HongDian D5X Review: A Detail-Rich Fountain Pen That Writes Better Than Its Price Suggests

Introduction

The HongDian D5X is an all-metal fountain pen built around a theme: it commemorates the Qin dynasty, and nearly every component carries engraved detail tied to that era. It is also a pen that regularly lands between about 55 and 64 Canadian dollars on Amazon depending on finish and nib choice, which makes the level of craftsmanship here genuinely interesting bang for your buck.

This pen has been available in a red finish previously, and newer finishes include a rich purple, a beautiful turquoise, and one other option. The purple paired with gunmetal grey trim is the variant that stands out most in this iteration.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The cardboard sleeve is a little stubborn to open, but inside sits a genuinely neat metal presentation case. It is simple, but it feels cool and considered. The pen nestles in a small foam sleeve, and that is essentially the full package.

Compared side by side with a Pilot Metropolitan, the D5X runs a bit longer and is certainly a bit girthier. It is all metal, so it carries more heft, but not enough to make it tiring to write with. When posted, the pen becomes really big and gets slightly top-heavy, though posting is not necessary because the unposted size is already comfortable.

Design and Engraved Details

The theme is carried across the whole pen in an organic, natural way rather than feeling bolted on. On the barrel there is an ancient armor pattern. The clip depicts a crossbow, and it works very well even if it is not quite spring-loaded. The cap finial carries a symbol for currency introduced in the Qin dynasty, and the cap band shows mountains along with the Great Wall.

Near the clip you can find a black dragon and a Zhen bird, and the end cap repeats the currency symbol. The center band carries a symbol tied to the writing style introduced in the era. From a distance none of it shouts; only up close do these details reveal themselves, and that restraint is part of what makes the pen special.

For a pen priced under 70 Canadian dollars, this eye for detail is genuinely impressive. If you enjoy Chinese history, it is a particularly cool pen to add to a collection.

Nib and Filling

The steel nib is black coated, marked with “Since 1997”, HongDian, the number 35, and an M for medium, along with some nice scrollwork. HongDian describes the nibs as hand polished, and extra fine and fine options are available alongside the medium steel nib. The pen feeds via cartridge or converter, and a converter is included in the box.

One practical note: no cartridges and no ink are included, so you must supply your own. That is worth remembering if this pen is a gift for a new fountain pen user. There is also a small O-ring on the threads, a nice touch on an all-metal pen, since metal-on-metal threads can otherwise work loose; the O-ring keeps everything in place.

Writing Performance

The medium steel nib writes very well. It is smooth, wet, and clearly well tuned, with a truly round grinding and no scratchiness. With any black coated nib there is a bit of feedback because the tipping is covered by that coating. Over time the coating tends to wear and the nib gets smoother, and you can polish it yourself with very fine micro mesh around 20,000 grit if you prefer. It is a specific type of feedback rather than a flaw.

The nib is not marketed as a flex nib, so do not apply pressure expecting line variation, though a slight amount can be coaxed out at your own risk. Reverse writing is not really viable; the nib dries out very quickly when inverted. If you want a finer line, the fine and extra fine options are worth a look instead.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The strengths are easy to list: exceptional engraved detail done tastefully, a solid all-metal build that feels substantial without being heavy or tiring, fair pricing for what you get, and, most importantly, a genuinely pleasant writer with both the fine and medium nibs being very well tuned.

On the consideration side, the nib shows feedback from its black coating, there is no ink or cartridge included in the box, and the pen is quite large when posted. None of these are dealbreakers, but each is worth knowing before you buy.

Buying Advice

At roughly 55 to 64 Canadian dollars depending on finish and nib, the D5X feels like a solid price for a solid pen. Choose the medium if you like broader lines and a wetter flow, or the fine and extra fine if you write smaller. If you like history-themed design that does not sacrifice everyday usability, this is an easy recommendation.

Conclusion

The HongDian D5X manages to combine thematic engraving, sturdy metal construction, and well-tuned nib performance at a price where that combination is rare. It is a pleasant, solidly built writer with details that reward a closer look.