Jinhao 20

We have seen several Chinese manufacturers release capless fountain pens in recent years. Moonman (Majohn) introduced the A1, A2, and A3, modelled after the Pilot Capless FC (1998), the Capless FCN (1984), and the Capless LS (2019) (::1::, ::2::), respectively. Jinhao followed with its model 10, also based on the Capless FC. Lanbitou, meanwhile, produced its model 3088, a copy of the Platinum Curidas.

One model missing from this list was the Pilot Capless Décimo (model FCT, 2005). Jinhao has now filled that gap with the model 20.

Pilot Capless Décimo (top), and Jinhao 20.

At first glance, the two pens appear different. The Jinhao 20 is made largely of plastic, whereas the Décimo incorporates more metal. Their dimensions and weights, however, show how closely they correspond.

	Pilot _Décimo_	_Jinhao_ 20
Length closed (mm)	140.2	139.1
Length open (mm)	137.3	138.4
Diameter (mm)	11.9	12.2
Weight (1) (g)	20.6	19.3

(1) Dry weight with an empty cartridge.

What, then, separates these two pens, and how do they perform?

Price is the obvious starting point. After a series of increases, the Pilot Décimo now retails in Japan for JPY 28,000 before tax. For that price, one gets a metal-bodied pen fitted with a 18-karat gold nib, available in EF, F, and M according to the Japanese catalogue, although other nib grades appear from time to time. Standard models are available in several colours with silver trim, while gold trim show up on special editions.

Assorted Pilot Capless Décimo, plus a Sesenta model on the left.

The Jinhao 20, by contrast, costs about JPY 2,000. It is fitted with a steel nib, usually available in EF or F, although some reports mention an M option as well. The nib units are copies of Pilot's and can be exchanged without difficulty. They also accept Pilot cartridges. The pen is offered in a variety of colours with silver, gold, or black trim.

Jinhao 20.

Despite the difference in price, the Jinhao 20 performs well. The nib writes consistently, starts reliably, and resists drying in regular use. It may not match the Décimo in finish, but it fulfils the same role: a retractable fountain pen that works as intended.

That said, some users have reported ink collecting inside the barrel and leaking through the joint between the metal nose cone and the plastic body. This may also explain the opposite complaint: nibs drying out after storage.

Three brands with a single design. From top to bottom, Pilot, Jinhao, Moonman.

So, is the Jinhao 20 a viable alternative to the Pilot Capless Décimo?

At roughly JPY 2,000, the Jinhao 20 delivers most of what makes the Décimo appealing at less than a tenth of the price. It writes well, uses Pilot-compatible nib units and cartridges, and copies the dimensions of the original very closely.

The remaining difference, then, may be less about writing and more about uncertainty. Pilot charges JPY 28,000 for a pen; Jinhao charges JPY 2,000 and invites you to participate in a small quality-control experiment. Whether that experiment is worth conducting depends on how much you value your money, your patience, and occasionally your laundry.


My thanks to “El placer de la escritura”.

Jinhao 20 – Pilot Black

Bruno Taut
June 23rd, 2026
etiquetas: Pilot, Jinhao, capless, mercado.