Hong Dian Light of Hope Blue Fountain Pen • Review+Giveaway!

My review of the “Light of Hope” Blue Hong Dian pen. If you liked the Hong Dian Black Forest or Birch Forest pen, you’ll like the Light of Hope blue edition, too. And, if you are in a country that I’m allowed to mail to, you can leave a comment below to enter the drawing. This pen was provided by esybuy, and I’m giving to one lucky winner. Rules below.
You can purchase this pen here: amzn.to/32YvUUa
The ink used was Birmingham Pen Company’s Electron Blue. I’ll review this ink soon.
______________________
Contest Rules:
1. To enter, simply leave a comment below.
2. The winner will be chosen at random.
3. I will announce the winner in a video on Monday, September 14, 2020.
4. You will have 36 hours to respond with a shipping address to receive the prize. If we don’t hear by then, we’ll move on to a new randomly chosen winner.
5. All comment entries must by in line with KZbin’s Community Guidelines & Policies and Terms of Service which can be found here: www.youtube.co... & www.youtube.co...
6. Neither Hong Dian, esy buy, nor KZbin are affiliated, responsible, liable, or connected with this giveaway in any way.
7. Personal data from the giveaway will NOT be used or shared in any way, shape or form.
_______________________
Looking for a great beginner's pen or a gift for someone? Check out my Beginner's pens list on Amazon: www.amazon.com...
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, I earn from qualifying purchases.
You can follow me on Instagram: @jg3_reviews
If you've got a pen or related items you would like to submit for review, you can contact me at [e-mail].

[@TimGravesRV]

I love this pen. I bought the blue one after your Black Forest review, lol. I've got that inked up with Noodler's Navajo Turquoise and use it in my (also blue) bullet journal primarily.

[@ihateeverything3972]

Was yours also a darker blue than the one in the video? They write great tho, love my Muji but this one is actually smoother. I do like when you can feel the paper through the pen too though, so I will be using both.

[@johntoledo4438]

Thanks for another great review. I have the black version and I do love it. With regard to the cartridge/converter, it uses the "standard" international 3.4mm that is popular in China (many Hero, some Jinhaos, Wing Sung 3001, etc) as compared to the "standard" international used elsewhere that is 2.6mm diameter. Shoppers would need to be aware of this size difference when purchasing cartridges and converters. As a reference, the Nimosine cartridges you mentioned purchasing in a previous video are 2.6.mm.

[@darthchaos09]

I appreciate all the reviews you share on fountain pens. I'm new to the passion, so I find your "for beginners" and "budget pens" very helpful. I'm also a nursing student in college and have to use pens that are easy to disinfect. I currently have a Zebra Stainless Steel Ballpoint (the all metal version) in my pocket organizer. I've been looking for a fountain pen alternative to slip in there. The design of the Hong Dian echoes the sleek stainless steel+knurled design. Thank you for the in depth look! As an aside: I also REALLY love that you end your videos with "God bless." I feel like I don't hear it enough these days, and I live in Mississippi! Anyway, thank you and God bless :)

[@TheGallowaygal]

I've been really impressed with the Hong Dian pens I have. Great review!

[@msshaffer5]

Me too, just got two more with extra fine njbs this time and I love em’.

[@bobbob-br2jk]

Wow, I'm surprised they were able to make the nib blue. It's also really cool that there are slight differences in the pen, as most pens with multiple color options seem to only change the color of the barrel or cap, and not the design as a whole.

[@kimmcee]

Every single pen you’ve reviewed in the past month have been on my wishlist for months! Your reviews are helpful and relatable. Thank you!

[@jacobhannan6411]

I found this channel fairly recently, and I'm loving it! There aren't too many channels that review so many lower-midscale price pens like this, the Diplomat Magnum, the Lamy Safari, a whole bunch of PenBBS products, and more. This Hong Dian pen is so tempting; it looks like it'd be great for notetaking going into the new academic year with the snap cap and the finer nib in case of bad paper quality. Thanks for the reviews!

[@Faroe]

I just got the black one with an EF nib and I love how it's a little dry so I can write with it on any paper!

[@jeffwalton7693]

Hi James. The Hongdian cartridges are also available from ESYBUY on Etsy for approximately $10 for 30 pieces. They appear to have several colours available. I also have to agree with you as to the quality of these pens, I have both the black and blue versions and they write far better than several of my more expensive pens. Thank you for your reviews as I enjoy both the content and your presentation.

