Hi Rick,
It did cause it to stretch a little (which is kind of what I wanted) as I thought the flow was a bit weak so it is a little thirsty now but a good writer. I usually write on some heavy antique laid paper from Southworth, 32lb paper in ivory which means little feathering at least. It's a heavy pen so I don't use it often for a lot of heavy writing but it is nice for letters and the occasional signature.
I actually like most Chinese made fountain pens (my father and I are leery of products from China at times (and he's from the PRC originally)) but generally, I've found many fountain pens (at least) are decent enough and some of them are works of art. I bought a Baoer, a while back, that was gorgeous (it is meant to look like a Qing Dynasty official in court attire in some ways.
Imagine that as a pen and that's what I have. Solid black body with a gold clip and the black cap just like the official's hat and the red top with a little golden bead at the time.
They may not all be as pleasant as my Parker (particularly my 1940s vintage one from my uncle's private collection, which was a gift to him from an old friend) or my Yard-O-Led, but they're not half bad. I've noticed something interesting, though. Most of the men I know who wet shave are also men who enjoy fountain pens and antique watches (I collect WWI era trench watches and pocket watches). Coincidence?
Glad you were able to save it. Is it as thirsty as we thought it might be?
Also, that I had a big interest in Spencerian script, with the accompanying dip pens, iron inks, etc., although had not done much with actually learning hot to do it!
