Jinhao 500 With Ci Grind By 777.

[Nonsensical]

So as you all know (hopefully), 777 recently had a free pen give-away on his blog, and I was the lucky recipient of the first prize in that give-away. I received the pen in the mail a few days ago( he was kind enough to ship it all the way to Australia), and feel like I have written enough with it to be able to write a review.

Appearance & Design: 10/10

The pen came in a simple cloth sleeve, just the way you would expect it to come if you had purchased it anywhere else. Upon opening the package, I was faced with MANY layers of bubble wrap protecting the pen :roflmho:, it looked very well protected. I just love the look of this pen. The design is simple, but eye-catching. My photos don't do the pen justice.

Construction & Quality: 8/10

It feels well constructed, and quite solid, my only complaint would be that when posted, the cap is VERY VERY loose. It won't stay posted for long. However, this is not a problem for me, as I do not post my pens. The grip is made of plastic, rather than metal, unlike the rest of the pen. This is a good thing, as the plastic chosen for this section is not your typical shiny type of plastic. It means that I can grip the pen without my fingers slipping every now and then. The metal body and cap both look quite well made, and the chess board pattern on the barrel has its imperfections, but for a chinese pen? Not bad at all.

Weight & Dimensions: 7/10

 

Weight (capped/posted): 45g

Length (capped): 138mm

Length (uncapped): 121mm

Length (posted): 162mm

 

It's a tad on the heavy side for me, and not quite as comfortable to write with, due to this. The girth of the pen isn't too wide though. Un-posted, it is only just comfortable for writing a few pages, no more. Posted, with a wobbly cap, it feels back heavy. I have rather small hands, so the length of the pen is fine for me. The cap is actually quite light, so although I have no measurements for the weight of the pen uncapped, I'm guessing it will still be around the high 30g mark.

 

Nib & Performance: 9/10 (6/10 for a regular JinHao 500)

 

The normal Jinhao 500 comes with a 0.7mm medium nib, so I'm guessing that the pen I have in hand is a 0.7mm CI pen. All I can say is that this pen is pretty awesome. It's fun to write with, although I'm not too sure I would use it to take notes- at this point at least. Written samples provided below, with a regular Jinhao 500 written sample for comparison. My sole complaint would be that it feels a bit...reluctant on the diagonal upstroke, I'm not sure if this is because of the way I write? I use a standard tripod grip, not a death grip, so I am slightly confused. It is smooth in every other way.

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/2351/07212011012507pm.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2772/07212011012507pm2.jpg

 

Filling system & Maintenance: N/A

 

Standard C/C system, easy to maintain, easy to clean out. Whether you like it or not is very subjective.

 

Cost & Value: 10/10

 

This pen was free! Can usually be bought on EBAY, without the CI grind for under $7 shipped, though.

 

Conclusion: Final score of 44/50

 

Great pen, certainly one heck of an introduction to CI fountain pens, as this is my first.

Edited July 21, 2011 by Nonsensical

[Maja]

First of all, congratulations on winning the Jinhao! I entered the contest and although I didn't win (obviously ), I'm so happy it went to someone who appreciates it and took the time to write a great review. Thanks so much!

 

Oh, what is the lovely green ink you used? I *love* it!

[Nonsensical]

That would be Noodler's Green Marine, after I finished my first fill of Sheaffer Skrip Red, I wanted something that had a little more shading :embarrassed_smile: .

OH, and for those who don't have his website:

http://777penrepair.blogspot.com/

No affiliation, blah blah blah.

Thank YOU for reading my review, as well. Glad you enjoyed it.

Edited July 21, 2011 by Nonsensical

[Maja]

That would be Noodler's Green Marine, after I finished my first fill of Sheaffer Skrip Red, I wanted something that had a little more shading :embarrassed_smile: .

OH, and for those who don't have his website:

http://777penrepair.blogspot.com/

No affiliation, blah blah blah.

Thank YOU for reading my review, as well. Glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you for the quick reply, Nonsensical; I shall look into buying that ink for myself

 

Oh, I also meant to compliment you on your handwriting---it's very nice (and easy to read....ex-pharmacist here ), whether you use the regular Jinhao or the reground CI-nibbed one.

[Inkwisitor]

Further compliments on your handwriting and the green ink. Congratulations to you and 777 for a fine job.

[Nonsensical]

Thanks for the handwriting compliments, and hope you guys enjoy the review, and possibly find the CI grind as interesting as I do.