Hongdian N12

January 10, 2024

Pen: N12

Make: Hongdian

Cost: $25

Nib: EF

Packaging & Accessories: 10/10

The pen came in a oval metal box and included a tool to take out the piston mechanism in the pen. No complaints here.

Aesthetics & Quality (10/10)

Definitely a Pelikan knockoff, but still looks very classy. The pen comes in: green, purple, wine red, blue, white and orange acrylic colors. The blue acrylic is really pretty and has iridescence to it. It is also thick/opaque enough so that you don't see the mechanism inside. There is no ink window which is a little surprising as many of Hongdian's piston filler pens have ink windows. There is a thin gold band on the cap that says "Hongdian" and on opposite side says "N12". There is also a thin gold band at the end of the barrel by the piston mechanism. On top of the cap there is a dove and Olive branches around it. Overall it is a very nice looking pen.

Weight and Dimensions: 7/10

The pen is about 5.5" when capped and it weighs about 25g. It is a fairly big pen. It does post well and the cap does not weigh a lot so it doesn't feel off balance. The weight is actually very light for its size and I don't notice any fatigue when writing with it.

Nib & Performance: 7/10

The nib is gold colored and very smooth. The nib has a tiny tiny bit of flex, but not enough to easily create line variation. It does have a nice design on it with lots of loops, a little like a Clover. I got the fine nib and the fine nib is 0.6mm which is a tad bigger than some other fine nibs which means it writes a little wider and wetter than many other fine nibs. Hongdian sells replacement nibs in different colors and sizes so you can change them out which is nice. The piston mechanism works well. I haven't had any issues with it sticking. The pen does perform well. I haven't had issues with it drying out. Overall performance is consistent and good.

Cost & Value: 10/10

For about $25 you get a smooth writing, very classy looking acrylic pen with a piston mechanism. You also have replacement nib options of: extra fine, fine, and medium in various colors at a very reasonable price (around $15 with all 3 included). There are also lovely colors options available as well so all in all this pen is definitely worth the $25.

Conclusion: (44/50 –88%)

Smooth nib, piston filler, lovely acrylic, replacement nib options reasonable priced. This pen is great.