Yes, the quality of many Chinese pen brands over the past 1/2 decade have become eye-opening. I well remember beating my head against the wall for many years, especially beginning around the turn of the century, trying to get Shanghai Hero, Duke, etc., to concentrate more on the western market and 'fit and finish'. They didn't really care. Their production and market so dwarfs anything in the West.

I like you idea of Mating vintage nibs...especially real flew ones...to those Asvine bodies. You might want to consider trying the new Asvine C80 models (I show a few in my video), with their #8 size nibs and 'our' new 1.1 mm stub. I say 'our', as i worked with Britunm Li -- the owner of Asvine -- for the better part of year in creating it. Many test nibs went from China to me for my feedback and approval, and I've been very happy with the end result (more news on that front coming shortly). Britumn was one of my main Chinese suppliers over the past 20 years or so, back when I actively imported various Chinese models.

I'm sure that everyone on the board would like to see your photos Jon!

Regards,

Norman