[Pen/Pencil Review] Jinhao 993 Shark Fountain Pen – 2020 Additions
Two years ago, I bought a couple of shark-themed pens from Goulet Pen Company. They were fun, and each year, Goulet has a special for Shark Week. Last week was no exception – the Jinhao 993 Shark Fountain pen with an extra fine nib on a buy one get one free sale. This time around, I got the indigo blue and the lime green, because they’re two of the better colors. And sooner or later, I will have a whole school of shark pens.
Jinhao is decent and economical fountain pen line from China. Because it was so ridiculously inexpensive, I didn’t have any major expectations of these pens, but was amazingly surprised by how well the extra fine nib worked considering it’s a SHARK THEMED FOUNTAIN PEN. Seriously. Adorable shark themed fountain pens – the blue shark nib writes a bit wider than the green, but that’s the vagaries of nibs. They’re still a good, fine line for the size and the price point.
These pens are just under 5.0″ long capped and 6.0″ with the cap posted. The lime green barrel is plastic with a viewing window to show ink levels. The blue is full color translucent – more like a demonstrator. 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 for the tapered body. There’s no clip to the cap, but it has a FIN!
The nib is “extra fine” stainless steel which makes it a nice line with little scratching and has some flexibility to it. The pens came with a converter, so I started the blue with Noodler’s Ink Texas Navy made for the 2018 Dallas Pen Show. The lime green was inked with Private Reserve Ebony Green.
It was a good deal with a better than expected grip and a fun shark shape that just makes me happy. Goulet still has these for sale – regularly $3.95. Shark Week had them on sale, but that’s still a great price for a really decent pen.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – 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.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – They make an effort for ergonomics. Though there’s not an “grippy” parts, it’s all smooth plastic, the grip is designed to fit comfortably in the hand.
3. Material – 1 – It is what it is, a plastic shark-shaped pen. It’s light but comfortable. The nib has a black plastic sleeve that helps moderate drips. There is no clip to the cap, but that’s okay.
4. Overall Design – 1 – I love these silly little pens. They’re a touch long, but good for the price. Converter challenges are on me – I get inks on me. But they’re so much fun!
5. Price Point – 1 – It’s $4 full price. That’s super cheap, but only available online. But it comes with a nice little note from the person who lovingly packs your box. Mine was done by Christopher. It was very well done.
That’s 5 of 5 bronze pencils.
