Hongdian 1851 Fountain Pen - Dark Blue PVD

Looking for a metal fountain pen with real character at a friendly price? The Hongdian 1851 Fountain Pen in Dark Blue PVD pairs a textured, sandblasted aluminium body with colour-matched PVD trim and a choice of four steel nibs, including the Chinese-style long blade.

Key highlights

• Body: aluminium with a sandblasted, bark-like texture
• Colour: deep dark blue
• Trim: matching PVD-plated trim
• Nib: two-tone stainless steel
• Nib options: Fine, Medium, Fude, Fine Long Blade
• Filling: cartridge or converter, converter included
• Cap: snap-on and postable

Part of Hongdian's Forest series

The 1851 is a sibling of Hongdian's 1850 Black Forest. Its surface is sandblasted with a subtle tree-bark texture that gives your fingers something to hold and keeps the pen looking understated rather than shiny. In dark blue it reads almost like a midnight sky: serious enough for the office, interesting enough for a collector.

Light, slim and easy to carry

At about 11mm in diameter with an aluminium body, the 1851 is slim and light in the hand. The snap cap clicks on securely and can be posted on the back if you like a longer pen. A small raised ridge at the end of the grip helps keep your fingers away from the nib.

Four nibs, four personalities

• Fine: a neat everyday line for notes and forms
• Medium: a smoother, slightly bolder line for letters and journaling
• Fude: an upturned nib that writes finer when held upright and broader when lowered, popular for sketching and expressive lettering
• Fine Long Blade: a Chinese 'long knife' style grind whose line width changes with your writing angle and stroke direction

What is a long blade nib?

The long blade (sometimes called 'long knife') grind was inspired by Japanese naginata-style nibs. The tip is shaped with a long, curved writing surface, so you get thin strokes in one direction and wider strokes in another, plus a bolder line when you lower the pen. It adds a calligraphic touch to everyday handwriting without any special technique.

Frequently asked questions

Which cartridges does it take?

It uses standard international cartridges, and a converter is included so you can fill it from any bottled ink.

Is the whole pen PVD coated?

The trim is PVD-plated; the body is coloured, sandblasted aluminium.

Is this a good first fountain pen?

Yes. Choose the Fine or Medium nib for a simple start, or the Fude or Long Blade if you want something more expressive.

Hongdian 1851 Dark Blue: specifications

• Brand: Hongdian (China)
• Model: 1851 fountain pen, Forest series
• Finish: Dark Blue
• Body and cap: aluminium, sandblasted textured finish
• Trim: colour-matched PVD-plated
• Nib: stainless steel, two-tone
• Nib options at Makoba: Fine, Medium, Fude, Fine Long Blade
• Cap: snap-on, postable
• Diameter: about 11mm
• Filling: standard international cartridge or converter
• Converter: included
• Made in: China

Why Makoba is the right place to buy

• Delivered worldwide: We have delivered over 50,000 pens across the globe
• 100% genuine: Only authentic products, backed by the manufacturer's warranty where applicable
• Packed with care: We pack each order with the care a fine writing instrument deserves
• Everything for writing: Pair your pen with fountain pen inks, notebooks and pen stands from Makoba
• Largest pen store: As India's largest pen store, Makoba brings the world's finest writing instruments together in one place
• Brand leader: If you are looking for Hongdian in India, Makoba is the largest seller of the brand
• 90+ brands: A curated line-up of more than 90 international brands
• Trusted by collectors: Join over 50,000 pen collectors in India and across the globe