Montblanc Thomas Mann -

August 17, 2011

On a separate note, I always had the impression that Nakaya will fall under the category of a heavier pens. Almost all lacquer pen that I've came across seems to be relatively heavier than resin.

The urushi and resin pens seem to be fairly on par in weight. I have, for instance, a Montblanc 100-Year Historical in rotation, and it's fairly light, although it seems to be a tad heavier than the Danitrio Fellowship (urushi and maki-e).

I brought both Waterman Le Mans into rotation, a 100 and a 200, and the bigger 100 turned out to be too heavy for my hand anymore, so I've already taken it out of rotation; whereas, the 200 is still very comfortable to use.

The Nakaya Desk Pen is nearly 20 cm capped, about 17.5 cm uncapped -- so it looks long and unwieldy, but because of its lightweight and balance, it's one of the most comfortable pens I've ever written with.

I'm not trying to turn you away from your Thomas Mann, btw. If the Mann had been a bit lighter, I would still have it; it would still be in rotation, I'm sure. I loved that nib -- gorgeous and smooth!

August 18, 2011

When i held the Mann and wrote a few words with it, it felt sturdy and very balanced. I like the balance more than my Twain but i like the look of my Twain more.

August 18, 2011

Wow, that is gorgeous. That pen is on my list of things to eventually buy, but it's a looooooooong way off. If I can even find one then. Thanks for doing this review and taking so many great pictures!

You're most welcome. It took me a while to locate it, but my other half was ahead of me (she always does). I have to now impress her more on her upcoming b-day :embarrassed_smile:

When i held the Mann and wrote a few words with it, it felt sturdy and very balanced. I like the balance more than my Twain but i like the look of my Twain more.

I share the same opinion. The extra weight of T.Mann does make it a firm and steady writer compared to Twain. Both pen has fantastic nibs which are smooth and glides over any type of paper, these are 2 of my best writers. The sinuous lines on the Twain gives it character and texture makes it unique. Both are must haves

Edited August 18, 2011 by Sidestreaker

August 24, 2011

What a fabulous review Sidestreaker. :clap1: Your superb photos reminded me of what a fabulous birthday present (50th) my Mann was.

As mine isn't in my current rotation, I haven't used it for some months :embarrassed_smile: Looking at your photographs, I could not believe mine looked that good! I suppose it may be true to say that, the distinctive design may give the pen a 'Marmite' tag.

What I personally like most about the pen (other than the wonderful way the cap locates) is that the Mann isn't a wannbe vintage lookalike but an excellently crafted pen with an individual quality, which ought to secure its longevity.

Whilst I most certainly don't see any of my pens as a financial investment, I am pleasantly surprised at the increasing price these pens command.

I share your appreciation for one of Montblanc's best WEs. I only wish I shared your photographic skills.

Pavoni.

August 25, 2011

Sidestreaker,

Our wives must be from the same mold. My wife surprised me with a Thomas Mann last month for my birthday as well. It's in Germany getting a nib exchange and hopefully will be on its way back to CA soon!

Enjoy!

August 25, 2011

I forgot to mention that I'm exchanging a broad nib for a BB.

Edited August 25, 2011 by OC Mike

August 27, 2011

What a fabulous review Sidestreaker. :clap1: Your superb photos reminded me of what a fabulous birthday present (50th) my Mann was. As mine isn't in my current rotation, I haven't used it for some months :embarrassed_smile: Looking at your photographs, I could not believe mine looked that good! I suppose it may be true to say that, the distinctive design may give the pen a 'Marmite' tag. What I personally like most about the pen (other than the wonderful way the cap locates) is that the Mann isn't a wannbe vintage lookalike but an excellently crafted pen with an individual quality, which ought to secure its longevity. Whilst I most certainly don't see any of my pens as a financial investment, I am pleasantly surprised at the increasing price these pens command.I share your appreciation for one of Montblanc's best WEs. I only wish I shared your photographic skills.Pavoni.

Thanks!

I forgot to mention that I'm exchanging a broad nib for a BB.

Congratulations! Enjoy your pen and do let us know how it writes once you have received it.

August 27, 2011

On a separate note, I always had the impression that Nakaya will fall under the category of a heavier pens. Almost all lacquer pen that I've came across seems to be relatively heavier than resin. One day, I hope to place my order on those beautiful Urushi pens, to experience them myself, a road which I'm almost certain will take me on another steep path of pen acquisition.

Cheers.

Not if the lacquer is over ebonite (hard rubber). I have a Nakaya and Danitrio urushi and they couldn't be lighter!

Good review and a truly gorgeous pen!

Edited August 27, 2011 by alvarez57

December 1, 2015

The WE Thomas Mann is the latest addition to my writers edition collection. It was a late birthday gift from my wife. She was aware of the collection that I have and for some reason, this was particularly hard to find. However, she managed to secure it and kept it as a surprise for me. With so many great pictures taken and published here in the forums by our fellow members, my expectation was high and it did not disappoint. I have a feeling it will probably be my newest WE for a longer time as Im not too keen with the latest offering of the WE line for this year, but thats a story for another day. Today, Ill like to share my joy and satisfaction of this writing instrument, one that instantly became my favorite in my collection.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P6252449.jpg

FIRST IMPRESSION
Sealed in a standard Writers Edition box, WE Thomas Mann has one of the more attractive cover design on its packaging. Inside it, the lacquer finish gives a beautiful shine, with its silver inlays giving just the right amount of touch of aesthetic to it.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P6252464.jpg

