Fake Pen Summer: Majohn A1 (a Fake Vanishing Point)

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  • Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
  • My dear pen people,
    This is the one I have been waiting for! The Majohn A1 made a huge splash with its debut, mostly because it was a Vanishing Point at a much smaller price point.
    Interestingly enough, it has been brought to my attention that Pilot’s patent on this design has expired. I have seen the documents and can confirm it. See Eugen Borcan’s pinned comment for context (also check out his channel for more good pen videos )
    It’s pretty much the same pen, so I’m told. Slightly heavier if you account for the guilt when you pick it up.
    Found on AliExpress, this pen disappears and reappears so much that there’s little point in me creating a link for it. Good luck if you’re trying to find it. My timing had to be almost perfect to get mine.
    The ink I used in the pen is DeAtramentis fog grey in a sample vial, which I purchased here:
    bit.ly/DeAtDocSmpl
    Thanks! Please subscribe to my channel if you like what you see!
    bit.ly/3iVayOb
    You can also connect to me and find me on other social media platforms through my website:
    www.stepheninks.com
    Contents
    00:00 introduction
    01:26 Parts and features
    04:57 Ink fill
    07:12 Test lines
    13:17 Drawing sample
    16:37 Final thoughts

КОМЕНТАРІ • 91

  • @eugenborcan
    @eugenborcan 2 роки тому +8

    The watercolor sketch was cool as well... if it makes you feel any better... you are 10000 times better than me with watercolor :D.
    You have no reason to be embarrassed by owning it.
    Legally Moonman can copy it since the patent has expired as far as I know. As long you enjoy it and like it, that is all that matters! :)

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +1

      Really? Where did you hear that about the patent? I am really interested in the subject of patents, and I’d love to know more about it. I still think it would be really nice to have an original someday. It might be my next gold nib purchase, the next time I can justify spending the money. I DO think that the VP is worth it for what you get. I don’t know anyone who regrets getting one. Then again, I could say the same for the A1. It’s a pretty popular copy.

    • @eugenborcan
      @eugenborcan 2 роки тому +1

      @@stepheninks I guess I am not allowed to post links - my first comment did not go through.
      I will send you a link on the patent thing via email.
      Not sure if you got a chance to see my Pilot VP vs A1 video (my third one since I started).
      I personally like more the Pilot... especially their steel nib; I won't give them away anytime soon :).

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +2

      @@eugenborcan Thanks for emailing me! It certainly adds layers to this pen, and how I feel about it. I also pinned your comment and updated my video description, so others can see it.

    • @eugenborcan
      @eugenborcan 2 роки тому +2

      @@stepheninks Thanks Stephen - glad it helped! :).
      And thank you so kindly for the shotout! :)

  • @HJKelley47
    @HJKelley47 Рік тому +10

    I was so conflicted I purchased four of them (blue/green/black matte/orange). In my black
    matte one I have a Pilot VP broad nib unit. I absolutely love My A1s. Not all of us can afford
    higher end pens, and the A1 gives me an opportunity to enjoy the capless writing experience
    and still afford to buy food and pay bills.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому +2

      I agree, and I think there’s a lapse in the VP patent that has allowed this pen to exist, so hopefully that eases your conflict.
      What is really like to do is try some of the other retractable pens that have recently come into the market. Most of them are made in China, and the A1 is really the only one modeled directly after the VP design-wise. I just love when people try something creative.

  • @animula6908
    @animula6908 Рік тому +6

    I’ve seen so many people replacing the nib unit with the pilot vp gold nib units that I think this pen will make pilot a small fortune, plus majohn fixed the lack of clipless option for them for those who hated the clip…to me this is a win for everybody. I’m getting myself one for my birthday, and if I like it then I will feel better about getting the real thing for Christmas. When you can’t try a pen out in person and you’re considering over a hundred dollars for a pen, then knockoffs are doing the company a favor by letting you find out if a common complaint about it should scare you off or be ignored. Cheap knockoffs don’t necessarily rob anyone because there are a lot of people like me for whom they are just a gateway to the higher quality original, and without them I’ll never feel secure enough to spend what the original costs. I wish they’d consider that when they are suing each other, too. These companies help create a larger market for fountain pen collecting, which is going to pay dividends for years to come.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому

      You make some good points and a lot of people have said some very similar things.
      I don’t get the logic of replacing the A1 with a vanishing point section. The A1 is like. 40USD, and the Pilot VP nib section is about 80USD? Isn’t that pretty much the price of a VP? I don’t know, I guess you could save a very slow and hard 20 bucks.
      The only thing I can see as a negative of these knockoff pens is that if they are blatant copies, they could damage a pen collector’s image of a certain pen, when it’s only the knockoff that sucks. That doesn’t really apply with the A1 though. It’s a really nice pen.

