Nakaya Desk Stand Compared To Mb 149 Stand

[Multiechelon]

Hi all,

 

I briefly debated whether this was should go into the MB forum or Pens from the Land of the Rising Sun forum. I figured since it reviews the pen stands from two brands it would best go here. However, if the mods feel differently it should of course be moved.

 

To put this review in context, for the past few years I have been writing with MB 149s and a MB Hemingway. I love the feel of those pens, the ink capacity, and the convenience of storing the pens in desk stands so they are ready to go at a moment's notice. Up until about a year ago, we lived very close to work so I did most of my serious thinking and research in my home office. As such, I had six 149 stands on my desk. When there was a day at work that required a lot of writing I would just bring a couple of the 149s with me (and I kept stands at work that would be ready when I got there). We then built our dream house about 30 miles away from work and that presented a few complications. First, my research time became more evenly split between the work and home offices. Second, carrying fully loaded fountain pens was not impossible but it was a hassle. So I started leaving pens at work (which as any FPN member knows is cause for excitement since it is an excuse to buy more pens). But it quickly became clear that piston fillers were more work than I wanted to deal with at the office so I bought a Pilot VP. This was really a full-circle trip since when I got back into FPs about five years ago I started with a VP. But now I wanted to use cartridges because I liked the convenience. After several months of the VP, I loved its convenience but I wanted the simplicity and convenience of a desk pen. So I did some research and settled on two Nakaya desk pens. I will write a review of those later but for now (while they are still at my home) I wanted to shoot some comparison pictures between the Nakaya and MB stands.

 

Here are some group shots.

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_02_zps216b80dc.jpeg

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_03_zps29cc31f6.jpeg

 

And now some pictures to show how truly long the Nakayas are:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_04_zps8c8c7f09.jpeg

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_07_zps9102be56.jpeg

 

The Nakaya Sumi and the MB Hemingway:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_05_zps276a9c0e.jpeg

 

The MG 149 Demonstrator and the Nakaya Aka-tamenuri:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_06_zps6c436285.jpeg

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_08_zpsdf65ce69.jpeg

 

(apologies for the stray pieces of lint)

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_09_zpsbdc60816.jpeg

 

I liked the Nakaya desk stands in person a lot more than I liked them in pictures. In pictures, I thought their scale was off but in person they look fine. I have always like the MB 149 stands:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_10_zpscf364dff.jpeg

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_11_zps51a4637b.jpeg

 

The Nakaya stands are four inches in diameter:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_12_zps5145a092.jpeg

 

The MB stands are a little under three inches square:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_13_zps9d5d8174.jpeg

 

And here is a picture of the back to back:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_14_zps2018b0bc.jpeg

 

Here are some pictures comparing the Sumi to the Aka-tamenuri. The Sumi has more detail in the base than the Aka-tamenuri:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_15_zps4d6ff4b8.jpeg

 

The base of the Sumi is also less high:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_17_zps0050f065.jpeg

 

The gloss of the Aka-tamenuri makes it a lot harder to photograph well.

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_16_zps1b037b7f.jpeg

 

In terms of performance, the stands all work great. The MB and Nakaya stands are both threadless which is wonderful. You just drop the pen in and it comes to rest without any problem. The fit is good enough that the pens don't dry out. These stands are very convenient.

 

The Sumi desk stand is nearly four times the cost of the Aka-tamenuri desk stand. While I intellectually grasp that the Sumi stand is harder and more time consuming to create, this cost difference is a little difficult to get over psychologically. I rationalized the difference by thinking that the Aka-tanemuri stand is significantly underpriced (which I believe it is).

 

And one has to end with a gratuitous nib shot:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands_21_zps17ab33e4.jpeg

 

Sean

[Frank C]

You have a very nice collection of pens and stands. I purchased one of the older MB stands and used it for a while, but now it is back in its box. I have considered getting a Nakaya desk pen for home use. In that case I would consider getting a desk stand as well. I saw your multi-colored notes in the background; now I know why you need six different pens at home and office. Thanks for the review; I found it helpful.

