The Muji Fountain Pen Review | Should This Pen Be In Your EDC Rotation?

[@clarkbilgrav]

James, I’m trying to limit my collection, and you’re not helping. 😂

[@JG3Reviews]

Ha! I feel your pain!

[@lez7767]

clarkbilgrav. Impossible now you've been bitten... Try not to spend the rent money. Best wishes LeZc @@

[@clarkbilgrav]

Lez Cartwright I was bitten when I was 8 years old and we had to use fountain pens in Catholic school to learn cursive handwriting. (Yes, I am that old.) I have a large collection as a result. That’s why I’m trying to limit my purchases. 😂

[@lez7767]

clarkbilgrav. Yes.... I had two school masters who insisted on pen and ink... I'm that old too... It's because of them I retained the obsession of pen and ink. At school my penmanship improved when I got a cheap fountain pen..can't remember the name of it... The school dip pens would create wonderful psycho splatters on the page... I ve just given my adopted grandson A Bauer fountain pen...he loves it..he's 11 just gone to the 'big' school.... I've only got 30 pens... It gets out of hand,,, I've just ordered another TWSBI. The rose gold ltd....no way I'm letting that one go by. Best wishes LeZc @@

[@davidmcguigan5497]

Thanks, James. I have one and like it. Takes a few extra seconds to fill with a converter through the nib because of the textured grip and step down to nib. I was sold on it after watching the yt vids of Peter Draws.

[@jamesjacocks6221]

James, I'm keeping mine in my shirt pocket right next to my (nearly identically appearing) Xacto knife.

[@aaron3890]

Xacto knife was the first thing that came to mind when I saw this pen!

[@tk429]

I picked up one of these pens and it instantly became my edc.

[@martynsnan]

Thanks James. I bought one of these for sketching and it is excellent. It feels like the fountain pen equivalent of a pencil with the advantage of choosing the waterproof Inks I use. Reversing the nib allows a finer line for shading by hatching or stippling. Another enjoyable review.

[@2ndskinmineral]

It becomes my edc since the day i got it. Now, I got perfect converter for it. so happy ps.it is Faber Castell standard converter.

[@konradyearwood5845]

I picked one up many years ago and was so impressed I grabbed another two. I do a lot of report reviewing (and I find hard copy easier to work with when doing that) so one pen has green ink and another red. As the light grey circles at the top of the cap are slightly recessed, small red and green stickers sit there to aid identification. Or you can write "R" and "G" with a pencil. I would like to recommend the fine liner (I got two) and the propelling pencil that are a perfect match but I do not think those are still available. When you post the cap of the propelling pencil it is used to activate the feed of the lead.

[@vexinglex4996]

This would be an excellent EDC, especially if, like me, you're clumsy and bang your things around when you travel. It's great for lending, since it's just a straightforward writer and, for the price, you won't feel too bad if it gets busted. Thanks for the review!

[@wanyman]

I like this pen as well. I’m a semi retired cartoonist and I use it for drawing. Great review!

[@GS-cg3yn]

I enjoy your friendly tone & demeanor. Your videos are pleasant. And yes, I’m a pen junkie, too.

[@BC7Bill]

Glad you were able to move back inside! Well, now I'll be adding another pen to my "want list" Nice review!

[@joeblankenship377]

Muji pen is great. Simple, elegant, smooth. If you watch Peter Draws videos, you know he's obsessed with it.

[@JG3Reviews]

I do watch Peter, my kids think he's a hoot, and they are the artists in the family. Talented guy.

[@MAHUADATTA80]

Wow ... your review is quite impressive! All you reviewers are luring me to go on with new pens! Can't stop buying! This month, bought 10 pens, including this Muji! Just fall for this on sight!😢😢😢😢 May be I can say, 'Love at first sight!'

[@florencefortyseven]

I got this pen the other day 😂, this is a very well timed video! I am very happy with it 😁. The pen is a little bit too dry for me, and it has A LOT of feedback, but that's not such a big deal 😊. The only thing that bugs me, though, is the capping and posting mechanisms. You really have to push it down to post it sometimes, and in capping, you can sometimes miss the ring and feel this grinding on the rim of the cap. The material on the bottom of that cap is fairly thin and probably sharp, so I am paranoid about scratching the pen. So just keep an eye on it when you're putting the cap on 😝.

[@CufflinksAndChuckles]

When you said it's a little dry, did you mean that the ink flow isn't very good? I'm new to the hobby XD. Also, what did you mean when you said it has a lot of feedback?

[@florencefortyseven]

@@CufflinksAndChuckles . Yeah, exactly, there just wasn't that much ink coming out. Feedback is a bit of a grey area term, but what I mean is that it feels like it's dragging a little bit. It doesn't need any pressure to write, and it's not digging into the paper, but it doesn't feel smooth either, ALONG the paper.