    • @kata7ful
      @kata7ful Рік тому

      ❤It's true!!! ❤️

  • @deanandreoli1975
    @deanandreoli1975 2 роки тому +6

    Yeaaaaahhh, this one is a heartbreaker. I got the green one, clipless, ready for it to be terrible. And it felt wonderful, never dries out, nib really smooth. But it really is SUCH a blatant copy. However, not everyone will be able to afford a Vanishingpoint. But, everyone deserves a nice drawing experience. We've talked about this subject, you know where I stand. ( willy nilly in the middle? )
    This one pulls be back n forth.
    Great video in the series and incredible artwork, Stephen. I love your stuff.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +2

      I felt the same, and I cannot fault Moonman more than these other pen companies I’m highlighting there, just because they did a better job of copying than the others. To complicate things even more, apparently the patent on the original VP has expired, making this pen fully street legal. Eugen Borcan brought it to my attention and then emailed me the patent document to prove it! Of course, the legalist of copying versus the visceral reaction are two different things. I’m still conflicted… but now for different reasons.

    • @deanandreoli1975
      @deanandreoli1975 2 роки тому +1

      @@stepheninks omg the patent expired? i did not know that. If I was a pen company, as successful as Pilot, I'd keep up on my paperwork.

    • @Rebecca_English
      @Rebecca_English Рік тому +1

      @@deanandreoli1975 Patents and copyright don't last forever. In the US, patents cannot be renewed. Not sure about Japan, though. From what I can tell, the patent expired permanently in the 1980s.

    • @zebratroopfan6695
      @zebratroopfan6695 Рік тому +3

      If the patent has expired I don’t see the issue. People can choose based on quality and price.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому

      @@zebratroopfan6695 I don’t think there is a real issue. Certainly there isn’t a legal issue, but many pen collectors feel weird about it, because the Pilot Vanishing Point is such an iconic design. I don’t regret buying this, but if I’m really honest, I would have loved to see Majohn put their own twist in the design. Give use something a little bit different, you know?

  • @lilit3307
    @lilit3307 2 роки тому +2

    I'm glad you always intend your puns. I just inked a Jinhao shark with document fog gray (grey? Why knows anymore...) And I do very much like the ink. I have seen so many rave reviews of this crime baby lol but I would like to some day get a vp, or a decimo. I wonder if Pilot has ever tried to do something about the A1, or perhaps they don't want to pull a twsbi and look like bullies 😆 but they definitely have a better case in this situation. Or maybe they let them continue because the A1 only draws more people in to want "the real thing" anyway, thanks for showing your watercolor, you're doing great!

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +1

      I believe grey/gray is one of those UK/American spelling things. Don’t ask me which one is American though, because I have no idea. I have a VP in the long-term plans for my future purchases. If it handles like this A1 (as many reviewers are saying) it would be worth it. Especially considering that the true VP has a gold nib. Also, I haven’t heard of any official legal disputes, but the A1 tends to disappear and reappear infrequently from the listings where I bought it… which makes me thing that vendors are having a hard time keeping their listings from being taken down… so maybe Pilot is using more secretive channels to accomplish the same goal. Can’t confirm that, but I can’t say I blame them if they ARE doing that. No one batted half an eyelash when TWSBI named Moonman/Majohn in their infamous letter. Unlike Narwhal, Moonman deserved 100% of that salt. They copy everything.

  • @NJPurling
    @NJPurling 9 місяців тому +1

    There is not an official import of a Capless with stainless steel nib into the UK. You can get grey imports from Japan, where they are referred to as 'special alloy'. The price difference is 9x that of the Majohn A1 I bought.
    A UK market Capless & 14k nib is 17x the price of the Majohn.
    My only gripe about the Majohn would be that we need to be able to get a nib or nib unit in F or M.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  9 місяців тому

      I think an A1 with an M nib would fly off the shelves. Shame that Majohn doesn’t seem to agree.

