Compare4 of 4

Four is the most that fit side by side. Drop one to add another.

H2 Hongdian × 1841 Hongdian × 1850 Hongdian × 1851 Hongdian ×
Typical price $22 $66 $27 $27
Price range $22–$22 $66–$66 $25–$27 $27–$35
Colourways 2
 3
 2
 5
Stocked at 1 1 1 1
For — — —
  • Writes correctly out of the box far more reliably than its rivals
  • Metal body and case at $20-25
  • Bent-nib version is a cheap route into line variation
  • Consistent finishing
Against — — —
  • Heavy for a slim pen
  • Cartridge/converter only
  • Naming is a mess — Forest, 1850, 1851, 1861 overlap
◂ better of these faded — all the same Clear all

Dimensions are mined from retailer listings — approximate. A dash means no source gave it, not that it is missing.