[@javiermazza1980]

I always keep a pen inked up with black (usually Noodler's Black or Heart of. Darkness) and my Black Forest is one of my favorite for that purpose. I also keep a pen inked up with blue, so thinking this could be the right one for that. The blue nib really looks great

[@sandorpetofi4321]

Please don't ever get to 'quick brown foxing'. It's sooooo boring by now; ANYTHING else written is a plus for me :D .

[@stargazer1359]

Ageed....i have unsubscribed from ' quick brown fox' channels. Well, most....When the person slowly recites quick brown fox while writing it, I'm out.

[@333pro333]

Great review! I have the Black Forest and 6013. The 6013 is heavier, with a thicker but shorter grip section. I prefer it slightly over the Forest, but both are excellent. They use the same nib and housing, so you can swap nibs between them. I've tried the Fude, Fine and EF nibs. The Fude was too broad imo, F and EF are both great.

[@catherinehubbard1167]

Great review as always! And a beautiful, well-made pen. I am posting this comment three years later to let people know that there are later Black Forest pens - later reviewed here - with thicker, longer sections that are more comfortable to grip, at least for me. The Black Forest Pro series comes in carbon fiber (over brass), steel and brass. The brass one is also called the 1861. I have the carbon fiber one and the brass one and really like them both. Like The Light of Hope pen reviewed here, they snap closed. I’m sure other variations of this popular pen series will be introduced, and it will be interesting to see their features. As he says, HongDian has been putting out a wide variety of excellent, well-designed pens, more all the time it seems.

[@triviadave]

I bought the Black Forest off the back of your review and I love it. While I was shopping I saw this one too and got that at the same time. Completely agree with you, they both look really good. I got both of them with a fine nib, but now I'm thinking I should have got a medium nib too. Hmm, maybe in the birch edition... On a side note, I find it amusing that there are more comments than likes. Some people obviously like the review of the pen enough to want the pen, but not enough to click a thumbs up. It takes all sorts I guess. Another great review, thanks very much.

[@andrewr.786]

I have to say I really like the look of this model. I actually quite like the stamp like top of the cap. It honestly reminds me quite a lot of some of the drafting lead holders I was given by my father with its industrial look. It will definitly be on my buy list!

[@maruthigsr]

The sun is up, the sky is blue; It’s beautiful, and is this colour of this pen. Good it writes as it looks.

[@clarkbilgrav]

I bought the black Hong Dian pen after your last review. It has to be one of the favorites in my collection. I agree with all the positives you mentioned especially the smooth nib. One thing I noticed that was important to me is the converter screws in. I like having the secure converter and not having to worry about leaking. Great video, thanks.

[@sarawootton244]

(Hongdian Fountain Pen Ink Cartridges Black Color, Set of 30 Refill Ink Cartridges, 3.4 mm Bore Diameter ) I ordered this pen in green and it is stunning. These are the cartridges I ordered on Amazon. 30 pack for 10.99.

[@jencortez5322]

Looks like a sturdy EDC fountain pen. I like the color blue (not the standard black) which makes it easier to find and the textured body which is easier to grip. Has a utilitarian design (and blue nib!) that stands out.

[@MarysInks]

I’ve been looking at this pen online. I love the blue color! But I had never heard the name brand before, so I was hesitant to try it. Glad to know they are reputable pen makers. Thanks for the giveaway!

[@billthomas8205]

Thank you, James. I bought the black one following your review, & am very impressed by it. I change my everyday pen every month to keep a good rotation, & I never had a skipped start with the Hong Dian. Looking forward to using it again - & there are some pens I wouldn't say that about!

[@bigdhav]

HongDian pens are surprisingly good! I was incredibly impressed with the black forest and so bought the HongDian 517D. It has a rubberised matte finish all over and is wonderful!

[@hkm424]

Thank you as always for your range of reviews. I have the black on my wishlist. It had gotten bumped for a Kakuno and the "off brand" solid brass that is similar to a Kaweco. I love the style & sleek look of these HongDian. Honestly my favorite part of this blue version is the name "light of hope", that just makes me smile.

[@tiantuatara]

Thanks for the review - I love the knurled look and it's a pretty blue.

[@NelsonFJ]

I am very impressed with the brand. In the experience I have so far, pens are very well built, and nibs are decent, and very consistent in writing, which is not so easy to encounter in Chinese pens. Now, with your explanation, about them being OEM manufacturers, things make more sense. Thank you very much for the review.

[@gregcooper8466]

I haven't tried a Hong Dian pen yet - maybe I should try one to see if I like. Like you, I am not a huge fan of thin sections. Thanks for the review!

[@laviestbelleyesss5099]

What a beauty!! And it's a perfect match with the ink (gorgeous!!)

