Thanks! It is mostly political and partly racist IMO. People have no problems with a pen made in the same factory, with the same machine and the same workers, if it is branded with a Western brand.
Love all my Jinhao 100's. To me it is the best bang for the buck. The colors they are coming out with is amazing. Right now I have my eye on the one that looks like opal cracked ice. Thanks for a super video confirming what GREAT pens these Jinhaos are. They look and perform better than some models that are WAY MORE expensive.
Thanks for the nib swap demo! My brother just gifted me w one of the older models of this. The nib isn’t my fav but the pen is fabulously comfortable. You’ve been a huge help💙💙💙
well done. i ended up getting three; dark red, classic red, classic black. the last two with logos. something amusing to me about jinhao doing the logo that i just couldn't resist. pens are like cameras; the best one is the one you are carrying right now.
Fun review! You got me intrigued enough to go search these out on eBay. While the choices with chrome fittings are a bit limited, it's still a classic silhouette, and a good size in the hand.
Great review. I'm going to have to pick one up, reminds of the big red pen I had when I was a kid, trying to copy my mom who was a professional calligrapher
This one is pretty, but ironically, my favourite 100 is the all black with gold trim, and the "Century" imprint. The acrylic end finials don't do much for me (also the reason why I prefer the Moonman M600 over the M800). But 100% agree on the "swapability" value. I also tried the Kaigelu architect nib, and it now lives permanently in an X750 that is in daily use. Great recomendation!! Thanks.
Yeah, go ahead! It isn't like they break the bank at $18. I've been admiring the satiny black with gold trim and the deep "Century" imprint for a while.
My two Centennials are also the black&gold version and the "Big Red" from the first batch of these pens (no imprint). Colorful acrylics are nice, but these two on the other hand have a very strong vintage vibe.
I have a few of the 2020 Century 100s, and have a well tuned Jowo #6 nib installed in one of the finger grip assemblies, which I can easily move from pen to pen. I have some far more expensive pens, but the Century 100 with the Jowo nib writes as well as any of the expensive pens. And, thanks to this video, I now have to have one of the new pens - the snowy white version!
Thought I was going to be happy with the ones I had, never expected those mixed finial colors , might have to grab 2 more just to round off the collection. ;D thanks Doug for the update. Usually I'm slow on these things or miss them somehow.*still waiting on penbbs14k and piston wingsungs*
I am a bid fan of the 100. I have a Mr Pen Deacon's Doodle with a Italix medium cursive nib. I rarely use the Deacon because I don't like a metal section. I've been meaning to do a swap as I do like the [MC] nib. You have inspired me to stop procrastinating and just do it. So thank for thar.
This is my favorite Jinhao model. Classic pen shape (comfortable in the hand), swappable #6 size nib, beautiful acrylics (I have 14 of them 🤣), good build quality: what's not to love? Way better value for money compared to a Conklin Duragraph. I'm glad you like it. I always look forward to hearing your thoughts. 😊 Now it's time to go looking for that color. It'll be a nice addition to my Jinhao 100 collection.
@@ichirofakename I don't constantly swap nibs. 😅 Only when I get a new one (nib or new pen). I was just pointing out and agreeing with what was said on the video, that the nibs are easily swappable (which is a plus for some people). 😊
@@ajpalijo Ok now I get it. Sometimes you buy a pen because you want it despite the nib, so then you upgrade the nib. And sometimes you choose to buy just a nib. I guess I have yet to see a pen that I want despite the nib.
The Jinhao Centennial is an amazing fountain pen, certainly considering its price. Great pen to 'experiment' with too(meant respectfully). I think every fountain pen lover should have it in his/her collection. It's - simply stated - a heck of a good pen. Great review Doug. :-)
Really nice pen indeed, and as you mentioned, a very beginner friendly one (much lighter than the x750- and with a really nice grip section, not like the x450). Jinhao claim to release a "celluloid series".... but it seems a bit weird. Anyway, thanks Doug for another great review and have a nice week.
Doug, just brought two new 100s. One is now sitting in Avenel, NJ, and I am patiently waiting for it to arrive (LOL). This one is a brown acrylic, which is unusual for a Chinese pen. The other has gone through customs and is on the way to me. This one will be my second one with white finials--blue with white finials. They will make #11 & 12 in my Jinhao 100 Centennial collection. Like others have said, the Centennial is a good build quality pen, with good value for your money. The lovely blue Centennial goes well with the Diamine ink. CORRECTION: The pen with the white finial is the Kaigelu 316A, So sorry for the confusion
Could you please share where you found the brown one? I have been looking for a brown pen for some time. FP makers seem to be allergic to the brown color!
Hey, Helen! Great to hear from you! We're all waiting patiently for something as the world's transportation system gets further entangled. My Penbbs order from Oct. 10 just left China today! I figured you're be fond of the mixed finials!
