Chris, I for one truly appreciate you, and others like you, taking the time and making the effort to provide these reviews. Every purchase I made this year was a result of watching RUclips videos. No pen stores, no pen clubs or shows where I live. And, to date, I've been pretty lucky with the choices/selections I've made. With everything that's going on these days, your videos (and others, too) continue to provide not only a wealth of information, but enjoyment, too!
Thanks, Chris. I have this pen and I like the shape and color. The blue nib coatng, plating or whatever it is disappearing gradually. The result is a kind of multicolored nib that looks kind of cool in a way. I prefer the finial logo on the black version, looks nice.
The Black Forest was my first Hong Dian pen. It was also the first "modern" Chinese pens I bought, having got the pens years ago with the wooden boxes, porcelain bodies and horrible "gold plated" nibs. The pen is just a bit too thin for my stiff hands. It is amazing how far the company has gone from this pen to the D1, D5, and that N10 that I have to ink.
@Pieter Talens On the small side, feels solid it has the right amount of weight. Had a bit of a problem with the ink flow in the beginning but I think it was the ink. Switched to a better quality and it works flawlessly now.. I really enjoy the sobriety of the whole black look.
@Pieter Talens I ordered with the F nib and I'm using black Pelikan 4001 brilliant black ink. I'm kind of new to fountain pens and I was using some inks I had at the bottom of one of my desk drawers Talens, Sheaffer and Pebeo. I looked around and I was told none of those are proper fountain pen inks. The Pelikan gave me excellent results in the end.
Hi Chris I was surprised that you didn’t enjoy the Hongdian more. I have two of the black and one blue using both fine and extra fine nibs and think they are exceptional writers and fantastic value for money. Unlike you I personally do not enjoy fude nibs. Thank you for the content you produce and long may your fountain pen journey continue.
I only bought it because of the fude nib. I have a couple, but I have plenty of fine and extra fine nibs. This blue fude nib is the best looking fude nib I have. They also have package of three nibs in nib units, in the extra fine, fine, and fude for same price as the pen, so you could get a pen and some spares.
Thanks-if the section is too thin for you-it will be for me, too. I’m always glad when you mention it. So I think I’ll skip this one, though I love the colors.
When the Black version came out I wasn't tempted. When the Blue one came a few month ago I was, but when I saw the nib was blue as well I bought it for the blue nib. Out of the three sizes I got the fude nib as well. Bought from Amazon, and it came in bubble wrap, and metal generic pen case, like some other Hong Dian pens. Very reasonable price, and it feels sturdy in hand. Love the click for capping and unhappiness, and the vacuum sucking sound of the unposting. Put in KWZ Sheen Machine, which really works well with the fude nib.
@@chrisrap52 Just got it recently, on Amazon Prime Day, using the credit for shopping in Whole Foods, which I do now and then anyway. Got a Moonman pen that way last year as well. So far very nice ink. Will try it in other nibs. Have it in one of my recent PenBBS acquisition as well, but it really shines/sheens in the fude nib.
It's industrial aesthetic reminds me of the Muji (my current pocket sketch carry), which I enjoy. A wider section, also knurled, would be better, IMO (like an x-acto blade). I also like the finial, but the clip is disappointing. I don't use clips, but I don't like the faux look of it, like it's mimicking a spring-loaded design.
Hi Chris, the little section kind of reminds me of the Faber Castell's, always wanted a beautiful Faber Castell Ambition but the section. The Hong Dian has slightly a bigger section though. :) ps, I have something special on the way and I can't wait yay :)
I have the same pen/nib combo as well and it also has a lot of feedback. I notice the bottom edges of the nib are rather sharp which I assume is causing a lot of friction when using the flat. I'm tempted to just smooth out the edges on some micromesh and see. Tip writing seems to be fine though.
Completely agree with your thoughts from the black pen video (and this one too of course). That's a big old fude nib that looks awesome but a shame it couldn't bring a bit of character to the pen. Found it attractive looking personally but completely lacking in feel, my fine nib one is so boring to use.
It works well as a fude. I put in a nice blue-red sheening ink, the KWZ Sheen Machine, and nib with a wide footprint like a fude is well suited to really make the sheening shine.
I would take a look at the alignment of the tines. For a nib like that to have unpleasant feedback , I’d say there’s a good chance the inner edge of one of the tunes is catching the paper.
Possible, as mine doesn't have any more feedback than my other fude nibs, but they are all relatively cheap Chinese fude nibs, so can't compare how it feels on paper to a higher end one.
@@chrisrap52 Always the conundrum, where not all combination work well. And it isn't easy to predict either. Picked up a to go order today, paid by credit card, and signed the slip with my Visconti Opera, which is my go to for everything that needs permanent ink as I keep Heart of Darkness in it, and the barman really loved the pen. I mean the metal accents, and large gold nib do make it sort of a statement pen. Why I though of it is that it has such great flow it really works well with most inks, although it could lead to feathering on crappy paper. It works OK on the thermal receipt paper though, although it takes a bit to dry completely as that paper doesn't really soak in inks due to the coating on it for the thermal printing.