[@charlesbrough6185]

James, I recently got the Black Forest and am pleased with the quality. I am looking forward to this blue model! I tend to rely on your vids for recommendations as well as for my own pleasure... Thank You for doing this!

[@martinlebl631]

I love that you have a choice of three nib sizes, and they all match the color. On Amaxon I saw you can buy a pack of all three nibs in nib units, so you can swap them out. Only downside was the price, as the three nibs cost as much as the pen itself. Love the idea of color matching nib to pen, but till now it was mostly black nib to black pen, or flame treated steel nib to flame treated pen, or perhaps PVD coated nib on the PVD coated Italian pen, but that one isn't in most peoples' budget.

[@alternativerohde]

I have not yet tried Hong Dian. I’ve seen a few good reviews. And I’d be curious to try it out myself. Thanks for the review and giveaway.

[@chrisrap52]

I just got this pen with a Fude nib. I like it but I generally like Fude nibs. Have a Fude in my Black Forest, that writes better than the blue one. The converter is the same as PenBBS uses. Doug Rathbun did a video on cartridges for PenBBS that would work in HongDians.

[@JG3Reviews]

Good to know!

[@sariswati]

I'm just starting my fountain pen journey and am glad that I found you while going down this KZbin rabbit hole

[@sahadevbishayi8894]

I just love your reviews , thes are very informative and entertaining. I like this pen for it's majestic blue colour. I would love to have this pen 🙃❤️

[@donmerkley5694]

Blue nib really catches the eye, very distinctive... looks great.

[@mth32871]

I have the Black Forest version, with a fine nib, which I got (I believe) after watching your review, and it is THE best fountain pen that I own (however, I have only been in this hobby for just a few weeks, although I'm already gone down that rabbit hole and already have about 30 pens). Anyway, I love this pen so much that I want to pick up a couple more - one fine nib for keeping at work, and a extra fine just to try out. I can't believe how fantastic such an inexpensive pen can be. Absolutely love it.

[@thevintagemale1960]

I have spent money on the Hongdians and really like them. About to buy 3 more.

[@abhinavmishra3902]

The blue nib is quite attractive. Seems good to add to the collection.

[@michaelt.t.hansen]

Cool and stylish. I like the minimalist design.

[@BC7Bill]

Thanks for another informative review. I regularly use my Hong Dian Black Forest. I like the way it writes and it is comfortable in my hands. The idea of a blue version, perhaps with a fude nib..... :-)

[@stephanfeinen3923]

Nice review. That blue nib is unique but I think I'd rather go for the black version as blue is not my favourite colour.

[@marksummerell437]

Hi James, Thanks for the review of the "Light of Hope" Hong Dian fountain pen. I have the Black Forest with bent nib and was so impressed with it, I have ordered the Light of Hope pen. Your review was just what was neeed to confirm my expectations of my new purchase. Keep up the reviews, as we all appreciate your effort. Best regards and stay safe.

[@kjraz]

Thank you for your reviews! I am a new to fountain pens and found your page while searching for information. I like the style of this one; thinner with a slightly longer section to the nib. 👍🏼👏🏼

[@freebie43]

I found your channel doing a search for a review on the Parker Jotter. Very informative reviews, like your style of review. I had several old fountain pens as a kid and looking to get back into writing with them. Really like this longer pen!

[@tomshult3044]

I also have the "Light of Hope". I had to do quite a bit of smoothing on the "EF" nib, but now it is awesome. I agree on the build quality.

[@manuelsalazar3938]

Nice review of a very solid pen, three days ago I received the white version which doesn't have any coating on the nib, I hope it to be as good as the Black Forest but so far it's waiting until another of my pens runs out of ink.

[@greatlakescruiser5720]

I don't have an products from this manufacturer (that I know of) but I have been very satisfied with my other Chinese Pen purchases. Thanks for the review and giveaway.

[@magnoliamike]

Blue nib? I think yes! Hey man I just got my very first fountain pen 2 days ago. The white TWSBI Eco with a Medium Nib so that pen would make the start of my collection a good one! Thx for the chance!

[@roytolley4269]

Interesting color, nice ink. Enjoying your reviews. Have a good holiday.

[@andrewdaydreamer5209]

The hongdian 6013 also looks like a cool pen.

[@pedrojpinto]

I have the black one. Lovely pen. With the fude nib I use it as a highlighter. The blue version looks perhaps even better.

[@wijik1536]

What a beautiful nib the Light of Hope has ! So gorgeous !

[@joseparada4430]

There is a Hero 737 black matte very similar. Please try to review in pairs. Much more exciting. Thank you. I like your cheering tone and humour. Regards.

