Chinese Pens: The Final Chapter

Three years ago and after considerable research, I bought my first Chinese fountain pen, a Delike (Majohn/Moonman) New Moon 2 bent nib from Amazon. It was such a pleasure to use that for a time it was the only pen on my desk and for over two years, it was the only pen I used in my daily journal.

The fine and extra-fine that I purchased were not in the same league and only the bent nib arrived in perfect condition. The extra-fine worked well after the nib was replaced and is smooth for such a narrow nib.

I have since purchased several Jinhao 82s and one Jinhao 100 Classic. Not a dud in the bunch though posting changes the balance and makes them slightly smoother especially with light contact.

I have filled thirty pages of notebook paper plus over 400 pages in my journals so these pens have had plenty of use.

The Jinhao 82 would benefit from a metal ball or spring in the converter to keep the ink flowing, but otherwise mine have performed well.

The fude takes practice since it has a very large bent nib in comparison to the New Moon. The latter should work well for anyone interested in just a little line variation. It is reputedly hand tuned which might explain the smooth tip.

By accident I discovered that the finials on the Jinhao 82 can be removed with just a twist. Yep, they can be detached allowing you to mix and match. As if making inks and pens suit each other, now we have finials, too?

Let me know if you buy either a New Moon 2, a Jinhao 82 or 100. Was your experience as good as mine or did I get incredibly lucky?

• Delike New Moon 2 extra-fine Rose Red
• Delike New Moon 2 fine Green Marble
• Delike New Moon 2 bent nib (eBay link since not currently available at Amazon.)
• Jinhao 82 (0.38) extra-fine
• Jinhao 82 (0.5) fine
• Jinhao 82 bent nib/fude
• Jinhao sets

If you want to see more photos or price these pens, here are some Amazon links to what they offer. Note that Inkophile is an associate and might earn a tiny commission if you purchase through these links.