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Image: MomJunction Design Team
Fountain pen aficionados swear by their beloved pens. To them, the only way to write is by using the best Chinese fountain pen. As a result, brands have been instrumental in producing a long list of high-performance writing devices.
Chinese fountain pens have flawless quality and are available at affordable prices, making them a favorite among connoisseurs. Moreover, over the years, the flow of ink and the overall reliability of the pens have also improved remarkably.
Fountain pens are more than just writing devices. Many collect these pens and use them for specific purposes. Some forms of calligraphy use specific fountain pens for stylish cursive writing. These pens often come in handy when writing personalized letters and invitations.
Carina Lawson, an efficiency consultant, office needs expert, and the founder of Ponderlily Paper & Planners, says, “Writing is an experience, and using the right pen has a direct effect on your writing experience. The thrill of a new pen and full ink cartridge is a simple pleasure that never grows old for those who appreciate the art of writing by hand.”
Read on as we bring you a list of the best Chinese fountain pens, tried and tested, for you to choose from.
Top Picks
11 Best Chinese Fountain Pens In 2024
1. Best Rubberized Grip: Jinhao X450 Fountain Pen
Combining traditional Chinese culture and modern production methods, this pen checks the right boxes. Each pen is designed after a lot of research and crafted to perfection. It is made using the finest materials, and its USP is its rubberized grip, making it ideal for sweaty hands. It comes with a 138mm long steel nib and a diameter of 14mm for a smooth writing experience. It features a push-type cap. To know more, take a look at this video where you will find the reviewer testing the pen himself.
Pros
- Medium point type
- Features a screw-type converter
- Writes smoothly
- Available in a wide range of colors
Cons
- May not have a storage box
- May be slightly heavy
"I found this pen pretty comfortable for larger hands, and it writes well on various papers. It's reliable for regular use, even though the cap can be slightly tricky to secure."
Did You Know?2. Best With A Bent Nib: Asvine Charlie Chaplin Commemorative Fude Pen
Honoring Charlie Chaplin, the pen features engravings of oversized shoes, bowler hat, and cane around the cap of the pen. This fountain pen’s elegant and reliable bent nib is a blend of traditional sophistication and the latest technology. Depending on the angle you hold it, you can write from fine to broad sizes, and it’s commonly known as the italic calligraphy fountain pen.
Hand-assembled with performance-driven quality, it’s known for its high precision and exceptional writing experience, coupled with a unique design. It comes in a velvet pen pouch to store your pen safely or to give someone a gift. This traditional Chinese ink pen is made of brass and lacquered with a shiny black finish and features a push-type cap, an iridium bent nib measuring 0.5-1.2mm, and a converter for bottled ink.
Pros
- Made of solid brass
- Provides easy flow of ink with no blobs
- Suitable for calligraphy, drawing, and handwriting
- Easy to refill the ink
Cons
- Cap may become loose with time
- Tip may not be as smooth as expected
"I have found this pen to be quite adaptable and easy to control. Moreover, the homage to Charlie Chaplin in its stylish design is very thoughtful. But it can be a bit of a fingerprint magnet. Still, I like its performance."
3. Best For Calligraphy: Jinhao X750 Fountain Pen
If you are looking for a simple fountain pen, bring home this frosted black-bodied fountain pen with silver trimming. Each pen is painstakingly crafted under strict standards, guaranteeing its quality, and is a blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern technology. This well-balanced fountain pen offers a smooth writing experience and is ideal for practicing calligraphy.
The nib delivers a smooth, consistent ink flow for flawless writing. It features a needle cylinder type vacuum ink suction device and a screw-type ink converter. Besides, the pen comes packaged in a gift-ready box that is great for storing the pen. Check out the product testing review video to learn more about this heritage pen.
Pros
- Made of high-quality material
- Features a push-type cap
- Comfortable to hold
- Available in other colors as well
Cons
- Cap may pop off occasionally
- Nib may be slightly thick
"I really enjoy how comfortable this pen feels in my hand while I write. It has a substantial weight and offers smooth writing, but I found it a bit tricky to swap out the nibs. Still, it has been a good choice for casual use."
4. Best For Gifting: Akord Luxury Chinese Fountain Pen
Bring home this Chinese fountain pen that is ideal for calligraphy and comes with a pull-off style cap. This 5.4-inch long pen has a removable, twist-action, piston-style ink converter. Made of high-quality material, this luxury Chinese fountain pen is great for personal use or to give as a gift. Ensure that you only use high-quality ink and ink cartridges for the best performance. Get ready for a great experience with this popular fountain pen that will become your new go-to writing device.
Pros
- Has no rough surfaces
- Precision threads for easy assembly
- Glides smoothly
- Features a sterling body
- Comes with a medium-sized international standard nib
Cons
- Ink may dry out pretty quickly
- Refilling it may be a bit challenging
"The pen's beautiful design has won me over. It writes smoothly but is slightly heavy. Still, it is great for quick notes and has been a remarkable find."
