Hongdian 8037 Chinese Classical Fountain Pen, Iridum Extra Fine Gold Nib with Chinese Deer Totem Design, Smooth Writing Pen with Ink Converter and Metal Pen Box Set

I have about half a dozen Hongdian fountain pens, but this is the first I've had with the newer, larger nib size. It didn't disappoint.With so much gold it's a bit of a statement pen, but has the aesthetics hold up on close inspection. It weighs in at a hefty 38 grams, but is not so heavy as to become tiring in a ~30 minute writing session. Writing without the cap posted cuts the weight by a bit more than a third.I experienced a bit of skipping with some 'drier' inks (Noodler's Black Swan in Australian Roses), but switching to one of the Noodler's 'Polar' inks (green or blue) made it write like a dream. Overall very pleased with this pen and Hongdian.

This is the first pen review I've ever written. I am very impressed by not only the styling of this pen but its functionality as well. Not really knowing what to expect when I inked it up with a Diamine ink, I found it flowed smoothly without a trace of skipping or hard starting. I've been using it for two weeks or so and it continues to write as smoothly ask as well as pends costing three or four times as much. The cap posts well but it feel right with or without posting. I will definitely seek out other pens by this manufacturer. I recommend the Hongdian 231!

This pen is very handsome, with beautifully done scrollwork and excellent finish. It writes as smoothly and effortlessly as a pen costing 5X as much. It never skips. Lays down a wet but crisp line. I have not tried any calligraphy type pressure, to spread the line, but the nib is lively and should do fine. Its threaded cap goes on and off like it’s lubed, and it is airtight-writes instantly even after a week of inaction. I’d give five stars except the weight surprised me. It’s not obnoxious but a little more than I expected. I have large hands and don’t think the heft will be problematic, and have written in 30 minute increments without discomfort. Very nice pen.

This pen, from Hong Dian, a Chinese maker, was awesome and gave far more value than expected for the cost. Its fit, finish and construction was impeccable, and the gold-plated chromed steel nib was amazing - clearly had been hand tuned, just a bit on the generous side of "Fine."The barrel contains an adaptation of a famous Chinese painting, "Listening to the Qin." The Qin is a stringed instrument. The painting is famous on its artistic merits but also for its artist: it was painted by the Song Emperor, Huizong, whose benevolent rule saw various Chinese arts and crafts experience a little renaissance. The pen is a real conversation starter - people notice it, it's beautiful - and I am happy to have something interesting to talk about when it comes up.I'm a physician and it's a perfect fit in my white coat pocket, clips on easy, looks very professional and maybe a little quirky. But I have long felt that the humanity doesn't have to come off when the coat goes on, and this pen exemplifies that attitude probably better than I do!Hong Dian, in business since 1997, has been putting out some really high quality pens lately, but in my opinion this one sets the bar higher than ever. For looks and construction I'd put it alongside some pens I've seen that cost 40 times as much - and it'd win that comparison, only thing missing is a gold nib! Highly recommended.

I really like this pen. The weight of it is perfect and it writes so very well. I asked a friend of mine to help me with the ancient Chinese writing and discovered that the script came from a poem that I found, as well as the original painting. It has deserved a treasured place in my collection.

The nip is soft and smooth, the ink flows nicely through it. Doesn't get stuck on paper, and doesn't scrape. Overall satisfied with the quality.The weight is perfect, doesn't feel too heavy given the metal body.

Very nice pen on the heavier side. Comes with a converter. The medium nib is very smooth, probably the best steel nib I have seen, but stiff as a nail. Cap screws on quickly. Doesn’t post very well, you kind of have to jam it on there.

Received the blue and gold variant. Hongdian never seems to miss when it comes to the construction and finish of their metal cartridge/converter pens. The thing is gorgeous in person. Photos really don't do it justice. The details are clean and precise. I was afraid it'd look tacky with that much gold colouring, but it's so well executed that someone only needs to look at it for two seconds to realize it's noteworthy.The grid of gold on the body is etched, giving an interesting, grippy texture and appearance in the light. The etching on the cap also plays with light in an eye catching way.This is the best value fountain pen in terms of both looks and function I could possibly find in this range. That isn't to say there aren't very minor imperfections on mine, like a scuff on the body's tail end or a slight warp in the rubber gasket against the feed, but they're hardly noticeable or notable compared to everything else.