Howdy. I did a search and I can't find this exact issue discussed. No matter what ink I put in my 16 year old M nib, barely used (I am trying) 149, every word starts out dry and gets wet. I have experimented with angles, pressure, speed. I can't see that it is me doing this (I have several other pens, none of which has this particular quirk). I am not sure if it bothers me or not, though I rather suspect it does.

Any suggestions? I really don't want to send it away, as it is a family heirloom and a really beautiful pen. It doesn't skip, no nib creep even on the creepiest of Noodler's (it is an awfully big nib to creep over) and a 2 toned beauty. It likes every ink and every paper and complains about nothing. Sigh. I think I am asking if anyone else has experienced this. Also, please feel free if you wish to tell me to stop being so picky and chalk it up to the character of this particular pen.

I think I will go get some letter my Dad wrote me with it when new and see how it compares. Thanks.

Kath, thoroughly in love with a moody pen

It sounds like you may have a partially clogged feed. You can try filling and emptying the pen several times with a weak solution of Formula 409 household cleaner and lukewarm water (2 teaspoons 409 to 4-6 oz of water) to help dissolve what is probably some old dried out ink in the feed. If that doesn't work, then your only other option is to send it in for repair. I recommend Richard Bender who is in New Hampshire. He's done several MBs for me with excellent results and comes highly recommended in the fountain pen community. There are other folks who also do good work but I have no experience with them. You can also send it to MontBlanc service in Pennsylvania but they're going to charge you the same as would a private pen repairer.

Thank you, Ed. I will try what you suggest about the 409. If necessary, I will send it out to Richard. I really love this pen, but the flow issue id really bugging me.

Kath

Yikes! Avoid Formula 409 -- it's pretty harsh stuff, and the chemicals could do bad things to the plastic parts of the pen.

Flushing with plain cool water should clear most pens. Flushing with plain (non-foaming) household ammonia in a solution of one teaspoon to a cup of water should be a last resort.

Well, good thing I procrastinate!
Maybe I just have to give the little beastie a rest.
Thanks.

Kath