Asvine J16 Brushed Titanium Fountain Pen

BLUF: The Asvine J16 is a nearly perfect writing instrument, suitable for school work and office life. Discussion: The hand-held writing instrument market is becoming increasingly competitive. Digital devices are more efficient at not only writing and displaying written information, but can distribute that information at the speed of light, literally. So, when you want to write a longer document or research paper, digital is “better”. But for quick notes and reminders, a pen or pencil might be more accessible or practical. Using a fountain pen can be environmentally friendlier than ballpoint and gel roller pens, because there’s no refill to replace after the ink runs out. Yes, some fountain pens rely on “disposable” cartridges, but you could refill them with bottled ink by using a blunt tip ink syringe. The Asvine brand offers several pens that are durable, reliable, and fillable with bottled ink. Some are made from colored or clear plastic, and some with combinations of metals and plastic. The J16 is near the top of Asvine’s assortment. The body, cap and grip section are made from titanium alloys, with a clear plastic ink window and the (presumably) plastic and rubber piston filling mechanism. The finish of the exterior is flawless, machined to leave the surface smooth and free of burrs, grates, and sharp edges. The filling mechanism works smoothly, and can be user maintained (and lubricated as necessary). What makes this pen feel extra special is the #6 JoWo nib and feed assembly. While the majority of Asvine (and other Chinese pen manufacturers) use Chinese-made nib and feed assemblies that write good enough for most people, adding a German-made JoWo nib takes this pen to the next level. Incredibly smooth ink flow and an impeccable polished finish of the nib tip make this pen write and feel like a pen costing hundreds of dollars. As a matter of fact, many pens that do cost hundreds have the same exact nib and feed combination. So, why would you pay more for the same quality and performance? Oh, and because JoWo nibs are easily removable (for cleaning, etc.), you can swap nibs with virtually any other pen that uses JoWo #6 nibs. Recommendation: if you’ve never written with a Chinese pen, the Asvine J16 is the “Gateway Pen” to show you that European and Japanese pen quality doesn’t have to cost European and Japanese prices! Exceptional performance at affordable prices. Try it for yourself; I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. PS: No, I’m not getting paid for this review, but I am keeping it real.

I have eight pens that I have recently purchased from the Asvine company located in China. Let me start with the negative which was resolved. I purchased one of their pens. I thought their Nib was not up to my liking and I was in touch with a person named Sally who tried to resolve the problem. Ultimately giving me a refund. I have been using fountain pens for 30 years. I have some incredible high-end pens from Pilot, Karras Kustom., Diplomat, Pelikan, and many others. The reason I named some of them is not hubris, it is is because I’m going to review Asvine as it relates to these expensive and lovely pens. All of Asvines pens are stunning and highly functional. In particular, the J 16 titanium fountain pen that I have in both brush and bright, is amazing. The quality, fit and finish, smooth writing experience, and lightish weight for an old woman arthritic hands, is wonderful. Moreover, while visually beautiful, their pens function as advertised. I need a new set of pens like a hole in the head at this point. But after seeing Dr. Stephen Brown and Doodlbud on YouTube, both of whom I trust vis-à-vis their evaluation of pens and ink, I went ahead and spent money on pens I don’t really need. Likely, my grandchildren will be the recipients of all of my pens soon. My only regret relating to fountain pens is that I have been in search of an early Waterman flexible Nib pen for years, but unfortunately, they are well beyond my ability afford. Furthermore, I don’t like buying used pens from sellers I don’t know particularly expensive ones. If Asvine were to produce a flexible Nib calligraphy pen, I would trust them to make something that the Asian market would enjoy, and therefore I would enjoy. The Asian market is very discriminating when it comes to calligraphy . The pens that I have purchased from Asvine are on the par with high-end pens that I have in my collection. Moreover, they are reasonably priced. I hope they remain so, but I feel they will not. Specifically this part is addressed to young people getting involved with the fountain pen hobby. It is a seductive endeavor. Before you know it, you’re buying beautiful ink and cheap pens that quickly lead you to more expensive pens. Be judicious in your purchases. Look at reviews, particularly the gentlemen that I’ve mentioned – there are many very good and conscientious people on YouTube reviewing fountain pens. One in particular that I’ve just begun to watch, is gentleman who runs the YouTube site called fountain Pen therapy. He too loves the Asvine pens. In conclusion, you cannot go wrong if you purchase Asvine fountain pens. And if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, let them know and they will try to resolve the issue to your satisfaction.

Great titanium fountain pen, mb149 shape. I bought the bock broad and found the flow excellent as well as the line width. The minimalistic engraving (basically none) is the perfect combination given the very smooth and sleek lines of this pen. Piston is smooth and ink capacity more than adequate even given a thirsty broad nib.

The pen is attractive and writes well out of the box. I have expensive pens like Mont Blanc, Pelikan, Sailor, etc. The Asvine J16 lacks a gold nib, and the piston is plastic rather than brass, but it writes just as well as the much more expensive pens. The J16s barrel is made of titanium, and should be more scratch resistant than the plastic resin from which my Mont Blanc and Pelikan pens are made. At about $60, the Asvine J16 is a steal in comparison to the European pens which cost several hundred dollars (over $1100 in the case of the Mont Blanc 149). The Asvine J16 even comes with a wrench to disassemble the pen should that ever be necessary. According to what I have read, Asvine pens are almost always great writers out of the box. That is a testament to great quality control.