  • @KGatLC
    @KGatLC Рік тому +4

    Moonman makes quality pens. This won't hurt Pilot any. Might even sell more VPs.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому

      That’s a good point, and one that a lot of people in the comments have been making. Definitely, people in line for a simple steel nib retractable pen would balk at the $150 price tag f the VP, and net really feel the need to invest in a good nib pen. On the other hand, I know quite a few people who have said that they have both, and enjoy them for different reasons, so there’s also that.

  • @mikevandebunt811
    @mikevandebunt811 2 роки тому +5

    The name change is because Kaweco registered the name "Moon Man" in Germany (recently), even though Moon Man has been in business in China since 2016.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +5

      Really? I didn’t know that. How delightfully petty of them.

    • @placidharmonics4221
      @placidharmonics4221 2 роки тому

      @@stepheninks 0000000000000000

    • @Rebecca_English
      @Rebecca_English Рік тому +2

      @@stepheninks evidently Kaweco filed a copyright claim on the Moonman T1, claiming it was the Sport, and lost for lots of reasons. One was that the pen patent had been public domain for years since Kaweco shut down in the 1930s. Oh, and the T1 was nothing like the Sport! The trademark business was retaliation.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому +2

      @@Rebecca_English Yeah, I’ve heard a lot of stories like that since publishing this series. The T1 is totally a different pen from the sport! Disappointing that these legacy brands don’t take the high road with these newer companies.

  • @CarzorStelatis
    @CarzorStelatis Рік тому

    0:31 my understanding is that the Capless mechanism was patented by Pilot when the pen was first released, but the patent has now expired. Hence clones can now be made without legal issues.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому

      Yes, that is true. Something I was not aware of at the time that this video was recorded. I feel a bit better about how much I like this pen now :)

  • @blkmike1818
    @blkmike1818 Рік тому +2

    to be fair the patent ended on the pilot vp so it was only a matter of time before someone made a copy i have both now and its isnt just a copy its an exact replica i can put the moonman nib directly into the vp and it works fine i can see it as a cheap alteranative if you drop your vp and cant afford a replacement nib unit just grab a moonman and steal the nib altho imo the moonman is almost just as good it will probably be my work pen and the vp will sit in my case

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому

      Agreed. I actually just learned about the lapsed patent after posting this video. It seems like a short lifespan… but my only experience with copyright is in TV and film, which is a bit longer. Anyway, I think I’m like you, in that I try not to leave the house with a pen that cost too much to replace if something happens to it. The A1 has spent a lot of time in my work pencil case since the filming of this video.

  • @alexsandra9000
    @alexsandra9000 Рік тому +1

    Although Pilot may have designed the pen and worked with the manufacturer to develop production processes per their specifications, Chinese companies are free to make as many parts as they like. So once they fulfill Pilot's orders they can sell the rest to other companies. So it's very likely the parts of this pen are fabricated and assembled by the same manufacturer.
    Sometimes brands will negotiate with the manufacturer so their competitors must use a different barrel shape, color or nib to protect their brand. In many cases the quality of the secondary product is diminished - which thus reduces the price tag. But if the crucial components are made in the same factory, chances are it will perform the same as the more expensive name brand.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому

      That’s exactly the nuanced aspect of these types of pens that I feel like not enough people are talking about! What’s hiding behind the profit margins of these more established brands? Often times is it the very ‘knock off’ brands that they are trashing. If it truly is the same (though I also do care about fair labor practices/ environmental ‘cost’ of the pens) why should the consumer pay more?
      Based on my understanding, I think that Pilot manufactures most of their pens in Japan, but I can’t be 100% sure, and I know a lot of expensive European/American companies contract out their lower end designs to be made in China, so I can definitely see your point.

  • @ichirofakename
    @ichirofakename 2 роки тому +2

    1. Interesting that you so like this pen, as I would have guessed it was crap. Changes the whole equation.
    2. I think this is the first art I've seen done with a Vanishing Point. I don't understand the upside of the retraction mechanism for drawing.
    3. Dang are those Pilot-shaped empty cartridges with little plugs? Now that I would buy. And that goes double for Sailor.
    4. Ever try introducing color via pen & other ink? My guess is no, since no one does that except me. Maybe I will eventually learn better.

    • @eugenborcan
      @eugenborcan 2 роки тому +3

      They are not bad... quality is hit and miss, mine wasn't that great, but a lot of people got good copies.
      How long it will last... only time will tell.
      VPs are fun to use for drawing, especially on the go. You don't have to worry about the cap and they are quick and... cheerful I would say :).

