Hi Len,

I enjoy the #8's from China, but none of them are really designed with flex in mind. Both Jinhao and Wing Sung are quite stiff -- but they've nailed smoothness with their tipping material.

Hongdian 8's have a bit of bounce and flex and generally feel the softest.

I'll have a surprise reveal from Asvine sometime next month -- both in pen material and nib. I've done business with Britumn Li (the company principal) for close to 25 years, and the new pen with incorporate one of my suggestions -- but I can say no more!

Regards,

Norman