etsy and eBay seems to have the best supply chains and fastest shipping even though his prices are higher.
Hey Doug, thank you for the great video as always. I have a question about the M800 pens, you said the nib units are interchangable between the two pens, does this also mean that if you buy the M800 with a Moonman nib you can screw it out and replace it with a stock Bock nib unit? I'd really like this pen if I could buy it with a Moonman nib and replace it with some of the Bock nib units I have lying around, as I don't really love the Bock F nibs but have a bunch of mediums, broads and stubs..
Thank you, Arie! Yes. They've put the Moonman nib in a Bock nib assembly unit with the Moonman feed. So it is just the housing which is Bock threaded on the Moonman version. And, of course, the section is threaded for Bock. I was able to swap the Moonman M800 for the Bock M800 and vica-versa.
Just something about Amber, eh Doug? I found the Moonman nib to work perfectly for my 800. Amazing how the same nib can be different for others, like you said it is subjective. Like Joel I had a Bock nib unit from 2019 (from probably the same UK vendor) that I put in my Kaigelu 316, and turned that pen into a fantastic writer. I really like the trend to have the screw in nibs - ala Esterbrook. "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Hold on to that old suit - it will be back in style again, Now where did I put that leisure suit?
There is something about Amber alright, pete! And, yes, they nibs are all over the place. Some are great, other's not so much. And I don't think that is just the Chinese either. My Schmidt nib from the expensive Moonman M600 was not very good. And this Bock is hardly worth $20US more than the Moonman nib. Luck of the draw I think. And, just to make sure we're clear... I NEVER owned a leisure suit! LOL
Thank you for the detail regarding the nibs. You actually answered several questions I had. I have an M800 with the Moonman nib. I successfully swapped in a Knox nib which functions flawlessly. However I was curious about the difference between the nib housings. It is interesting to note they maintain the Moonman housing for both nib/feed options.
Thank you, Scot Kane! I think the section and housing are Bock since that is the original configuration of the M800. Then they pulled the Bock nib and feed and put a Moonman nib and feed into the Bock housing. That looks like what I've got in my two M800s.
Oh oh, guess I’ll be adding the purple to my decision list. And I’ll add a few various #6 nibs for testing purposes! With that big $20 difference in M800 prices without the “upgraded” nib, ahem, my new Enhanced Nib Replacement Fund will handle a few over time! Thanks for showing the way-viva listers!
I bought the Green, Blue and Amber all with the Bock nib. They each have a smooth nib that write great. Beautiful pens that are worth every penny I paid for them. Great review as always. Stay safe out there sir.
I just ordered mine with the Moonman nib. Hopefully it doesn't get cancelled and actually arrives. Oh, yours is beautiful. Good to know about the differences between the two models.
If you don't get a "shipped" or "process" notification in a few days, contact the seller. If they have them on-hand they will send it quickly and then it will take its own time to reach you. But if they don't send it right away, it means they don't have stock and are waiting for supplies to cross China to them.
Brilliant video. Loved the story of Amber and what a great pen. I've fallen down rabbit hole in a big way and recently bought my 10th pen. Now I have to have a Moonman 800. All the best from Australia.
Strange, my M800 (Moonman nib) takes standard international no problem. Nice secure fit. I have a Jinhao converter in it now as the supplied converter rattled too much.
My M800 in amber arrived last week 😊 It is such a beautiful pen, but the nib was one of the most awful ones I‘ve ever seen 😂 So I swapped the nib and feed with a Nahvalur Horizon, which I haven‘t used that much. Now it writes like a dream 😀 Probably I‘ll swap it even with a gold nib later on, if I‘ll find one in my collection that fits. BTW, regarding amber pens I can recommend Santini pens. Not that inexpensive, but really a bargain compared to other brands where a pen of compareable quality would easily cost you twice as much. I have the Giant 8 in amber, and it is one of the most beautiful pens in my collection and the number 8 inhouse nib is really stunning (@Doug, the Giant 8 might be too large for you, but I have large hands - all pens you recommended as „long enough to be used unposted“ I use, in fact, posted 😂 For you, the Santini Libra might be the perfect size. Disclaimer: I’m not affiliated with Santini Pens)
Hi Doug, just looking at your old M800 video because I am kinda tempted to get an M800 now. I don't know whether or not to get the Bock nib or not. I usually go for the medium nibs but the Moonman nib is kinda annoying haha. The Bock looks interesting :)
I have a Bock in my M800 Amber. That nib made the rounds of three or four pens before it came back to the M800. After much smoothing and flossing it is now great. It is better, even with all the effort, than the Moonman nib. My other M800s have PenBBS nibs in them.
@@InkquiringMinds Hi Doug, interesting, I may need to invest in the Bock nib version...but oh oh which colour to buy the blue is pretty but not enough green pens in my life, yet the purple/pinky one would be cute haha. Oh, wait for it......the amber the depth is amazing :)
Nice comparative review! I’m impressed by your daring under the camera! You got some ”badges of honor” there for sure! Amber IS a powerful substance! I’m so lucky as to be native of a region rich in the stuff. In the south if my country ordinary people occasionally even find amber by the shore when they go for a seaside stroll!