The quality of this pen is simply amazing. Not even the expensive pens have ones made out of titanium, which is a fantastic metal. Jet fighters use this material. And to have it in a fountain pen? It’s extraordinary. Add to it a German made nib from a company that’s been around since the late 1800s Wow it’s absolutely incredible. It is a cigar shaped fountain, pen, flows the smooth writer. Comfortable and durable. For the low price, it is an incredible investment.

I have used fountain pens for over 60 years. In the past 20 years, i have bought many dozens representing dozens of makers makers of every price range. Among those were about a dozen well chosen fountain pens made in China. Once I try a pen, if it does not have a certain "special" feel, it gets sold or traded. Until this past week, there were no pens from Taiwan or China left in my inventory. I am not suggesting that they did not work, or that they were not well made, only that they missed that something special that makes you want to pick up a pen and just write with it for the pure joy of writing with it. And, another thing that always concerned me was the use of the Intellectual Property of others. With the upcoming tariffs on China goods, i decided to take another look, just in case. I had never owned an Asvine product before and looked over their product line and watched a number of review videos. Many of their models appeared to be near copies of other well known pens. For example, the V126 a knockoff of the Pilot 823, the P20 of Leonardo pens, the V200 and P36 of the Conid models. One pen that stood out in those videos was the Asvine J16. I did not originally recognize it as a near clone of another pen, and while i do not know what the worker conditions of the factory are, this pen seemed to reflect a certain intelligent design and construction that whispered "try me". I gave in, one more time, fully anticipating that at some point in the near future, I would probably find the new pen just set aside again in favor of my longstanding favorites. But, after a little use, that is not the case. The J16 is a very solid and well made pen. The nib is smooth with a bit of tooth and the ink feed consistent even while writing several pages at a good fast pace. While not perfect the fit is good. The cap posts securely, which is important for me as I have large hands and like to write posted. It is heavier than most pens this size, but comfortable and well balanced. The only downside that I have found so far is that the ink flow does not start up immediately if the pen is left un capped for more than about 10 minutes. This is not an issue for most folks that will write for a while and then cap the pen, but I use a fountain pen at work, and often set it down uncapped between use. So far, the ink has begun to flow with just a few dry strokes. so not a deal breaker. Bottom line, I am enjoying writing with this pen and I anticipate that I will not selling or trading it. Add on: After looking at the the pen in person more closely, it now appears to be a near clone of the Mont Blanc 146, specifically the stainless model. There are some differences: nib material, body material, quality of internal mechanism, markings, etc, but the overall features and design certainly give the impression as "having been inspired by" another high quality pen. It is a wonderful quality pen for the money ($55) but that makes me sad and has forced me to reduce the rating by two stars. While I was thinking of buying another one with another nib size, this new discovery will unfortunately prevent that.

The pen has a very nice weight and fits in the hand with great comfort. It is not too light and not too heavy. Mine is a medium Jowo nib that writes very nicely. I have had excellent luck with every Asvine pen that I own. Asvine seems to strive for good designs and execution in workmanship. The piston action is very smooth and glides along the channel quite easily. I recommend the product be given consideration.

I saw the Asvine J16 on the Doodlebud channel and as soon as I saw it I know I had to have it. You may ask why, as it is a pretty normal cigar-shaped fountain pen. Well the main reasons are that it is all made I titanium and it has a Jowo nib: for the first time we have an Asvine with a Jowo nib. Don’t get me wrong, the Asvine nibs are great and I have a few, but having a Jowo nib it means that you can swap any other Jowo nib you may own like Edison Pens or Franklin-Christoph special grinds. Packaging & Accessories: 10/10 Asvine doesn’t disappoint: you get a plastic box with a wrench and pamphlet with instructions: very well made Aesthetics & Quality 10/10 Again, you may say that it is a lain cigar shaped pen. It is, but it is extremely well made. Nice springy clip, with a cartouche at the end of the cap with “Asvine” stamped on it and “J16” in the back. The piston nob is super smooth. The pen is not small, but it sits in the hand extremely well. You can choose between a solid titanium finish or a brushed titanium finish: I went to the former mainly because I have plenty of brushed finished pens and also I didn’t want to spend the additional $4 on the brushed finish. I also think the solid finish is less prone to scuffs. Anyway, I am very happy with the solid titanium finish. As said, the pen feels solid in the hand, well constructed, Nib and writing quality 10/10 The nib unscrews for replacement and maintenance. Being a Jowo nib, you have plenty of options if you want to replace it with something fancier. The nib is a great performed out of the box: it wrote immediately and it is super smooth: it just glides on paper. The nib is marked as “F” fine. Asvine offers all nib measures: EF, F, M, and B. You can knock yourself out! Weight and Dimensions: 10/10 The pen is awesome. I never had the same feeling I had taking the J16 in the hand: it felt just right. Not too long, not too short, not too heavy but not light. The section is just the right measure for me. Just pure perfection! Cost & Value: 8/10 The price is a little high for a Chinese pen. The pen is $55.99 for the solid finish and $59.99 for the brushed finish. Is it worth it? Well, I think the short answer is “yes”. Would I liked to be a little cheaper? Sure, but this is a keeper in my book. Conclusion: (48/50) Great new addition to the Asvine family: beautifully constructed pen and a solid performer. I think this might be the best pen I have so far.