Got this because what the hell why not. I am very very impressed by it. It has all of the benefits of fountain pens but gets rid of some of the messiness drawbacks via the hooded nib. The pen has a good weight and balance and the nib almost feels like a felt tip sharpie pen. I love it!
Thank you for the review! I have used my Yellow Hongdian C1 for a month now. It is a fantastic pen on all counts! It is a snap cap pen that does not dry out and is a very reliable writer. It is also extremely light - very surprisingly light for a metal pen which also is a plus. This may surpass the Jinhao 80 as my go to commuter pen, which is an unexpected, but welcome, revelation. One other plus, this pen comes in terrific bold colors! I have a few more on order.
Thanks for another interesting review! I love Lexington Gray too. It’s a wonderful drawing ink because it’s totally waterproof and not as harsh-looking as black. It’s transparent, so its darkness increases with the amount of ink put down.
I just got the white version of this pen. For the price point, it is an exceptional pen. It fits in the hand well, even though it is a bit thin. The enamel paint on the body is not slippery and provides a nice tactile feel. I decided to try eyedropper fill it. It works! I know it is not supposed to do so due to the metal threads but at this price point, why not?
Ive been very impressed by hongdian pens ever since i saw you review one a few months ago and ordered one. I was so impressed by that one that i bought two different models and they were both good too. In my opinion, much better quality than any jinhao that ive ever owned. Thanks for turning me to this company!
Since I'm watching this Halloween, I'll answer your food question with candy I love that everyone else seems to hate: Necco Wafers! I've loved these pretty much my whole life. They were one of my dad's favorite candies and he introduced me to them early, and now that he's gone it's something that always reminds me of him when I eat them. Another one is those peanut butter kisses, the kind of taffy like molasses candy that's usually wrapped in those orange and black wrappers. Everyone hates them but me. It probably helps that I just love peanut butter in general.
Very nice pen. I'm quite a fan of HongDian, based mostly on the smooth quality of their nibs, as well as some striking styles. Shame there's not a Medium nib option.
James, you could turn your notepad sideways, 😂 and then we could see all the letters. Fried chicken liver is a food I like and my kids hate. They still talk about how I used to cook it for dinner, when they were little. You said the pen is minimalist. No one has ever accused me of being minimalist, but I kinda like the looks of that pen. The Matthew Perry quote was a nice gesture.
Hi JG3. .-ZeS.- from Madrid Spain (an artist and FP lover, and a New Yorker expat living abroad). I'm a subscriber to your channel since early 2023, though I don't post much. This Hongdian C1 is interesting, though I'm still not sold on it yet. I have a request for all you Fountain Pen lovers and reviewers... (I'm also a big fan of Inkquiring Minds, I watch Doodlebud but don't like him as much, etc.). All you guys review many many FPs, which is great. But NOBODY explains one very important thing in their reviews for each pen... That is... how easy does the FP "dry out" (Nib only, Nib & Feed, etc.). Specially for cheaper FPs. I say this because as an Artist, as well as an EDC for everything else, I only use FPs... And I need different several types of FPs and Nibs to be able to work at a moment's notice even if I didn't use them for a week or 2, for example. I find Jinhao's to suck bug time because you need to clean them all the way only after a few days or a week. Others such the TWSBI ECO or the Platinum Preppys hold up wet a very long time. The Lamy Safari also dries up sort of fast, but by just wetting the nib a bit in water it will restart easily (usually). And I think that this is CRITICAL when choosing an FP and something that nobody explains at all. Just a suggestion for improvement and additional Value Add that will be different from other channels. Cheers from Sunny Spain!!! 😁👍😎✌
Good thoughts, and glad you're enjoying the channel. I'll try to work that in more. It crossed my mind in this review, but it's hard to get a real feel in a first-impression video. So far it's performing well, but I need to leave it on the desk unused several days to be sure.
I'm not an artist but I write mainly with fountain pens and I have the same problem. Since I like to hold the fountain pen close to the nib, my favorite pens are the hooded nib ones. I bought some Jinhao 911 a couple of years ago and I like how they write. But they dry out so quickly, especially if you don't use them daily. If last time I used them was Friday, on Sunday or Monday morning they don't write anymore. I would like to use several pens each with a different ink color, but then I would have x times the problem. I was considering a different model or a different brand, but I can't to just randomnly buy everything that's available hoping to find a good one. That's why I watch and read reviews. Unfortunately, as you said, the reviews rarely mention this.