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому

      1: I can not criticize on any front besides the fact that it’s such a blatant knock-off. I don’t have a real Pilot VP, but some of the people I know who have both say that the A1 is almost identical to the steel nib version of the VP (Pilot Capless, as it is called)
      2: I haven’t really seen anyone else use a VP (or similarly styled copy) for art. I think the advantage for drawing is just about the same for with writing: Quick access. You can start without screwing off and posting a cap. I don’t think it’s that big of an advantage though. For me, I enjoy using this pen because it’s fun to use. I wouldn’t recommend them as a first of, or even first Gold nib… but if you have a few pen in your collection already, and are looking for something unique… It’s definitely fun.
      3:I just checked it, and yes, these cartridges do fit in pilot pens perfectly. As far as I know, there isn’t any way to buy them separately. The converter included is better than ALL of Pilot’s converters as well. Just another example of (sigh) ANOTHER pen company that could be making really cool original stuff if they just tried a LITTLE harder.
      4: I have done that. I actually did it on this channel, back on Christmas of 2020, I believe, for a wrapping paper project I made for my brother in-law’s Christmas present. It isn’t a very popular video, as I didn’t do much with it. Jus t put out some content so I could spend the holidays with my family. I didn’t really like the colors I used on that piece, but one thing I’ve always wanted to try was using a black ink in conjunction with a grey. De Atramentis’ Fog Grey is a little too blue for that, but I think the Urban Grey would be great. That might be my next bottled ink purchase. Maybe I’ll try it for a future video.

    • @ichirofakename
      @ichirofakename 2 роки тому +1

      @@stepheninks If you haven't tried Noodler's Lexington Gray, it's great for drawing. And waterproof.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +1

      @@ichirofakename I’ve heard good things about that one. It seems similar to the De Atramentis Urban Grey. One or the other should do me well.

  • @JanvierSoldat
    @JanvierSoldat 2 роки тому

    This pen looks real nice, especially compared with the Lanbitous you reviewed. Our only concern when it comes to knock-type pens would be accidentally opening it and causing a mess in our pocket/bag/wherever (what more with a fountain pen compared with a gel pen)!

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +1

      I have used this pen by carrying it in my pen case, and throwing it into my work bag, and I haven’t had any leaking issues. Sometimes I’m just lucky, but do with that information what you will!

  • @emmanuelgutierrez6306
    @emmanuelgutierrez6306 6 місяців тому

    Question if you dont use the pen is better to put the cap for the ink because it spills

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  6 місяців тому

      To be honest, this pen hasn’t ever leaked on me, but I know some people have said that theirs has… so I can’t 100% say it’s safe. Best idea is to store it with the nib pointing up and retracted. Personally, I like to use my pens until I use up the ink, rather than filling lots of them up at once. I think it really helps them last longer.

  • @themisterchristie
    @themisterchristie 2 роки тому +3

    The direct copying aside, everything I've seen says this is actually a nice pen. Their copying went so far that the nib unit from the Vanishing Point works perfectly as the mechanism is identical.
    The one bonus that the Majohn offers for those who dislike the clip position, is that they offer the no clip version, as you mentioned, where Pilot only offers their's with the clip.
    The main market for this, in my opinion, is for the people who can't afford the actual Vanishing Point. From other reviews the A1 has decent quality, way better than the Lanbitou copy of the Platinum Curidas.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +1

      These things are all true. I don’t know many people who own both of these pens, and anyone who is in the marked for a VP is probably going to go for the Pilot version, for the name recognition+gold nib. I’d still like to own a VP someday though.
      And totally agree that the Curidas copy is WAAAAAY worse than this. Even though I sort of low-key liked that one too.

    • @Cortesevasive
      @Cortesevasive 2 роки тому +1

      Clipless version has a LamyCC rollstop, Pilot Capless click, and Pilot Capless LS body xD, so technically its unique

  • @avriltbdt
    @avriltbdt 2 роки тому +1

    Now... I have a Vanishing point, I did the "error" to buy a M nib (that jee, is beautiful, it's so smooth, pilot nibs are superb but I write with a much finer line) and I was thinking to buy the moonman to swap the nib, but at this point I think it's not worth just because the nib alone costs 20 euros more than the moonman and it's an 18k nib.
    Anyway, Pilot Capless is just the name of the vanishing point here in europe I think (the box of my VP sais "capless) the steel nibbed vanishing point it's called "special alloy" I believe (and it's quite impossible to find).
    The drawing is beautiful as always, keep up the good work!

