What similarities and differences are most prominant between Pelikan's M800 and Mont Blanc's 146? I am not sure if I will ever spend that much on one pen, but if I did and it was not for an urushi or maki-e it would be one of these two powerhouse euro pens. I would feel better taking an expensive, though basic, pen along to work than an expensive work of art that also happens to be a pen.

Can anyone at least point me to a link with the dimensions of the Mont Blancs?

Hi,
here are measurements provided by a pentracer some time ago. Sorry I don't remember the name of the contributor!

146 (from 1972)
pen length from barrel to nib: 132mm
pen capped: 142mm
pen posted: 166mm
barrel diameter: 13.2mm
pen weight: 14g
cap weight: 9.5g

800 (from 2002)in same order:
126mm
141mm
163mm
13.4mm
20.25g
8.25g

Good luck!

HI, well, both are reliable piston fillers made by companies that have been in the pen business a long time. Both generally are known for smooth nibs, though I would say the 146 (medium) nib I have is a bit smoother than the Pelikan 800 (medium) nib I have. Can't say if that is normal.

The Pelikan is easier to service at home, as you can unscrew the nib unit and tab a tad of silicone grease inside if you get a sticky piston.

I am not sure where you live, but both have decent service centers, though MB might cost you more, and don't tend to send your pen off to Europe for six months.

Both are nice pens, reliable and cool looking. I suppose if you are travelling the Pelikan might be a bit more tough but I have never heard of a 146 breaking without a major fall. It was the old MB 144 that cracked and broke all the time, not the 146 and 149.

I guess you might as well get a Pelikan. They are cheaper. An 800 goes for $225-275 and the 146 probably is over $350. I have not priced a 146 in a long time. j

In addition to John's excellent comments,
The 146 lacks trim near the nib, so you don't have to worry about corrosion.
The 800 has more color choices.
A used modern 146 in good condition can be had for about $150-175.
My 146 wrote well right out of the box.
My 800 required a nib exchange for a baby bottomed nib, but now writes well.
Both are great workhorse and are in the same class. I recommend trying them out and dip testing if possible.

Thanks for some input. I am already thinking about what to ask for as a wedding gift (I am getting married to the love of my life 7.1.06, yay). As far as color options for the M800, I would choose all black anyhow.

Personally I would buy a Pelikan with stripes. Far more classy than a black one, in my opinion!

I have a 146 and a M600, and I have to say that the 146 is more or less the perfect pen for my hands in terms of size and weight. Basically, I think the M600 doesn't have the metal piston, like de M800, but for me at least a 146 with a Pelikan nib would be more o less the ideal...
I don´t know if I was of any help....
Oh, and congratulations for the wedding...

For size comparison :
800(Far left) and 146 (Far right)



800 is a tad heavier than a plastic piston 146 and about the same as a brass piston 146.

I like 146 better in terms of prolonged periods of writing. BOth of mine are W Germany models with monotone 14kt nibs that are tuned by Nagahara and Mottishaw.