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8 Horses
A model in Baoer's fountain pen lineup. Specs below reflect the typical configuration across Baoer's core range.
Priced squarely in first-pen territory: low enough that trying fountain pens for the first time doesn't feel like a gamble.
Specs
About Baoer
Baoer is a Chinese maker of very low-cost fountain pens sold mainly through online marketplaces. Its catalogue consists largely of metal-bodied pens in shapes closely modelled on well-known Western designs, fitted with plain steel nibs. Pens typically cost only a few dollars each and take standard international cartridges or a converter.
How to fill the Baoer 8 Horses
Fill it two ways: snap in a pre-filled international cartridge for convenience, or use a converter (a small plunger or twist mechanism that installs the same way a cartridge does) to draw ink from any bottle. The converter route opens up the entire world of bottled ink, which is where most of the hobby's color variety lives.
Choosing a nib size
Nib size determines line width, not writing pressure: fountain pens are meant to glide, never press. Extra-fine (EF) suits small, dense handwriting and thin paper; fine (F) is the most broadly recommended default; medium (M) shows more ink character and shading; broad (B) and stub grinds favor bold, expressive strokes and calligraphy-adjacent writing.
Keeping it clean
A quick flush with cool water every time you switch ink colors, plus a full clean every 4 to 6 weeks of regular use, is enough to keep the nib and feed performing well. Inktend's cleaning reminder is tuned to a 21-day baseline and adjusts naturally to how often you actually refill.
Pairing inks with the 8 Horses
Because refills are quick with a cartridge or converter, this is a good pen for rotating through several colors rather than committing to one; sample vials work especially well here.
Frequently asked questions
More from Baoer
Specs reflect the typical configuration across Baoer's core lineup rather than this exact model. Check current listings before buying.