This will likely be a shortish post, because there are many similarities to the Jinhao X159 which I have reviewed recently. The short version is that I like this pen very much.

But whilst this pen might at first glance look like the X159, there are several notable differences, most evident when comparing the two pens side by side. These points, in no particular order, are as follows:-

1. As well as the opaque versions, in black, blue or burgundy, the 9019 is also available as a demonstrator in clear, blue or pink.
2. Although it still features the large, number 8 steel nib in extra fine, fine or medium, the body is different. The cap is shorter. The pocket clip sits higher up the cap. The clip itself is different. The means of attaching the clip to the cap is different, being a nut and bolt inside the cap, so that the cap and finial are seamless.
3. The grip section is significantly longer on the 9019.
4. The foot of the barrel is still rounded, but more bulbous and cigar shaped, than the bullet shaped X159. This is to accommodate the larger turning rod of the converter.
5. The converter is larger capacity than that of the X159, and is now a screw fit instead of push fit.
6. The converter is also considerably more fancy than the X159’s, having a gold coloured turning rod, which is rather impressive and a nice touch, given that it is always on show in the demonstrator editions.

I first tried the 9019 at our pen club, (the “London Pen Fountaineers”) and was instantly smitten. For the features included, at the current price (£10.49 from Erofa, via Amazon) the purchase is a no-brainer. The nib unit alone and the converter alone, each seem worth more than that.

I ordered the blue demonstrator model, with an Extra Fine nib, having found the EF nib particularly enjoyable on my X159s. My pen was delivered the next day. It comes in a simple polythene sleeve inside a small brown padded envelope with no box or papers but arrived in perfect condition. The only adjustment that I made was to push the nib very slightly over to one side so as to be more accurately centred over the feed, but this was minimal.

I filled the pen with a blue black ink, Diamine’s Conway Stewart Tavy, which flows and lubricates well and is a dark, pleasing shade. I have lately been enjoying a Stalogy 018 Editor’s Series, A5 notebook and like the paper very much. The nib performed admirably, with just the right flow and feedback, that makes you want to keep writing for ever. For an extra fine nib, the tip is smooth and pleasant to write with, although firm. I was very pleased with my initial choice of ink and plan to stick with it.

It appears that there is no inner cap, but instead, a moulding in the shape of one as part of the cap design, so that the nib seals nicely once the section meets the inside lip in the cap. I have had absolutely no issues of hard starting or skipping.

I appreciate that the enhanced ink capacity is rather unnecessary, particularly in a demonstrator body where you can see the ink remaining and can top up at any time. Nevertheless, I find it strangely exciting to think how many pages I could write on one fill, paired with such a fine nib. We shall see!