Crazy To Exchange A Mb For An Edison Menlo

[ArbInv]

All

 

I am thinking about exchanging my Mont Blanc Starwalker Fountain with 14k w/ medium nib for an Edison Menlo. I have just never loved the MB and think the Edison could be just what I desire. Is this a crazy trade to make?

 

-Andy

[tonybelding]

I'd make that trade. But I am probably biased, since I already have three Edisons and have never wanted a MB.

[KBeezie]

It's not crazy if both parties are quite happy with the trade.

[Lyander0012]

Considering I'm choosing to get a Menlo instead of a MB (a 146, even), then I'd have to admit to being crazy as well if I contradict you guys, haha. I just like the fact that I can pick about any material I want for the barrel, as well as the fact that I can have a 14k Binder Flex nib installed and still have more money left over than if I'd bought a 146

 

Cheers!

Kevin

[sharonspens]

Die-hard of fans of either pen will call you crazy for not going their way. However, if we all liked the same type of pen it would be a boring pens cape. If the Menlo floats your boat and would get used, while the MB doesn't float your boat and thus isn't used, this is a no-brainer.

 

Sharon in Indiana

[lahlahlaw]

If the Menlo doesn't have a gold nib, then yes, a little crazy :-)

 

How about sending that Starwalker to get a Pendleton point? That will bring life to any so-so pen.

[AndrewC]

If it makes you happy, do it. If the Menlo is a steel nib, and your Starwalker is one of the more expensive versions, you might ask for a little money to even the discrepancy if you feel a need for monetary parity. But really, if you don't use the pen, and you think you will love the Menlo, who's to say you're crazy?

[Algester]

there's no such thing as crazy as long as both parties are happy... heck you can probably trade the MB for a Jinhao if that makes someone happy...

[Sridhar]

Both are over priced pens; the menlo more so because the MB has its own brand equity which is unmatched by Edison. But then like lost pointed out here on the forum, each have their loyal followers....

[de_pen_dent]

I personally wouldnt trade a MB that i liked for a Menlo. OTOH, if you dont like the Starwalker and do like the Menlo, go for it.

[WilsonCQB1911]

Both are over priced pens; the menlo more so because the MB has its own brand equity which is unmatched by Edison. But then like lost pointed out here on the forum, each have their loyal followers....

+1

 

Having owned a Menlo, I don't see the hype. For me. It wasn't even close to worth that kind of money. I haven't been enamored with MB pens EXCEPT for the 149, which has been my favorite pen of all time in every nib width I've tried so far.

Edited July 23, 2014 by WilsonCQB1911

[Algester]

Both are over priced pens; the menlo more so because the MB has its own brand equity which is unmatched by Edison. But then like lost pointed out here on the forum, each have their loyal followers....

to me I think Edison is doing us a favor like any other pen turners in the forums that we can personalize these pens for us though it's a very personal conversation if you will since if you say you do not like to proportions on how it (pen) feels Edison and you can work out a design that works based on a model he makes unlike any other pen out there (which has kind of a secretive factory management scheme) which can be a hit or miss for any other person... but that's the trade off because the pen is built for your personal use if your ever going to end up selling it, it may or may not sell...

but mmm trade maybe it will maybe not but who cares to the OP nothing is crazy in this already crazy world...

Edited July 23, 2014 by Algester

[Lyander0012]

Good point, the above post. I'm considering getting a Menlo, but with some minor alterations to the shape and the diameter of the pen; you can't really get that sort of customization with many of the pen manufacturers, save for ones that could end up costing a lot more (e.g. Romillo, Nakaya, a "hakase" pen, etc.). For a fully customizable pen, Edisons are actually really good value, at least relatively speaking. I think that the idea of Edisons being too costly stems from the fact that people forget that these are hand-made pens that you can tweak to your liking, right down to the minute details of balance and the like.

 

And let's not forget that there are a lot of fun, if less than pragmatic, filling systems available for these pens, as well as the double-ended eyedropper that they debuted recently. Well, "recently" being a relative term


Cheers!

Kevin

[tonybelding]

Both are over priced pens; the menlo more so because the MB has its own brand equity which is unmatched by Edison.

 

That's the sort of attitude that makes me recoil from MB. God help me if I ever start paying for "brand equity" instead of pens that I like!

 

Plus, most Edisons are truly bespoke custom pens, which automatically puts them in a higher class than MB, as I see things.

[WilsonCQB1911]

That's the sort of attitude that makes me recoil from MB. God help me if I ever start paying for "brand equity" instead of pens that I like!

