Recommendations For A Mont Blanc Fountain Pen

[16648]

Hello pen aficionados,

 

As of late I have had a growing interest in premium writing instruments. Currently I am the owner of a possible ancestor of the Parker Sonnet Deep Black Lacquer (rollerball), which was passed down to me, and a Parker Sonnet Matte Black Fountain Pen with a fine nib. I am now looking to acquire a Mont Blanc fountain pen that is within a budget of at most 550 USD. I am a looking for a classic pen that is timeless yet still made today. The pen has to also last for some time, though most pens from Mont Blanc already do. Note that you'd might want to take into account that my age is quite young, under 25.

 

I would be grateful for any help that anyone could give me. I look forward to any replies.

[FarmBoy]

Get a black one.

[de_pen_dent]

Used MB149 off Classifieds here - you can land them at $450 or thereabouts.

 

Specifically the 149 - both for the design and, more importantly, the nib.

[ehemem]

Get a black one.

 

+1

[zaddick]

Get a 146 or 149, depending on which size you like. Both are timeless classics and will last. There are lots of fantastic used options.

 

Is you want to spend less for a similar look, investigate the Sailor 1911.

[Wolverine1]

Get a MB 149 as the other have recommended. It is a pen that is a flagship of the MB line, and its simple design and its functionality make it a timeless classic. I therefore have 4 of the 149s!!!:)

[orfew]

You cannot go wrong with either a 146 or 149.

[Brian C]

Get a similar looking Pilot, Sailor, or Platinum until you are very very sure you really need the snowflake on the cap. They write just as well and will cost much much less.

[Charles Rice]

Get a black one.

+2

[redisburning]

Get a similar looking Pilot, Sailor, or Platinum until you are very very sure you really need the snowflake on the cap. They write just as well and will cost much much less.

 

as well, sure.

 

the same? no.

 

also a MB as an overall pen is significantly superior to anything made by those companies that doesn't cost within shouting distance of a used MB. In addition to greater ink capacity than any Sailor and most Pilots, the level of finish on a 146 or 149, even from the "bad" era of MB, is of a different class. that may not be important to you, but as a person who owns a 1911L and MB 146, in addition to having owned other Sailors and MBs, I would buy a second 146 but if my 1911L broke I simply would not.

 

If you want a Japanese pen, why not get what they do well instead of one of their homages? the OP can afford a 500 dollar pen, there's no reason not to get something he can appreciate like a 146, King of Pen, Custom 845, etc. I think Sailor, Platinum and Pilot all make fantastic pens that compete with MB. unless youre very very sure you want a soulless tool, because that's about what those mb "homages" are.

 

@OP buy a 146, a good one will NOT disappoint you. my current 146 is my favorite pen despite not being the most expensive and despite people taking every opportunity they can to fire shots at MB.

Edited December 14, 2014 by redisburning

[Runnin_Ute]

No direct experience with MB but something someone else said hit me. Ask yourself this question: Why do I want this pen? Is it because it is a fine writing instrument or for the cachet of owning a MB?

Whatever you decide to do enjoy it.

[Charles Rice]

Ask yourself this question: Why do I want this pen?

Heck, that's a question that all of us ask about all of the pens we buy. If you want it and can afford it, buy it.

[Tasmith]

Get a black one.

+3

[Tasmith]

I bought the 146 over the 149 as I found the 149's section too wide for me to write with comfortably. The 146 section was perfect in size for me. You really need to test the pens before buying.

[Toll]

I agree with many of the responses above -- look for a 146 or a 149. Both are beautiful, dependable pens.

[Runnin_Ute]

Heck, that's a question that all of us ask about all of the pens we buy. If you want it and can afford it, buy it.

That was the point.

 

Even if your motivation is the status thing, if it is really what you want and you understand it and the money is a non issue go for it.

[Bo Bo Olson]

146 =Large; large enough to notice, 149= gigantic.

144 I guess = close to normal.

 

I don't know MB well, I have three '50's ones; two standard sized and, a'50's when the 146 was a medium-large, a Large 146 ('70's nice regular flex) and a Large Virginia Woolf.

 

I tend to prefer standard and medium-large pens to these really Large 146's. I'd not even dream of getting a gigantic 149....but that's me.

 

 

I suggest waiting until you have read much more.

Modern nibs should be 'springy'. I like those from the '50's with some more flex.

 

After going straight to the top...that will be your last pen, eh?

 

I'm sure you won't want any cheaper pens....even though I suggest working your way up, so you know exactly what you are getting, and know why you are getting it; outside of a snowflake pen to be admired while still in the shirt pocket.

Edited December 15, 2014 by Bo Bo Olson

[I like mango cheesecake]

Get both

[Chrissy]

I bought the 146 over the 149 as I found the 149's section too wide for me to write with comfortably. The 146 section was perfect in size for me. You really need to test the pens before buying.

I would also highly recommend that you test a pen before buying. If only to make sure you choose the right size for you

[max dog]

The smaller Classique siblings 145 and 144 are also very nice, and being cartridge/converter will cost less new or used than the bigger piston filled 146/149s. They are all great! So more options.