[@frsamvimes9271]

I realise I'm 2 years late, but mine was also a very dry writer at first but after adjusting the nib it flows perfectly, look up videos on how to adjust a fountain pen nib

[@FountainPenJourney]

Good review - thanks for sharing! This pen looks to be very well engineered.

[@MrGchiasson]

I just bought a Sailor 1911...well...I'll be adding this Muji to my collection.

[@TheBubbles310]

Awesome review!!! I’ve had this pen for like 4 years and I love it!!! Be safe.

[@inkyrick7830]

Thanks for your review. Muji is a great store for a variety of categories, but certainly modern, minimalist stationery products! They have locations throughout Asia, are well represented in Europe, as well as parts of N. America. (I've been to stores in several countries, but have never associated them with airports. The more Mujis the better, as far as I'm concerned! I'm going to keep an eye out in airports now!)

[@MJFallout]

In the 90s, these slim, minimalist, brushed steel fountain pens (also with chrome, small, understated nibs) were all the rage and most major makers made some (e.g. the Pelikan Signum). Then they fell out of style (maybe in favor of warmer materials, gold plating and much thicker sections.) Makes some sense then that Muji, being all about the minimalism (maybe with some faux retro air too), would pick up such a design. Not a fan of Muji, but whatever might get people interested in picking up a well made, versatile, fun to use fountain pen again is fine in my book.

[@zenink2654]

Good stuff! I hope you and yours are staying safe through this pandemic as well! Thank you for the quality content!

[@cosine.]

On the newer ones you can't unscrew the grip section

[@NoahFriedman]

The grip and feeder section on mine does not unscrew either. the nib and and feeder are still friction-fit so you can swap them out, but I'm disappointed that they've reduced the ability to clean this pen. still, for an under-$20 pen it is excellent.

[@wesleybarrett9502]

Seems to write similar to the Lamy Safari Fine nib. I may consider buying one in time. If I get another pen it is between this one and the Black Forest in Black Out.

[@LFeign]

The Muji pen is the first pen I've ever bought that I consider a total lemon. Using their supplied cartridge resulted in hard starts and skipping. Emptied the cartridge and syringed in Noodlers Black, hard starts and skipping. Same with Parker and Monteverde inks. When it does write, it has an unpleasant feeling. First fountain pen I've ever truly disliked. Which is sad, because Muji notebooks are superb for fountain pens.

[@MJFallout]

Did you try disassembling it and cleaning (mostly) the feed and nib with water and dish soap? (Ammonia, or a bit of rubbing alcohol would do too) Maybe there is something blocking/ contaminating the assembly.

[@LFeign]

Yes, of course. As well as with Goulet pen cleaner. Flossed the nib with brass sheets. Inspected with a jewellers lens for misaligned tines. Nothing can save this pen. Fail for Muji.

[@Eltralor]

Mine was perfect though Maybe an unlucky pen

[@hamedori]

They notoriously have inconsistent quality control. Some of them write like a dream, some of them have loose caps, some of them clog. It's just some inconsistent manufacturing variances, which is a bit of a shame considering the design of the pen looks beautiful. Good thing they're rather cheap for an FP so you can buy a few then toss the bad ones, but still it's wasted money.

[@SteveTrainer999]

I like this one. Mine was perfect out of the package, except the included cartridge (in the pen backwards) leaked all over the inside of the pen. Being so thin, it lives in the loop of my padfolio- most pens are too fat to fit and allow the binder to close fully.

[@deanandreoli1975]

I love my Muji! Writes great and starts up immediately, every time. Great review. lol I might have more than 5 pens laying around. 😉

[@lez7767]

Nice review James I enjoy your presentation. This pen although good in engineering doesn't appeal to me,,, I do have a few pop tops but much prefer screw cap...And a number 6 nib... Just for info...I have a Kaweco Dia 2 which has number 5 nib which always looked small..I came across a conversation to Bock, it's a straight swap ... still number 5 but it's bigger, looks like a number 6... I think the Muji would be good as a gift pen to corrupt someone into the FP obsession,, so I'll keep it in mind,, I did like the engraving ? on the nib and the feed back as I feel you need to feel the pen writing.. gliding pens over the paper actually makes me write worse.??? I'm odd maybe. Anyway James you're doing a good job with the reviews, enjoyable. Best wishes to all PenPeople. LeZc @@

[@jeffjohnson9581]

My muji is crap. So dry it never starts and won’t write evenly and requires a lot of pressure. I’ve tried to open up the nib with a brass sheet and have given it a thorough cleaning. I’ve given up.