Thank you so much, Johan! What's the worse that could happen? I get ink all over everything? Awww.. funny, but awwww. Or worse, I break the feed? Awww... shoot, but awwww. It isn't like it is a $300 pen! What country are you in so abundant with amber, Johan?
Douglas Rathbun ”I wish you were here!” You could just go crazy over the abundant amber. I’m Swedish. The pebble beaches of Skåne And Denmark have a lot of it, and the coasts richest In the world with amber are on the other side of the Baltic sea, in Poland and Lettland. A pen made entirely from real amber would be something to dream about, wouldn’t it!
8:28 I love amber as well. But to be clear this acrylic is amber colored to appear like amber but it is not actually amber, correct? Unless I missed something very important, Doug?
You can't use the M800 as an eyedropper because the barrel isn't sealed and the end of the section is metal. The only other pens I've found that fits a Penbbs converter is some Parker pens like the Parker 45 and some Hongdian.
Wish You Where Here, is my dad's favourite Pink Floyd song. He is a massive Floyd fan, he has all the records, videos, Tapes, CD's, and DVDs. I guess I too am a Pink Floyd fan as well, I too have many CD's, DVDs and videos. My first album was The Division Bell which I was captivated as a child by the song ''Keep Talking''...but back to the pens. I really liked the little bit of information on amber that was really interesting, thanks again :)
Thanks, Ethel! Unfortunately, TH-cam made me cut that section out. I'm glad you saw it though! Keep Talking was one of the few PF songs written by Richard Wright and a great song featuring the real Stephen Hawking!
I ordered an amber M800 (with Moonman nib) on eBay, but ended up having to settle for a purple one. I agree, a beautiful pen, though the tines were misaligned on arrival. I'm so tempted to buy an amber version still - but trying to resist the urge... Glad to hear that you found the Moonman nib more pleasurable to write with!
Hello Doug. I have the same pen but I am in love with clear feeds. So I put a clear feed in and a cheap medium nib (both purchased from Ebay) in my pen and it's working. I love seeing the ink flow from the cartridge into the feed. The nib size is a #5 I believe. Size 6 wouldn't fit the feed collar with the clear feed in it. Anyway I love it. You might also like this modification too!
@@InkquiringMinds i already have a bock nib version in amber, and i am going to buy a new M800 in galaxy with moonman nib and a long blade nib.. thank you for the answer ❤
i paid for my purple m800 with bock nib (from Ebay) $39. It was just a pen, no box. And the bock nib on mine is buttery smooth, though I use it on a cheap paper. I love the pen so much i am considering the amber version.
Doug! Stop forcing me to buy an M800 (Galaxy)! 😉 Must admit though I prefer medium to broad nibs, so hopefully I'll eventually able to find one with a medium Bock.
@@InkquiringMinds Sorry if I missed this in the video. Is the Bock a #6? I would rather just but the whole nib unit, screw it in and be done with it. I just got my pen today and the Bock F writes beautifully BUT I am a lover of wider lines.
@@InkquiringMinds thanks so much. I'll buy some penbbs nibs to replace my moonman nibs. I don't like how largw the moonman nibs appear. And they are stiff as nails
With all of your nice pens, how in the world do you decide which is the best pen in the stable? I've been fortunate enough to only get two nibs I didn't like; one I swapped, and one I got tuned. Although I've discovered that broad nibs are just not for me.
I finally received my m800 in amber and it is orange. Like McDonald's orange drink, prison jumpsuit orange. I'm concerned I got a fake. Weirdly, the bock nib is smooth and delightful and appears genuine. Ugghh.
In this video, you changed moonmanm m800 bock nib with unit and moonman nib with unit.and another moonman m800 nib swap video, you said imcompatible because of other thread. In this video, how can you do that? Was it compatible in the beginning model but changed?
Moonman sold two versions of the M800; one with a Moonman nib and one with a Bock nib. The Bock nib unit has a screw threading consistent with Bock and incompatible with Moonman. They made a different section thread to accommodate the Bock version.
Please ignore me. I am just commenting for my own reference. You solved the issue I am having: I purchased an M800 with a standard Moonman nib/unit. Later, I tried to retrofit a Bock nib unit into the pen and it wouldn't fit. Now I know why - As you said; Moonman produced two different threads / two different sections for the M800 and I would need the section produced specifically for the Bock nib unit. Thank you!
Hey Douglas--to add to your comprehensive amber info (which was awesome), most amber you buy with insects in it are basically copal pressed around modern insects. There is also a lovely red and green amber from Mexico. Mohs hardness on amber is very low which makes it scratch easily, so store it away as dust has quartz in it and even dusting it will scratch it. There, more than you ever wanted to know about amber! Good thing your lovely collection is not made of real amber!
LOL @ Inky.Rocks! That's very cool, thanks! There is so much fascinating information about amber that I didn't include. My video was already over 30 minutes and I had to cut cut cut! Thanks for this.
