A couple of years back, I wrote a review of my Wingsung 601 Demonstrator (a Parker ’51’ knock-off). I recommended the pen: “If one is looking for an inexpensive Parker ’51’ style pen that works without breaking the bank, welp, look no further.” I have inked up this pen many times and enjoyed it.
That is until a long weekend after the Christmas holiday. The pen sat ignored on my desk. Come Monday, I picked up the Parker ’21’ and then the Parker ’45,’ each worked immediately without issue. I simply could not write with the ‘601.’
After I licked the nib – yes not the smartest move. Explaining to my wife why I had a case of inky tongue was an interesting conversation.
As you can see, the pen stopped writing in short order.
Each pen was inked with a different Chartist ink. The ‘601’ contained the People’s Charter, a dark red sheen ink. However, I don’t feel the ink’s contents are the root cause of this incredibly tough start. I inked up an Esterbrook J-Transition pen (with an Osmiroid nib), confirmed the pen worked, capped it, and then ignored it for days.
After four days the pen started right up. Granted it has a larger Osmiroid nib. The sheen ingredients in the ink may negatively impact the ‘601” but the issue is still with the ‘601.’
The good news is that now that the hard start issue is behind me, the pen has been working as it should—immediately.
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I did try the Duke and Jinhao after reading this Danny. Interested in new pen hard starts now. Haven’t used either for a few months. The Duke started straight away but skipped in producing the lettering fully. Eventually okay after a few sentences. The Jinhao X159 fine nib was straight up starting. Both are huge pens for holding and writing with though, so never used often.
Your report of the cheaper option made me wonder of quality of newer pens and their reliability with me being a vintage fan. The other two new pens I own are Kaweco brass and bronze Sport pens which never let down. Lovely italic nib there Danny. So pleased it had no problems. All the best.
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Hi Gray. Pens are funny. The 601 has worked without issue for 2 years. Now an issue, could the ink be contributing – probably. Very interesting that the vintage pens have no issue with the ink. That is interesting because inks that sheen were unknown in the 1940s & 50s. I expected issues with those pens. The vintage pens always seem to amaze me. All the best.
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I do try to avoid the sheen inks Danny. I was tempted a few years back in getting the advent ink calendar of Diamine. But the sheen content on a fair few made me wary. Have a bottle of a Diamine shimmer and sheen beauty in Winter Miracle though. Bought it for dip nibs initially. Did use it in a fountain pen a fair while ago and then went with standard after it ran out in the pen. So still tons left. Can’t remember the pen used though! Useless at recording things down. But it would have been a vintage one. Cheers Danny.
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This is my first go with sheen inks. The blue ink got my attention initially. I realized it was one of a set of inks. They are inexpensive and if you are shipping ink from Wales to Colorado, send all three.
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Angie bought me some home made inks made from tree sources. A friend saw them and was impressed, so bought his own bottles. He used them for ‘watercolour style’ artwork. Very impressive results. I wondered if the shimmer inks could be used for drawing/painting with too. Those fude dip nibs that artists use would be ideal.
I liked your blog on those three inks regarding Welsh connections. Very interesting.
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I’ve read stories about enthusiast making their own inks. I’ve considered giving it a go but it is like making your own paper. A lot of effort, expense in the end a disappointment. A better option may be more obvious – blending inks.
I feel shimmer inks would make interesting highlights. All the best.
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