Quick Fact5. Best Embellished: Gullor Jinhao Advanced Fountain Pen
This Chinese fountain pen is embellished with a bronze and white dragon design, making it worthy of your private collection and an ideal gift item. The design is created by international designers and made of high-quality materials. This classic pen glides smoothly across the paper, making it a genuinely pleasurable experience. The nib is made of 18 k gold-plated stainless steel. This gold-plated Chinese fountain pen also comes with an international cartridge and a removable and refillable converter.
Pros
- Medium-point nib
- Features a screw-type cap closure
- Made of metal
- Stylish finish
- Ideal gift for fountain pen users
Cons
- May be a bit heavy even without the cap
- Flow may be a bit fast for some
"Although the fountain pen has a good weight, it can be slightly heavy for long writing sessions. However, I love the bold, ornate design and premium quality."
6. Best Dragon-Inspired: Lanxivi Jinhao Dragon Phoenix Fountain Pen
Chinese culture associates the dragon with luck and success, and this is embodied in this black Chinese fountain pen that is elaborately decorated with a dragon. Made of metal, it has a 0.5mm 18k gold-plated nib and a screw-type cap, and the pen is 143mm long. When you fill the pen for the first time, you may have to shake it a few times to make a few drops of ink come out of the nib so that it can flow easily. The pen comes packaged in a wooden box, making it a great gift item for fountain pen users.
Pros
- Compatible with both bottle and cartridge ink
- Leak-proof
- Ink flows consistently
- Excellent build quality
- Well-crafted design with a clear finish
Cons
- May be a bit heavy
- Does not include ink cartridges
"This pen impressed me with its stunning design and effortless writing. Since it was my first time writing with a fountain pen, there was a slight learning curve, and I've found it best for shorter sessions due to the weight."
7. Best Timeless Design: Gullor Chinese Horse Fountain Pen
Known for its proven quality, this sleek and stylish fountain pen has a timeless design that is a beautiful balance of the classic and the contemporary. It has an embossed pattern of eight horses and comes in a gift box, along with a black pen pouch. This embossed Chinese fountain pen also features five international standard ink cartridges, a removable and refillable converter, and a push-type strong cap that protects the nib when not in use.
Pros
- Details engraving
- Convenient-to-use storage case
- Smooth-gliding nib
- Easy to hold
Cons
- May not come with instructions
- Ink may not always flow consistently
"I like that this pen is lightweight and elegant. However, the lack of instructions for refilling is slightly inconvenient. It writes well, though it took me a while to figure out the right angle. I would recommend it for its aesthetic and functionality."
Remember8. Best With Push Cap: Gullor Jinhao 950 Luxury Fountain Pen
Get this Gullor Luxury fountain pen that comes with an 18k gold-plated stainless steel nib and a push cap to reflect exquisite artistry. It is made of high-quality metal and features Chinese art, including calligraphy and an image of a traditional Chinese boat, on the body. This Chinese fountain pen with cartridge converters is suitable as a desk pen or for gifting, and the push cap comes in handy when the pen is not in use.
Pros
- Features removable, convertible, and refillable ink cartridges
- Medium steel nib
- Great for drawing characters
- Offers a fine grip
Cons
- Removing the cap may not be easy
- May be slightly heavy
"The fountain pen's unique design caught my eye. Its weight is pretty manageable, and the smooth F nib offers a consistent ink flow. It has been quite comfortable, and I'm very happy with its quality."
9. Best With Extra-Fine Nib: Erofa P135 Fountain Pen – Red
This vivid Chinese fountain pen has an exquisite design, with a beautiful retro Chinese ‘Fu’ pen cap and a pearl top. It has a durable resin and metal body. This resin Chinese fountain pen has an extra fine nib made of iridium to ensure a comfortable writing experience. It makes a perfect item for anyone who loves writing. The screw-type cap design protects the nib, which works with bottled ink or 2.6mm caliber cartridges. The fine nib Chinese fountain pen is about 138mm long and features an ink converter. This fountain pen is worth a try.
Pros
- Comes in a storage box
- Light to hold
- Engraved cap design appears elegant
- Soft nib tip writes smoothly
Cons
- May not be compatible with all types of inks
- Clip end may be a bit rough
"This fountain pen has a smooth glide, a good-quality build, and feels balanced in my palm. I experienced some scratchiness initially, but it smoothed out with use. It is a decent entry to fountain pens; I would recommend it."
10. Best With Medium Nib: Jinhao Zoohot Fountain Pen – Blue and White Porcelain
This Chinese fountain pen’s stylish and timeless Chinese dragon design in blue and white porcelain is a pleasure to see and hold. It’s a blend of local and international cultures, top-quality materials, and exquisite craftsmanship. It has a medium nib that makes writing smooth and effortless. It is 140mm long and comes with a removable converter that works with all bottled ink. This collectable Chinese fountain pen would be an asset for any pen collector.