Greetings from Australia. Thanks for the video. Have you ever tasted Australian Vegemite? Lovely on buttered toast or cheese sandwiches. An acquired taste.
I decided some time back that hooded nibs just aren't my jam. Something to do with my failing eyesight and not being able to see the nib clearly enough to make sure I have it in "alignment" on the paper so that it writes properly.
I can understand that. I had to up my reading prescription recently. It's a shame more don't imitate the old Parker/Hero silver arrow for lining up the nib on the hooded pens.
My robust breakfast: sardines and poached egg on plain Greek Yogurt and brown rice, with a spoonfull of ajvar (roasted eggplant/red bell pepper spread)! My wife lets me eat this in privacy. Hongdian does it again, though! Thanks, James.
I noticed a marked improvement when you wrote the second line from the dry-looking first line, it's like the pen woke up. How does the nib stay in place after you have pulled it out and broken the glue? I'm addicted to iced coffee, my favorite is from the Fleurieu Milk Company, South Australia. Iced tea is other one, great on a hot day.
Great review, I'm ordering one $9 today. If you like sardines and you happen to visit Spain, please visit Galicia and eat fresh caught sardines on the bbq. Living in Texas I can't say but, look for canned sardinillas, might find them.
There are some nice Chinese pens these days. Lately, though, I've been inspired to add variety to my ink. For example, does Diamine make antifreeze? Dang, it got cold, and I worry about my pens.
What a cool pen. I have been wanting to try a hooded nib. I love Lexington Gray and don't see too many people using. I love pineapple and pepperoni pizza but everyone say I'm crazy.
When I was a teen I worked in a pizza shop and wouldn't even try the pineapple. I've had a few now that weren't bad at all, but haven't tried that, yet. I had one with a beet crust the other day, and it wasn't even terrifying. lol
Thanks James! It's getting kind of hard keeping up with all the new quality offers, especially from Hongdian... which I count as a good thing. PB & Sweet Pickle sandwich. 👍
I can't keep up! I think I saw three I'd not noticed before just yesterday, just from Hongdian. I'm a fan of peanut butter and a dill pickle slice on saltines. 👍
Peas is my nemesis. I think it is the scourge of the Earth and God's joke to us. My Mother made split pea soup and I had to run out of the house. The odor was horrible. I like anchovies but no one I know likes the fish. I think if it was a bit wider, I would get this pen on a heartbeat. I own one hooded nib the MaJohn Ti500. Perhaps I should investigate it further. Any suggestions?
Ok... Then again an attempt to bring my comment here under... The name "Hong Dian" means NOT "Blu Sky" but "RED DOT". This is explained as follows: The co-owner of Hong Dian's name is Xiaohong Li. "Xiaohong" means "little red" and "Li" means "plum". It's funny how Chinese and Japanese parents often name their children. By the way, "Xiao Long" translated means "little dragon" and was the nickname of Bruce Lee. Ms. Xiaohong Li is also known as "Sally" of Easybuy on Etsy & Ebay and is also co-owner or part owner of the brands Asvine & Lemon. How far her connections to the brand Majohn (Moonman) go, I could not research, but the brand Asvine is a collaboration with Majohn. Sincerely SteamDevil
@@JG3Reviews Ok, I misunderstood something. YT's automatic translation seems to have gotten a bit mixed up. "Lan Tian" stands for "Liantianxi" and is the company or factory headquarters of Hong Dian. The exact address - as far as I know - is: Lantianxi, Jiaocheng, Ningde, China, 352105
It's not the C1 I had, nothing harsh and scratchy. Definitely superior to the Kaco Retro I have. Sahip olduğum C1 değil, sert ve cızırtılı bir şey yok. Sahip olduğum Kaco Retro'dan kesinlikle daha üstün.
I was there. 😉 The sound is exaggerated by the microphone. When I'm not talking the mic amplifies the writing (no way to disable that gain). This is a common issues in review videos (not just mine, I hear it all the time). It's a good nib. Oradaydım. Ses mikrofon nedeniyle abartılıyor. Konuşmadığımda mikrofon yazıyı güçlendiriyor (bu kazanımı devre dışı bırakmanın yolu yok). Bu, inceleme videolarında sık karşılaşılan bir sorundur (sadece benim değil, bunu her zaman duyuyorum). İyi bir uç.
