[Pen/Pencil Review] The Jinhao/Edelstein Revisit
Oh, hi… Monday, you’re slipping away from me. I should try to get something done… But first, a couple of interesting notes:
The Pelikan Edelstein long cartridge DOES fit in the Jinhao fountain pen barrel. HUZZAH. The Jinhao’s – which I’ve reviewed before – have a sturdier clip and a better grip than the Pelikan I was using. My Jinhao came from the Dallas Pen Show – but is now available on JetPens for less than I spent at the show – the same pen I spent $10 last year is now $5.25 on Jet Pens. The model on JetPens is called the Jinhao 599 (or maybe the 599A) – I once found it called the Ebony Jewel. They have more “fashion”/higher end models that run not more than $8. But the ones I have on my “wish list” are the transparent ones. I like seeing the ink levels, and they have more visibility than the windows in the 599 series.
So, let’s do a little revisit on both the ink and the pen. I still like the depth of color of the Edelstein Garnet ink. But being in a finer point nib than the Pelikan beginner, it’s easier to work with for editing hardcopy manuscript. The barrel is narrower but longer, giving the writing experience a whole different feel.
This is a decent fountain pen from China created on the Lamy Safari style. It’s just under 5.5″ long capped and 6.5″ with the cap posted. The barrel is plastic with viewing windows to show ink levels. The grip is smooth plastic but with triangular cuts that make it ergonomic. The grip design does help to hold the pen “correctly” and comfortably. The cap does post firmly, and though it’s light plastic, it’s got a good feel.
The nib is considered a “light medium” or a “heavy fine” – which makes it a nice line. The flow (once I got it going) is strong. The nib is marked as 18k GP (I’m going to assume white gold – and it’ll be a vermeil type plating – meaning just microns of gold… thank you Day Job for that).
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 0.5 – It works like it’s supposed to. The nib is smooth and solid. The barrel is light but well-balanced with a good feel. The nib feels strong, like it won’t bend if you’re heavy-handed writer. A little “scratchier” than the Pelikan, but it’s a finer nib.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – They make an effort for ergonomics. Though there’s not a “grippy” part, it’s all smooth plastic, the grip is designed to fit comfortably in the hand. And the cap posts a LOT more securely than the Pelikan.
3. Material – 1 – It is what it is, a replica Lamy in plastic. It’s light but comfortable. The nib is marked 18k GP. The clip is metal with the company name stamped in Chinese. Doesn’t feel like it’s going to break.
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – I like it. It might be a little long for some people. It’s also more designed for the converter than cartridges – and works better for the long cartridge than the short. But the ink works.
5. Price Point – 1 – As long as you buy it through JetPens, the price point is MUCH better for a beginner or everyday fountain pen. This pen – depending on which model it is – 599A or 599 – runs between $3.45 and $5.25 – MUCH better than the $10 I paid last year. Welcome to the price drop.
That’s 4 of 5 bronze pencils.
