HongDian N8 (Long Knife Nib): An Artist Fountain Pen Review

[@wanyman]

Long knife is one of my favorite nibs. I bought a bunch of them to switch out in other pens. I both write and draw with it. I love the variety of line.

[@stepheninks]

I think I will have to alter my art style a little bit to get more out of this nib. I’m not quite sure how to do it yet. I do think it will be worth it though. I love the weird little wedge shaped lines it makes. Fun do shade and hatch with.

[@jarnMod]

I'm not an artist, but I collect fountain pen. If you use this often, maybe please do another follow up like a month or half a year after this. See if it works and what problem it has.

[@stepheninks]

That’s a good idea. I feel like I have pretty good instinct for what is going to last and what isn’t, and it seems like this one is going to be a solid performer. I have been thinking about doing a series going back to pens I have reviewed and see if my original opinion still holds up. Having reviewed 50+ pens I would certainly have a lot to do.

[@Thorned_Rose]

Hongdian make some really beautiful pens! I love the N7 peacock and N8 White Feather.

[@stepheninks]

I haven’t bought a lot from them, but I plan to do a deeper dive in the coming months!

[@sheilamitchell8904]

Hi Stephen, just watched the Dongdian video, I enjoyed it. Wanted to tell you that my pen is slightly different design, has a metal screw on both the outer ring and the inner ring of the barrel are both metail. I got a HONG DIAN Hongdian 8037 Chinese Classical Fountain Pen, Iridum Fine Gold long blade Nib with Chinese Deer Totem Design, Smooth Writing Pen with Ink Converter and Metal Pen Box Set Black. Enjoying the pen. I am new your page so looking forward to more videos.

[@stepheninks]

Yeah, they have this pen in a couple of different finishes, and a bunch of other pens with really similar names. It’s kind of hard to sort actually. I have been really impressed with Hongdian’s pens so far, and I’ll probably review more pens form them in the future.

[@pmccord9]

This style of nib is offered as individual nibs on Chinese sites. There are subtle variations between long knife and architect and Arabic angles. I've seen them in Lamy style small size as well as #5, #6.

[@stepheninks]

Yeah you can see physical differences between the architect and the long knife up close as well. I think I prefer this to the architect.

[@user-ess01]

Is long knife the same as a Naginata nib, or is this just the impression I've got from the video?

[@stepheninks]

Yeah, I’m pretty sure it’s called that too.

[@arcboy2011]

I think the Long Knife nib and the architect nibs are more for lettering rather than drawing.

[@stepheninks]

This is likely true, but I like reviewing things from the lens of making art, even if that’s not their explicit purpose. Otherwise I would always wonder if I was missing out on something great.

[@arcboy2011]

I am calling this the Canada Pen. Maple leaf love.

[@kjmav10135]

I was thinkin’ a Vermont pen, but I’ll go with Canada, of course!

[@nccastro653]

Please try the rose gold nib as well- you Will love it. Quite bouncy

[@stepheninks]

So, I looked into this, and the only thing I could find was a rose gold plated steel nib for HongDian N8. Is that what you meant? Is it really very different from the stock nib?

[@nccastro653]

@@stepheninks hi, yes! Well. Maybe I was very lucky. But my rose gold steel plated nibs (f and ef) write as well as my gold nibs (lamy, MB, pilot, sheaffer…). And, they match the pen and look quite awesome.

[@nccastro653]

You can just buy nibs and screw them in. Hongdian is an amazing brand in my honest opinion.

[@stepheninks]

@@nccastro653 thanks for the tip! I’ll check them out!

[@lsrkhm]

That nib should fit in the black Forrest max but not the regular black Forrest or pro. I have also switched nibs from the rabbit series Hongdian pens. I really enjoy their pens.

[@stepheninks]

Thanks for the info! I don’t have very many HongDian pens but I assumed there would be at least 1-2 models that fit this nib.

[@adrianmuino3412]

Great video! I agree, the pen is beautiful and the writing has character, something that I like. But for drawing I guess is not so fine, so it is a nib to write not to draw.

[@stepheninks]

I think you’re right. I also think that some of my favorite art involves the artist using something in a way it’s not supposed to be used to make their art. So… I may come back to this. I’ve got a rebellious streak in me. A tiny one, but it’s there nonetheless.

[@ichirofakename]

Quite interesting, thanks.

[@rocknmetalultima]

I bought a cheap pen that has a Naginata nib, its the same thing. Definitely an interesting pen. I'd love if you reviewed a Jinhao with the G Nib. Usually they are on dip pens but its a converted fountain pen! Love to see what you think.

[@stepheninks]

I’ve been thinking about doing that, as I have some G nibs and a pen that fits them from Jinhao. The reason I hesitate is because it would be a somewhat negative review for me. There are some glaring issues with longevity for that pen setup and how that particular nib messes with the flow of ink… which I feel that other reviewers ignore. I always feel like when I make negative reviews it attracts people looking for a fight, and my comment section gets really negative. I love pens, but I don’t like arguing about them. I still might do that video though when I’m feeling brave.

[@rocknmetalultima]

@stepheninks that are very fair. I've personally been looking for an honest video on the pen because I have been debating getting one. I know the nib would need to be replaced often. But I am curious about the flex, ink flow, and overall build. I do art on top of my bed with a small lap desk. I dont want to use dip pens and open ink and have it spill everywhere. So, I've been hoping to find a review of these pens. But I understand not wanting the negativity it brings. But if you do choose to, if you have the dip pens, I'd like to see a comparison section. Keep up the great work!

[@kokopiper]

So is this basically an "architect light" nib?

[@stepheninks]

It has some similar qualities to the architect to be sure. I think it’s got a little more variability to its line than the architect. The Architect is so angular.

[@bobroast7015]

Awsome