So if I get the version with the Bock, I could swap in a Bock 1.1 nib, would that be correct? And would there be any 1.1 options for the Moonman nib version?
The only compatibility issue between the Bock version and the Moonman version is the nib unit and converter. They are not interchangeable because of the threads and the converter size. The nibs themselves are friction fit #6.
No. The Moonman that comes with the Bock nib has a different threading than the M800 that comes with the Moonman nib. The assemblies are not interchangeable.
Amber has still eluded me. I got the green version, and it is a great pen. (I too might pay for a Jowo nib, still rather easily acquired for far less than the Moonman people add to the price. (I suspect they face a high tariff getting the Bock nibs into China. I was looking forward to your review of the Bock nib, because I have not found the brand to be as consistent. But I ache with envy that you got the amber! :)
It really all depends on the vendor. I've found that even though esybuy is a little more expensive that others on Etsy or eBay, the shipping is excellent.. even now! Some of the other ebay sellers, not so much. I hope you get it soon Luc. And, BTW, thank you AGAIN for the two Penbbs fine nibs featured in this video. They are both fabulous, but the first one I put in the Galaxy M800 is the best of my entire collection of Penbbs fine nibs. Stellar!
Hi, I want to buy a Jowo EF nib #6 or #5; can you suggest a chinese pen that accept it ? Or maybe a Moonman with Bock nib is the same? Sorry for my english Bye!
Hello Mr. Pedro! Thank you so much! The two Penbbs waverly nibs I put in both my M800 Galaxy and M800 Amber were given to me by viewer Luc M. (THANKS LUC!) But, you can get them from PenBBS's official Etsy store and sometimes on eBay. Look for the "Penbbs fine nib charm". On Etsy they are only $5. More on eBay.
You have to be more specific as to which Jinhao converter as they use several different sizes. This Moonman M800 has a Bock nib and the converter is standard international.
Doug, Thanks!! Good info on the nib units!! Your Amber pen is very nice looking with the blending of the different colors!! I had a similar experience with the amber 800 with the Moonman nib 2 cancelled orders. I had reservations on the cost of the Bock nib upgrade vs the std moonman nib. So i ended up with 3 of the 800's in the moonman nib for less money then 2 with the Bock nib. Blue,Purple & Green. You have me very curious about the penbbs nib... you find that nib most enjoyable to use out of the three? The M800 is such a comfortable pen. Doug the Green is great looking for a Green pen and the Purple is an attention grabber! Good Luck with your Choice Purple or maybe Green...🤔😁 Stay Healthy & Safe!!!
Thanks, phillip! Yes, the Penbbs waverly nibs have become my favourite to the point that every other nib I try that isn't a Penbbs fine, mini-fude, is disappointing. The only two nibs that I like along side them are my Pilot e95s and Sheaffer Targa gold nibs. You can get the Penbbs fine mini-fude (waverly) nibs for $5 in a nib charm at the official Penbbs Etsy store, or for a little more, on eBay.
estimado amigo: Gracias por su video, me ha parecido muy interesante. Me gustaría preguntar dónde puedo encontrar el plumin bbs. Gracias ----------------------- Dear Friend: Thank you for your video, I found it very interesting. I would like to ask where I can find the bbs nib. Thank you
Hi Bernardo! Puede obtener puntas individuales de Penbbs en la tienda oficial de Penbbs en Etsy aquí: www.etsy.com/shop/PENBBSOfficialStore?ref=usf_2020§ion_id=25726322
@@InkquiringMinds I ultimately gave it up to pursue my true passions, developing my own original silly walk, and climbing both peaks of Kilimanjaro, this, much to the disappointment of my Dad, who had hoped I'd work in the family business, and take over one of the Similar Pet Shoppes, probably the one in Notlob! No way!!! At least I didn't turn out like my uncle. He wanted to be a lumberjack, but he ended up working at a little breakfast place, serving baked beans Spam, Spam, Spam, and Spam! He eventually retired to that hermit community over by the rocks.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year! I could only play 1 minute and 22 seconds of WYWH before the full weight of the TH-cam copyright police landed on my video.
‘I was having trouble with my joints but I was just rolling them too tight”. Gold! 😂
LOL! :)
💀💀💀
My experience is the nib assemblies are not the same. I've compared Bock, Jovo, Moonman, Jinhao & Schmidt. All have different threads. Moonman may have used their nib collar for the Bock nib. I prefer the Bock nib in my Amber to Moonman F & PenBBS F nib. It does have slightly more feedback which I like, like a pencil.
Thank you so much, Chris! I was able to screw a Monteverde and a Conklin nib assembly into the Moonman section and both of those assemblies, I assume are Jowo? A
@@InkquiringMinds Maybe Moonman makes these Yafa pens?
Wow! Thanks, Doug. This review had it all, drama, pathos, history, science, Scotty, and nib swapping...racy indeed. You've got some nice pen friends, too. I am not giving you anything including grief. Another fun interesting trip down the rabbit hole. Peace.