[@stepheneshelman6028]

Love your reviews BTW bought the Black Forest based on your review and love love love it!

[@orangepoulet]

I watched your first video about the Black Forest, completely convinced me and I love it so much! I personally find that the weight discourages me from gripping onto it so tightly as I don't feel the need to hold it as firmly compared to lighter fountain pens. The pen I own has an EF nib since I generally tend to lean towards smaller nibs to complement my handwriting. It's incredibly thin, one of the thinnest that I've seen and rivals 0.3 lead type of thin, but it's not at all scratchy and incredibly smooth which is very nice. The blue is such a gorgeous color for it and I would love to win a second one for my school EDC, and keep the Black Forest for home use!

[@qvisionstudios]

No doubt this a great value at the selling price. Looks great, well built and an awesome writer. Would be interested to see how all the other nib choices perform. I would like to hear how the finish on the black and the blue hold up in the long run.

[@apurvatr2u]

Wow, this Hong Dian FP looks very cool. My favourite colour is also blue. I love this pen specially the grip section as the hat has Matt finish. Also as this has slim grip section, I think I can use it well as my hand is small. Overall look of this pen is also good. I love it. Thanks

[@djmadice]

Wow, what a great color! I really like the color of the nib. I've never seen that nib color before. I wish more companies would do different nib colors. Maybe an idea for a series? Find nibs with different colors? Hongdian (compatible) cartridges are available on AliExpress for around 2 USD for 20 pieces. But If you want more colors than blue and black, the price will go up significantly. Thanks for the review!

[@JuceePeachz67]

This is a beautiful pen. Love the color and nib. The name of the pen alone makes me want to purchase this pen especially in these unprecedented times. Thank you for the review.

[@paulherman5822]

You sold me. I love my Black Forest, even though I usually have a problem with thinner pens and sections, and actually considered getting the blue version when I got the first one. If I can't find a vintage Esterbrook my next foray into buying a new pen, it's on the list now. The name of the model helps sell it to me as well. Oh, and the ink cartridges and converters for the Hong Dian pens are available on eBay all the time.

[@carrieg4495]

I like your channel because you show pens I can afford. Based on your reviews, I have bought the Jinhoa X750, and the slate grey Pilot Prera. I love them both. I wasn't so sure about this pen, because of the grip but it is such a nice looking pen and I like the name of it too!

[@archivist17]

HongDian pens are a revelation! I bought a Black Army General on a whim, because I wanted to try a fude nib, but the standard nib is sooooo smooth and writes so beautifully. I've just reinked it with Diamine Onyx Black, which is a great combination. This blue pen is very stylish, and I wonder what ink would go best with it. Thanks for the review.

[@kauaiphotography]

Aloha James! Another well done review. After seeing your previous review of the Black Forest version, I have added it to my future wish list, but maybe the white color? I actually prefer the cap finial of this pen as it seems to match the rest of the pen better? That is also a super nice blue ink. So many nice things in this review! Mahalo, Thomas

[@martinlebl631]

Ditto. That simple flat cap top seems solid, and looks good, so it works for me.

[@savannaouellette4659]

I do appreciate the black version of this pen and I find the blue nib very appealing.

[@MarshaLove0723]

The Hong Dian Black Forest was one of my early FP purchases. It's a good pen and I always wished they had it in blue. Last week, I broke my converter and found it was a non-standard size. I went to Amazon to buy a new one and found they were now selling a 'Blue Forest' version. I quickly picked it up, along with a pack of converters. (The pen listing has links to compatible cartridges/converters.) My pen came in a padded envelope with a velvet pen sleeve. It wasn't until I had it in hand and was adding it to my pen database that I noticed 'The Light of Hope' on the pen, instead of Blue Forest.

[@filippomaraffio4760]

Hi James! Thanks for the nice review and the awesome content you are creating! That pen is certainly a looker, glad to hear that it offers a nice writing experience as well.

[@lanthar]

That pen is gorgeous. I think I'd also like the matte better. I'm new to fountain pens and slowly growing my collection. Nice review and you got me as a sub. Thank you!

[@MultiEbbot]

Looks very nice, love knurling, wish there were more pens with knurling. :)

[@KPMcMillan]

The fountain pen reviews have been a joy to watch. Keep them coming.

[@methamphetamememcmeth3422]

You won the giveaway mate. Check the latest video of JG3.

[@matthewgeorge6443]

Awesome pen. Never heard of Hong Dian before. This is my first time hearing about this pen brand.

[@paolopellegatti5686]

I was never a big fan of metal fountain pens but color plated nibs look very good, better than on an acrylic pen. This pen should have been in the student selection...