@@chrisrap52 My shirt pockets gave like over twelve pens in them at any one time, in variety of nib sizes, and inks, plus a roller ball and a sharpie in case. I mean there is other crap in there too. I get shirts with two big pockets. Like you see on scientists from the Manhattan project with the GI issue shirts with two big pockets. That would make me happy.
Don't hold your breath, not a pen I plan to acquire. Have to draw a line somewhere. Next new pen in transit is a HongDian 660. Enjoy your Holidays & have a great New Year.
I purchased the pen and love the body, but I’m not a fan of the bent nib. I want to replace it. I was wondering if there is a nib you recommend, besides the actual HongDian nibs. If I wanted to upgrade, what should I get?
The nib is a No.5. But nib can be difficult to remove from pen. There are nibassemblies on eBay. www.ebay.com/itm/Original-HongDian-Fountain-Pen-Nib-Converter-Pen-Replacement-Nib-EF-F-Bent-Nib/313406939001
Chris have you tried unscrewing the nib section from the nib section? Sounds dumb, but these nib sections that gets unscrewed from the barrel also have another section that contains the nib and feed. Try it! On your video on time 4:25, take that section and unscrew the nib and feed from that section that's in your hand.
@@chrisrap52 Yes, but then the screw in nib assembly holds the nib and feed by friction. I was disassembling my sons to clean it out and found this out. Also, they are not keyed when putting back together but the feed Channel needs to align with the top slit of the nib/feed assembly.
I recently bought a Hong Diang in ebay and it was a very plasently surprise. I bought a different model though, I just got for the bent nib but the construction is much better than this one.
Chris, I for one truly appreciate you, and others like you, taking the time and making the effort to provide these reviews. Every purchase I made this year was a result of watching RUclips videos. No pen stores, no pen clubs or shows where I live. And, to date, I've been pretty lucky with the choices/selections I've made. With everything that's going on these days, your videos (and others, too) continue to provide not only a wealth of information, but enjoyment, too!
I own 3 of these pens. I absolutely love it. It writes great and smooth every time.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Chris. I have this pen and I like the shape and color. The blue nib coatng, plating or whatever it is disappearing gradually. The result is a kind of multicolored nib that looks kind of cool in a way. I prefer the finial logo on the black version, looks nice.
The Black Forest was my first Hong Dian pen. It was also the first "modern" Chinese pens I bought, having got the pens years ago with the wooden boxes, porcelain bodies and horrible "gold plated" nibs.
The pen is just a bit too thin for my stiff hands.
It is amazing how far the company has gone from this pen to the D1, D5, and that N10 that I have to ink.
They are thin pens, pencil thin.
I bought on of these in black from Aliexpress and should arrive today. I’m excited. Excellent video as usual.
@Pieter Talens On the small side, feels solid it has the right amount of weight. Had a bit of a problem with the ink flow in the beginning but I think it was the ink. Switched to a better quality and it works flawlessly now.. I really enjoy the sobriety of the whole black look.
@Pieter Talens I ordered with the F nib and I'm using black Pelikan 4001 brilliant black ink. I'm kind of new to fountain pens and I was using some inks I had at the bottom of one of my desk drawers Talens, Sheaffer and Pebeo. I looked around and I was told none of those are proper fountain pen inks. The Pelikan gave me excellent results in the end.
Hi Chris I was surprised that you didn’t enjoy the Hongdian more. I have two of the black and one blue using both fine and extra fine nibs and think they are exceptional writers and fantastic value for money. Unlike you I personally do not enjoy fude nibs. Thank you for the content you produce and long may your fountain pen journey continue.
Maybe my expectations were unrealistic. But the pen way not quite what I like. Thanks for watching & supporting.
I only bought it because of the fude nib. I have a couple, but I have plenty of fine and extra fine nibs. This blue fude nib is the best looking fude nib I have. They also have package of three nibs in nib units, in the extra fine, fine, and fude for same price as the pen, so you could get a pen and some spares.
Thanks-if the section is too thin for you-it will be for me, too. I’m always glad when you mention it. So I think I’ll skip this one, though I love the colors.
When the Black version came out I wasn't tempted. When the Blue one came a few month ago I was, but when I saw the nib was blue as well I bought it for the blue nib. Out of the three sizes I got the fude nib as well. Bought from Amazon, and it came in bubble wrap, and metal generic pen case, like some other Hong Dian pens. Very reasonable price, and it feels sturdy in hand. Love the click for capping and unhappiness, and the vacuum sucking sound of the unposting. Put in KWZ Sheen Machine, which really works well with the fude nib.
Great ink to use.
@@chrisrap52 Just got it recently, on Amazon Prime Day, using the credit for shopping in Whole Foods, which I do now and then anyway. Got a Moonman pen that way last year as well. So far very nice ink. Will try it in other nibs. Have it in one of my recent PenBBS acquisition as well, but it really shines/sheens in the fude nib.
Thank you for your review. I do enjoy your reviews. I have been considering these but just have not pulled the trigger yet.