Thanks, David! All that and a video too! Any decent brand of Scotch'll do that!
Yes, a Goulet number 6 fits perfectly, I have it in one of my own M800.
I received the M800 I ordered this week. Much faster than I was expecting it. I paid for the Moonman nib version, they shipped me the pen with Bock nib installed. It's a really good nib. I haven't felt the need to tune it at all. It's a great pen, and the purple amber is just fine with me.
Wow! You got a $20 upgrade! What kind of purple ink is in that pen now? Inquiring minds want to know. ;)
@@InkquiringMinds I've got it inked up with Diamine Imperial Purple. It's a good match.
I had to tell someone about the amazing luck I had. My wife didn't care, and I don't have any other pen friends. I'm on an island out here, Doug!
@@FrankenBeanzzz I get that completely! My wife loves her pens and confiscates the pens that come in that appeal to her, but when I talk models and inks and nibs, she just glazes over. LOL
Doug- I just got the Bock nib in broad and swapped it out- I like a thicker line. It is beauteous!
Very smooth! I learned from you that when able, swapping a nib unit completely as I just did is the way to go- no messing with feed setting etc.
Thanks very much for the advice and for answering my question.
Happy Holidays!
Right on! A matched nib AND feed is always better than putting a nib on a feed that it wasn't designed for.
Omg, the slow reveal from the pouch was amazing. I laughed out loud and said "oh, Doug..." ha ha
Thanks, @wendig5768!
Amazing 12 string Gibson! I just bought my first 12 string a week ago and love it :)
Thanks! This is an amazing instrument. I got is very cheap as it was built slightly off at the factory but I had an incredible luthier make it play like butter!
Your videos are so professional and they really are the best (by a longshot) of all the pen & paraphernalia reviews I've seen. Heck, I'd watch them even if I wasn't feeding my growing pen habit! I'm still catching up and just watched the vid when Covid-19 had first made waves & you were "suited" up in a mask, gloves & surrounded by toilet paper. Ever had hot coffee come out your nose? Thanks Doug!
Thank you, Jeff! My favourite pastime as a kid was making milk come out my brother's nose at the table. :)
I've been looking forward to this video...and wow, that's a beautiful pen! I appreciate your detailed review of the three nibs and I was pleasantly surprised to hear that amber can make every aspect of my life better.
Thank you so much, Kathy! This particular amber (even if it is acrylic) has improved my life! :)
Wow. Another great review. 👏🏻.
Spend whole day watching your videos. No regrets. Thanks. 🙏
Wow, thanks!
I bought the same pen but blue!!! I can’t wait to write with it.
The Galaxy blue is my favourite!
@@InkquiringMinds I love your blue fountain pens. I love any blue kind.
Just received mine today and I can say that I'm in love both with the pen and the Bock nib ! Since Moonman uses the the Bock screwing system for the housing I am going to get a couple of different colour Moonman bodies and use my spare Bock nibs :-)
Might get one of the real Leonardo pen later since the new colours that came out lately are really amazing!
That's a great way to use those Bocks and save some money. I found the Bock in my Amber worked really well in my Penbbs 309. Go figure! I'm still waiting for my Leo MZ Blue Hawaii. Excited!
It was nice meeting you on line the other night for Pens and Pints. I enjoyed your video Douglas.
That's was so much fun yesterday Robert! Lots of laughs and showing off our treasures! (and drinking).
Just the review I was looking for -EXACTLY. Like!
Thank you, Ittai!
@@InkquiringMinds You are welcome. I just ordered...
My experience with the Bock nib unit varies significantly from Doug's. I bought some Bock #250 units in 2019 from a UK vendor, and still had one lying around and inserted it into my Moonman/Moonman amber. The Bock nib was noticeably better and I have simply parked the Moonman nib in inventory. It would appear that my UK shop did some testing/tuning of the nibs they sell prior to shipping to me. Appearance is also different, with my nib being all gold monotone. The back end of the nib unit is also slightly shorter than the Moonman,, but not enough so that there are any problems seating converters or with ink leaking. I tried some Levenger units, and a Monteverde black, and had no problems but they did not match my Bock's performance.
I think I"m just spoiled by the "feel" of the mini-fude nib and anything else feels odd now. There is very little difference between this Bock and the Moonman however. I'm sure the Bock will be much better when I've really opened it up as it was still very dry. I didn't want to alter it a lot until I'd done the writing sample. I'm toying with where the Bock might end up. I'm also toying with the idea of getting a #6 gold nib for one of these two Moonman M800s. What would you suggest, Joel. You know I respect your opinion.
@@InkquiringMinds A 14K #6 Bock nib will set you back £125 and a 18K #6 Bock £145 .... you'd have to make sure you will like what you will get ... may be a Titanium Bock nib for ~£60 is a preferable alternative
When I bought my Galaxy M800 with a Moonman nib, I got sent a Bock nib on accident. And to be totally honest, it's hands down the best pen I own. I just can't stop looking at it, and for me the Bock nib writes absolutely perfectly.