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +1

      Yeah, I don’t see the post of the swap. I know that other people on UA-cam have done it… but it isn’t that much money saved in the end. That’s a bummer that you didn’t get the nib you were hoping for. I worry about that happening to me all the time, since I have to buy most of my pens sight unseen via the internet.

  • @henrykg
    @henrykg 9 місяців тому

    If patent expired it is always ok - because this is why patents expire. On the other hand many companies use patents issued not to profit on new design, but to block other companies from their profit. Patents are now to assure shareholdes profit and not to make the clever designer or engineer rich.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  9 місяців тому

      These are good points. To be fair, I didn’t know that the patent had expired when I posted this video. I have filmed another video about this pen with the new updated design where I talk about this a little bit, but I’m not trying to delete my imperfections, so I also left his video up.

  • @ThienKimLam
    @ThienKimLam 2 роки тому +5

    I bought my first VP last year and now I own 2 Pilot VPs and 1 Decimo. Now I want another one. It's a dangerous road! I use all 3 of mine daily. I have 2 Fine nibs and 1 stub and they are all great.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +2

      I hope to own one soon! I know what you’re saying about a dangerous road! I never thought I would one more than one gold nib pen, and now I own 3, looking at the VP to possibly be my 4th.

  • @KendallW
    @KendallW Рік тому +2

    A great pen. Yes, a knock-off but it isn't a forgery. They aren't trying to sell it as a Pilot, but they aren't being shy about it copying the design. A very big difference, and I'm totally okay with it.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому

      That’s fair. I have less qualms about it now that I’ve heard some different perspectives from commenters on this video.
      I still think it would be great to see another design take on the capless pen. Platinum’s Curidas has some issues, for example. But still I find it really interesting, and might pick one up just for the novelty one day.

  • @Shak-MD
    @Shak-MD Рік тому +2

    I own this and several VPs from pilot. I like this pen. As an obvious knock off, it does a very good job. I especially like the EF nib. You can leave it for a month and pick it up and it will write. I have had problem with actual VP pens giving me hard-start, but never with this one. I do not support this level of copying necessarily, but the VP nibs are more expensive than this whole pen, and that to me as a consumer is tempting. Instead of a real VP nib, I will pick this up anytime. Especially that the actual VP nib does not offer that degree of superiority over the moonman....

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому

      I get that. To be fair, in an industry with vastly bloated price points, I don’t actually think that the Pilot VP is overpriced for what you get. But if I did have one, I would probably treat it like I treat my other gold nib pens, and not really take it out very much. I certainly wouldn’t take it to work. I have taken my A1 to work quite a few times though. It’s a good pen.

  • @d2row96
    @d2row96 Рік тому

    Years later and I still have an issue with the clip. Might need to get the clip less version.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому +1

      That’s one thing that makes the A1 unique. I was bothered by my clip at first, but I somehow got used to it, and now I don’t even notice it.

  • @adrianmuino3412
    @adrianmuino3412 2 роки тому +1

    Nice drawing and watercolor!, as usual.
    I don't know why this kind of capless pens are not of my taste, maybe I am afraid of having the ink dry too soon, or spilled in my pocket too soon.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +2

      This pen has been pretty good with not drying out. Also, the clip holds the point up vertically, so it shouldn’t drip in the pocket, but I see what you’re saying about the form factor. I used to think this pen was sooooo ugly, until I owned one, and then… I don’t know, I just found it charming. The same thing happened with my Lamy Safari. I guess my tastes have changed a bit in the last few years.

    • @pwong1434
      @pwong1434 Рік тому

      @@stepheninks Until you experienced the pen personally, all the comments from reading others are just their opinions. I'm glad that you find your writing experience convinced that the pen is worth for your expense. Cheers.

  • @cerealnana
    @cerealnana 2 роки тому +1

    I have a pilot capless and one of these. I hate to say it, but I like this one better! My capless was supposed to be a fine nib and feels extra fine and my mahjohn feels medium fine. I'm a terrible person, I know!

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +1

      No need to beat yourself up! Apparently, the Vanishing Point is past its patent, so its design is fair game! Best functioning pen wins it, I say!

