As I stated in this forum yesterday in my first post, I am a relatively new Montblanc enthusiast/collector. I currently own 5 MB pens. I am looking at purchasing my first limited edition. I am considering the William Faulkner 3 piece set, the Sir Henry Tate, and the Alexander Von Humboldt. I like the looks of the Tate the best, however I am not fond of the ink cartridge filling system (even though I will probably never use it). In my opinion this seems to be a cheap way to put ink into a nice pen. Kinda like putting vinyl seats in a Rolls Royce. Am I wrong?

What pen would you choose if you didn't have any of them and had the choice of one and why?

Regards,
Ryan

Do not consider William Faulkner 3 piece set. For collectors the fountain pens are important. If you desire the William Faulkner go for the fountain pen only. As a collector I have the Faulkner FP and the Alexander Von Humboldt. Humboldt is far more impressive pen. It is a unique pen since. It is the only MB pen made from wood. It is bigger than Faulkner and much more heavier. Now as it concerns Tate, I think Humboldt still is more impressive pen. Therefore my opinion is to go for Humboldt.

I thought this year's POA was made from a highly polished wood of some sort.
PS: Go for the Humboldt. Held one, and it was to die for.

I know a co-worker at work that has some of MB's writer series and he showed me the Nikolai pen, I thought it looked handsome in green and sterling silver.

John

Hmm, the Nikolai neither is a limited edition or from the writer's series. And the silver color isn't Sterling but plantinum plated stainless steel. But it's a very nice pen indeed.

Axel

Ryan,

When it comes to modern MBs, I'm a Writer's Series enthusiast. I'd be hard pressed to tell someone to not consider a set, as many times personal preference should outweigh the herd mentality. There are a couple of WEs I'd wished I'd purchased as sets, because I like my pens and mechanical pencils to match. But, the prices of sets have kept me away.

I'm of the opinion that pen you choose, especially if you are going to use it, should be comfortable in your hand and have the characteristics that most appeal to you (ink filling system being one).

There are several threads started by members in this forum about WEs and POAs and their preferences or favorites, and it might be interesting for you to read these threads if you have the opportunity.

Good luck with your choice.

Eric

Never held any of the pens on your list but here is my take on these pens.
1.Alexander Von Humboldt-not very impressed by it.A wooden pen on a POA seems just wrong to me,why? dont know it simply does and looks rather cheap to me.
2.William Faulkner-A nice pen but not one of my favorite WE pens.
3.Sir Henry Tate-Ding Ding Ding,you got a winner.This pen is stunning and this is what a LE pen should look like.Not only its stunning but it also has a Safety action nib and thats just plain wonderful.Indeed I really dont like cartridge pens but in this case I would take the pen.

Have you seen the Humboldt in person before? Some times thats all thats necessary to make a pen. I used to think the Cervantes WE was OK at best, but then I saw one in person. Absolutely beautiful. So I guess suggest Taylor61 check out these pens in person if possible!

PRAG

Indeed its always a good idea with any case of a pen to check it first before you buy it.
The problem is when you dont have access to a pen and then must buy it online.
As I said I never say any of the pens in real life so from pictures I like the Tate best.
As the proud owner of the Cervantes I must agree it looks even better in real life then in the pictures.Its the most beautiful pen I own so far.This will change soon as I am waiting for the Dumas to arrive any day by mail.

I would say the Woolfe looks better, but who am I to judge! Hope to read a review of the Dumas soon!

Anyways, I really think this comes down to if you want a piston filler or a cartridge filler. If you are a user, it comes down to what you need/prefer. I personally like wood on pens, so I absolutely adore the Humboldt. The Tate is probably a very good pen too. The 4810 seems to be a much more attractive pen than the 888 Tate. No matter what happens, you can't lose!

@goodguy
PS: Have you been to the Toronto MB boutique? The manager at the Toronto MB is exceeding kind. I held the Humboldt there, and he even let me handle his Cervantes. I just a kid, so I'm surprised he even let me touch it.

Must admit I never been to the MB botique in TO.I get my MB pens from the FPH but I really must go there once.
To me there isnt a wrong MB pen but of course I have more favorites then others.
As for the Dumas,you should already know me I always write a review on all my new pens

Thanks to everyone and their thoughts. I have actually seen and held the Humboldt at a boutique and it was very nice. I think it is very interesting with the wood, and wonder if that will increase its value over time, since its unique. However, I just can't get past the red and platinum of the Tate! I am still considering both. We will see!

