Majohn V1 Review: A Charming Test-Tube Fountain Pen

Introduction

Some pens try to blend in. The Majohn V1 does the opposite. Spotted on AliExpress, this vacuum-filled fountain pen is mostly cap, which gives it a strange test-tube silhouette that is genuinely unlike most of what is on the market. Priced at $35.99 Canadian with shipping included, it arrives in a simple bubble-wrap envelope with a small manual covering Majohn’s various filling systems. After extended writing time, it turns out to be more than a novelty: it is a pleasant, well-tuned writer with a cleverly serviceable design.

Design and First Impressions

Next to a Pilot Metropolitan, the capped V1 is about the same length but noticeably girthier. Uncapped, the story flips: most of the pen is cap, leaving a slim, compact body topped by a metal end that adds just enough weight for balance. The acrylic is impressively polished, crystal clear with no visible seams, and the silver trim extends to the clip. Gold and silver versions are available.

The design quirks are worth knowing upfront. The clip is disappointingly small, more of a roll stopper than a functional pocket clip, though it can be removed and the finial screwed back in without an obvious gap left behind. The cap also does not post, so if you prefer a longer writing instrument, this may not be your pen. The Majohn branding appears on both sides of the turning knob.

Filling System and Maintenance

The vacuum filler works as you would expect: unscrew the rear knob, pull the piston up, submerge the nib in a bottle of ink, and push the piston back in. The resulting vacuum pops the seal and draws ink up to fill the entire barrel, and it does a genuinely good job. Full-barrel capacity means fewer refills and plenty of writing time.

Where Majohn really earns points is serviceability. Even with the vacuum system in place, the section unscrews, which makes cleaning straightforward and lets you apply a little grease to the piston seal when needed. One practical note: because the seal isolates the ink chamber, the feed supply depletes as you write, so occasionally unscrewing the rear section to refill that chamber keeps the flow consistent and slightly wetter.

Writing Performance

Out of the box, the gold-plated number five nib was smooth and did not skip. It leans fine based on how it writes, though no clear marking was visible. Wetness is moderate rather than generous, but the tuning is pleasant and consistent, and unlike some drier Majohn nibs encountered before, this one performs well without fussing.

The nib is fairly round, and while it is not advertised as a flex nib, gentle pressure produces some nice line variation, a fun bonus at this price. Reverse writing runs dry quickly and is not very legible, so that is not this pen’s party trick. Tested with a saturated blue ink, it was a fine, comfortable writer for everyday use.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The main trade-off is size. The cap diameter is considerably larger than the barrel diameter, so once uncapped you are left with a skinnier, smaller pen. If you like larger pens, that mismatch may bother you; if you prefer normal or compact pens, the design actually works in your favor, and the weighted metal end keeps it balanced. The small clip is the other likely sticking point, though removing it is easy.

Buying Advice

At $35 Canadian shipped, the V1 faces cheaper competition, but the combination of a full vacuum fill, screw-off section, clear polished acrylic, and a smooth nib out of the box makes the price reasonable for the quality and writing experience.

If you want an unusual, fun desk pen that writes well and costs little, this is an easy recommendation. If you need a functional pocket clip or prefer to post your cap, look elsewhere.

Conclusion

The Majohn V1 is a cute, off-the-beaten-track fountain pen that backs up its odd looks with solid fundamentals. It is different in a good way, serviceable where it counts, and a genuinely pleasant writer. For around $35 CAD, it is a charming little experiment worth trying.