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Thoughts On Le Grand 147 Traveller


ItsMeDave

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I tried a site search but was getting an API error, so I'll just post my question with minimal research.

 

I'm contemplating a 147 and was wondering what was the general feeling for this model? I expected it to be a little cheaper than the 146, but here in Canada the list price is $45 more expensive, I guess because it comes with a leather travel case.

I couldn't find any reference to converters on the Montblanc website, do they sell a converter for it? Would I be lucky enough that it uses international standard converters?

 

Love 'em or hate 'em, I'm looking for feedback.

 

Cheers,

 

David.

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The Montblanc 147 Traveller is a cartridge only pen, but I believe someone did manage to find a converter that fit into the cartridge holder. I just find it easy to refill empty cartridges with a syringe.

 

It's a great pen, especially when you're travelling

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Personally for me, I'm not a huge fan of converter pens. I see the utility, but it I'm going to use a fountain pen I prefer to have the internal piston experience.

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Personally for me, I'm not a huge fan of converter pens. I see the utility, but it I'm going to use a fountain pen I prefer to have the internal piston experience.

 

Without thinking too hard on it, I would have guessed that owned more cartridge converter pens than piston fillers.

But if I do an actual count, that's wrong. I've thinned the herd out lately and am down to twelve pens, eight piston-fillers and four CC'ers.

 

Of the eight pens that I got rid of this year, it was an equal split between CC and piston-filler.

The two main reasons for parting with these pens varied between 'too small' and meh. And one had a metal section (I hate metal sections).

 

Though CC pens are the minority in my collection, it's more about how the pen looks and feels in my hand versus the filling mechanism.

(And I do own a Montblanc 146 in rose gold.)

 

Cheers,

 

David

 

[Edit, I forgot all about my three Platinum (CC) pens, that brings the count to fifteen pens, with eight piston-fillers and seven CC'ers]

Edited by ItsMeDave
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Without thinking too hard on it, I would have guessed that owned more cartridge converter pens than piston fillers.

But if I do an actual count, that's wrong. I've thinned the herd out lately and am down to twelve pens, eight piston-fillers and four CC'ers.

 

Of the eight pens that I got rid of this year, it was an equal split between CC and piston-filler.

The two main reasons for parting with these pens varied between 'too small' and meh. And one had a metal section (I hate metal sections).

 

Though CC pens are the minority in my collection, it's more about how the pen looks and feels in my hand versus the filling mechanism.

(And I do own a Montblanc 146 in rose gold.)

 

Cheers,

 

David

My first pens were c/c pens (metropolitan and safari) I still have them. There can be advantages to c/c pens. They are easier to clean, if you do travel by air a lot being able to pull the cartridge to easily not have to worry (with proper preparation a piston will be just fine)

 

But c/c generally have less capacity. While it's not fact, c/c feel cheaper to me.

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I enjoy my 147 as much as the 146. Hard to tell the difference. The carts are a bit more convenient on the road, and at home I fill with the syringe. The hard leather case may be practical for some, but for me it's just something else to fuss with (personal opinion). I purchased mine from an FPN user almost a year ago and it has been to three or four states already :) , easily my most traveled pen.

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." -Pablo Picasso


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My first pens were c/c pens (metropolitan and safari) I still have them. There can be advantages to c/c pens. They are easier to clean, if you do travel by air a lot being able to pull the cartridge to easily not have to worry (with proper preparation a piston will be just fine)

 

But c/c generally have less capacity. While it's not fact, c/c feel cheaper to me.

 

Ease of cleaning is positive attribute in a fountain pen, but it's not limited to CC pens. Two good examples of piston-fillers that are easy to clean are the Pelikan M800 and Pilot Custom 823. (I'm sure there are others, but MB doesn't fit into that category because special tools are required, which I guess aren't impossible to obtain.)

