Hongdian C2: open nib version of the C1

[Dan Carmell]

This new Hongdian C2 (left, with silver trim) arrived today. It’s the open nib version of the C1 and it’s the same size and identical on the outside. It comes in the same spectrum of colors (I think) as the C1, including the more recent stainless steel version, using silver trim rather than black trim. 
 

The new C2 cap snaps onto the metal ring at the end of the section, while the C1 uses a clutch ring, so the caps aren’t interchangeable. My preference visually and as a tool is the C1, but if you like the pen body and want anything other than an EF nib, this could be for you. (Sorry for the subpar photos.)

[dimpep]

It seems a nice pen! Unfortunately, it seems that the steel version has also a black section like the C1. Does the nib housing is interchangeable with other hongdian #5 pens?

[Dan Carmell]

11 hours ago, dimpep said:

It seems a nice pen! Unfortunately, it seems that the steel version has also a black section like the C1. Does the nib housing is interchangeable with other hongdian #5 pens?

Funny you mention the black sections, because when I was comparing these models, it suddenly struck me how dull and lifeless the black hooded section of the steel C1 was in comparison to the colorful epoxy sections. At least on the C1, the black section isn’t so massive! And it’s possible that since the two black pens have black sections, it is the same glossy epoxy, not the dull plastic of the steel C1’s section. 
 

But about your question, the nib is a standard #5 with the Hongdian Chinese knot engraving in a screw-in nib unit. It did fit in the two Hongdian pens with the same nib unit, a 517D and H3. 

[dimpep]

11 hours ago, Dan Carmell said:

Funny you mention the black sections, because when I was comparing these models, it suddenly struck me how dull and lifeless the black hooded section of the steel C1 was in comparison to the colorful epoxy sections. At least on the C1, the black section isn’t so massive! And it’s possible that since the two black pens have black sections, it is the same glossy epoxy, not the dull plastic of the steel C1’s section. 
 

But about your question, the nib is a standard #5 with the Hongdian Chinese knot engraving in a screw-in nib unit. It did fit in the two Hongdian pens with the same nib unit, a 517D and H3. 

Thank you for the answer! Actually, I have ordered two C2s, one blue and one black. I avoided the steel for the aforementioned reasons. Except from the 517S (exceptional pen from my perspective), no other steel pen has also a steel section. Excluding of course aluminum ones. I am a hongdian fan and I have almost every model