I could not agree more about the Jinhao 100 Centennial! I think the 1$18 pen and the nibs are the Best Buys in my collection (now over 150 pens,; too many to count). I think I now own at least 6i Centennials, but i do not honk I have one with the beauty of the blue pen. I have had pretty good luck with the nibs in the Jinhao Centennial. However, I have finally purchased some replacement nibs from various sources. Shoot, I may learn from you and Chris yet!: KW
The nib on my Centennial is so smooth that I saw no need to switch it out. The pen is a great writer. Maybe I’ll order a few of the new ones soon. Awesome review/video, Doug.
I was all set with a grouchy complaint about the matchy-matchy finials replacing the classy black ones - I'm looking at you too, Kaigelu 316a - and then you had to mention the mixed caps and finials. Maybe one more Xmas gift-to-self would be okay. And I do have a pair of Kaigelu nibs coming that need a good home...
I still have a couple Penbbs Calligraphy nibs on the way and one more Kaigelu long-blade, so there are decisions to be made. As soon as my Penbbs nibs arrive, I want to do a video just devoted to all these nib styles.
I like this version more than its predecessor with black section and finial.. Since every Chinese fountain pen maker seems to have been making clones of unaffordable and inaccessible Duofold, I’m sure there’ll be a question someday “Hey, every review of these pens keeps referring to some Duofold.. What on earth is that Duofold?”
The new 100th Anniversary Duofolds are $1200US. A good condition, vintage, Big Red can be around $150. So, to get an experience similar to a mid-90's Parker Centennial, these $20 pens are an excellent buy for a quality pen.
I'm re-watching this to figure out the difference between my two Jinhao 100. 1) orange crushed ice, black finials, ball clip, F nib, drier with more feedback than I like.2) pink crushed ice, same acrylic finials, 18k GP M nib which I love. I put Iroshizuku momiji in the pink one and Diamine Amber in the orange one. I've already tested the Kaigelu "long blade", but still not a fan... I would like to match the pen and ink color, so I'll play around with what I have and maybe take the plunge to try my hand at nib tuning instead of asking a friend. In Taiwan we can get two sizes. One corresponds to the Duofold International, I think, and the other to the Centennial. To differentiate we call them "Little Tofu" and "Big Tofu" respectively. Kinda makes sense if you swallow the "-ld" on Duofold... =^_^= (Edited for factual errors.)
This is definitely on my short list to get. I finally convinced my nephew about fountain pens, and wouldn't you know that it was a Jinhao? I randomly gave him a 992 (at less than $2 apiece in sets of 6, they are my go-to for giving away randomly), and he finally got one that he likes. Though I'm trying to "upsell" him on something nicer, now...
Now I know why you recommend either Lamy or Parker cartridge refills. I stuck a Waterman refill, literally. It was stuck in the barrel. Muttering some questionable words, I managed to get the cartridge out. Well, you take your chances, as they say...
Guess what? I was unlucky with my Jinhao 100. I got a "Friday afternoon" Orange and Black model whose ink would not flow consistently. Soaked in solutions of dish soap and kitchen degrease to no avail. I only got it to write after soaking the feed and section in 100% Isopropyl Alcohol. That was a newbie mistake because I should have just put the nib and feed in the IA. The acrylic of the section, with the glue securing the brass to it lost integrity, and then cracked. No spares available. Doh! . So, I may purchase another someday but only if and when I feel the urge to experiment with different nibs. The imbalance when capped is annoying, but it's virtues are its versatility, form, comfort, and price. I love Art Déco, and the classic Duofold shape works best for me in the plain acrylic with the black finials. But I might somehow stretch one day to one that looks like tortoiseshell. God willing.
The Jinhao nibs are quite the spectrum from awful to okay. The good thing is, you can get them in bulk, cheap and they are so easy to swap. Same thing with the feeds.
@@InkquiringMinds I'll bear that in mind. Jinhao was my first Chinese pen manufacturer, and they are the brand most represented in my tiny collection. But, I've been lucky so far. Only 2 duds, but they were Jinhaos! So, I'll take it on the chin. All grist to my mill, and if I become able to buy better quality, I will know something of what not to do next time.
Hey Doug, new to the channel and a big fan! I’m interested in how the kaigelu nibs compared to the Jowos? I just put a Jowo in my moonman m8000 and it is now my favourite pen. Are these nibs even better than that? I have ordered some to try on eBay they were called the long knife grinding Nibs? I also ordered the standard size 6 Kaigelu nibs too, I am guessing you are specifically a fan of these long arrow ones though?
Yeah the long knife nibs are similar in style and performance to architect nibs which I like a lot. I also like Jowo nib and would suggests they are better than Chinese steel nibs like those in Kaigelu, Jinhao, Moonman etc.
Thank you Doug. I have fallen in love with the long blade nibs thanks to you. Do you know if you could use the PENBBS calligraphy nib #1 that you have shown us on this pen and feed?
Update- I received my pen today. You cannot use the PENBBS calligraphy nib unit- they have different threading. I am sure you could probably pull the nib and swap like you did. Got lucky - my nib was fine but a touch dry for me. Did the patented "Rathbun's 7 Steps to a Wetter Nib." ( Step 1- using moderate pressure, draw a straight vertical line on your pad. Steps 2-7 - repeat step 1. ) I ran out of long blade nibs so have to order more. Paired the pen with Waterman Inspiration Blue which is almost a perfect match to the color of the pen. It is a beautiful pen. Thanks for the review and all you do. Happy Holidays!
