Jinhao Shark Fountain Pen Review: Playful and Practical

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist

I don’t buy fountain pens as often as I used to—my “acquire everything shiny” phase has officially mellowed out. In fact, I’ve been on a bit of a decluttering streak this year, letting go of some of the beginner pens I picked up when I was just starting out. Growth, maturity… and slightly more shelf space.

The Jinhao Shark Fountain Pen has been lurking on my radar for years, buoyed by glowing reviews and countless stories of people using them to penable unsuspecting friends. So yes, I did raise an eyebrow at myself when I ended up buying one (actually, two) at the Manila Pen Show 2026. I like to think it was a moment of nostalgia—seeing them on display must have unlocked all those “hey, these are actually great” memories. At first glance, they do look like novelty pens (and to be fair… they absolutely are).

But the moment I inked them up and put nib to paper, I had to admit, these little sharks have more bite than I ever gave them credit for.

First Impressions: Cute, But Not Just Cute

Let’s address the obvious: the design is fun.

The shark-shaped body is unapologetically playful, and it’s a hit not just for fountain pen enthusiasts but also for kids, mine included. The fins on the cap aren’t just for aesthetics either; they actually work as a roll stopper, which is a thoughtful and practical touch. No more pens dramatically rolling off the table to their doom.

Another small but very useful detail is the clear ink window just below the cap. It makes it easy to check ink levels at a glance something I wish more pens had at this price point.

Writing Experience: Surprisingly Smooth EF Nib

Here’s where things get interesting.

Both of my EF nibs glide smoothly on fountain pen–friendly paper, which feels like a small miracle considering how extra fine nibs, especially in budget pens, can sometimes lean a bit… scratchy. These, however, are smooth, consistent, and easy to control, making even longer writing sessions feel effortless rather than like a test of patience. I inked them up with Kaweco inks the same day I got them, and they wrote beautifully right out of the gate—no skipping, no hard starts, just clean, dependable lines. That said, given how fine these nibs are, I’ll probably stick to well-behaved, wetter inks like Kaweco’s and steer clear of shimmer inks unless I’m in the mood for a potential clogging adventure.

Build & Features: Simple but Thoughtful

For a pen that costs about as much as your afternoon snack, the Jinhao Shark Fountain Pen comes surprisingly well-equipped: it already includes a converter (yes, at this price—no extra spending required), but if cartridges are more your style, most Jinhao pens happily take international standard ones; the thick plastic body feels tough enough to survive daily use and the occasional gravity test, it comes in a whole aquarium of colors if you go browsing online, and it’s light and comfortable enough that you can write for long stretches without your hand staging a protest. I would caution you for dropping the pen though – the ink window looks like it’s made of transparent brittle plastic so this could be the weak point of the pen.

The Jinhao Shark Fountain Pen is a true workhorse—you can toss it in your bag, use it daily, and not feel like you need to handle it with museum-level care. It’s solid, dependable, and built to take a bit of rough-and-tumble without drama. I can’t help but compare it to the Platinum Preppy, which boasts an excellent sealing mechanism, but (speaking from experience) its brittle plastic can crack a little too easily—I had one give up on me within weeks. With the Shark’s thicker, sturdier body, that kind of heartbreak feels far less likely.

Price & Value: Hard to Beat

When I first read about these pens years ago, they cost about $2 each. Now, they’re around $5, likely because more people want them. I regret not buying them when they were cheaper. However, even at the higher price, they are still very affordable. With their performance, included converter, and unique design, it’s clear why they are often recommended for beginners and kids starting with fountain pens.

Comparisons: Shark vs Kakuno vs Jinhao 82 Mini

It’s hard not to compare the Jinhao Shark Fountain Pen to the ever-reliable Pilot Kakuno, widely considered a gold standard for beginners. The Kakuno keeps things simple and dependable—no fuss, just a solid writing experience that helps ease newcomers into the world of fountain pens. The Shark, on the other hand, shows up with a bit more personality: bold colors, a cheeky design, and just enough flair to make you smile before you even start writing.

In many ways, the Shark feels like Jinhao’s playful answer to the Kakuno—both are beginner-friendly, both embrace fun design elements, and both are durable enough for everyday use without drama. But the Shark sneaks in a few extra tricks: a Lamy-style nib, a handy ink window, and a price tag that’s noticeably easier on the wallet. It’s the kind of pen that says, “Yes, you can enjoy this hobby without financially recovering for a week.”

That said, the Shark isn’t the only contender in its lane—it’s also slightly more affordable than the Jinhao 82 Mini, which still holds the top spot in my personal lineup thanks to its more refined, sometimes chatoyant and shimmery finishes. The 82 Mini feels a bit more dressed up, like it’s ready for a nice dinner, while the Shark is happily splashing around being charming and low-maintenance. Different vibes, different moods—and honestly, that’s part of the fun of this hobby.for both enthusiasts and casual users. Photo below shows these three pens side by side.

What Could Be Better

If there’s one limitation for the Jinhao Shark, it’s the nib options.

The pen is typically available only in EF and F, which means:

• Not ideal for shimmer inks (risk of clogging)
• Limited line variation for those who prefer broader nibs

But for everyday writing? It does its job very well.

Final Thoughts: Fun, Functional, and Budget-Friendly

The Jinhao Shark Fountain Pen is the kind of pen that gently reminds you to loosen up and enjoy the hobby—it’s playful, ridiculously affordable, and somehow writes far better than it has any business to at this price point. If you’re on a budget, need a dependable daily writer, or want to lure a curious friend (or kid) into the fountain pen rabbit hole, this one’s an easy yes. Will it dethrone your higher-end pens? Probably not. But will it make you grin every time you uncap a tiny shark and start writing? Absolutely.

You might also be interested to read my detailed review on the Pilot Kakuno and Jinhao 82 Mini, snippets below:

Why the Kakuno Fountain Pens are the Best Beginner Pens Beloved by Me and My Kids

Jinhao 82 Mini: Affordable Pocket Fountain Pen Review

Thanks for reading this far!

xoxo,

Grass