[Earthdawn]

Wow what a great review/comparison !

 

Thank you for that.... Ill be bookmarking this thread.

[JonSzanto]

Thank you, what a lovely and thoughtful presentation. Comparisons are odious, and yet it is hard for me to not lean one particular way. I will, though, keep it to myself!

 

Again, thanks. The photography was very well done, also!

[ethernautrix]

I love these photos. Very beautiful desk pens. Mmmmmso nice!

[mirosc]

Thank you. That was nice to see.

Compared directly the MB stands look a bit too flashy and blingy for me and I prefer the simple looks of the Nakaya.

[marie9999]

Thank you for the comparison photos - seeing is believing! Very nice.

[AndyHayes]

Excellent review. Thank you.

 

Up until now I had never seen an MB pen stand. Funnily enough it is almost exactly how I expected it would look. However the Nakaya ones are so tasteful.

[Osquest]

Nice comparison, thanks. I've been looking at desk pens although I'm not sure this axtually settled anything I'd never seen a MB desk stand so hand't really considered them until now.

[Horseknitter]

Very nice photographic comparison and overview of pen stands. I agree that having a pen at the ready is timesaving and convenient.

 

I notice your shots are in front of a window. Do you have your tamenuri finish always in the light from that window? I have read here on the forum that light is the one potential source of damage for tamenuri in that it creates haze in that beautiful glossy finish.

 

Have you noticed change in your tamenuri?

 

I have a Nakaya deskpen in the heki-tamenuri (brown/green) and would love to have it in a stand but so far have resisted because I have a south facing window immediately behind my desk. To date I leave my deskpen out but in its kimono.

[Multiechelon]

Thanks everyone for the nice comments.

 

Frank C, that is a good observation regarding my to-do lists. My handwritten research notes can get quite colorful. I write in one color until I change thoughts or ideas. I then start a new color. So when I really get in a writing groove, there can be multiple pages that are all in one color but then there can be one page with six colors. When I go back to that work days later I can always immediately see how hard or difficult that work was at the time it was done. Unless I am working on a big project I can usually get by with three or four inks. I like to think that I collect inks as much as I collect pens.

 

This review is balanced because these are both really great products. The 149 is a great pen. And I have the good fortune to own enough of them that the pens remaining in my rotation really have amazing nibs. For me, they are just perfection. And for my home office I like a piston filler with an ink window. That setup gives me maximum flexibility and convenience. But for my work office having cartridges is more convenient. I think these Nakayas are going to work well. I have been using them this weekend and it is just a joy to be able to grab them so quickly and go. The form factor of the desk pen is also great. I thought they might be longer than necessary but when I am writing they seem perfectly natural to hold.

 

Depending on one's work setting, both types of stands are going to make a statement. The scale of the Nakayas, while not overpowering in person, are undeniably big. The top of the pen sits eight inches off my desk. The Montblancs are smaller in a relative sense (rising six inches off my desk) but their colors and size will still make a statement on one's desk. As is almost always the case on FPN, I think one can make a strong argument for "both." They have different use cases, but both succeed.

 

Horseknitter, thanks for your note about the effect of sunlight on the tamenuri finish. I do recall reading those posts on FPN. It did give me a little pause before my purchase but then I just plunged ahead anyway. I view my pens as tools that need to get used to their fullest. I only just bought these Nakayas so I can't say what will happen, but they will be in pretty direct sunlight as they will sit in the stands every day. So what I will do is take some pictures at regular intervals and update this thread. I tend to think that any kind of use qualifies as patina after enough time has passed, but these will definitely become user-grade pens.

 

Sean

[adamselene]

according to John Mottishaw's niubs.com, the Nakaya also fits the MB 146, and others. Does the MB fit the Nakaya as well (if you have a MB for the 146?)

 

Thanks.

 

(The red-black Nakaya stand is putting a foot in the door, and I expect the dorsal fin will follow in short order)

[Hanoi]

a wonderful post and beautiful photography. I wish I can afford these wonderful desk sets one day.