It's industrial aesthetic reminds me of the Muji (my current pocket sketch carry), which I enjoy. A wider section, also knurled, would be better, IMO (like an x-acto blade). I also like the finial, but the clip is disappointing. I don't use clips, but I don't like the faux look of it, like it's mimicking a spring-loaded design.
Hi Chris, the little section kind of reminds me of the Faber Castell's, always wanted a beautiful Faber Castell Ambition but the section. The Hong Dian has slightly a bigger section though. :)
ps, I have something special on the way and I can't wait yay :)
I have the same pen/nib combo as well and it also has a lot of feedback. I notice the bottom edges of the nib are rather sharp which I assume is causing a lot of friction when using the flat. I'm tempted to just smooth out the edges on some micromesh and see. Tip writing seems to be fine though.
Completely agree with your thoughts from the black pen video (and this one too of course). That's a big old fude nib that looks awesome but a shame it couldn't bring a bit of character to the pen. Found it attractive looking personally but completely lacking in feel, my fine nib one is so boring to use.
It works well as a fude. I put in a nice blue-red sheening ink, the KWZ Sheen Machine, and nib with a wide footprint like a fude is well suited to really make the sheening shine.
I would take a look at the alignment of the tines. For a nib like that to have unpleasant feedback , I’d say there’s a good chance the inner edge of one of the tunes is catching the paper.
Possible, as mine doesn't have any more feedback than my other fude nibs, but they are all relatively cheap Chinese fude nibs, so can't compare how it feels on paper to a higher end one.
Doesn't catch paper. I just don't like the feel when writing. Could be the ink & paper as much as the nib.
@@chrisrap52 Always the conundrum, where not all combination work well. And it isn't easy to predict either.
Picked up a to go order today, paid by credit card, and signed the slip with my Visconti Opera, which is my go to for everything that needs permanent ink as I keep Heart of Darkness in it, and the barman really loved the pen. I mean the metal accents, and large gold nib do make it sort of a statement pen. Why I though of it is that it has such great flow it really works well with most inks, although it could lead to feathering on crappy paper. It works OK on the thermal receipt paper though, although it takes a bit to dry completely as that paper doesn't really soak in inks due to the coating on it for the thermal printing.
My go to carry is a black 618 with Eel Black, very reliable writer. Permanent, works on most paper, dries quickly.
@@chrisrap52 My shirt pockets gave like over twelve pens in them at any one time, in variety of nib sizes, and inks, plus a roller ball and a sharpie in case. I mean there is other crap in there too. I get shirts with two big pockets. Like you see on scientists from the Manhattan project with the GI issue shirts with two big pockets. That would make me happy.
Possibly using the Noodlers lubricated ink may work better with that blue coated nib
Yes, but I wanted blue sparkle.
My black forest (F) has a resin tip on the cap. But it writes smooth.
Hi, Chris. Waiting for you review on Hongdian 525
Don't hold your breath, not a pen I plan to acquire. Have to draw a line somewhere. Next new pen in transit is a HongDian 660. Enjoy your Holidays & have a great New Year.
I purchased the pen and love the body, but I’m not a fan of the bent nib. I want to replace it. I was wondering if there is a nib you recommend, besides the actual HongDian nibs. If I wanted to upgrade, what should I get?
I love the bent nib. Why are you not a fan?
@@chrisrap52 It is nice and smooth, but it just doesn’t work with my handwriting. It ends up looking super sloppy.
The nib is a No.5. But nib can be difficult to remove from pen. There are nibassemblies on eBay. www.ebay.com/itm/Original-HongDian-Fountain-Pen-Nib-Converter-Pen-Replacement-Nib-EF-F-Bent-Nib/313406939001
Nice looking pen. It might be my next one
Thanks Chris! Very interesting.
Chris have you tried unscrewing the nib section from the nib section? Sounds dumb, but these nib sections that gets unscrewed from the barrel also have another section that contains the nib and feed. Try it!
On your video on time 4:25, take that section and unscrew the nib and feed from that section that's in your hand.
Yes, it has a screw in nib assembly. I showed in my review of the Black Forest - ruclips.net/video/WK16KrTpe1c/видео.html
@@chrisrap52 Yes, but then the screw in nib assembly holds the nib and feed by friction. I was disassembling my sons to clean it out and found this out. Also, they are not keyed when putting back together but the feed Channel needs to align with the top slit of the nib/feed assembly.
I recently bought a Hong Diang in ebay and it was a very plasently surprise. I bought a different model though, I just got for the bent nib but the construction is much better than this one.
Where are you getting the Penbbs inks? That blue is fabulous!
TaobaoFocus - see videoyoutube/67hTBM68RAk
US Seller - vanness1938.com/
Many inks, not easy to get outside of China.
Hhmm... Still hard to decide. Which one should i go for. Black or Blue.
Fude or EF nib.. Hahaha..
One of each.
watch @ 2x speed.
thank me later.
Don’t buy front amazon.
It’s unethical.
No ethics, just business.
@@chrisrap52 yes, I agree but,
amazon don’t pay taxes...
Unfortunately also many other big American corporations.
Apparently neither does the President pay a lot of taxes either.