You too! Wow, that's two people who got an accidental upgrade! I'm so glad it is a perfect nib for you. Then pen is stellar.
Your reviews are just great ❤
Glad you think so!
OK, Doug, you got me with that review! I am just enough of a trivia fan (learning all esoteric things that do me no earthly good, and curious about everything) that you review of the pen I wrote I “ache with envy” that you actually got it. I have been cancelled twice! I did take the green (emerald) a a substitute. Now, I have more information (from you), and I will keep trying. But, worse yet, I may have to purchase the other amber pens you threw in. Ouch! This review is going to cost the old prof! (I like the looks of an amber Conklin I got, buy the way. Well, my tendency to be far too verbose has just facilitated far too many words again. (Yet, I could say more. :))
Yeah, I'm getting used to this dance with the ebay sellers. They say they are in stock but they really aren't. They take your order and then wait for their supply run. Lately, the supply runs have (for good reason) been interrupted. So, what I've been doing lately, is to make an order and only wait, say three to four days to get the "process" notification from ebay that they are fulfilling my order. If not, I will message them and usually get the note about being so sorry that their supply chains are fouled up. Then I'll cancel the order and go to the next vendor. esybuy on Etsy and eBay seems to have the best supply chains and fastest shipping even though his prices are higher.
Hey Doug, thank you for the great video as always.
I have a question about the M800 pens, you said the nib units are interchangable between the two pens, does this also mean that if you buy the M800 with a Moonman nib you can screw it out and replace it with a stock Bock nib unit? I'd really like this pen if I could buy it with a Moonman nib and replace it with some of the Bock nib units I have lying around, as I don't really love the Bock F nibs but have a bunch of mediums, broads and stubs..
Thank you, Arie! Yes. They've put the Moonman nib in a Bock nib assembly unit with the Moonman feed. So it is just the housing which is Bock threaded on the Moonman version. And, of course, the section is threaded for Bock. I was able to swap the Moonman M800 for the Bock M800 and vica-versa.
@@InkquiringMinds Excellent, thank you for the response! I think I have to pull the trigger on this pen now!
Just something about Amber, eh Doug? I found the Moonman nib to work perfectly for my 800. Amazing how the same nib can be different for others, like you said it is subjective. Like Joel I had a Bock nib unit from 2019 (from probably the same UK vendor) that I put in my Kaigelu 316, and turned that pen into a fantastic writer. I really like the trend to have the screw in nibs - ala Esterbrook. "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Hold on to that old suit - it will be back in style again, Now where did I put that leisure suit?
There is something about Amber alright, pete! And, yes, they nibs are all over the place. Some are great, other's not so much. And I don't think that is just the Chinese either. My Schmidt nib from the expensive Moonman M600 was not very good. And this Bock is hardly worth $20US more than the Moonman nib. Luck of the draw I think. And, just to make sure we're clear... I NEVER owned a leisure suit! LOL
I might have to pick one of these up. Also Flames over Winnipeg in 4 games.
It is so hard to tell which team would win. It might just be a battle of rink rust.
Thank you for the detail regarding the nibs. You actually answered several questions I had. I have an M800 with the Moonman nib. I successfully swapped in a Knox nib which functions flawlessly. However I was curious about the difference between the nib housings. It is interesting to note they maintain the Moonman housing for both nib/feed options.
Thank you, Scot Kane! I think the section and housing are Bock since that is the original configuration of the M800. Then they pulled the Bock nib and feed and put a Moonman nib and feed into the Bock housing. That looks like what I've got in my two M800s.
Oh oh, guess I’ll be adding the purple to my decision list. And I’ll add a few various #6 nibs for testing purposes! With that big $20 difference in M800 prices without the “upgraded” nib, ahem, my new Enhanced Nib Replacement Fund will handle a few over time! Thanks for showing the way-viva listers!
You are most welcome!
I bought the Green, Blue and Amber all with the Bock nib. They each have a smooth nib that write great. Beautiful pens that are worth every penny I paid for them. Great review as always. Stay safe out there sir.
Thanks, Dick! I'm not a big fan of green or purple, but these pens are so gorgeous! Tempting.
I just ordered mine with the Moonman nib. Hopefully it doesn't get cancelled and actually arrives.
Oh, yours is beautiful. Good to know about the differences between the two models.
If you don't get a "shipped" or "process" notification in a few days, contact the seller. If they have them on-hand they will send it quickly and then it will take its own time to reach you. But if they don't send it right away, it means they don't have stock and are waiting for supplies to cross China to them.
Brilliant video. Loved the story of Amber and what a great pen.
I've fallen down rabbit hole in a big way and recently bought my 10th pen. Now I have to have a Moonman 800.
All the best from Australia.
Thanks for sharing, Scouzeboy! You won't be sorry about the M800!
Strange, my M800 (Moonman nib) takes standard international no problem. Nice secure fit. I have a Jinhao converter in it now as the supplied converter rattled too much.
I'm sure I said the M800 takes standard international. At least, I put it in the measurements section.
