Retractable “click” fountain pens are unbeatable for fast lecture notes, hospital rounds, and office meetings—no cap to unscrew, post, or lose. While the 18K gold Pilot Vanishing Point ($175–195) invented the modern category, you can get 90% of the one-handed convenience for under $26 with the lightweight Majohn A2 ($20–26) or the brass-bodied Majohn A1 ($35–37).
Quick Verdict: Majohn A2 vs Majohn A1 vs Pilot Vanishing Point
Top Picks Compared
Majohn A2 Faceted Retractable (Extra Fine)
Majohn A2 Faceted Retractable Fountain Pen Extra Fine · Typical: $20-26
Best if: Featherlight ~20g faceted resin body eliminates the hand fatigue and slippery grip of heavy metal click pens—and costs $12 less than the A1.
Setup note: Includes converter and empty refillable cartridge, but no ink—add bottled ink or Pilot cartridges below.
Majohn A1 Brass Retractable Fountain Pen
Majohn A1 Retractable Fountain Pen · Typical: $35-37
Best if: Solid ~30g lacquered brass construction that mirrors the weight and balance of the original Pilot Vanishing Point, plus an optional clipless body.
Setup note: Ships dry without ink; heavier 30g body can tire small hands during multi-page lectures.
Pilot Vanishing Point Matte Black (18K Gold)
Pilot Vanishing Point Matte Black Fine (60580) · Typical: $175-195
Best if: The original Japanese icon with a bouncy 18K solid gold nib, tighter internal trapdoor seal, and heirloom precision.
Setup note: Costs 7x more than the Majohn A2—try the A2 first to make sure the clip position fits your grip.
Required Starter Ink: Waterman Serenity Blue (50ml Bottled Ink)
Neither the Majohn A1 nor the Majohn A2 includes ink in the box. Pair your pen with Waterman Serenity Blue (or Pilot Namiki Cartridges, which fit Majohn directly!) to write on day one.
Secret Compatibility Tip: Majohn A1 and A2 accept standard Pilot Namiki ink cartridges ($8 for a 12-pack) as well as their included converter!
Side-by-Side Comparison: Majohn A2 vs Majohn A1 vs Pilot Vanishing Point
| Feature | Majohn A2 ($20–26) | Majohn A1 ($35–37) | Pilot Vanishing Point ($175+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical US Price | $20–26 | $35–37 | $175–195 |
| Barrel Material & Weight | Faceted ABS resin with metal trim (~20 g — featherlight) | Lacquered solid brass (~30 g — substantial metal heft) | Lacquered brass (~30 g; slimmer Decimo is ~21 g aluminum) |
| Grip Comfort | Faceted plastic grip (non-slippery, light for long lecture notes) | Smooth painted brass (available with or without pocket clip) | Smooth metal nose cone with integrated pocket clip |
| Nib Type | Stainless steel Extra Fine (~0.4 mm) | Stainless steel Extra Fine (~0.4 mm) | 18K Solid Gold (EF, F, M, B, Stub) |
| Refill Accessories Included | Converter + refillable cartridge with stopper + eyedropper pipette | Converter + refillable cartridge with stopper + eyedropper pipette | Pilot CON-40 converter + 1 Pilot ink cartridge + metal cartridge cap |
1. Why the Majohn A2 Overtakes the A1 for Most Writers
When the Majohn A1 launched, it became a viral sensation for cloning the modern Pilot Vanishing Point body in solid brass. However, after months of daily use, two common complaints emerged on Reddit:
- At 30+ grams, the brass barrel feels heavy during long note-taking sessions.
- Sweaty fingers can slide slowly down the smooth metal nose cone.
The Majohn A2 ($20–26) solves both problems in one stroke. Inspired by Pilot’s coveted vintage 1960s faceted Capless pens, the A2 uses a 12-sided faceted ABS resin barrel that drops the total weight to just ~20 grams and gives your fingertips subtle, non-slip facets to hold onto—while costing $10 to $15 less than the A1.
2. When the Majohn A1 Still Wins: Brass Heft & Clipless Option
There are still two reasons to pick the Majohn A1 ($35–37) (or the ultra-budget Jinhao 10 ($18–22)) over the A2:
- You love substantial metal pens: If plastic pens feel "too light" to you, the A1’s painted brass body has the exact solid, luxury density of the $185 Pilot Vanishing Point.
- You hate the clip between your fingers: Because retractable pens put the pocket clip right on the grip section, some writers find the clip gets in the way. The Majohn A1 is sold in a Clipless version (with a tiny anti-roll bump instead of a clip)—an option that neither the Majohn A2 nor the Pilot Vanishing Point offers.
3. Nib & Cartridge Compatibility: The Best-Kept Secret
Both the Majohn A1 and A2 come with a crisp ~0.4 mm Extra Fine steel nib that works wonderfully on cheap office copy paper and spiral notebooks without bleeding through.
Even better, Majohn engineered the internal nib unit to the exact specifications of Pilot’s Capless system. That means:
- You can pop in a Pilot Namiki Blue Ink Cartridge ($8 for 12) for mess-free travel refills that hold nearly twice as much ink as the small converter.
- If you ever want an 18K gold nib later, a genuine Pilot Vanishing Point nib unit drops straight into your Majohn A1 or A2 barrel.
Majohn A2 Faceted Click Pen
$20–26 · ~20g Faceted Resin
Lighter, grippier, and more affordable than the A1. Includes converter + refillable cartridge kit (ink sold separately).
Majohn A1 Brass Click Pen
$35–37 · ~30g Solid Brass
Substantial brass build with optional clipless grip section. Includes converter + refillable cartridge kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Majohn A1 or the Majohn A2?
For most students and everyday note-takers, buy the Majohn A2 ($20–26). At ~20 grams with a faceted resin barrel, it solves the two biggest complaints about the brass Majohn A1 (~30 grams): hand fatigue during long writing sessions and fingers slipping down the smooth metal grip. Choose the Majohn A1 ($35–37) if you specifically love heavy brass pens or want the "clipless" body option.
Are Majohn A1, Majohn A2, and Pilot Vanishing Point nib units interchangeable?
Yes! Both the Majohn A1 and Majohn A2 use the exact same internal nib-unit dimensions and Pilot-compatible cartridge/converter port as the Pilot Vanishing Point and Pilot Decimo. In fact, many enthusiasts buy a $22 Majohn A2 body and drop a genuine Pilot 18K gold nib unit into it.
Do the Majohn A1 and A2 come with ink in the box?
No. Both ship with a twist converter, an empty refillable cartridge with a rubber travel stopper, and a plastic pipette, but zero ink. Add a bottle of Waterman Serenity Blue ($8–12) or a 12-pack of Pilot Namiki Blue Cartridges ($8), which fit the Majohn A1 and A2 directly.
How does the $19 Jinhao 10 compare to the Majohn A1 and A2?
The Jinhao 10 ($18–22) is a close competitor to the brass Majohn A1 at a lower price, but the Majohn A2 remains unique because of its lightweight 20g faceted resin body and generally tighter trapdoor sealing against dry starts.