Another New Guy With Questions

Hey Guys,

Not too long ago, I got my hands on a cheap Pilot Varsity, and it has quickly become my favorite pen to write with; I'm looking to get a bit deeper into the hobby and wanted to get some feedback from people that actually know their shit before I buy anything.

After a bit of looking around, here is where I am at:

  • Pen: At the moment, I'm looking at the Hongdian 1861. I like how this pen looks with its metal construction (I like heavy things), and it is super cheap; the reviews are good, and it comes with a converter, which is nice. From what I can tell, however, it is going to be difficult to swap the Nib for a custom or higher-end one in the future, Which I am not a huge fan of.
  • Ink: This is my primary reason for making this post. I am seeking a high-quality dark red Ink that works well with extra-fine nibs. I'm currently leaning toward Diamine Writer's Blood, but I have no idea what to look for beyond the color, so I would love some advice or recommendations.
  • Other: I should probably get a cleaning kit, and if I were to get a different pen from the Hongdian, I would want to upgrade the Nib to a nicer, extra-fine one. Regarding the cleaning kit, I have no idea what kit to get or if premade kits are even good. Any advice here would be more than helpful.