My M800 in amber arrived last week 😊 It is such a beautiful pen, but the nib was one of the most awful ones I‘ve ever seen 😂 So I swapped the nib and feed with a Nahvalur Horizon, which I haven‘t used that much. Now it writes like a dream 😀 Probably I‘ll swap it even with a gold nib later on, if I‘ll find one in my collection that fits.
BTW, regarding amber pens I can recommend Santini pens. Not that inexpensive, but really a bargain compared to other brands where a pen of compareable quality would easily cost you twice as much. I have the Giant 8 in amber, and it is one of the most beautiful pens in my collection and the number 8 inhouse nib is really stunning (@Doug, the Giant 8 might be too large for you, but I have large hands - all pens you recommended as „long enough to be used unposted“ I use, in fact, posted 😂 For you, the Santini Libra might be the perfect size. Disclaimer: I’m not affiliated with Santini Pens)
Awesome! Thanks for sharing, @florianbuerzle2703!
Hi Doug, just looking at your old M800 video because I am kinda tempted to get an M800 now. I don't know whether or not to get the Bock nib or not. I usually go for the medium nibs but the Moonman nib is kinda annoying haha. The Bock looks interesting :)
I have a Bock in my M800 Amber. That nib made the rounds of three or four pens before it came back to the M800. After much smoothing and flossing it is now great. It is better, even with all the effort, than the Moonman nib. My other M800s have PenBBS nibs in them.
@@InkquiringMinds Hi Doug, interesting, I may need to invest in the Bock nib version...but oh oh which colour to buy the blue is pretty but not enough green pens in my life, yet the purple/pinky one would be cute haha. Oh, wait for it......the amber the depth is amazing :)
@@misswoodhouse5720 The Amber is the most translucent of the four.
Nice comparative review! I’m impressed by your daring under the camera! You got some ”badges of honor” there for sure!
Amber IS a powerful substance! I’m so lucky as to be native of a region rich in the stuff. In the south if my country ordinary people occasionally even find amber by the shore when they go for a seaside stroll!
Thank you so much, Johan! What's the worse that could happen? I get ink all over everything? Awww.. funny, but awwww. Or worse, I break the feed? Awww... shoot, but awwww. It isn't like it is a $300 pen! What country are you in so abundant with amber, Johan?
Douglas Rathbun ”I wish you were here!” You could just go crazy over the abundant amber. I’m Swedish. The pebble beaches of Skåne And Denmark have a lot of it, and the coasts richest In the world with amber are on the other side of the Baltic sea, in Poland and Lettland.
A pen made entirely from real amber would be something to dream about, wouldn’t it!
@@Johan-vk5yd And it would be incredibly expensive! LOL
Douglas Rathbun Yess! Incredibly!
8:28 I love amber as well. But to be clear this acrylic is amber colored to appear like amber but it is not actually amber, correct? Unless I missed something very important, Doug?
Yeah it is acrylic of course. Not REAL amber.
do none of them fit a penbbs converter? I also thought of maybe converting it to an eyedropper. Really nice pen.
You can't use the M800 as an eyedropper because the barrel isn't sealed and the end of the section is metal. The only other pens I've found that fits a Penbbs converter is some Parker pens like the Parker 45 and some Hongdian.
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks!
Wish You Where Here, is my dad's favourite Pink Floyd song. He is a massive Floyd fan, he has all the records, videos, Tapes, CD's, and DVDs. I guess I too am a Pink Floyd fan as well, I too have many CD's, DVDs and videos. My first album was The Division Bell which I was captivated as a child by the song ''Keep Talking''...but back to the pens.
I really liked the little bit of information on amber that was really interesting, thanks again :)
Thanks, Ethel! Unfortunately, TH-cam made me cut that section out. I'm glad you saw it though! Keep Talking was one of the few PF songs written by Richard Wright and a great song featuring the real Stephen Hawking!
I ordered an amber M800 (with Moonman nib) on eBay, but ended up having to settle for a purple one. I agree, a beautiful pen, though the tines were misaligned on arrival. I'm so tempted to buy an amber version still - but trying to resist the urge... Glad to hear that you found the Moonman nib more pleasurable to write with!
Thanks, Gordon! The Bock and the Moonman nibs were very similar - the Bock a little drier and thinner. Luck of the draw I think.
Hello Doug. I have the same pen but I am in love with clear feeds. So I put a clear feed in and a cheap medium nib (both purchased from Ebay) in my pen and it's working. I love seeing the ink flow from the cartridge into the feed. The nib size is a #5 I believe. Size 6 wouldn't fit the feed collar with the clear feed in it. Anyway I love it. You might also like this modification too!
Thanks for the info! Terea! I don't think I could bear a #5 nib in a M800 though! :)
@@InkquiringMinds LOL! Be strong! You never know until you try it. The nib I'm using is the wingsung one that's everywhere on Ebay. Take care!
Excellent review! Thanks Douglas!
Thank you so much, won stephen!
Hi Doug, i am wondering if Kaigelu long knife nib is compatible with the M800?"
Yes. I have one in it right now.