How is the size compared to the pelikan m800? I love my m800 because the gripsection is has a nice diameter! Maybe this jinhao would be a good addition for my collection for more colourfull inks.
The Pelikan is just longer by the crown on the finial. Unposted they are almost identical lengths. The Pelikan posts beautifully and is incredibly well balanced. And the 18K nib is sublime. The Pelikan is also $500 more and worth every buck.
It’s in M one of the best budget pens I am aware of, though I find it worthwhile to save a little longer for a Faber Castell Loom in M that is noticeably nicer writing still, remarkably so in fact.
@@MrDagon007 I have no doubt about it. FC has too good a reputation. However, I've never felt the need to replace the nib as the pen itself doesn't thrill me with the rather slick section and undersized nib.
Hey Doug, what's your opinion on the Jinhao 100 vs. Admok M800? Which one writes smoother? I know the it depends on the nib which of course can be swapped
They are different pens. The J100 is a Parker Duofold Centennial clone; thinner, doesn't post at all. The M800 is a Pelikan M800 clone. The Jinhao nib doesn't compare to the Bock nib in smoothness and especially not in bounce.
I may well have mentioned before (I do a lot of that) that I've gotten the 100 Centennial - lovely ivory celluloid - with their 14k nib. I love it more every time I use it.
Also, RE the DQ quote: I remember when I used to feel sorry for him, and then people provided verifiable quotes. And now, for his ilk, he is an intellectual giant. Go figure.
@@InkquiringMinds Pleasantly so. It's not vintage flexible, but, as Col. Potter put it (when we were in our 20s), not enough "o"s in smooooth. My Hong Dian 885 Mt Qomolangma has more line variation; but this is a magnificent offering by Jinhao.
By the way, Jinhao never referred to this model as the "Centennial". It has always been called the "Century", as written on the barrel of the pens with markings. 2:15 7:25
I haven't tried putting a Jowo into it, but they are standard #6 size and should fit. The Italix and the Kaigelu fit. I might be mistaken, but Mr. Pen might actually grind the Italix stubs from Jowo stock.
This pen seems outdated considering latest Jinhaos like X159 and 9019 but looks like i will buy this pen in the future just to experiment Kaigelu long blade nibs..
I just ordered the Jinhao 100 in sky blue, Med. nib .7 mm. I’m a newbie in the fountain pen world, so if I wanted to order a variety of other size nibs to fit this model, what do I look for? Please, and thank you!
That's the beauty of a Jinhao #6 size nib. The 100 and many Jinhao #6 size nibbed pens will swap easily with many other standard size #6 nibs like Jowo, Bock and Schmidt, not to mention the Kaigelu long blades.
@@InkquiringMinds oh, that’s fabulous! My new pen arrives tomorrow. I’m making my Christmas wish list for my hubby. Well, I order them and he wraps them because he knows squat about pens. Lol what others would you recommend? (I am just starting my collection). I love the finish of the resin types with the glistening depth they provide. Up to $35 price range. I don’t want him to go into shock. Haha I love the ocean shades, aquas, Quartz, and marble styles. I actually have a Kaigelu or two in my list, the 316 and the 356.
@@sunnycharacter My favourite acrylic resins on inexpensive pens are from Penbbs and MaJohn (Moonman). My favourite MaJohn is the M800 in Galaxy. It looks and writes like a $200 Leonardo. tinyurl.com/2hjm4zjk Penbbs has many models, the newest is the Penbbs 487 Touchdown filler and although most of the cool colours like Amber and Galaxy are gone, there is still this beautiful acrylic called "Summer". tinyurl.com/224hycfz
Hello Prof., is the quality of resin in the Parker duofold clone (the orange one with engravings) better than other (like, X159) Jinhao's injection molded acrylics? I was wondering why this one's price is up
I hated the black ended versions. Now I have a completely orange cracked ice Jinhao Centennial with gold trim and an arrow clip. The F nib is wonderful and writes in reverse too for extra fine notes. I have never had a Jinhao nib that needed andy work. Lamy nibs can be very scratchy and needing 12000 grit work, at least that's been my experience.
I love my Galaxy 456. Some people will complain that it is opaque and as a vacuum-filler, hard to use. I don't find it difficult. If I'm unsure, I just open the section. It isn't any different than opening the section on a cartridge or converter pen to check levels. Enjoy. They are relatively rare.
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks. I have to say it was a tad over the odds for a 456, but I'm so glad to have it. I had a shortlist of pens to get to celebrate getting my new job, and your enthusiasm for your collection tipped the balance.
@@InkquiringMinds Oh - do they take standard PenBBS nibs & feeds? My only niggle is that this is a Fine, and I prefer Medium nibs. Still, it's quite a generous line for Chinese Fine, so I can live with it.
Am I the only man who gets an elevated sense of self-importance when I hand someone a check and tell them, “You’re going to have to let the ink dry, I use a fountain pen?”