 

Plus, most Edisons are truly bespoke custom pens, which automatically puts them in a higher class than MB, as I see things.

I would say, before you make a statement like that, spend time with both pens. See which one seems to be of higher quality and writes better. People love to hate on the MB here. However, I think if one actually uses both of the pens in this example they'll come to their own conclusions. I have owned a Menlo and quite a few MBs and the Menlo didn't feel as nice in construction, and the writing experience wasn't anywhere near what MB offers.

 

I go for the nibs. MB is top on my list, as is Pilot. I've also had great luck with the new Conway Stewart and Omas. Some of those brands carry "prestige", whatever that is, some don't. Doesn't matter either way to me.

Edited July 23, 2014 by WilsonCQB1911

[de_pen_dent]

 

That's the sort of attitude that makes me recoil from MB. God help me if I ever start paying for "brand equity" instead of pens that I like!

 

Plus, most Edisons are truly bespoke custom pens, which automatically puts them in a higher class than MB, as I see things.

 

The saving grace is that, despite MB's image and pretensions, they actually DO make good pens which write really well and have a very enjoyable tactile feel and build quality. I agree that new MB 146/149 is stupidly overpriced, but you can get them on Fleabay for much more reasonable prices - comparable to, and cheaper than, a used Pelikan M1000 or M800. At those prices, they are a no-brainer (IMO). I recently got like-new 146 and 144 for well under $300 and $200 respectively. At those prices - they are really good buys and, dare i say it, bargains.

 

But this isnt about the merits of MB, so I dont want to derail the thread. IMO, the OP is making it more complicated than it really is - if he likes one pen more than another, he should go with the one he prefers. I dont really understand what the conundrum is.

Edited July 23, 2014 by de_pen_dent

[WaskiSquirrel]

You have to like the pen, otherwise, what's the point of having it? There may not be financial equality between the two pens, but it shouldn't matter if you don't care for the one you have. Speaking for myself, I just can't get excited about Montblanc. They hold no interest for me.

 

The main consideration (beyond basic finance) is to surround yourself with things you use and love, not with things that are worth a lot. I know that I have a special edition pen that I purchased and have regretted ever since. But I love my cheap Noodler's pens as well as the two expensive Pilots that I own. Giving up any would be painful.

[Algester]

 

The saving grace is that, despite MB's image and pretensions, they actually DO make good pens which write really well and have a very enjoyable tactile feel and build quality. I agree that new MB 146/149 is stupidly overpriced, but you can get them on Fleabay for much more reasonable prices - comparable to, and cheaper than, a used Pelikan M1000 or M800. At those prices, they are a no-brainer (IMO). I recently got like-new 146 and 144 for well under $300 and $200 respectively. At those prices - they are really good buys and, dare i say it, bargains.

 

But this isnt about the merits of MB, so I dont want to derail the thread. IMO, the OP is making it more complicated than it really is - if he likes one pen more than another, he should go with the one he prefers. I dont really understand what the conundrum is.

well there's one thing possible here if you like the body of the Mhenlo but have the nib of an MB well ask Brian if it's actually possible to send him the MB nib and feed assembly and attach it to the Mhenlo hahahaha can't probably get a better franken pen than that :X or what ever such a hack job is made to call this procedure though what kind of Mhenlo are we talking about here a button filler or a pneumatic filler? Bindered flex? pretty much both pens should be at the same price margin

[rwilsonedn]

Nothing much to add here except that if I were in your situation, I would definitely try out a Menlo in person before making the move. The pen is always greener on the other side of the fence. So it's better to compare the two pens in person than to compare your experience of one against the reputation and photos of the other.

ron

[AllenG]

Good point, the above post. I'm considering getting a Menlo, but with some minor alterations to the shape and the diameter of the pen; you can't really get that sort of customization with many of the pen manufacturers, save for ones that could end up costing a lot more (e.g. Romillo, Nakaya, a "hakase" pen, etc.). For a fully customizable pen, Edisons are actually really good value, at least relatively speaking. I think that the idea of Edisons being too costly stems from the fact that people forget that these are hand-made pens that you can tweak to your liking, right down to the minute details of balance and the like.

 

And let's not forget that there are a lot of fun, if less than pragmatic, filling systems available for these pens, as well as the double-ended eyedropper that they debuted recently. Well, "recently" being a relative term

Cheers!

Kevin

 

Of all my pens my Menlos are my favorites.