    • @Cortesevasive
      @Cortesevasive 2 роки тому

      @@stepheninks yeah especially as Pilot is very conservative in its design. 823 has only 3colours in Europe thats more like 2colours. Also if the moonman converter is compatible to Pilot, Moonman could create better converters, or just some pen parts where you could use only Moonman barrel which would have a piston or vacfill and that would essencialy transform any pilot pen into vac/piston :D

  • @stereodreamer23
    @stereodreamer23 9 місяців тому

    The design patent on the VP ran out several years ago. It's not "IP Theft" if the patent has expired...

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  9 місяців тому

      To be perfectly honest, I did not know that when this video was published, and many people have let me know. That does change things, but as someone who creates things, I think the term “IP theft,” which is not a legal term, as far as I know, can and should apply to more than just copyright infringement (which, as you have stated, this pen is not guilty of).
      To put it simply, I would have loved to see Majohn put an interesting twist on this pen, rather than putting out a part for part copy of the VP. That being said, I do really like this pen, and I have put out a second video about one of their new designs where I talk about the patent expiring.

  • @eduardobautista4401
    @eduardobautista4401 2 роки тому +1

    I bought a unit of this pen, and, I would like to ask you if you have any problem with the pen?, after a cople of weeks, your pen is leaking or something like that? When my pen arrives I´ll leave comments about it, Regards From Mexico City

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому

      By leaking, do you mean ink dripping out of the pen? Because in that case, the answer is no. The pen has not caused any problems like that. If you mean that ink shows up on the front of the nib, without really dripping, then yeah, I do have that. It’s called “nib creep,” and its actually pretty common with fine/extra fine pens. My Sailor Pro Gear (which cost about 5x the price of the Majohn A1) has the exact same issue. It looks kind of worrisome, but it’s not that big of a deal beyond the look. Likely a nib with nib creep will not develop a leak, or even drip into other parts of the pen. If I have nib creep on a new pen, I usually just ignore it. No matter how many times you wipe it off, it just comes back, and it doesn’t really hurt the pen at all.

  • @BetaCuckAlpha
    @BetaCuckAlpha Рік тому +1

    Since you already own the pen, you shouldn't get rid of it even if you get a Vanishing Point. If it's for moral reasons, the money has already gone where the money will go. Having and enjoying the object after the transaction does not affect Majohn in any way.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому

      That is true. If I really had a problem with the pen, I would not have bought it. Anyway, I often do pen giveaways on this channel, so the “get rid of it” comment was more a plan to give it away to someone in the future. I never feel the need to own more than one of anything (except the two PenBBs 456s that I own), so if I do buy the Pilot, my A1’s days in my collection will be numbered (unless I like the A1 better).

  • @r.vincenta.9678
    @r.vincenta.9678 Рік тому

    I believe it's no longer IP theft. LOL. The Pilot VP patents expired long ago and the design is in public domain if I'm not mistaken.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому +1

      Yes, I have learned this since publishing this video. Who knew patents had such a short shelf life? It does still feel strange though? I don’t know how to explain it… I would love it if they had done something slightly different with the design, so I could love it wholeheartedly.

    • @r.vincenta.9678
      @r.vincenta.9678 Рік тому

      @@stepheninks well you know what they say... If it ain't broken, then don't fix it :)

  • @stiab3
    @stiab3 3 місяці тому

    Pen brands have been copying each other for decades. Take the Pilot Elite pocket pen (from the 60s), Sailor and Platinum have near identical pens. The Lamy 27 and the Parker 51 are very very similar. But when a Chinese company copies something, it's 'fake' when they aren't even trying to pass it off as the original.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  3 місяці тому +1

      That’s a fair criticism. For what it’s worth, the title of this series is meant to be hyperbolic, especially because I put it out around the time that TWSBI was making some very bold claims about Moonman/Majohn stealing “their” idea for a piston filling pen (which was originally patented by Pelikan, I believe) It’s all a bit of silliness. As far as this video itself, I do think I was too hard on this little Pilot clone. Majohn have really done a lot more with it since, and have some very unique designs. I did a revisit of this Pen about a year after, and was much more positive about it. One of the key points that I got wrong in this video was that Pilot’s patent of the Vanishing Point had actually expired, meaning that this pen is not a “crime” as I call it in the video. Many viewers set me straight on that.
      Also, for what it’s worth, this video isn’t meant to be a dig on China. I review a lot of pens from China on this channel, and some of my favorite pens are Chinese. I do understand why it would be interpreted that way, and I apologize if I came off an elitist in this video. It’s meant to be silly.

