For the same money, what will it be? What should I get?

Leaning a little towards the 146 for ease of clean out, but I have a Boheme rollerball so if I got that it would be a matched set. And the retractable nib has the cool factor and harkens back to the safeties of yore.

146 im opinion. Had a couple of them Boheme's. Bit to fiddly for me.

Both are fantastic pens that really fit different needs. The Boheme is the superior pocket pen as it fits perfectly into a breast pocket. The 146 is to me a superior writer as it fits my hand better. So to go out and about, Boheme, to sit at home and write snails etc, 146.

Allan

Allan brings up good points, as he usually does.

The Boheme retractables are smaller pens, designed for smaller hands. I think the lipstick mechanism of the Boheme is a bit feminine - the jeweled clips on some versions reinforce that image.

The 146 is a much more classic look, but the 146, like the 149, is so recognizable to non-fountain pen folk that it brings with it the good and the bad image effects of the Montblanc brand.

My vote would be for the classic, understated 146. But hey, I've never been a fan of lipstick.

Have fun - either pen will serve you well for years.

The retractable is a "bit too fiddley" for me too.

You also have the piston filler vs. cartridge debate. Personally I like the piston filler. Add to that the fact that I like the size, shape, and writing characteristics - it's a 146 for me!

These two pens are very different with very opposing strategies. Considering both, its easy or very difficult to chose one.

Boheme is interesting and tends to represent the new with some inspiration from the old (retractable nib). As far as form following function it doesn't quite do that. Instead, the approach seems to take a little of the old while fast forwarding it into the present, with mixed results. Consider that this cartridge filler uses a modern mechanism to advance the nib, without any rationale for it other than to pay homage to the old. It sure is fun and cool, but taking a step back you gotta ask the question why? If we answer that its because its cool, then I suppose that's okay. After all, the pen is very well made and if we can't fun with our toys maybe we need to find new ones.

146. This is a very long lived pen around since I believe the late 1950s, when the torpedo shape replaced the 136. Everything about this pen shows its classic roots: piston fill, timeless torpedo design apparently inspired in part by the Sheaffer Balance, and a visualated inkview window that is both functional and practical. It seems to be the kind of pen that could claim to be its own victim in that it was so well conceived and executed that the basic design would not be redesigned or changed in the over fifty years of its life. In short, some find this boring, and that is the dilemma. Still, if you have never owned one or its sister the 149, you should at least once.

My philosophy: get 'em both!

Hmm, looks like my instinct towards the 146 is confirmed. While I was playing with the Boheme retractable I had a moment of a "bit too fiddley" too.

Playpen, getting both would be the greatest solution, but so many pens, so little money...

Thanks. everyone.

I have them both and love using them both.
The Bohem is one of the best pocket pens ever and for quick note of even heavier use its perfect but to be honest the 146 is simply classier,easier to use and has a big piston filler.
I would say get the 146 and then the Bohem.
If one to choose I would go with hthe 146.

146 every time. 149 even better. Have not seen much of the full size Boheme. They had one at the Bond Street Shop, still only a single cartridge.









Its not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends

I have one of the large Boheme with the retractable nib. Such a big pen, with an itsy, bitsy little cartridge.

I have 146 and boheme use them and love them...The 146 is a great writing tool and I find I use it more than boheme....Get them both! You'll only spend the money on fiddle-faddle thingamajigs anway so why not get a great pen
I like that think I'll buy another one myself

146 easily, it has a very reliable piston filling system, very responsive nib and very good durability.

Do not forget that they make the now discontinued Boheme Big Size Retractable that has the heft and weight of the 149. Even though they are discontinued, they are around at at a 20% discount at some retailers ( not MB stores).