Discover the Hongdian M2: A Pocket Pen Review

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist

Pocket fountain pens are a dangerous rabbit hole. You start with “I just want something small for my pocket,” and suddenly you’re comparing faceted caps and arguing with strangers on the internet about converters. You also end up collecting so many in different colors like I did with Wancai Minis, Kaweco Sports, and now the current star of this article which is the Hongdian M2. The Hongdian M2 is one of those pens that quietly sneaks into this rabbit hole and makes you reconsider what you thought you liked.

Size and Build: Small, But Not a Toy

The Hongdian M2 is a true pocket pen, almost the same size as a Kaweco Sport. It disappears into a pocket, pencil case, or ID lace, which makes it an excellent “always with you” pen. The screw cap is reassuringly secure—no accidental uncapping incidents that turn your pocket into a modern art installation.

Unlike many pocket pens, the M2 is made of aluminum, giving it a surprisingly satisfying weight. It feels like a real pen, not a novelty object that escaped from a dollhouse. The weight is nicely balanced, and the pen doesn’t feel fatiguing despite its compact size.

The finial deserves a special mention. It’s supposed to be a yin-yang motif, but at certain angles, it looks suspiciously like a tiny cat farting (haha!). I choose to believe Hongdian knew exactly what they were doing.

Color options are currently limited to metallic green, brown, purple, and grey. They’re classy, but if you like your pens in neon pink, transparent purple, or sparkly, Kaweco still has you covered.

Nib: The Unexpected Star

The extra-fine nib is where the Hongdian M2 quietly flexes. Instead of the glassy smoothness you might expect, it has pencil-like feedback—that gentle tactile resistance that makes writing feel deliberate and controlled. This is something I usually associate with Sailor nibs, not budget-friendly pocket pens, so this was a very pleasant surprise.

Even better, the nib unit is screwable, which makes cleaning easy. You can confidently use shimmer inks without feeling like you’re performing risky pen surgery every time you flush it. For a pocket pen, that’s a rare and welcome feature.

Filling System and Inclusions: Surprisingly Generous

The M2 comes with a converter, which is already a win. It also arrives with a box and ink, making it feel like a complete package rather than a “buy all the accessories separately” experience. If you’re gifting a fountain pen to someone or just starting out, this is a very friendly bundle.

Hongdian M2 vs Kaweco Sport: A Pocket Pen Duel

The inevitable comparison is with the Kaweco Sport, the long-reigning pocket pen champion.

Kaweco Sport advantages:

• Made of high-quality plastic, so it’s noticeably lighter
• The faceted cap prevents rolling and helps with grip
• Available in a ridiculous number of colors and special editions
• More ergonomic for long writing sessions

Hongdian M2 advantages:

• Metal body with a satisfying weight
• Excellent extra-fine nib with characterful feedback
• Screw-in nib unit (cleaning and shimmer inks are easy)
• Comes with a converter, box, and ink
• Screw cap feels more secure for pocket carry

Ergonomics: Function vs Feel

In terms of ergonomics, I still prefer the Kaweco Sport. The faceted design helps it stay put on the desk and in the hand, while the M2’s rounded barrel can be a bit slippery, especially during long writing sessions.

That said, the M2’s weight and nib feel are addictive. It feels more substantial, more deliberate—like the pen equivalent of switching from a mechanical keyboard to a typewriter and suddenly feeling every keystroke.

Final Verdict

The Hongdian M2 is a charming little pen with a lot going for it. While the Kaweco Sport still wins on ergonomics and color variety, the M2 stands out with its metal construction, excellent nib, and thoughtful inclusions.

If you want a pocket pen that feels premium, writes with character, and doesn’t require a shopping list of accessories, the Hongdian M2 is absolutely worth considering. And if you happen to see a cat in the finial, you are not alone.