DESIGN 9/10
One of the more understated pen in the WE line, Ill rank this along with Dostoevsky, Voltaire, or maybe Kafka. The platinum inlays reminds of the architectural and design elements of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, an architect who lived in the contemporary era of Thomas Mann. I can relate to the aesthetic which the design derives on, based on Modernism movement during that time, that focus on simple lines and economical elements, emphasizing on the beauty of its natural mass/form rather than using ornamental or patterns. Id imagine it would fit in perfectly in a photo shoot in one of Mackintoshs interior designs. If the design intent is to evoke the era of art movement during era, it has accomplished it extremely well. Id like to see more design like this with a concept and meaning, rather than just casual aesthetic. It just gives more depth to the product. The clip is platinum plated with and onyx colored zircon stone, adds a bit of interest to the whole composition.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P6252458.jpg

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P6252459.jpg

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P6252460.jpg

CONSTRUCTION AND QUALITY 8.0/10.0
I deemed any lacquer finish pen as more superior to PMMA or precious resin, given the better depth of color tone, durability and the solid feel when holding it. The platinum inlay adds more interest to the finish and actually gives more depth to the surface. The lines on the cap and barrel lines perfectly when capped, another proof of a well engineered instrument. However, I suspect not all parts are made of lacquer. The piston knob feels light compared to the rest barrel, and has the amber glow under a reading light suggesting that it may be made of resin. I have no complains at all on the choice of material here but compared to the WE Shaw or Twain, the knob doesnt have that smooth turning feel. In fact, it has a rather coarse almost like grinding feel to it when I turn it. I think Shaw has a better constructed turning knob design (made of lacquer with platinum plate caps) compared to this.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P6252445.jpg

WEIGHT AND DIMENSION 8.0/10.0
The heavier than resin feel gives me more confidence of its durability and commands more respect as a limited edition pen. Its not to heavy for lengthy writing and I personally enjoy the extra weight that helps me relaxes my grip. Like most pen, I dont post the cap when writing, and I find the length more than sufficient to write well, furthermore, I dont think any extra weight will help with the balance.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P6252472.jpg

NIB AND PERFORMANCE 9/10
This writes almost like my WE Twain, glass smooth, minimal feedback and the typical MB bolder than usual medium stoke lines. I enjoy medium nib as it is suitable for most purpose with its almost ball nib that lays a consistent quality of line, and writes well on almost all sort of surface of paper. Those who like to have some tooth may not enjoy this as it is meant to be a smooth writer. The nib design has the Buddenbrooks House façade engraved on it as a tribute to the writer, and can go into the ranks of other impressive nibs such as Verne and Shaw.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P6252474.jpg

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P8124909.jpg

REFILL AND MAINTENANCE 9/10
Another trusty piston fill pen, works tremendously well and the only complain I have as mentioned above is the lack of smoothness Id expected as with my other WE. The lacquer finish is smooth and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Cleaning the nib block seems easy and straightforward.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P6252476.jpg

VALUE 7/10
My wife bought this at retail price earlier this year, before the price hike. She was lucky to acquire one of the few remaining stock. Looking at the current trend on eBay, a roller ball pen is already reaching the price of the this FPs retail price tag back then. Given the increasing scarcity of this this item on the market, I reckon having it at yesterdays retail price is still a good buy.

OVERALL 8.33/10
I think the highlight of this pen is in the design. All functional aspects such as mechanism and nib performance are already excellent, which are its basic expectations anyway. We have seen many other limited edition released by Montblanc to give that extra special factor in a writing instrument. What they did with Thomas Mann, and what I really liked about it, is the very fundamental idea of a simple execution that has all the sophistication of respectable well-thought of piece of writing instrument. The design, choice of material and execution is simple yet elegant, did not try too hard to impress, yet just enough to make one stop and appreciate the added value being put into it. One would not hesitate to pick it up and use it immediately and there are no worries or being extra careful on an otherwise over-ornamented/treated design of a pen that may distract thoughts and ideas to be put on paper. Will it become my long term favorite companion, only time will tell. Right now, Im already anxious to finish off this review and get back into my journals.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P6252457.jpg
2 of my favorite lacquer pen, WE Mann and Leman CdA

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Writing%20Instruments/P6252470.jpg

Thanks for reading, cheers.

Thanks for your review and nice photos.

I have just received mine, and concur with all of your assessments. It is the nicest MB design-wise that I own, and the nib (mine is a F) is fantastic. I use all of my pens, as I do not collect for collecting's-sake. I'm deployed in Afghanistan as a civilian, and I get weird looks about my fountain pen usage. I regularly use a UNICEF 146 with EF nib that is also very smooth, however more attention was paid to the finishing of this nib than on the other MB's I have. So far, no baby's bottom, or drying out like the 146 has on occasion. I am still on my first fill of Blue Hour, and as soon as I flush it I'll be inking it with 90 yrs permanent grey.

What a fantastic pen this is. My piston mechanism is pretty smooth, smoother than my 149 and 146, it seems to approach the smoothness of the Pelikan system, which, in my opinion, is the best out there.

I made an offer on this pen (NIB) on Ebay, which in my opinion was fair, and a couple hundred under the BIN price, and I think I got a good deal on this fairly scarce edition. Mine is numbered in the low 10,000's.

Congratulations on your pen, I am loving mine and will be enjoying it for a long time to come. Enjoy it in good health.