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You only buy a 147 if you want a cartridge pen, and this is usually for travel reasons for someone who already owns a 146 or similar piston filled pen. It is a great pen, but you are paying more for less technology. If you are new to the brand, buy a classique which comes with converter, can take cartridges, and is also a great pen. When you love Montblancs as a result, buy a 149.

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You only buy a 147 if you want a cartridge pen, and this is usually for travel reasons for someone who already owns a 146 or similar piston filled pen. It is a great pen, but you are paying more for less technology. If you are new to the brand, buy a classique which comes with converter, can take cartridges, and is also a great pen. When you love Montblancs as a result, buy a 149.

 

Isn’t the classique slimmer than the 146? And I’ve tried a 149, too large.
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Yes, the classique is slimmer than the 146 and the 147 (which is 146 sized).

 

I have seen the post(s) in which people have fitted converters, but this conversion never appealed to me. If you want the piston fill, stick with the 146.

 

It's (designed as) a cartridge only pen, with an excellent delivery system and top build quality. I have a 144 which I use with a converter, but am very happy with the 147 as it is. The only downside I can think of, is cleaning it out, which is a bit of a faff - that said, I've never had to clean mine out, it still flows now as well as the day I bought it. I often instinctively twist the end, when it's time to refill, forgetting that it's a 147.

 

If I could only have one of the two, I'd go for the 146. But, if you're looking for a great cartridge pen, the 147 is hard to beat.

 

I'm currently on my 2nd 147 - and have never used the leather case, which I think of as a nuisance. I just clip it into my pocket, like any other pen.

 

Good luck.

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The 147 is small cartridge only. It is impossible to install a converter in the cartridge tray due to the ridge in the centre, same for long cartridges.

 

Cleaning the pen is very easy. Simply hold the barrel under running normal temperature water till the water runs clear.

 

I prefer to take my 147 when travelling.

In case you wish to write to me, pls use ONLY email by clicking here. I do not check PMs. Thank you.

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I prefer the 147 because it is the exact same size as the 146, but much easier to clean and switch ink colors. I have three 147 Travellers and one 146. I like the case for use on long trips. For everyday carry I use a MB sleeve. It's a lot more compact and easy to take the pen in and out of a sleeve.

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Isn’t the classique slimmer than the 146? And I’ve tried a 149, too large.

 

Yes the Classique 145 is slimmer and shorter in length than the 146 and 147.

 

Some members prefer the 149 and regularly say that it's the best pen in the Montblanc range. Actually, it's only the best pen for them. -_-

 

Some members prefer 146 sized pens, and the 147 is the same size as the 146 but it is a cartridge filler instead of a piston filler. It's great for travelling, easy to fill and clean. I wouldn't be without mine that is a 75th anniversary edition. :wub:

 

I bought a new one at my local auction house, and had a free nib exchange to an EF nib. However, all I did was to dip the nib before I realised it was too fine for me. So sadly it has just sat there in the lower level of my pen box since then. Never used. :( I should have stuck with only owning one.

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I have the 147 in burgundy (a discontinued color). I love the pen it is one of my go-to travel pens and I am a fan of the case to boot. Quite simply a convenient package for travel.

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I had one for several years. It is the back pen at the back of my profile picture. The cartridge system and the case were nice but the nib was a boring nail. I eventually sold it for very little money and have never regretted that decision.

Edited by FlyFast
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Hello Hari

 

Yes, I also thought it was impossible, but it has been done:

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/308048-using-a-converter-with-montblanc-traveler-147/

Thanks for sharing. Thats a clever solution with a third party mini converter that sits nicely in the same space as a small Cartridge. A conventional converter as sold by Montblanc is double the size.

In case you wish to write to me, pls use ONLY email by clicking here. I do not check PMs. Thank you.

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I like my 147....perhaps better than other Meisterstuck pens because of its simplicity. Just stick in a cartridge and it writes beautifully.

 

My big gripe, though, is that the pen is a bit of a cliche....my boss has one too so it's not all that unusual or exclusive, so I usually prefer to pull out some of the better writers in my collection, like my ST Dupont pens which are far less common.

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