@@InkquiringMinds i already have a bock nib version in amber, and i am going to buy a new M800 in galaxy with moonman nib and a long blade nib.. thank you for the answer ❤
Can anyone tell me what the penholder in the upper left background at 3:57 is?
That came with a custom made calligraphy pen I got for Xmas three years ago.
i paid for my purple m800 with bock nib (from Ebay) $39. It was just a pen, no box. And the bock nib on mine is buttery smooth, though I use it on a cheap paper. I love the pen so much i am considering the amber version.
I'm glad yours is so nice! I"m going to work on this Bock to see if it will improve in another pen.
Doug! Stop forcing me to buy an M800 (Galaxy)! 😉 Must admit though I prefer medium to broad nibs, so hopefully I'll eventually able to find one with a medium Bock.
LOL. I wouldn't hold my breath for a medium Bock nib from Moonman. You could always buy an M800 with a Moonman nib and put your own Bock medium on it.
@@InkquiringMinds yep, I had to do the same with my Jinhao 159 where I put a broad JoWo nib in. It's now my best pen by a mile.
@@InkquiringMinds Sorry if I missed this in the video. Is the Bock a #6?
I would rather just but the whole nib unit, screw it in and be done with it.
I just got my pen today and the Bock F writes beautifully BUT I am a lover of wider lines.
@@InkquiringMinds PS Love your reviews. They are informative and somehow very relaxing!
@@MrCabimero Thank you so much!!
Would a penbbs nib/feed fit into the moonman pens?
The Penbbs nib fits a Moonman feed... that's what is in two of my three M800s. But the Penbbs feed will not work in a Moonman.
@@InkquiringMinds thanks so much. I'll buy some penbbs nibs to replace my moonman nibs. I don't like how largw the moonman nibs appear. And they are stiff as nails
With all of your nice pens, how in the world do you decide which is the best pen in the stable? I've been fortunate enough to only get two nibs I didn't like; one I swapped, and one I got tuned. Although I've discovered that broad nibs are just not for me.
The ones the just stay inked all the time and make my handwriting look nice.
Did you use the penbbs feed or keep the moonman one? I’m not sure what I’ll do with my replacement feed (if it fits).
The Moonman. PenBBS feeds do not fit other pens.
I finally received my m800 in amber and it is orange. Like McDonald's orange drink, prison jumpsuit orange. I'm concerned I got a fake. Weirdly, the bock nib is smooth and delightful and appears genuine. Ugghh.
Acrylic batches are like fingerprints. Some will be light some dark.
In this video, you changed moonmanm m800 bock nib with unit and moonman nib with unit.and another moonman m800 nib swap video, you said imcompatible because of other thread.
In this video, how can you do that?
Was it compatible in the beginning model but changed?
Moonman sold two versions of the M800; one with a Moonman nib and one with a Bock nib. The Bock nib unit has a screw threading consistent with Bock and incompatible with Moonman. They made a different section thread to accommodate the Bock version.
Please ignore me. I am just commenting for my own reference.
You solved the issue I am having: I purchased an M800 with a standard Moonman nib/unit.
Later, I tried to retrofit a Bock nib unit into the pen and it wouldn't fit.
Now I know why - As you said; Moonman produced two different threads / two different sections for the M800 and I would need the section produced specifically for the Bock nib unit.
Thank you!
Hey Douglas--to add to your comprehensive amber info (which was awesome), most amber you buy with insects in it are basically copal pressed around modern insects. There is also a lovely red and green amber from Mexico.
Mohs hardness on amber is very low which makes it scratch easily, so store it away as dust has quartz in it and even dusting it will scratch it. There, more than you ever wanted to know about amber!
Good thing your lovely collection is not made of real amber!
LOL @ Inky.Rocks! That's very cool, thanks! There is so much fascinating information about amber that I didn't include. My video was already over 30 minutes and I had to cut cut cut! Thanks for this.
So if I get the version with the Bock, I could swap in a Bock 1.1 nib, would that be correct? And would there be any 1.1 options for the Moonman nib version?
The only compatibility issue between the Bock version and the Moonman version is the nib unit and converter. They are not interchangeable because of the threads and the converter size. The nibs themselves are friction fit #6.
Do I understand this correctly that M800 accepts both Moonman housing and the Bock housing, despite the fact that they are threaded differently?
No. The Moonman that comes with the Bock nib has a different threading than the M800 that comes with the Moonman nib. The assemblies are not interchangeable.
Amber has still eluded me. I got the green version, and it is a great pen. (I too might pay for a Jowo nib, still rather easily acquired for far less than the Moonman people add to the price. (I suspect they face a high tariff getting the Bock nibs into China. I was looking forward to your review of the Bock nib, because I have not found the brand to be as consistent. But I ache with envy that you got the amber! :)
Thank you so much, Keith Whitney!
Imagine that i'm still waiting for the Bock version that i ordered back in January...