[Montblanc owner and lover]

very nice review...i know a MB desk pen made for 149 that fits only 149 pre 1980...and it is threaded someone know about it?

[pavoni]

It is always a treat to come across your photographs of your superb collection of pens (and incredibly organised work space) Sean.

 

Glad to see that your move towards Nakaya is meeting your expectations. Thank you very much for the treat.

 

Pavoni.

[lunareclipse]

Wow - what gorgeous photos! Your review & comparison are excellent and, as you'll see below, happen to be quite timely and helpful!

 

I've been considering a desk pen stand for my Nakayas, as I often jot quick notes while working on the computer. Rather than purchase a complete desk pen & stand, I'm planning to use the stand with my existing Nakaya pens - I love that the desk pen stand fits their regular models!

 

Your review clinched it for me - I'll be contacting Classic Fountain Pen today to order a Nakaya desk pen stand. Or two, perhaps...like you, I sometimes work from home, but also commute to work, so I'll probably get one for each office.

 

Just need to decide which color...I'm thinking Ao-tamenuri as it'll match my Seiryu ascending dragon; it should also go well with the pair of raden pens Nakaya is working on for me. Perhaps heki-tamenuri for the second one, to go with my new Fox with Harvest Moon and Blue Rose by Raden pens (which are on order from CFP, waiting for nib-finishing by John, as he's currently on vacation).

 

Again, thank you!

 

lunareclipse

 

(edited to fix a typo)

Edited June 11, 2013 by lunareclipse

[Multiechelon]

Thanks everyone for their comments. I will respond with some feedback and then post an update.

 

according to John Mottishaw's niubs.com, the Nakaya also fits the MB 146, and others. Does the MB fit the Nakaya as well (if you have a MB for the 146?)

 

I do not have a MB 146 so I can't say from firsthand knowledge I know it fits but I am confident it would fit. The tulip flute of the Nakaya stand is quite robust in terms of holding several (slightly) different-sized pens. I will show a picture of this later in this post.

a wonderful post and beautiful photography. I wish I can afford these wonderful desk sets one day.

 

Thank you.

 

very nice review...i know a MB desk pen made for 149 that fits only 149 pre 1980...and it is threaded someone know about it?

 

Indeed, this is a well known issue. Hari writes about it here and he references one of the experts-above-experts here. The short answer is that the threads did change over time. All my 149 stands are unthreaded so I can't speak from firsthand knowledge but I would assume you could just let the pen sit in the stand on top of the threads. That is, you would not screw it in.

 

It is always a treat to come across your photographs of your superb collection of pens (and incredibly organised work space) Sean.

 

Glad to see that your move towards Nakaya is meeting your expectations. Thank you very much for the treat.

 

Pavoni.

 

Thank you Pavoni. Your pictures are great as well. I always like to think of this as a hobby where I get to have fun but also really use the tools every day. I have gravitated away from MB over the past year and really enjoyed these Nakayas but who knows what the future holds? That makes this fun.

 

Wow - what gorgeous photos! Your review & comparison are excellent and, as you'll see below, happen to be quite timely and helpful!

 

I've been considering a desk pen stand for my Nakayas, as I often jot quick notes while working on the computer. Rather than purchase a complete desk pen & stand, I'm planning to use the stand with my existing Nakaya pens - I love that the desk pen stand fits their regular models!

 

Your review clinched it for me - I'll be contacting Classic Fountain Pen today to order a Nakaya desk pen stand. Or two, perhaps...like you, I sometimes work from home, but also commute to work, so I'll probably get one for each office.

 

Just need to decide which color...I'm thinking Ao-tamenuri as it'll match my Seiryu ascending dragon; it should also go well with the pair of raden pens Nakaya is working on for me. Perhaps heki-tamenuri for the second one, to go with my new Fox with Harvest Moon and Blue Rose by Raden pens (which are on order from CFP, waiting for nib-finishing by John, as he's currently on vacation).

 

Again, thank you!