[@Tsoti1]

Beautiful pen and ink it looks like it writes nicely

[@paulsumner3899]

Oooooohwwwweeee, that's lush, I have the black forest one...now to have this added to the collection for sure

[@paulsumner3899]

I have the extra fine for the black forest and birch editions and they write perfectly

[@lensolla7777]

Looks very clean! I would ink it with an orangey ink, I enjoy contrasts like that. Thank you for the giveaway!

[@tonymiramontes7263]

Very slick looking pen. Would love to try it out for myself.

[@lucm6476]

I do not go for slim pen usualy, but this pen i realy like. I went with a fude nib and i love it, Thanks for the review.

[@beeferbaron]

Man what great pen! My wife would just love that for her artist edge stuff she does. Thanks for doing this giveaway. If I win It’ll definitely be a beautiful and thankful surprise to her.

[@luismendes7666]

I bought the Black Forest model after watching your review. I really enjoyed the material, the weight and design. It is one of the most beautiful of my simple collection. The excessive friction, or feedback, was the weak point, in my opinion. I would love to have this blue version. Who knows I will lucky this time? Anyway, thanks for your review.

[@mikes10663]

I appreciate that you introduce me to pens I otherwise might not know about. Thank you for another informative review.

[@owenfernandez4189]

The one looks so nice. I love the ink that you used with it in the video!

[@MaxSvyezhentsev]

Very nice looking pen. Kind of reminds me of Cross ATX in terms o design. Next thing I'll do after I finish this comment is I'll go google the ink. It is awesome!

[@GeorgeENorkus]

I'm not really a blue ink user although the combination of the blue Hong Dian and the Birmingham Elect Blue ink may change my mind. They are a natural combination.

[@tonymiller1482]

I have found your reviews to be very helpful in finding fountain pens I'm willing to share with my children, co workers, and friends. I've been collecting long enough to have a favorite brand, but am always looking for a new brand I can enjoy. With October close at hand I will be using fountain pens to do my InkTober submissions. God Bless!

[@timothymay9646]

Great review. I always appreciate the tangents (like about the ink). Love the blue nib.

[@k.manikantantirumulpad4865]

I always like to write using a fountain pen rather than a ball pen. I have used Parker and Hero fountain pens. Sir, this pen is very attractive and I have started to like it more after your review. I wish to own one. 😍 Your reviews are always very informative.

[@AdamDouglass]

Very cool pen. Thanks for the great reviews!

[@READComment1]

Seems like a great pen with visually pleasing and functioning build quality, and the blue is quite stunning! I recently got a Jinhao x450 and was impressed by the quality of the nib - it's quite pleasant and smooth to write with, good flow too! Nice review; I like the diversity of pens showcased on your channel, although it makes me want to buy more pens haha! Would be interested in entering in the giveaway :)

[@msjennwingo]

Beautiful pen and nib. The blue is striking!

[@seanmarshall2559]

I like metal pens that uncap quickly for work and I do like blue, great review as always

[@MrsinTN]

Nice looking pen; appears to be a great size fir carrying with one. Great review as always; and I’m so happy that you do not write the “quick brown fox” deal! 👍🏻

[@inkyrick7830]

Thanks for an enjoyable review, and giveaway opportunity. You're a fan of this brand, and win or lose, I'm looking forward to trying one out!

[@TaciturnRichard]

Hi James ...thanks for your videos. I like that Electron Blue.

[@Cocobird5]

I have this pen, and I like it a lot. Mine is inked up with Iroshizuki Tsuji-Ro, and it's a very good match.

[@JG3Reviews]

That would be a great match. I don't have Iroshizuki Tsuji-Ro, but you have added it to my list.

[@andrewg1083]

Thanks for another review. I also like blue though most of my pens are other colors. This looks like a good candidate!

[@harryraj]

Fell in love with fountain pen at the age of 5, I still carry and use fountain pens. They complete my expression of words.

[@ssnoc]

The color is really nice and I think it might hold up unlike so many other cheaper fountain pens I’ve purchased -

[@yashbagri6264]

Looks like a lovely pen.

[@seanthomas8864]

Thanks for the review James. That blue looks really pretty. Thanks for doing the giveaway.

[@suzanchiacchio-brand4377]

Another one to add to my ever-growing list! Thanks for another great review!

[@ShlomoTenembaum]

Today, being fathers day in NZ the kids got me a nice notebook. This pen could be a nice addition to it.

[@scooder33413]

Never heard of this brand, but would love to try out a more solid bodied pen. My only fountain pens right now are some wish knockoffs that are cracking.