It really all depends on the vendor. I've found that even though esybuy is a little more expensive that others on Etsy or eBay, the shipping is excellent.. even now! Some of the other ebay sellers, not so much. I hope you get it soon Luc. And, BTW, thank you AGAIN for the two Penbbs fine nibs featured in this video. They are both fabulous, but the first one I put in the Galaxy M800 is the best of my entire collection of Penbbs fine nibs. Stellar!
Hi, I want to buy a Jowo EF nib #6 or #5; can you suggest a chinese pen that accept it ? Or maybe a Moonman with Bock nib is the same?
Sorry for my english
Bye!
Hello Mr. Douglas. Another great video...
Where do you bought that penbss nib (waverly)? Keep up the good work.
Best regards from Portugal!
Hello Mr. Pedro! Thank you so much! The two Penbbs waverly nibs I put in both my M800 Galaxy and M800 Amber were given to me by viewer Luc M. (THANKS LUC!) But, you can get them from PenBBS's official Etsy store and sometimes on eBay. Look for the "Penbbs fine nib charm". On Etsy they are only $5. More on eBay.
Will it take a shimdt/ jinhao converter?Stock nib version..
The Bock nib version takes standard international. The Moonman nib version takes the Jinhao/HongDian Chinese standard.
Where can I get some amber, I’m feeling kinda puny. Another enjoyable experience from your channel.
You can get the M800 Amber in either the Bock nib or the Moonman nib from esybuy on Etsy or many shops on eBay.
what a great voice to hear.
good to find out a fountain pen review covering liberal arts.
Thank you so much, Melchizedek!
Have you tried cartridges and converters from jinhao in that pen??? Would they fit?? If so please advice
You have to be more specific as to which Jinhao converter as they use several different sizes. This Moonman M800 has a Bock nib and the converter is standard international.
@@InkquiringMinds Good enough, I should receive today my M800. Thanks for the reply
Doug, Thanks!! Good info on the nib units!! Your Amber pen is very nice looking with the blending of the different colors!! I had a similar experience with the amber 800 with the Moonman nib 2 cancelled orders. I had reservations on the cost of the Bock nib upgrade vs the std moonman nib. So i ended up with 3 of the 800's in the moonman nib for less money then 2 with the Bock nib. Blue,Purple & Green. You have me very curious about the penbbs nib... you find that nib most enjoyable to use out of the three? The M800 is such a comfortable pen. Doug the Green is great looking for a Green pen and the Purple is an attention grabber! Good Luck with your Choice Purple or maybe Green...🤔😁 Stay Healthy & Safe!!!
Thanks, phillip! Yes, the Penbbs waverly nibs have become my favourite to the point that every other nib I try that isn't a Penbbs fine, mini-fude, is disappointing. The only two nibs that I like along side them are my Pilot e95s and Sheaffer Targa gold nibs. You can get the Penbbs fine mini-fude (waverly) nibs for $5 in a nib charm at the official Penbbs Etsy store, or for a little more, on eBay.
Douglas Rathbun Congrats on the arrival on the M800 in Amber... it looks stellar. Thanks for the info on the penbbs nibs. It is appreciated. Phil
estimado amigo:
Gracias por su video, me ha parecido muy interesante. Me gustaría preguntar dónde puedo encontrar el plumin bbs.
Gracias
-----------------------
Dear Friend:
Thank you for your video, I found it very interesting. I would like to ask where I can find the bbs nib.
Thank you
Hi Bernardo! Puede obtener puntas individuales de Penbbs en la tienda oficial de Penbbs en Etsy aquí: www.etsy.com/shop/PENBBSOfficialStore?ref=usf_2020§ion_id=25726322
@@InkquiringMinds gracias!
My M800 Moonman nib was incredibly smooth (no review of reverse writing, etc.)
Thanks, Keith!
I once thought I might like to be a lion tamer, as well,... But then there are all the lions!
LMAO!!! Start with banking.
@@InkquiringMinds I ultimately gave it up to pursue my true passions, developing my own original silly walk, and climbing both peaks of Kilimanjaro, this, much to the disappointment of my Dad, who had hoped I'd work in the family business, and take over one of the Similar Pet Shoppes, probably the one in Notlob! No way!!! At least I didn't turn out like my uncle. He wanted to be a lumberjack, but he ended up working at a little breakfast place, serving baked beans Spam, Spam, Spam, and Spam! He eventually retired to that hermit community over by the rocks.
Bette Davis and a beautiful pen.....Sir Doug, you have gone too far. 😹
LOL @ Stacy! To the universe... and beyond!
Wish you where here.. From Pink Floyd.. Great song..👍👍
And the most famous is: Another brick in the wall.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year! I could only play 1 minute and 22 seconds of WYWH before the full weight of the TH-cam copyright police landed on my video.
@@InkquiringMinds Yes, TH-cam becames too fool with their Copyrights.. 😡
@@Raul1971xxx As they correctly observe "And just HOW much do we charge you to post your videos on OUR platform?" LOL
@@InkquiringMinds Yes..
I think... I am gonna need some Amber... ✌️😊😉
I think you do Raul! :)
@@InkquiringMinds 🤣🤣