Jinhao X159 - the pen survived Omicron

[Shanghai Knife Dude]

This is ecstasy. This is the best 5 dollar ever spent. 

 

For those of you received the first of batch of pen in Sept 2022, the first launch of this pen went much earlier. The delay was due to the epic Shanghai Lockdown 2022 Apr - May

 

early Mar - the launch of X159 (Gen I, only in black with silver trim, three turns to open the cap) in Taobao. Initial batch was sold out quick

mid Mar - outbreak of Omicron all over the cities

1st April - Lockdown of the city. Commercial entities like Jinhao plant in Shanghai was no exception. 

1st Jun - release of the lockdown. 

mid Jun - X159 back to shelf in Taobao

Jul - X159 (Gen II/ two more colours of maroon and red wine red/ golden trim available/ two turns to open the cap/ a complete switch of nib collector, which was shared with later 9019) was found in the market, while Jinhao was simply too shy to talk about it. 

 

back to the pen. 

 

I bought 9019 and 9016 first, then X159. 9019 was said to be an update to the X159. But, while I was holding my copy of X159, the details and finishing is on par with 9019. Maybe a X159 Gen III? who knows. 

 

The one with red barrel and cap is 159, nothing resemblant to the X159.

 

Pro:

1. It got to be kidding for a No.8 steel nib + pen for 5 dollars. This pen will still sell at $50. 

2. the acrylic material feels as good as my MontBlanc, honestly. 

 

Con:

1. 1 ml ink capacity, which was quite standard in 2022. But with the monster cartridge of 2ml in 9019 9016 (Jul, 2023), I was spoiled. I expect the next version of X159 coming with a 2ml tank. 

2. high ink intake position, which is up in the feed butting the section. I was using Lamy 30ml 100% full bottle for demonstration. Once the ink below 70% of the bottle, this pen will die of dehydration. 

 

[greenrtw]

Do the converter from 9019 or 9016 fit in x159?

[RedPie]

Thanks for this review @Shanghai Knife Dude. Very informative. I have a 159 on order and can't wait for it to arrive!

[Shanghai Knife Dude]

On 3/19/2024 at 7:00 PM, greenrtw said:

Do the converter from 9019 or 9016 fit in x159?

 

no. 

 

neither the 9016 converter fits in 9019, either vice versa. 

[LandyVlad]

So... I bought one of these (at the price, why not) and I have to say that I am disappointed. I don't know if it's typical, or an outlier, but this M nib one doesn't write all that nicely. Hard starts being it's particular proclivity.

 

Any aftermarket stub nibs available as this would be a good candidate for a swap given the nib in it is obviously not great. 

[Beechwood]

1 hour ago, LandyVlad said:

So... I bought one of these (at the price, why not) and I have to say that I am disappointed. I don't know if it's typical, or an outlier, but this M nib one doesn't write all that nicely. Hard starts being it's particular proclivity.

 

Any aftermarket stub nibs available as this would be a good candidate for a swap given the nib in it is obviously not great. 

 

The X159 responds very well to a thorough flush through using warm water and dish soap, just a drop in around 200ml of water followed by clean water flush.

 

Ink choice is key with Parker Blue or Waterman, standard Jinhao inks to be avoided.

[LandyVlad]

I'm using Parker Quick blue/.black.

It's a 'new' pen and has been this way from new. Still worth trying that eh?

You think perhaps oils on nib from manufacturing process?

[Stompie]

I have never had an issue with any of these pens.

The nib is a bit stiff to pull out but it can be done but I have not managed to get the feed out but just removing the nib will allow you a better chance of cleaning out any oils or bits of plastic waste from the manufacturing process..

Make sure there is a slight gap in the tines going toward the front, .04mm with a feeler gauge.

 

As for the size of the nib that you were not happy with, as per the other thread you commented on, it is relatively easy to grind the nib yourself. I have turned one of my X159's into an italic.

 

I would say, if you ruin it, I purchase my pens from a dealer called Erofa on Amazon. All the pens I get from them have ink residue in them which indicates to me that they test drive them before sending them out. I had a brief look on their site this morning but can not see if they do replacement nibs, you might want to ask them directly.

I think I saw replacement nibs on Temu but I am not 100% certain of that.

[Beechwood]

8 hours ago, LandyVlad said:

I'm using Parker Quick blue/.black.

It's a 'new' pen and has been this way from new. Still worth trying that eh?

You think perhaps oils on nib from manufacturing process?

 

Yes I would still flush the pen through, a few times, and yes again, oils or contaminants from the manufacturing process.

 

Fill with water and just a drop of ink so that you can see the result.

 

Take a glass, put some kitchen towel pressed into the bottom and stand the pen nib down so that it is resting on the paper. leave it for an hour and the paper should have become discoloured. You know that the nib and feed are working as they should.

 

If the paper is dry, ditch the converter and buy a better quality one from Visconti or Conway Stewart, anything but Jinhao basically or fit an international cartridge, put the pen back on the paper, it should be good this time and you have a bonza pen. 

 

If not then you have a duffer.

 

 

[LandyVlad]

Thank you.

 

I cleaned it and refilled the converter (directly rather than though the nib)

There is liquid flowing - a bit - which is largely water with a little ink in it. 

Good ink flow isn't happening at least not yet.

Will leave it stored nib down a while and check later.

 

[LandyVlad]

Well still not perfect but it is flowing better now.Ta.