Hongdian C1 Fountain Pen Fine Nib, Modern Red & Classic Retro Design Metal Pen with Ink Converter

C-1 is divergent with a retro feeling.The feel I get from this pen from a distance reminds me of the Shaffer “No nonsense “ type of hit that it was, still is. This is a pen that if offered more nib choices could be a rematch for something iconically recognized in the future as Schaffer’s rival.However it’s a Hong Dian C-1, and once again excellent quality that they keep in their output. They’re probably most trusted affordable pen outlets ever. They are doing impressive improvements all the time and their design is blooming in engineering and aesthetics.Appears to be impeccably enameled metal, (mostly) with a glazed ceramic quality to the touch. It’s not metallic feeling at all. The finish is smooth but doesn’t give me a slip on the grip ever.As it’s a hooded nib, hooded nibs have never been my choice to often but the utilitarian in me owns a few.The extra fine is all I own although I have other choices coming because I ordered a couple more.The smoothie of this pens uncapping is divine and so is the posting of the cap, which I don’t even find necessary to use but for this pen it’s not small enough if you have medium size hands you will ever need to but I will say you will want to because slipping the cap and posting this pen is absolutely satisfying! Like snapping LEGO is snaps this is the silent of it and close to imperceptible!However; I don’t find the cap smoothie in the nib but I’m at extra fine here. For an EF it’s surprisingly unimpeded on the page. Some feed back exists sure, I don’t mind it at all, as I have used it for post-its and simple quick writing on some of the cheaper paper I could find as well as a journal paper at high gsm or low. ( I take that into consideration as I can write on a ton of paper options)The ink flow is in the dryer spectrum but not dry. It doesn’t bleed out tons of ink and it more than likely makes this an ideal situation to quick jot. If I can use an example is that it’s about what you’d get out of a fine nib Kaweco Sport classic Out of the box.I used Noodlers Lexington Gray ink and when I look back at the page it looks like I’m writing in 2B graphite pencil when I’m done. It’s rather comforting as there is no bleed / feathering or ghosting ( no worries)with these little pens.I’m an artist and avid note and journal maker.This pen has proved to be trustworthy in all counts. I can actually stipple with this pen! Or I can crosshatch without it weakening the surface.I have had two c-1’s for a week and I can’t let them down. ( My pilot Falcon is getting ignored.)There is the right tool for everything we need to accomplish and this is a warm fuzzy to use for everyday uses.For the price point this is a steal. I can throw it in a bag and pull it out to use at any time and it doesn’t leak and always writes right away.It’s a purchase worth it. I ordered more in different colors after about a week. It’s a fun little pen that has a design that can go cult if they offer more brighter colors and nib choices in the future. This is an awesome excellent base for more wonderful possibilities. Hope this helps:)

This is my 3rd Hongdian pen. I also have an M2 and a Birch Forest. Hongdian makes great pens for the money, and the C1 is yet another great pen.It has a hooded nib, so it has a little less give. I have to make sure I am holding the nib in the correct position, and it's a little more challenging to see that over a standard nib.The barrel is nice to hold, and can be gripped easily. The cap posts very well. The pen comes with a refillable cartridge (which I use), so its easy to fill with whatever your favorite ink is (I use Diamine).The nib is very smooth..no scratchiness at all. Ink flow has been good, with no drying out even after some days of no use.Its been a great pen, with no evidence of paint flaking off, etc. I have enjoyed using it.

Purchased the C1 in red, yellow and black,all EF. First impression,upon initial unwrapping of their no nonsense packaging.. these are surprisingly weighty pens with a great, well built feel to them. Bright, energetic colors; plus,an instant start after injecting Noodler's Eel Black into the in-house converters,revealed a written line WELL beyond a $10 price point FP. Amazing,first time, every time, nothing to raise your blood pressure....Only issue of any consequence would be the cap, which slides onto the body, and therefore OFF the body. No click or threads to secure the cap. So, minor point being...I would not attempt to secure the pen via the clip onto a shirt pocket, as the clip is not flexible, add that to a cap that is easily disturbed. Not a deal breaker for me,as I usually leave the house armed w/ a RT gel pen of some sort.Anyway, a few DRAMs of 14yr. Glenlivett pretty much equals the cost of one C 1; choose your poison,me boys!

The Hongdian C1 fountain pens are grand writers right out of the box.The C1's nib is able to write within seconds after inserting a cartridge or converter.The body colors are a bit glossy, a good thingy, yet are easy to hold while writing.For me, the F nib seems to write like a MF nib and an EF nib writes like a F nib.I approve of and recommend these Hongdian C1 fountain pens.

For such an inexpensive pen I had low expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised. The quality of the pen body is excellent. The cap and body are metal with a plastic section that is comfortable to hold. The hooded nib gives a good amount of feedback but is not scratchy. The ink flow is excellent not too wet or dry, it really is in the sweet spot for me.This is an excellent option if you are looking for an inexpensive everyday fountain pen that doesn't attract too much attention.

These pens are smooth writers. However in my experience, the tines tend to be very tight. I've had to do a little work on each pen I've purchased to enable it to write a little wetter. Nonetheless, these pens are really great every day carries. They are comfortable in hand, very well balanced and post deeply. I generally do not post my caps, but it is good to have a pen that is designed to be posted if the need arises.The problem I had with my most recent C1 acquisition (lemon yellow) is that the pocket clip is crooked. It is not so crooked that it cannot be used, but noticeably crooked. The fact that the barrel color is light and the clip is black makes this defect stand out even more. I will still use the pen because it's a great writer and I don't want to go through the return process. However, the crooked pocket clip is disappointing.