  • @unknowncrash1
    @unknowncrash1 2 роки тому +2

    The only issues I have with the A1 that I have, is that the nib unit when unscrewed after some using/clicks will have a blotch of ink on the inside making it messy imo. I think it might be either their nib units or their pen bodies that are not that well manufactured.
    Other than that, the A1 is great. Still, I won't get another unlike other pens I have. The ink flaw is something I a quite mental about (I can accept some visible flaws but this one causes ink to be smeared on the inside of the pen)
    Oh well
    The finishing on the pen is AMAZING tho. I'll give them that. I really would like to see similar pen that uses the same material

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  2 роки тому +1

      I noticed the nib creep, like you mentioned, but I have not yet had the experience of it getting on the inside. Maybe after I’ve used it for longer. Nib creep on its own never really bothered me. I am also a fellow lover of a good matte finish. Karas Pen Co. makes a line of “Cerakote” pens that, in my opinion, are very similar to the finish of this Majohn A1. As far as I know, the XL Starliner is the fountain pen model that uses this coating. I have one, and I love it! 100% original design, made in the US of A. Check them out if you love this finish! I did a video on my Starliner back in January.

    • @unknowncrash1
      @unknowncrash1 2 роки тому

      @@stepheninks try a few rapid clicks, the ink should deposit there very quickly.
      I forgot to mention I got the white clipless one it's very very beautiful and the metal rings around it is just way way different than the clip A1s, so maybe Ceracoat isnt the exact finishing? Still, good video nonetheless :)

  • @antibodyjeans
    @antibodyjeans Рік тому +1

    But hasn’t the Vanishing Point patent expired?

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому +1

      Yes, it has. This is something I learned from people who commented on this video after I made it. In fact, this pen is not a crime. In principle, it still kind of feels like one to me. I really like this pen, but I wish Majohn had done something to give it their own personal touch. Would really love to see more takes on this “capless pen” idea from other designers.

    • @antibodyjeans
      @antibodyjeans Рік тому +1

      @@stepheninks Totally agree. Majohn knows its way around pens (they make PenBBS' pens for them), and they could have definitely made it better. Then it would not be a moral but legal ripoff but a homage.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому

      @@antibodyjeans this is true. To be fair, it IS well made. I just wish there was a reason to own both this and the Vanishing point. Just 1 or 2 little tweaks. But I guess seeing how well this pen has sold, my opinion isn’t going to change Majohn’s bottom line. One could also argue that it would be nice if Pilot made more interesting pens at the 40USD mark, so nobody’s perfect.

  • @MrIrrationalSmith
    @MrIrrationalSmith Рік тому

    I have zero qualms with buying a Majohn A1 - there's really nothing stopping other companies from making capless FPs. The only others I'm aware of are the Platinum Curidas ($100 USD and polarizing design), the Vanishing Point ($170), and the LAMY Dialog 3 ($320). The A1 is only $40, and there's nothing stopping other companies from making capless FPs for around that price range. I don't know if I'll ever be into the hobby enough to spend $100 on a pen.

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  Рік тому

      I think there are a lot of people who feel the same about this pen, and to be fair, the design is now out of patent, so no real crimes have been committed here.
      Also, I kind of think that even the Vanishing Point is a bit polarizing in the fp community. I know lots of people who hate it. I also definitely agree with you that there should be some options in the sub-50USD market. A lot of the “classic” brands ignore that price range, I think that’s where all the cool new ideas are coming from. Hope there will be more to talk about in capless designs in the future :)

  • @SeanFlaherty
    @SeanFlaherty 5 місяців тому

    i'm sure the patents have expired

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  5 місяців тому

      They have. Still would rather have seen a more unique take on the formula. Regardless, it is a well-made pen.

  • @nvbelozerov
    @nvbelozerov 5 місяців тому

    Разница в цене в 4 раза! 15$ vs 80-100$

    • @stepheninks
      @stepheninks  5 місяців тому

      I hear what you’re saying, and I can’t argue with it. I do wonder if the Pilot version has something additional to offer. I’d like to get one someday to try it out. In the meantime, this is a great pen.