Fountain Pen: Majohn A1

VISUAL

The Majohn A1 is a retractable fountain pen that is modeled after the Pilot Vanishing Point. This particular model is a pleasant dark green with silver accents. The pen unscrews at the bottom third of its body, and at this spot is a slightly indented striated metal band.

As an alternative to a clip positioned on the grip, this model features a small but effective roll stop on the barrel. I really like this addition!

TACTILE

The Majohn A1 is a metal body pen with a lacquered finish. It is decently weighted and I love how it feels in hand. There is a smoothed, ever so slight step up from the silvered nib-end of the pen and the beginning of the body lacquer. It is not unpleasant, and I find it actually useful for using as a tactile mark for the best place to rest my fingers.

PRACTICAL

I had experience with Pilot Vanishing Point pens prior to getting the A1, so I already knew how pens of this style write and feel in the hand. I was concerned that a budget version would have troubles with the ink drying out, but it works and works well! I have had this pen inked for weeks at a time before and it doesn't disappoint.

The retractable mechanism is smooth and has great feedback. It has a firm but not too strong resistance to being pressed, and then engages and disengages with a satisfying click.

It can be a challenge to tell how much ink is left in the pen. The nib assembly is also similar to the Vanishing Point, and the same criticisms apply. There is only the smallest glimpse of the converter visible through the assembly. It can be easier to tell if you switch to using a cartridge instead. If you prefer to use converters, just be prepared for the potential mess of having to remove the converter to check ink levels.

---

STATISTICAL

Pen Measurements:

Weight: 34.08g

Length Retracted: 140mm

Length Protracted: 137mm

Nib: 3.5mm 'Extra Fine' Steel

Body Style: Torpedo

Fill Method: Converter

Fill Volume: 0.4ml

Comparison Pens: Pilot Metropolitan, LAMY Safari

My Fountain Pen Database

---

OVERALL

Pros:

• Easy-to-use reliable retractable fountain pen

• Lovely color

• Feels like a quality pen at a fraction of the price

Cons:

• Hard to check ink level

• Enclosed nib unit may be harder to clean

  
  

I know that there is controversy surrounding intellectual theft and the line between inspiration and copying. I think the Majohn A1 comes incredibly close to a copy rather than a re-imagining. However, I would also say that it took me quite a long time to take a chance on purchasing a Vanishing Point as I was not sure that I would like it. I had even though at that time that I would have loved to have a steel nibbed cheaper alternative to try out first, since it's not feasible for me to drive for hours to go to a pen store and try in person. I still see the value in 'upgrading' to a gold-nibbed Vanishing Point, but it's so nice to have the option of a budget steel nib retractable pen.

DISCLAIMER: Pens and inks purchased by myself. Photos and opinions are my own.