 

lunareclipse

 

(edited to fix a typo)

 

Thank you. An AO stand would surely look spectacular. I don't have an AO pen yet but I see one in my future; probably a decapod twist. I can believe an AO stand would be worth the wait.

 

There is also reason to update my previous post. First, my Nakaya pen and stand collection changed:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_01_zps1b43f0a6.jpeg

 

I now have heki, aka, and kuro stands:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_02_zps09d7d84a.jpeg

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_03_zpsc1a551a6.jpeg

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_04_zps3045b134.jpeg

 

Here is a close-up of each base:

 

Heki-tamenuri

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_05_zps1ad069f9.jpeg

 

Aka-tamenuri

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_06_zpsba61c83e.jpeg

 

Kuro-tamenuri

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_07_zpsdca8829a.jpeg

 

And my Nakaya rotation changed as well. After getting to know the pens better, I decided I did not like the deskpen form factor. I just did not find it comfortable. I will write about that in another post. So I ended up getting rid of the deskpens and getting three new Nakayas:

 

Akebono portable cigar

Heki-tamenuri decapod twist cigar

Heki-tamenuri long cigar

All three fit in the stands. Here is the Heki-tamenuri long cigar:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_08_zpsf897fb35.jpeg

 

As you can see, it fits but the threads are not entirely within the tulip. Here is a blurry close-up:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_09_zps5296ca2e.jpeg

 

The pen is still air tight in the base so it is not a problem, although aesthetically it might bother some people.

 

In contrast, here is a shot of the Aka-tamenuri deskpen fitting perfectly flush in a stand:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_10_zps11d15bcf.jpeg

 

This is a portable fitting flush in a stand:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_11_zpsa586adaf.jpeg

 

And I don't have a picture but the twist decapod fits flush as well.

 

I really like these stands but I do have to say that using these Nakaya stands has given me a deeper appreciation for the MB 149 stands. The Nakaya stands are really light and they don't have any installed "grip" to the desk (like little plastic feet or something like that). Once, I was moving some papers on my desk and smacked one off my desk. In all the years I have owned the 149 stands, that kind of thing never happened. The MB 149 stands are firmly planted to the desk and they have little rubber feet that keep them firmly planted.

 

The Nakaya stands are also not perfectly level on the bottom. Here is a close-up of the kuro-tamenuri stand sitting on my desk:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_12_zps33f38bd9.jpeg

 

And here is a picture with me pressing down on one side:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_13_zps1765d5f5.jpeg

 

I have to admit this bothered me a lot for a couple days. If I kept my Nakaya pens at the same angle I was accustomed to for my MB 149s, the stands wobbled and moved around a lot when I took the pens out of the stand. Probably only a FPN member that has read through this post would understand how annoying that is. The solution was not terribly difficult to implement: I just had to keep the tulips more vertical. This was an adjustment in how I was used to pulling pens out of stands and I can't honestly say I am a big fan of change or adjustment. If I had never used the 149 stands, this probably would not have bothered me. But given the stability of the 149 stands this does qualify as an annoyance. Not a deal breaker, but an annoyance.

 

Here are two pictures showing the same problem exists for the heki-tamenuri stand:

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_14_zps664b85eb.jpeg

 

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/multiechelon/Nakaya149_Stands/DeskStands01_15_zpseac133fe.jpeg

 

Of course, I could just put some rubber feet under the Nakaya stand myself and resolve the issue that way. I probably will do that at some point, although with the tulips more vertical it no longer bothers me.

 

All that said, I think the stands really are a great bargain. In my opinion, they significantly improve the usability of the pen and, relatively speaking, they are well priced.

 

Sean

 

 

 

 

 

[georges zaslavsky]

very nice review

[Hoovy]

Oh my, photos galore. Excellent review, OP.

 

Is anyone else reminded by the Nakaya stands of gramophones, though?

[pavoni]

No one told me there were MORE photos!

 

I only have the single portable writer kuro tamenuri at the moment but I do like the look of heki tamenuri, both combinations of which come through very well on the Nakaya desk stands.

 

Thank you again for sharing.

 

Pavoni.