Why Does Montblanc Have Such A Bad Rap Anyway?

[soloworx]

Among the various MB models, the Agatha Christie seems to be 'exempt' from this 'bad rap', at least among my circle of pen lovers.

[indyshaq]

I think people make too much out of the "precious resin". If you feel that it is too fragile or regular 'ol cheap plastic, then please choose one of their stainless steel models and avoid this issue altogether. This is exactly what I did, and I have no complaints . I have pens from about 20 other manufacturers which are as good or better than my MB. I also agree with Kaisede that S.T. Dupont makes THE best nib.

[meiers]

What a silly question! It's clearly intended to elicit angry replies.

It's a bit like saying why do Rolex watches or BMW's have such a bad rap anyway.

 

Anyway, Montblanc has an excellent reputation. They have been making good pens for more than a hundred years.

 

Matt

 

 

[hcsk8ter]

What a silly question! It's clearly intended to elicit angry replies.

It's a bit like saying why do Rolex watches or BMW's have such a bad rap anyway.

 

Anyway, Montblanc has an excellent reputation. They have been making good pens for more than a hundred years.

 

Matt

 

Not in the least. I didn't post this to stir something up. This has been my experience around other pen users.

[Blade Runner]

I just received my first Montblanc today -- a 149 with BB nib. It is such fun to write with this pen. I also have Visconti, Dupont, Danitrio and Nakaya. Not to mention a couple Sheaffers. They are all great pens but I do have to say that whether you love them or hate them, the Montblanc is pretty special.

Nice first MB! My fourth 149 came today, so you're forewarned. : )

Congrats and enjoy.

[PenTieRun]

+1 for Ghost's and Fred's replies.

[FredRydr]

What many people don't realize about Mont Blanc is that the "precious resin" that they use in their pens is made from the toes of a new born kitten and roughly 85 toes are required (the amount is largely dependent on the size of the pen and how precious you want it to be) to make a single pen. As far as I can tell, most Mont Blanc haters do it for the kittehs.

Oh Skribb! You shall pay for this! LOL

 

Fred

[sumgaikid]

Y'all obviously haven't heard my Visconti ravings or my Carene hymns of praise.

 

Too many people seem to care what other people think. I've got lots of pens. Multiple brands make me happy. MB is one of them. So what?

 

+1........agreed. I have MB's,Auroras,Parkers,Conway Stewarts,Swans,Watermans,Wahls,a

Conklin and a Chilton. I buy what I enjoy and what sparks my fancy.

 

 

John

Edited September 24, 2009 by sumgaikid

[Kalessin]

From my experience, the general "distaste" for MB's does not reflect their quality, but rather their exclusivity...or their marketing of exclusivity. Their marketing is very similar to Rolex..which also gets bashed in the watch world. You have to understand that MB bears the burden of being a household word..meaning that most people who don't know anything about pens know enough that it is a "nice pen" when they hear the brand name. In an attempt to maintain quality control (and their status as "a great pen" to the general public), Montblanc requires that you purchase their product from a MB boutique or authorized dealer...same as Rolex..and that all repairs be performed by MB (same as Rolex). This has left a general distaste for MB products by many non-authorized dealers, because MB will not provide them service if they are not a boutique or authorized dealer....consequently some shops bad mouth MB..which gets perpetuated to the general public.

 

You may add that using inks other than Montblanc will void your warranty. As an aside, how do they prove it; or conversely, how can you prove you only used their inks?

 

From the FAQ section of the Montblanc website:

 

What does the Montblanc guarantee include?

 

The Montblanc International Guarantee includes defects of materials or workmanship of your Montblanc product. These defects do not include defects and damage caused by accident, improper use, normal wear and tear, alteration, dismantling or repair by persons other than authorized Montblanc repair specialists, or the use of components other than those recommended by Montblanc. It also excludes writing instruments with the clip ring number removed and lost or stolen products. Legal rights given by this guarantee may vary from country to country.

 

Note the total lack of mention of inks. I don't think you'll be able to find any modern Montblanc warranty statement that says you have to use their ink -- does anyone have one?

 

I also haven't heard of MB refusing warranty service for using other major manufacturers' inks -- does anyone have a concrete example?

