A couple of weeks ago I reviewed my first retractable fountain pen, the Majohn A2. I loved it so much I immediately bought the Majohn A1, and was excited to try it out. 

Like the Majohn A2, the A1 is a retractable fountain pen that clearly takes a lot of inspiration from the Pilot Vanishing Point. The difference is that the A1 is a little bigger and heftier, thanks to the metal body. Whilst the A1 is likely comparable with the Pilot Vanishing Point, I believe the A2 is more similar in size to the Pilot Decimo.

One thing I liked less about the Majohn A1 than the A2 was the more limited colour variations available. There were only a handful of muted colours to choose from, and I found that in most places they only had the matte black version in stock, anyway. I did like that there was a clipless version available though, although having liked the clip placement on the A2, I chose the one with the clip. 

Upon receiving the pen I was really pleased, because for the price (£15 – £2 more than I paid for the A2), this is a nice-looking pen, and definitely looks and feels like it should cost a lot more. Although, that could partly be because it’s a clone of a much more expensive pen, I’d still say the overall quality is good. It feels a lot more substantial than the A2 in both size and weight, but it’s still fairly light, and is comfortable in the hand (so long as you don’t mind that controversial clip placement!). And despite my complaining about the lack of colour options, I actually really like the sleek simplicity of the matte black metal.

I filled it with Diamine Lavender, since I figured the neutral colour would go with any ink. I hit the same snag as with the A2 though, in that it was tricky to get the ink flowing, but once I did, it was great. It is just as smooth of a writer as the A2 and has so far proven to be just as reliable. 

Personally, I find the extra weight of the A1 more comfortable in hand, even though I prefer the fun colours of the Majohn A2, and particularly the bright yellow one that I got. But overall I really like both pens, and I’m glad to have them in my collection. 

Although as with the Majohn A2, the Majohn A1 doesn’t live in my fountain pen case, but in my everyday pencil case, since it’s so quick and easy to use and take quick notes with. 

I’ve seen that there is also a Majohn A3, which looks like an even bigger version of the Majohn retractable fountain pens, but I don’t think I’ll be buying one, as much as I’ve enjoyed the A1 and A2. The A1 is plenty big enough for me, and the tactical tool look of the A3 just doesn’t appeal to me!

So do you own the Majohn A1 or A2? Which do you prefer? What’s your thoughts on retractable fountain pens in general?