I think all of the Chinese hooded nibs are from the same source, or made to the same dimensions as the Parker 51, due to China having the rights to the building of the 51 from Parker. Devisive food? Mexican candy. I like them.
@@JG3Reviews There's a taquería in my town that is also a Mexican grocery store. Best of both worlds! ¡Que rico!😁 Cook is an older lady who is from Durango, and everything is very authentic.
You may be serious, or you may be sarcastic. These days it's hard to tell without hearing tone of voice. lol If serious: Not everywhere, or for everyone. As a minister, I see the effects on families, seniors, and the marginalized every day that just don't fit the talking points. Let alone what I see it doing to my own bills.
Got this because what the hell why not. I am very very impressed by it. It has all of the benefits of fountain pens but gets rid of some of the messiness drawbacks via the hooded nib. The pen has a good weight and balance and the nib almost feels like a felt tip sharpie pen. I love it!
Stylish and beautiful! You can't go wrong with an all black fountain pen. ❤️👍
Thank you for the review! I have used my Yellow Hongdian C1 for a month now. It is a fantastic pen on all counts! It is a snap cap pen that does not dry out and is a very reliable writer. It is also extremely light - very surprisingly light for a metal pen which also is a plus. This may surpass the Jinhao 80 as my go to commuter pen, which is an unexpected, but welcome, revelation. One other plus, this pen comes in terrific bold colors! I have a few more on order.
I'm thinking this one is going to see regular office use for me. 👍
Thanks for another interesting review! I love Lexington Gray too. It’s a wonderful drawing ink because it’s totally waterproof and not as harsh-looking as black. It’s transparent, so its darkness increases with the amount of ink put down.
I just got the white version of this pen. For the price point, it is an exceptional pen. It fits in the hand well, even though it is a bit thin. The enamel paint on the body is not slippery and provides a nice tactile feel.
I decided to try eyedropper fill it. It works! I know it is not supposed to do so due to the metal threads but at this price point, why not?
Ive been very impressed by hongdian pens ever since i saw you review one a few months ago and ordered one. I was so impressed by that one that i bought two different models and they were both good too. In my opinion, much better quality than any jinhao that ive ever owned. Thanks for turning me to this company!
Glad you've had good experience. I've been quite impressed with a lot of their pens.
great vid, like the looks but would replace nib with a bobby bent nib ,for wetness and flow as the original nib seems to be dry .
this is a fantastic pen. I have a green in EF and a yellow in F..... writes so smooth and it looks like a classic pen with the color range
Since I'm watching this Halloween, I'll answer your food question with candy I love that everyone else seems to hate: Necco Wafers! I've loved these pretty much my whole life. They were one of my dad's favorite candies and he introduced me to them early, and now that he's gone it's something that always reminds me of him when I eat them. Another one is those peanut butter kisses, the kind of taffy like molasses candy that's usually wrapped in those orange and black wrappers. Everyone hates them but me. It probably helps that I just love peanut butter in general.
Very nice pen. I'm quite a fan of HongDian, based mostly on the smooth quality of their nibs, as well as some striking styles. Shame there's not a Medium nib option.
I just ordered the white version of this pen. I hemmed and hawed about it but I think for the price, why not?
Looking forward to receiving the pen.
James, you could turn your notepad sideways, 😂 and then we could see all the letters. Fried chicken liver is a food I like and my kids hate. They still talk about how I used to cook it for dinner, when they were little. You said the pen is minimalist. No one has ever accused me of being minimalist, but I kinda like the looks of that pen. The Matthew Perry quote was a nice gesture.
🤣 I haven't had fried livers in probably about 30 years. My parents like to get those and the gizzards at KFC. I preferred the livers to the gizzards.
Nice pen, a yellow one is on its way to me. Lebonan bologna, pickled eggs, grew up with thes4.
I like pickled eggs, and have pickled them myself in the past. I'll have to keep my eye out for the bologna. 👍
Hi JG3. .-ZeS.- from Madrid Spain (an artist and FP lover, and a New Yorker expat living abroad).
I'm a subscriber to your channel since early 2023, though I don't post much.
This Hongdian C1 is interesting, though I'm still not sold on it yet.
I have a request for all you Fountain Pen lovers and reviewers... (I'm also a big fan of Inkquiring Minds, I watch Doodlebud but don't like him as much, etc.).
All you guys review many many FPs, which is great.
