Jinhao 599 Fountain pen

Bonus:
the sections with the nibs are compatible across both plastic and metal bodies pens...
so if you like one type of nib and a different kind of barrel you can simply put those together and create your ideal pen that way :) Take that..and the amount of colors available....this is like having a lego pen that you can build to your own preference :D
 
After the wonderful surprise of the x750, I've been trying out the 599 for the past week or so. If anything, it has been even more impressive as, for 99p delivered from HK to UK, you get a Lamy Safari 'clone' with a fantastic nib.

Although denoted as 'F' on the nib, it definitely writes more like an 'M' nib - not a problem for me, but worth mentioning just the same. Of more importance was that there was absolutely no skipping whatsoever with this nib compared to the X750 start-up and, after the obligatory correction with micro-mesh, it writes beautifully smoothly. That said, it was more that acceptable straight 'out of the box'.


Here it is with a Lamy Al-Star (basically an aluminium version of the Safari) and you can certainly see the similarities. Setting aside the dodgy ethics, it really is as good as a Safari - which is incredible given the not inconsiderable price differential.

Once again, I am amazed that these pens can be produced and shipped for such a pittance. Even more astonishing is that, so far, the examples that I've come across have way better than expected quality.
 
Nico1970 said:
After the wonderful surprise of the x750, I've been trying out the 599 for the past week or so. If anything, it has been even more impressive as, for 99p delivered from HK to UK, you get a Lamy Safari 'clone' with a fantastic nib.

Although denoted as 'F' on the nib, it definitely writes more like an 'M' nib - not a problem for me, but worth mentioning just the same. Of more importance was that there was absolutely no skipping whatsoever with this nib compared to the X750 start-up and, after the obligatory correction with micro-mesh, it writes beautifully smoothly. That said, it was more that acceptable straight 'out of the box'.


Here it is with a Lamy Al-Star (basically an aluminium version of the Safari) and you can certainly see the similarities. Setting aside the dodgy ethics, it really is as good as a Safari - which is incredible given the not inconsiderable price differential.

Once again, I am amazed that these pens can be produced and shipped for such a pittance. Even more astonishing is that, so far, the examples that I've come across have way better than expected quality.
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Great write-up and photos!
I agree with that it's closer to a Medium than Fine.
I see you got a v2. Now you of course need a v1 and v3 as they all have different nib designs :D
Apparently the v3 599 has the 'finest' nib.

It really is amazing how good these 'one pound pens' are - it's basically like being able to buy a Mongoose or Cobra razor clone, identical in design and performance..but for 5 pounds.
 
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I think the next Chinese pen I'll get will be the Hero 616.
It's a Parker 51 clone with a Fine, hooded nib and comes in multiple colour options.
Price: About $1-2 incl shipping
Quality is supposedly great.
Size: Note that the 616 comes in various sizes (small to jumbo) so check that before ordering :)

s-l500.jpg


The 2014 models are rather neat with silver cap, gold trim and new colours on the barrel such as;
s-l1600.jpg


s-l1600.jpg
 
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My 599 arrived yesterday, 2 weeks it took, not bad.
It does feel very cheap, plasticy but at the end of the day, its extremely cheap, so I do not mind.
I was going to use this for carrying about or work but I think I'll use it to load various colours.
Tonight it will be loaded with Diamine Billberry.
 
wazza said:
My 599 arrived yesterday, 2 weeks it took, not bad.
It does feel very cheap, plasticy but at the end of the day, its extremely cheap, so I do not mind.
I was going to use this for carrying about or work but I think I'll use it to load various colours.
Tonight it will be loaded with Diamine Billberry.
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v2 or v3?

Post a writing photo :)
 
wazza said:
I believe the one in the middle there, not sure which nib that is.
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I think they are all sold as 'Fine" nibs.
Supposedly the hooded (v3) is the finest one.

To me, both the v1 and v2 were closer to a medium but they were rather smooth and pleasant writers :)
Like you I'm using them for trying out inks and papers I bought a slew of cheap Jinhao converters as well so I can swap colors in and out of them pretty easily.
 
MrK1 said:
I know these Safari clones come with converters, but do they take standard cartridges or Lamy cartridges?
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Was out till late, bbq weather.
Tried the cartridge and unfortunately it didn't fit. I didnt push too hard as I didnt want to damage the pen but it appears the hole of the cartridge is to small.
 
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