Moonman (Majohn) V60 Fountain Pen Review: A Clear Triangular Classic

Introduction

The Moonman (Majohn) V60 is a clear acrylic, piston-filled fountain pen with a triangular barrel and a 1.1 mm stub nib. It is essentially a reproduction of a classic triangular pen design, carried right down to the Greek key pattern on the center band and the ski slope clip. For anyone curious about triangular pens without paying collector prices, it makes a compelling entry point.

This version came out in crystal-clear acrylic after earlier deep dark blue and other finishes, and the clear body gives the triangular profile a new kind of visual appeal. Combined with a 1.1 mm stub nib, a nib size that remains uncommon among many Chinese pens, which typically lean toward fine and extra fine points, it stands out as something a bit different.

Design and Build

Set next to a Pilot Metropolitan, the V60 is a little longer, with most of that extra length living in the cap. The acrylic polishing is genuinely impressive: the body is crystal clear with no hazing, and the triangular shape is clearly visible from every angle. At the top of the cap, a silver-toned conical metal detail sits inside the clear acrylic, and the famous ski slope clip matches the original design it echoes.

The cap features a translucent inner cap in a darker, slightly smoky grey. That darker tint appears to serve a practical purpose, filtering light to reduce condensation and ink evaporation inside the cap. In practice it works well: there is minimal condensation and very little ink residue after extended use.

The Greek key center band is more than decoration. Because of the stress the triangular cap shape can put on the pen, the center band plays a structural role. The barrel holds a fairly generous ink reservoir, and the piston assembly looks like plastic running in some sort of metal threaded housing. Brass would arguably be more reassuring for long-term reliability, but the mechanism has shown no issues so far.

One care note: posting the cap is best avoided. The triangular shape puts extra stress on the cap, and the original pens it draws from were known to suffer for it. The grip size itself is comfortable, and there is real hope the maker eventually releases a larger Magnum version of the design.

The Triangular Section

The triangular section is the defining feature of this pen, and for many writers it will be the deciding factor. The sides are slightly rounded, which softens what might sound like an uncomfortable grip shape. In practice, it is remarkably comfortable and guides the fingers into a consistent position naturally.

Like other distinctive grip designs, it is the kind of feature that either works for you or does not. If you already enjoy pens with shaped sections, the V60 will likely feel instantly familiar. If you rotate your hand inward as you write and tend to prefer oblique nibs, the ridges of the triangle can press into your fingers, and a standard round nib may be a safer choice on this pen.

The Translucent Inner Cap

The smoky grey translucent inner cap deserves its own mention. It blocks a portion of the light reaching the ink, which helps limit condensation and evaporation inside the cap. After days of not using the pen, it still starts up straight away with no drying issues, which suggests the design is doing its job.

Writing Performance

The number six steel nib is marked with the Moonman name and comes in extra fine, fine, medium, and 1.1 mm stub options. The 1.1 mm stub tested here is a lovely writer: nicely rounded in shape, well aligned, and consistently wet on the page. It is more accurately described as a stub rather than a crisp full italic, but it is a lot of fun to use.

Line variation is naturally present, with broad downstrokes and narrow cross strokes. The nib is stiff, so there is essentially no flex-based variation, and reverse writing is typically unsuccessful with an italic nib, which holds true here.

Here is the catch: an italic nib needs to be held at a specific orientation to the paper to deliver maximum line variation. The triangular section, so comfortable in normal use, makes that precise grip nearly impossible to sustain. Holding the pen the way an italic demands puts the sharper edges of the triangle against your fingers, which becomes uncomfortable over long sessions. In everyday use this has not been bothersome, and the writing experience remains enjoyable, but it is a genuine double-edged sword worth understanding before buying.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The stub nib is both a blessing and a curse. It adds character to your handwriting just by existing, without requiring any calligraphy knowledge, and the pen’s wet flow suits it well. However, the prescriptive nature of the triangular section means you need to think about how you hold the pen. Anyone who writes with an inward hand rotation should consider a standard round nib instead of the italic on this pen.

If you are nervous about a nib without tipping, be aware that it will wear over a very long time, but it should not be a near-term concern. The piston looks like plastic in a metal threaded housing, and while it has been reliable, a brass mechanism would inspire more confidence. Otherwise, the pen has been trouble-free: it starts every time, even after days of sitting unused, and the filling system is the original piston design rather than a cartridge converter downgrade.

Buying Advice

At around $41.79 Canadian including shipping, the V60 is a bargain for what it is. This is not a run-of-the-mill pen: the triangular shape, piston filler, and stub nib option make it a genuinely special model at a friendly price. With original triangular pens of this design increasingly hard to find and prices having risen sharply, this is currently one of the easiest and most affordable ways to try the format.

If you want to experiment with a triangular grip pen, sample a stub nib, or simply own something visually striking in clear acrylic, the V60 is an easy recommendation. If your grip rotates inward or you prefer unhindered nib orientation adjustments, choose the round nib version instead.

Conclusion

The Moonman (Majohn) V60 takes a beloved triangular design, executes it in beautiful crystal-clear acrylic, and pairs it with a rarely offered 1.1 mm stub nib, all at a price that is hard to argue with. Its quirks, the prescriptive grip and the tension between section shape and italic orientation, are real but manageable. For the price, it is a lovely little writer and one of the most accessible ways to experience a triangular pen today.