But NOBODY explains one very important thing in their reviews for each pen...
That is... how easy does the FP "dry out" (Nib only, Nib & Feed, etc.).
Specially for cheaper FPs.
I say this because as an Artist, as well as an EDC for everything else, I only use FPs... And I need different several types of FPs and Nibs to be able to work at a moment's notice even if I didn't use them for a week or 2, for example.
I find Jinhao's to suck bug time because you need to clean them all the way only after a few days or a week.
Others such the TWSBI ECO or the Platinum Preppys hold up wet a very long time.
The Lamy Safari also dries up sort of fast, but by just wetting the nib a bit in water it will restart easily (usually).
And I think that this is CRITICAL when choosing an FP and something that nobody explains at all.
Just a suggestion for improvement and additional Value Add that will be different from other channels.
Cheers from Sunny Spain!!!
😁👍😎✌
Good thoughts, and glad you're enjoying the channel. I'll try to work that in more. It crossed my mind in this review, but it's hard to get a real feel in a first-impression video. So far it's performing well, but I need to leave it on the desk unused several days to be sure.
I'm not an artist but I write mainly with fountain pens and I have the same problem. Since I like to hold the fountain pen close to the nib, my favorite pens are the hooded nib ones. I bought some Jinhao 911 a couple of years ago and I like how they write. But they dry out so quickly, especially if you don't use them daily. If last time I used them was Friday, on Sunday or Monday morning they don't write anymore. I would like to use several pens each with a different ink color, but then I would have x times the problem.
I was considering a different model or a different brand, but I can't to just randomnly buy everything that's available hoping to find a good one. That's why I watch and read reviews. Unfortunately, as you said, the reviews rarely mention this.
Greetings from Australia.
Thanks for the video.
Have you ever tasted Australian Vegemite? Lovely on buttered toast or cheese sandwiches. An acquired taste.
I haven't, yet, but I'm sure it's bound to happen. I dodged the Marmite, though. lol
I'm Belgian and I eat Vegemite straight out of the jar. Totally hooked.
I decided some time back that hooded nibs just aren't my jam. Something to do with my failing eyesight and not being able to see the nib clearly enough to make sure I have it in "alignment" on the paper so that it writes properly.
I can understand that. I had to up my reading prescription recently. It's a shame more don't imitate the old Parker/Hero silver arrow for lining up the nib on the hooded pens.
My robust breakfast: sardines and poached egg on plain Greek Yogurt and brown rice, with a spoonfull of ajvar (roasted eggplant/red bell pepper spread)! My wife lets me eat this in privacy. Hongdian does it again, though! Thanks, James.
That sounds good to me. I made a similar breakfast a few times when in Cambodia last year (minus the yogurt, I had not thought of that).
I noticed a marked improvement when you wrote the second line from the dry-looking first line, it's like the pen woke up. How does the nib stay in place after you have pulled it out and broken the glue?
I'm addicted to iced coffee, my favorite is from the Fleurieu Milk Company, South Australia. Iced tea is other one, great on a hot day.
Just the housing/grip is glued, so the nib should be good. It's friction fit.
Thank you James cool pen, but what im really interested in is the Sheaffer Icon, mate stay safe and God bless.🇦🇺
The Icon has been a sturdy, reliable EDC pen for me. I rotate it into service pretty regularly.
Great review, I'm ordering one $9 today.
If you like sardines and you happen to visit Spain, please visit Galicia and eat fresh caught sardines on the bbq.
Living in Texas I can't say but, look for canned sardinillas, might find them.
Good idea! 🐟
There are some nice Chinese pens these days. Lately, though, I've been inspired to add variety to my ink. For example, does Diamine make antifreeze? Dang, it got cold, and I worry about my pens.
Their Neon Lime *looks* like antifreeze! 😉
I bought the same model, yet in yellow and it indeed was in plastic. Perhaps the material of construction depends on color?
Interesting, so that may be the reason for the confusion, then. 👍
What a cool pen. I have been wanting to try a hooded nib. I love Lexington Gray and don't see too many people using. I love pineapple and pepperoni pizza but everyone say I'm crazy.
When I was a teen I worked in a pizza shop and wouldn't even try the pineapple. I've had a few now that weren't bad at all, but haven't tried that, yet. I had one with a beet crust the other day, and it wasn't even terrifying. lol
Thanks James! It's getting kind of hard keeping up with all the new quality offers, especially from Hongdian... which I count as a good thing.
