I spend way too much time on Reddit and the Jinhao #59 pocket fountain pen ($9.99-$12.99) is a popular pen amongst the folks in r/fountainpens. So, I finally broke down and purchased one. I was iffy as to the quality and I am fully aware its a dupe of the legendary Pilot E95s ($176) but the price of the Jinhao version makes it a very appealing alternative.
I don’t actually own an E95s but I do have a vintage Platinum pocket fountain pen which I’ve included in the photos for size comparison. The #59 is very similar in size and weight to a classic Platinum pocket pen.
The Jinhao #59 features a steel nib and a captured converter (it might be removable but I couldn’t figure out a way to get it out without making a mess right now). The cap is friction fit and can be posted to create a full length pen.
The nib is surprisingly smooth. I wasn’t sure if the EF nib would be too fine and potentially scratchy but it absolutely was not. Its quite smooth but also a bit wider than I expected.
I compared the nib width to some of my other fine and extra fine nibs and noticed that the #59 is similar in width to the Kaweco EF and as smooth as my Sailor 21K H-F nib. Pretty impressive for a $10 pen, for sure.
If you are looking for a Japanese fine or extra fine nib, the #59 will not meet your needs. I would compare the EF to a Japanese MF or M nib.
The nib is super smooth, comparable in width to European nib sizing and a stiff nib (no bounce).
If you’re looking for a good pocket pen option, the Jinhao #59 is surprisingly good option. Shockingly good.
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Hi Ana,
I have a pair of Jinhao 59 pens which I enjoy using. They were shipped with converters, which work well. The only downside is that they sit so deeply in the section, that you cannot see the ink level at all. The converters are just friction fit and can be pulled out.
I have not tried using cartridges in the pen. I had wrongly assumed that they would take standard international cartridges but this is not so. However I found that a Platinum cartridge will fit the pen, so you have the options to use those, or syringe fill one. They also allow you to check the ink level.
I have a collection of vintage Japanese pocket pens, and these look more like some of my old Sailor pocket pens—and to your Platinum—than the E95S. So, I just don’t see this as a dupe.
I might pick one of these up! One of my favorite formats for pocket pens but without the fear of losing a vintage pen.