Pros
- Glides smoothly
- Features a push-type cap
- Comfortable to hold
- Suitable for everyday writing
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- May be a bit heavy for some
"This pen has a remarkable design, and I'm glad it is compatible with standard ink cartridges. Its smooth ink flow has made writing an enjoyable experience. I'm very happy with the purchase."
11. Best Smooth-Gliding: Sipliv Chinese Dragon Pattern Fountain Pen – Black
This Chinese fountain pen has a beautiful and ornate gold dragon design. It is meticulously crafted to strict testing standards, ensuring smooth quality writing with its advanced liquid ink system and unique medium nib. The unique design makes the polished fountain pen comfortable and convenient to hold while writing. It has an international standard ink cartridge and comes packed in an original gift box, making it ideal for fountain pen hobbyists.
Pros
- Features a removable and refillable cartridge
- Push-type cap
- Includes a dragon clip
- Comes with a storage case
- Available in black, silver, bronzed, and copper
Cons
- May be slightly bulky
If you only use your pen occasionally, like signing, a slip and seal cap works well and prevents ink from drying up. A screw cap also helps to contain leaks and is suitable for when you are traveling. A click-on cap is quick and convenient for daily users.
How To Choose The Right Chinese Fountain Pen?
Here’s a list of factors to consider when selecting the right Chinese fountain pen.
- Reliability: Choose a pen from a trusted Chinese fountain pen brand to ensure optimum reliability, durability, and long-lasting construction. It should also offer a smooth glide for neat handwriting.
- Nib: These pens are available in varying nib sizes – short, medium, and large. You can choose between steel and iridium as nib materials. Check the nib’s size, shape, and material to find one that suits your writing or calligraphy needs.
- Ink slots:Ink slot technology can either be suction-based or need pouring for refilling. The compatibility of these fountain pens varies between cartridges and bottles, with some being suitable for both.
- Ink flow: Check the pens’ ink flow to ensure smooth writing and drawing with zero blobs and streaks. It should be smooth enough to require minimal pressure while writing.
- Grip: Choose pens with rubberised or non-rubberised grip as per your requirements. Rubberized grip ensures the pen doesn’t slip from sweaty hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Chinese fountain pens safe?
Yes, Chinese fountain pens are safe to use. However, keep them out of reach of children because the pointed nib in these pens can hurt them if mishandled.
2. Can I use Chinese ink in a fountain pen?
Chinese inks are generally very thick and better suited for dip pens so that they don’t bleed onto paper while attempting calligraphy, illustration, or design making. This thick ink can clog the fountain pen; therefore, it is not recommended to use Chinese ink in a fountain pen.
3. How long can ink stay in a Chinese fountain pen?
If you use your Chinese fountain pen frequently, the ink in the fountain pen will last up to a week. However, if you don’t use it frequently, the ink will stay intact for six to nine months without drying.
4. Which ink is safe for Chinese fountain pens?
There is no specific ink made especially for a Chinese fountain pen. You can use any type of ink that you use in a normal fountain pen in a Chinese fountain pen.
5. Are Chinese fountain pens waterproof?
Most Chinese fountain pens are generally waterproof. However, if you’re looking for a pen that is waterproof, you should carefully go through the specifications to double-check.
6. How long does a Chinese fountain pen last?
A Chinese fountain pen can last for 10 to 20 years with proper care. Frequently using the pen increases its lifespan by ensuring that the ink doesn’t dry up and clog the fountain pen.
7. What is a Chinese fountain pen made of?
Chinese fountain pens are made of metals like brass or bronze, alloy steel, resin, or porcelain. Porcelain fountain pens are generally lighter than metal ones, so choose the pen per your preferences.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah reviews household and office products. He has listed some of the best Chinese fountain pens in this article after analyzing and comparing several Chinese fountain pens available online. These products are durable, stylish, efficient, and he has handpicked them after considering user reviews to ensure premium quality. Wedetso has also provided a brief description of each pen, along with a how-to-choose section to help you make an informed choice.
For those who love having a collection of pens, a Chinese fountain pen would be absolutely loved. These pens come with different types of nibs, and therefore, you must consider your requirement before purchasing one. Its material, width and cut may range to give a different look according to its purpose of use, so to be safer, go with a moderately wide or less wide nib. And now, your quality of writing is going to be indisputable.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Chinese Fountain Pen?
Fountain pens are ideal for calligraphy and journaling. They require minimal pressure, making them suitable for those with hand fatigue. However, selecting the right Chinese fountain pen is elementary to ensure a hassle-free experience. Check out the following infographic to learn more about a fountain pen’s features to help you pick the right one.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Only Three Fingers Write but the Whole Brain Works†: A High-Density EEG Study Showing Advantages of Drawing Over Typing for Learning
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00706/full#h2
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