Shows everyone how much I know about MB pens.....the newer ones ,anyway

John

Taylor61 follow your desire. If you saw both pens in real and you like more Tate go for it. After all it is a matter of taste. The point here is to feel satisfied.

Hm. I collect pens, and I far prefer sets, so I'm fully prepared with matching pencil, ballpoint and FP for any writing situation...

The Humboldt looks anything but cheap in real life. It has a real understated elegance in person. And a lot of heft. Not quite as heavy as my Michel Perchin Metropolitan, but heavy nonethless.

Hello,

I support the previos notion of many of the members that the Hambdolt does not look in any way cheap. May I also extend that notion to all the Patron of Arts series. To me, they are all beautifully designed and well built (at least the ones I've seen). Even the resin ones are overlayed with beautiful metal fretwork.

The Tate is a very nice looking pen, and I understand why many dislike if for its filling system. But the fact that its filling system is not the simple cartridge/converter system but a retractable nib, is part of its charm in my opinion.

The Faulkner is also nice. Coming in a set is an advantage to some, but not to others (I rarely use ballpoints and pencils). However, it is made of cheaper materials, but does not look cheap.

The Falkner has a nice glossly sheen to it. Looks like glazed candy! However, I would be in constant fear of scratches. Have you taken a look at the Virginia Woolf? It's a beautiful curvy pen. But if the Falkner is your thing, get it! If you have to use BP's and just can't get away from them, get the set. If you primarily use FPs, you know what to do!

PRAG

I also like the Sir Henry Tate very nice pen.. and I also prefer bottled ink filled pens and agree that such pens its a shame that they are cartridge pens.. sigh.. you want your ice cream and to eat it to?

Hi Ryan, You're asking a great question and here goes: All of the pens you mentioned are fairly heavy and if that works for you then great. However, in your post you mentioned that you will "probably never use it" in reference to the Tate. The one thing to consider is that if you're going to consider these special pens that you should never buy a pen that under normal circumstances (regardless of cost) you would hesitate to use. I say this because at the end of the day after you have obtained these beautiful things that all they are, after all, are just pens. This doesn't mean you HAVE to ink and use them, but if you needed to or wanted to, you would.

Between the Faulkner, Tate, and Humboldt, IMHO get the Humboldt. Why? Because it is so different from the line and so well done I think it will remain unique but classic for a long time. There are far more copies of the Faulkner out there since it is a WE. One point of controversy about it is the increased WE price point that I am sure has put off more than one MB collector. The Tate is also somewhat unique, but in a way that most collectors would not necessarily appreciate. The filler system uses cartridges only (its harder to be classic) and while well done has a newer mechanical design that may prove to not be as reliable in the years ahead. Don't get me wrong, I have a Tate because I like the design, but if I had a choice between the Humboldt and the Tate, well, you get the idea.

Thanks and good luck with your choices whatever they may be.

My vote goes to the Humboldt. As mentioned above it is a very special pen, not only for MB, but also among the other brands. The wood, silverwork and overall design are exceptional, if a bit modern looking for my taste. I think it is one of the POA that will appreciate the most, particularly if you're not sure about using it.

As for the Boheme retractable c/c filler, it is difficult to clean and prone to rust! Imagine value in a few years. Dunno if you have noticed, but the similar Friedrich II POA pen often sells below the price of a WE, because of the size (unfortunately) and the filling system. I happen to love the size and the design of that pen, but the filling system destroyed its appeal.

The Faulkner pen was a big disappointment to me in person. Try it out for yourself.

If you'd like a set, I'd recommend taking a look at the Proust... every piece is a work of art in itself and that pencil has few if no contenders in the MB line.

-You got the money to get an set, go for it since you like the overall design of the pen you will not regret having your ball point and mechanical pencil match.
-For POA you got to handle them to decided. Personally I like the Tate and was about to get one until I found out it was a cartridge build.
-Humboldt is different from what MB usually do as I do not remember last time they made a pen out wood. When Humboldt first came out there were mix feeling about it more negative than position, however after many people handle it in person many people started to like the pen. To me it is like Kafka all over again.