[@frsamvimes9271]

I love this pen. It's not quite as good as my Safari, but is an excellent pen for the price. Mine did need a little bit of adjustment though, it was extremely dry out of the box, but after adjustment it flows beautifully. My only gripe is that it is made for international cartridges, but my international convertor doesn't fit perfectly, and has fallen out of the pen before, but thankfully the ink didn't spill

[@thomasvn]

I really enjoy your videos. They are very helpful too, since there are not so many video reviews of cheaper fountain pens. Do you collect inks too? If you do, maybe you could do a video on those too.

[@JG3Reviews]

I plan to expand into reviews of ink and paper soon (more ink than paper).

[@ichirofakename]

If you are looking for inexpensive inks, Noodler's are reliably low priced.

[@wutzitrone4522]

Nice review, keep it up.

[@ladyhollman9534]

Seems these latest models are hit and miss when it comes to ink feed. I’d recommend the Fine and broader. They’ve changed the nib assembly, sooo.

[@JG3Reviews]

I hate to hear that (but am also glad you shared it), because the Muji has earned quite a following.

[@2ndskinmineral]

Hello James ^___^ I am NOT cyber stalking you, I promiss. Seems like we have similar opinion when it comes to pen. I don't care much about brand name. If it write well and I like the design, I will get it. Thank you for your review. They are very informative and nice to watch.👍👍 ps.please take care during this pandamic time. stay safe, ok

[@Taib89]

Hello James, I hope you have a good time. I have a question please. Are the nibs on this muji pen and the Hong Dian black forest removable/ replaceable?

[@garrity5]

Owned one for years. It's my go to, though the clip broke awhile bqck.

[@animula6908]

I found it on sale for $14.50, but Amazon says that’s 79% off the regular price. I bought one for a gift at Christmas and I know it wasn’t in that range back then.

[@luisguillermoperezmejia7907]

Hola. Excelente review. Yo compré un par de estas estilográficas en Amazon hace unos 10 dias, pero en razón del problema del Coronavirus, los despachos a mi pais fueron suspendidos. Espero que el tema termine BIEN para todos y poder tener la pluma estilográfica en mis manos pronto.

[@JG3Reviews]

Espero que disfrutes de la pluma cuando llegue. Gracias por ver.

[@TONY19021965]

Hey James, I'm a new subscriber and already a big fan! Great review! I just got one for Father's Day, (along with my beloved Montblanc Meisterstuck 144 F nib-WAY AWESOME! [my kids really love their Dad! :) ]) and I simply LOVE IT TOO, the Muji that is! But mine, the Muji, is different, because the section on mine does not screw-out; rather the feed and nib pull-out instead. So, the section and nib/feeder base seem to be pressed together, just another manufacturing difference perhaps? Or perhaps I'm a arthritic old weakling, LOL. Anyway, I've been wacthing your reviews trying to catch-up on all your reviews, and I really do like both your choices and presentations. Oh, and thanks for the converer info. None of mine many converters would work. I think I now have about 102 fountain pens. I'm a FP-Junkie, I guess. LOL! }:) Job well done. Thank you, & God bless.

[@JG3Reviews]

Nice Father's Day haul! Glad you're enjoying the channel. There have been a few others that have pull-out friction fit feeds, too, so I'm thinking there must have been changes between production runs. Have a great weekend!

[@JuceePeachz67]

Great video. I have the same pen and enjoyed it very much. You too, be safe and be well.

[@michaels3429]

Looks very no frills utilitarian. Neat

[@davidmcguigan5497]

That is , to clean after filling with a converter.

[@megpennywhistle]

Thank you for the review. 5:12 I tried to unscrew mine but no luck. Wondering if there is different version of pen.

[@JG3Reviews]

Some other reviews have mentioned that sometimes they are glued. I didn't see this until after the review, though.

[@frankvars7925]

Hello James! Thanks for this interesting, complete, pleasant review. Are you sure it's a Schmidt nib?

[@JG3Reviews]

That's what I've read from multiple good sources.

[@frankvars7925]

@@JG3Reviews Interesting Thanks!

[@TheFlyingFishy]

You remind me of my favorite character from Pinchcliffe Grand Prix, Ludvig

[@cesarmelo_]

What fountain pen would you take or prefer: Pelikan Stola III, that Hong Dian in the video or the Muji?

[@msd5808]

I wonder how it compares to the CP1

[@jorges2000]

Do you like this pen better than the Hongdian Black Forest?

[@JG3Reviews]

I really depends on my mood, I seem to go back and forth between them regularly.

