Hero 359 vs Majohn A2 Press Fountain Pen Review: The UK's Best Budget & Retractable Fountain Pens for 2026
Jun 26, 2026
Hero 359 vs Majohn A2 Press Fountain Pen Review: The UK's Best Budget & Retractable Fountain Pens for 2026
The budget fountain pen market has never been more exciting. In 2026, UK writers have access to an extraordinary range of affordable fountain pens that deliver writing experiences once reserved for pens costing ten times as much. In this review, we compare two standout models: the Hero 359, a classic Chinese fountain pen with decades of heritage, and the Majohn A2 Press, a modern retractable fountain pen that brings innovative convenience to the affordable end of the market. Both are available from TTPEN UK.
Hero 359 Fountain Pen — Classic Heritage at an Unbeatable Price
The Hero 359 Fountain Pen is a legend in the world of affordable fountain pens. At just £9.00, it is one of the most accessible entry points into fountain pen writing available in the UK market, yet it delivers a writing experience that is genuinely satisfying and reliable. HERO has been manufacturing fountain pens in China since the 1930s, and the 359 carries that heritage with quiet confidence.
Design and Build Quality
The Hero 359 has a classic, understated design that prioritises function and durability. The metal body is lightweight yet solid, with a smooth finish and a secure screw cap. The gold-tone trim adds a touch of elegance that belies the pen's modest price. The clip is functional and sturdy, making it easy to carry in a shirt pocket or notebook cover.
The pen is compact and well-balanced, making it comfortable to write with for extended periods. The cap posts securely on the end of the barrel, adding length and improving balance for those who prefer to write with the cap posted. The overall build quality is impressive for the price — this is a pen that feels like it will last for years with normal use.
Nib Performance
The steel nib on the Hero 359 is smooth and reliable, delivering a consistent medium line with good ink flow. The nib has a classic hooded design that protects it from drying out and gives the pen a distinctive, vintage aesthetic. Ink flow is well-regulated — wet enough to write smoothly without being so wet that it bleeds through paper.
The pen accepts standard international cartridges, making refilling quick and convenient. It can also be used with a converter (sold separately) for those who prefer bottled ink. The cartridge system is particularly practical for everyday carry, as it eliminates the need to carry a bottle of ink.
Who Is the Hero 359 For?
The Hero 359 is the perfect first fountain pen for anyone who wants to try fountain pen writing without a significant financial commitment. It's also an excellent backup pen, a reliable everyday carry, and a thoughtful gift for someone who is curious about fountain pens. At £9.00, it's genuinely difficult to find better value in the fountain pen world.
Price: £9.00 — Buy the Hero 359 at TTPEN UK
Majohn A2 Press Retractable Fountain Pen — Modern Innovation Meets Fountain Pen Tradition
The Majohn A2 Press Retractable Fountain Pen Extra Fine Nib with Box is one of the most talked-about fountain pens in the UK market in 2026. At £29.00, it sits at a higher price point than the Hero 359, but it offers something genuinely different: a press-button retractable mechanism that makes fountain pen writing as convenient as using a ballpoint.
The Press Mechanism
The A2's defining feature is its press-button retractable nib. Unlike traditional fountain pens that require uncapping before writing, the A2 deploys its nib with a single press of the button at the top of the pen — exactly like a retractable ballpoint. This makes it extraordinarily convenient for quick notes, signing documents, and any situation where the cap-on, cap-off ritual of a traditional fountain pen feels cumbersome.
The retraction mechanism seals the nib effectively, preventing drying even after several hours of non-use. This is a critical feature for a capless design, and Majohn has engineered it well — the pen writes immediately upon deployment without the hard starts that can plague poorly sealed capless pens.
Design and Build Quality
The A2 has a sleek, modern design with a transparent body that allows you to see the ink level at a glance. The pen comes with a presentation box, making it an excellent gift option. The build quality is impressive — the mechanism feels solid and precise, with no wobble or play in the nib when deployed.
The extra-fine nib delivers a precise, controlled line that is ideal for detailed writing, small handwriting, and any situation where precision matters. The nib is smooth and well-tuned, writing immediately upon contact with paper without skipping or hard starts.
Who Is the Majohn A2 For?
The A2 is for writers who love fountain pens but want the convenience of a retractable pen. If you frequently write in short bursts — taking notes in meetings, annotating documents, or jotting quick reminders — the press mechanism will transform your writing experience. The presentation box also makes it an excellent gift for fountain pen enthusiasts.
Price: £29.00 — Buy the Majohn A2 at TTPEN UK
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Hero 359 | Majohn A2 Press |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £9.00 | £29.00 |
| Cap System | Traditional screw cap | Press-button retractable |
| Nib | Steel Medium, hooded | Steel Extra Fine |
| Ink System | International cartridge | Proprietary cartridge/converter |
| Includes Box | No | Yes |
| Best For | Beginners, everyday carry, gifting | Convenience seekers, quick-note writers |
Which Fountain Pen Should You Choose?
The Hero 359 and Majohn A2 serve different needs within the fountain pen world. If you're new to fountain pens and want to experience the joy of fountain pen writing at the lowest possible cost, the Hero 359 is the obvious starting point — at £9.00, it's a near-zero-risk investment that delivers genuine writing pleasure.
If you're already a fountain pen convert and want the convenience of a retractable mechanism without sacrificing the fountain pen writing experience, the Majohn A2 is a revelation. Its press mechanism makes it the most practical fountain pen for busy, on-the-go writers.
Both are available from TTPEN UK with fast UK delivery.
Final Verdict
Both the Hero 359 and Majohn A2 are exceptional fountain pens that represent outstanding value for UK writers. The Hero 359 wins on price and accessibility; the Majohn A2 wins on innovation and convenience. Whichever you choose, you'll be writing with a pen that delivers far more than its price suggests. Visit TTPEN UK today to find your perfect fountain pen.
