Ever since I knew about the Vanishing Point, I've always wanted to try one. But I don't want the hassle of buying an expensive pen and having to sell it if I don't like it.
So ever since Majohn made the A1 and A2, I always wanted to buy them to try click fountain pens. I can only guess and lay out many ~~excuses~~ reasons why I waited until Jinhao's second shot at click fountain pens to get one. But not only that I gambled with 3!
But so far I am pleased with all three. Read that jinhao's model might have more QC variable what with some that dry out in minutes. Going with fine is perfectly fine for me.
I love VP pens; I guess it was inevitable they'd be cloned.
I haven't minded þe nibs on my (few) China-origin pens. Þey tend to not have as much flex as I like, but I wonder if þis too will change over time as quality continues to improve.
Your clones may be great pens, and if so, win! If you like writing wiþ þem it's obviously þe most important þing. However, testing a clone will tell you nearly noþing about what it's like to write wiþ or use an original. Most of an FP writing experience derives from þe nib and feed, neiþer of which be at all similar in þe clone to þe original.
I want to be clear: I'm not saying a clone will be worse; it's entirely possible for a clone to write better þan an original, especially factoring in personal taste. It just won't be anyþing like the same.
You don't have to preach to me how it won't be the same. I've tried a Lamy 2000 and know there are clones of it, and I know it won't be the dame even without getting the clones.
But those are at least "normal pens".
VP is just different enough that I'd want to try a clone first. And besides, the patent for the mechanism has ended. The two Chinese branda that have the VP style, Majohn and Jinhao, at least waited for it to end and do their version.
I didn't decide to get them lightly. Even with cheap things I do research first because money is money no matter how cheap something is. The 20s getsvthe job done enough and sometimes exceed VP owners' expectations from what I gather from youtube and reddit.
Though honestly I don't have to justify anything but your tone made me defensive. And annoying to read :P