Inktend / Pen library / Black Forest 1860 Max
Black Forest 1860 Max
A model in Hongdian's fountain pen lineup. Specs below reflect the typical configuration across Hongdian'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 Hongdian
Hongdian is the pen brand of Zhejiang Lishui Lantian Pen Co., Ltd., a manufacturer registered in Lishui, Zhejiang in October 1997. The brand became widely known outside China during the 2010s through budget models such as the 1850 Black Forest, 517 and 6013, most of which use machined metal bodies with textured or nature-inspired finishes. Pens sit firmly in the entry-level price bracket and are usually sold with a converter and a metal gift tin.
How to fill the Hongdian Black Forest 1860 Max
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 — and a full clean every 4–6 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 Black Forest 1860 Max
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 Hongdian
Specs reflect the typical configuration across Hongdian's core lineup rather than this exact model — check current listings before buying.