Jinhao 80 Review: Smooth Writing for Less

Disclaimer: I don’t earn any commission from promoting the products mentioned in this article. The following reviews are my honest feedback based on personal experience.

One drawback (and perhaps a common nuisance) of writing with a fountain pen is that ordinary copy paper often leads to bleed-through or ghosting. I’ve tested all the pens in my collection on bond paper, basic notebooks, and even Moleskines, and only a few options—like the Majohn Wancai with a fine nib and dry inks like Rohrer & Klingner, or quick-draw pens like the Majohn A1—worked well. While I’m happy with these models, I’ve been on the lookout for an affordable fountain pen that performs well on a wider range of paper. The reason for this is I nearly lost my expensive pens when I left my pen case at a store! I decided that from now on, I’ll only bring the cheap ones when I go out so I don’t cry buckets if I lost them.

The Jinhao brand stands out as one of the most budget-friendly options on the market today. I’ve reviewed Jinhao in previous articles (snippets below) and I continue to find it an appealing option for cost-effective quality.

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I turned to our local fountain pen network group for posts about affordable pens, and the Jinhao 80 came up as the most recommended model, praised for its exceptionally smooth EF nib among affordable pens. While I like the fine nibs on my Japanese brands, such as the Pilot Kakuno and Pilot Lightive, they are still relatively more expensive than a Jinhao. Plus, my kids have claimed my Kakunos as their own, captivated by the cute faces on the nibs! My Pilot Lightive, inked with a red ink, still shows bleed-through and ghosting, especially on Moleskine paper.

Given the strong recommendations for the Jinhao 80 in the community, I decided to give it a try with an EF nib. The seller did caution me that EF nibs are typically scratchy, but I took the plunge—and I couldn’t be happier! The EF nib on my first Jinhao 80 (a sleek black model, photo below) glides smoothly with a only a hint of feedback, even on the lowest-quality paper in my stash. I was so pleased that I bought two more, this time in maroon and green, the official colors of my alma mater. I even swapped the nib colors between them, creating a set of university-themed pens to commemorate my graduation.

So here are important features of Jinhao 80 summarized by ChatGPT based on reviews from its database (I found out from my Gen AI training that some of the data came from Reddit with high karma scores):

1. Design and Build:
   • Aesthetic: The Jinhao 80 has a minimalist and sleek look, often compared to the more premium Lamy 2000 due to its slim, tapered body and subtle finish.
   • Material: Plastic. (I needed to correct ChatGPT on this one.)
   • Colors: It comes in a variety of colors, including black, maroon, green, and others, allowing for personal customization and even themed sets.
2. Nib:
   • Extra Fine (EF) and Fine (F) Options: The Jinhao 80 is often praised for having one of the smoothest EF nibs among budget-friendly pens. The nib is stainless steel, providing good feedback and a reliable flow.
   • Replaceable Nib: The nib can often be swapped or tuned for customization, though EF nibs can sometimes feel scratchy without adjustment. Some of the fans have even switched Lamy nibs on their Jinhao 80 and it fits!
3. Filling System:
   • Cartridge or Converter: The Jinhao 80 uses a standard international cartridge or converter, allowing flexibility in ink choice. It usually comes with a converter, which is a bonus at its price point.
   • Ink Flow: It has a steady ink flow, with dry or wet performance varying depending on the type of ink used. I’ve used dry ink such as RK SketchInk as well as wet inks like Diamine Blue Blood and I’ve had no problem with flow.
4. Writing Performance:
   • Smoothness: Known for its smooth writing experience on various paper types, including low-quality paper, the Jinhao 80’s EF nib glides well, making it versatile for everyday use.
   • Minimal Bleed-through: With the right ink, it performs with minimal bleed-through or ghosting, which is rare among budget pens.
5. Affordability:
   • Cost-Effective: The Jinhao 80 offers excellent value, making it a go-to option for beginners or those looking to expand their collection without a high cost.
6. Community Support:
   • Highly Recommended: Often recommended within fountain pen communities as a reliable, entry-level pen with an impressive balance of quality and price, especially for those who enjoy finer nibs.

In short, the Jinhao 80 is a fantastic budget-friendly pen with a classic design, a smooth EF nib, and flexible ink options—ideal for both new users and experienced writers looking for affordable quality.

How about you? Have you tried a Jinhao 80 pen? How is your experience with it? Please share in the comments section.

xoxo,

Grass