 

Similar to other major pen manufacturers, they recommend using their own ink, and they may void the warranty if you fill the pen with an ink that damages the pen.

 

With regard Noodler's and Private Reserve inks, particular favorites of FPN people, there are some that are known to damage pens by staining and/or clogging. I doubt that MB would view them as a major manufacturer, even though the relatively small corner of the market composed of pen collectors loves Noodler's and PR inks.

[Bryant]

Y'all obviously haven't heard my Visconti ravings or my Carene hymns of praise.

 

Too many people seem to care what other people think. I've got lots of pens. Multiple brands make me happy. MB is one of them. So what?

I will toast to that! Use what you like, if it makes you happy than dont let other people tarnish that... Especially if they are silver

[Bryant]

What many people don't realize about Mont Blanc is that the "precious resin" that they use in their pens is made from the toes of a new born kitten and roughly 85 toes are required (the amount is largely dependent on the size of the pen and how precious you want it to be) to make a single pen. As far as I can tell, most Mont Blanc haters do it for the kittehs.

LOL!

This made my day... Awesome!

[FredRydr]

What does the Montblanc guarantee include?

...

Legal rights given by this guarantee may vary from country to country.

In other words, legal rights purportedly taken away by this guarantee may continue in full force and effect based upon the laws of your jurisdiction.

 

Where I am, I'm not worrying about it.

 

Fred

[georges zaslavsky]

Ok let me chime in, I own four vintage 149 and two vintage 146 that outwrite modern Visconti, Faber Castell, Delta, Ferrari Da Varese, Namiki, Cartier, Dupont and Caran Dache pens. They have all semi flex to full flex nibs. My MBs never ever leaked nor failed. I am also a Pelikan Söveran,vintage Parker, Man 100 and pre 1995 Waterman collector. Besides that I own a Bexley Americana in Sanibel Blue and an AD Dunhill 2000 Longitude. I like my MBs.

[Silvermink]

I think it's the perception that a Montblanc is a status symbol first and a pen second, which I think is a little unfair in the context of fountain pen enthusiasts.

[Kalessin]

What does the Montblanc guarantee include?

...

Legal rights given by this guarantee may vary from country to country.

In other words, legal rights purportedly taken away by this guarantee may continue in full force and effect based upon the laws of your jurisdiction.

 

Where I am, I'm not worrying about it.

 

The "legal rights may vary by country" is found in pretty much every international guarantee for anything. It's also in a lot of USA guarantees because some states have differing laws.

[FredRydr]

Where can I buy kitten toes by the hundredweight?

 

Fred

[meiers]

Ebay, of course.

What a silly question.

 

Matt

[msilbernagel]

I agree with Ron - when you buy a Montblanc you buy prestige. The "old guard" pen collectors are probably excercising "reverse snobbery". I have several MB pens, pencils, roller balls, and ballpoints. The are very fine instruments and I thoroughly enjoy using them. But I don't expect the uneducated masses to bow down before me just because the pen in my shirt pocket has a white star on the top. There are pens out there that are as good, if not better, than Montblanc. I enjoy my Sheaffer, Parker, and Cross instruments as much as I enjoy my Montblancs. Unfortunately, there are masses out there who are buying a name rather than a writing instrument. Ron also mentions a similar phenomena with Rolex watches. I have a few Rolexes and none of them keep time as well as my Seiko or Casio watches but they sure look good on your wrist. I think this is what is known as false pride and I think that Montblanc encourages it.

[MidnightBlue]

Thank you last poster for your refreshing objectivity. Long overdue here I think. You make several points I have tried to make for ages. Bet they don't listen to you either.

Thanks again

[Blade Runner]

Buying a pen for snobbery reasons is bad.

Hating a pen because some others buy it for snobbery reasons (reverse snobbery) is also bad.

Both ignore an appreciation for the pen.

 

Buying a pen because it writes well and looks good is great. That's what many fp enthusiasts do, whether it's MB or a non MB brand. And because I like MB the best among the numerous brands I've tried, doesn't mean I think MB is the best pen for everyone, because tastes vary. Buy what you enjoy the most.