PB & Sweet Pickle sandwich. 👍
I can't keep up! I think I saw three I'd not noticed before just yesterday, just from Hongdian. I'm a fan of peanut butter and a dill pickle slice on saltines. 👍
Just saw Chrisrap52's review . You guys compliment each other well!
BTW... I learned PB&Pickle from my Grandma...
Peas is my nemesis. I think it is the scourge of the Earth and God's joke to us. My Mother made split pea soup and I had to run out of the house. The odor was horrible.
I like anchovies but no one I know likes the fish.
I think if it was a bit wider, I would get this pen on a heartbeat. I own one hooded nib the MaJohn Ti500. Perhaps I should investigate it further. Any suggestions?
Ok... Then again an attempt to bring my comment here under...
The name "Hong Dian" means NOT "Blu Sky" but "RED DOT".
This is explained as follows:
The co-owner of Hong Dian's name is Xiaohong Li. "Xiaohong" means "little red" and "Li" means "plum".
It's funny how Chinese and Japanese parents often name their children.
By the way, "Xiao Long" translated means "little dragon" and was the nickname of Bruce Lee.
Ms. Xiaohong Li is also known as "Sally" of Easybuy on Etsy & Ebay and is also co-owner or part owner of the brands Asvine & Lemon.
How far her connections to the brand Majohn (Moonman) go, I could not research, but the brand Asvine is a collaboration with Majohn.
Sincerely
SteamDevil
It's the Lan Tian on the finial I was referring to as "Blue Sky".
@@JG3Reviews
Ok, I misunderstood something. YT's automatic translation seems to have gotten a bit mixed up.
"Lan Tian" stands for "Liantianxi" and is the company or factory headquarters of Hong Dian.
The exact address - as far as I know - is: Lantianxi, Jiaocheng, Ningde, China, 352105
Why did my comment disappear?
Did UA-cam delete/censor it?
No idea. It’s not in the YT held for review queue, either.
I zm going to go with Brussel sprouts
I like mine sautéed with a bit of bacon.
I love drinking lemon and lime juice 😅
弘典 Hóng Diǎn means "Propagate Instruction" or "Large Teaching". It may also be a male given name.
Sheaffer has a bobby nib.
Yep, and I meant to include that in the writing sample just to show the difference, but forgot when the time came.
You're going to need much bigger paper.
Sprouts, yes, but also peanut butter and tomato sandwiches. Not all together
I love a good tomato sandwich!
Pineapple belongs on pizza!
😆
Kaco retro gibi sert ve çizici,kuru yazımı var
It's not the C1 I had, nothing harsh and scratchy. Definitely superior to the Kaco Retro I have.
Sahip olduğum C1 değil, sert ve cızırtılı bir şey yok. Sahip olduğum Kaco Retro'dan kesinlikle daha üstün.
Kağıtta çıkardığı sesden anlaşılıyor,iyi bir uca sahip değil.
I was there. 😉 The sound is exaggerated by the microphone. When I'm not talking the mic amplifies the writing (no way to disable that gain). This is a common issues in review videos (not just mine, I hear it all the time). It's a good nib.
Oradaydım. Ses mikrofon nedeniyle abartılıyor. Konuşmadığımda mikrofon yazıyı güçlendiriyor (bu kazanımı devre dışı bırakmanın yolu yok). Bu, inceleme videolarında sık karşılaşılan bir sorundur (sadece benim değil, bunu her zaman duyuyorum). İyi bir uç.
I think all of the Chinese hooded nibs are from the same source, or made to the same dimensions as the Parker 51, due to China having the rights to the building of the 51 from Parker.
Devisive food? Mexican candy. I like them.
My favorite thing about Mexican candy is that it means I'm at the cash register at a mom & pop Mexican restaurant, and that's always bueno!
@@JG3Reviews There's a taquería in my town that is also a Mexican grocery store. Best of both worlds! ¡Que rico!😁 Cook is an older lady who is from Durango, and everything is very authentic.
Thanks for this...but, what the heck do you mean? The economy is better than ever in the last 10 years!
You may be serious, or you may be sarcastic. These days it's hard to tell without hearing tone of voice. lol
If serious: Not everywhere, or for everyone. As a minister, I see the effects on families, seniors, and the marginalized every day that just don't fit the talking points. Let alone what I see it doing to my own bills.