[@wittwittwer1043]

I prefer more robust pens. The Muji is too much like a pencil. Regarding your remark about using a fountain pen to "show off": I use gel ballpoint pens on two occasions: To fill out forms, and to lend someone who wants to borrow a pen. The people most likely to comment on my use of a fountain pen are orientals, mid-easterners, or Europeans; people from those cultures are more likely to have been REQUIRED to use them in school.

[@user-nm6fo7vm8m]

You're absolutely right. I'm a Mongolian. And we all used fountain pens in schools. And I still use it ever since

[@Myrslokstok]

Allways nice to put some extra dollars 💵 to get the stuff with cult-folowers. Nice video.

[@imdafish5705]

Could anyone please help me? I’m trying to decide between this and the Hong dian pen for my first fountain pen? I really like a smooth feel when writing. I’m also like enough weight to make it feel valuable. Thank you :)

[@JG3Reviews]

I really like them both, but you do have more color choices in the Hong dian. My Black Forest HD in Fine is just a bit smoother than the Muji. I wouldn't think you'd go wrong with either. The one advantage the Muji would have is that you can use more broadly available international standard cartridges and converters (on the converters I understand it's a little picky, but Schmidt k5 & k2 fit, and they are easy to find).

[@danielribeiro4618]

To me it sounded a little scratchy on paper but i could be wrong. How is the comparison on smoothness of the nib comparing with Lamy??

[@JG3Reviews]

I think that’s a mic problem I had then. It isn’t scratchy at all in person. I’d say it’s right on par with a Lame Safari nib.

[@SpiralXman]

Sold!

[@dalaljamshed]

hi james enjoy your videos i came across a pen today on amazon its a keweco sport all brass pen look alike in india it is priced at Rs635 i.e. under 10$ if you could get your hands on one at home there and review would be really great .

[@digonto7156]

Excellent video. But i do have 1 question regarding these all metal pens, won't the metal corrode if you dip it in ink to fill a converter? Or is it with these pens its best to fill the converter with an ink syringe? Asking because i am slightly worried about removing and attaching the converter to fill it as i do have some converters break on me after these repeated actions.

[@lez7767]

Arunabha Mukhopadhyay. Hiya....it should be okay as its aluminium. I've never heard of pens corroding as you describe as the sections are usually coated... which makes them slippery and effects your writing. If you were to use an iron gall type ink you would have to be cautious. Hope this helps you. Best wishes LeZc @@

[@digonto7156]

@@lez7767 i see. Thank you for clearing that up

[@ichirofakename]

Some have commented that the pen does not last very long. That is the only thing that keeps me from buying one, as it literally checks ALL of my boxes. And the fact that I have absolutely no use for any more dang pens.

[@spicyginger6876]

If it's any help, I've had mine since February so close to 8 or 9 months and have no complaints. The pen still works as fine as day 1 and only has a few dings or scratches from wear and tear that just give it character :)

[@hyleenpognaire8134]

@@spicyginger6876 is it gud for students being a non fp user? U know I don't wanna spend on multiple pens.. And is it gud enough for normal papers? Also which is better? Pilot metropolitan or muji? Priority is writing experience since muji build design is all gud.

[@spicyginger6876]

@@hyleenpognaire8134 Well I'm not much of a fountain pen user outside of just my Muji pen, so I can't comment on the Pilot one, but that being said I do think that the Muji is a nice fp for non fp users, though you might still deal with some ink bleed through if youre just using normal notebook paper.

[@hugooliver3835]

Do u recommend a k2 or k5 converter rather than the standard cartridges? Also, what’s the difference between the k2 and k5?

[@JG3Reviews]

Either should work, the k2 is slimmer, and the k5 seems have given people better experience overall (in other pens, too). BUT, I'm having to rely on other users for that info.

[@hugooliver3835]

JG3 Reviews ok nice! Thanks a lot

[@hyleenpognaire8134]

This vs pilot mr, which is better? Writing is priority.

[@JG3Reviews]

I think the Pilot nibs are superior, I like the grip on this over the Metropolitan's.

[@definitelynotatroll]

Are those Cambridge bibles in the background?

[@JG3Reviews]

One of them is. The brown one is an ESV Clarion.

[@definitelynotatroll]

@@JG3Reviews I thought it was, and in another video I saw a Schuyler. Do you collect bibles as well?

[@solstar4778]

Sounds scratchy to me !

[@JG3Reviews]

I think that was just the sensitive mic, it was smooth in person.

[@wakeupFFS2012]

There is some feedback, but by no means scratchy.

[@Myrslokstok]

16 dollars nice

[@ukestudio3002]

Not a delicate touch..

[@Biber0315]

Sadly, yet another nice (practical and affordable) pen made pedestrian by a German IPG nib. Might as well use a rollerball.