Mont Blanc

[NG-Huy]

Well, if the original poster wants to buy a new Mont Blanc nowadays, only modern models are available from stores. If he gets a vintage montblanc and has a problem like an hairline crack on it, I don't know what is MontBlanc behaviour concerning repairing discontinued models. Personnally, I'm more modern fountain pens than vintage ones, that's maybe why I'm more directed on modern models in discussions.

[Dan Carmell]

Well, NG-Huy, your objections cover all vintage pens! But as you mention, you are more oriented toward modern pens. The issues you raise are dealt with routinely. Vintage MBs can be bought fully restored from reputable dealers and are no more--and probably less--likely to suffer damage than a modern pen. The old MBs were made of celluloid, not "precious resin" and are quite a bit tougher.

 

I think one objection to the vintage MB is actually a virtue: they do not have the panache of a modern MB. If someone even notices that the smaller, more modest pen happens to have a snowflake on top, they will lose interest very quickly when they hear it's old and pre-owned. And that's fine with me!

 

Dan

[marklavar]

I'm getting a little fed up with people who keep complaining about prices of pens - cheap pens are available, but this is a market driven by considerations other than mere functionality.

There is a difference between pens that are cheap and pens that are inexpensive. Some pens are of a good quality and priced as such other are of good quality and priced excessively.

 

 

Being able to discuss the difference is one of the reasons people post to this and other pen sites. I would hate to think that a person would be admonished for posting.

 

 

K

I'm not admonishing people for posting, but I do find that there are an awful lot of messages from people who expect to find high quality pens unusually cheaply. In my opinion, the best value pens in the world are Sailor ones - the 1911 and Professional Gear ones in particular. I have yet to find a pen that offers better quality for less money, but I have found better pens for considerably more money!

Edited July 20, 2006 by marklavar

[meanwhile]

Yes - especially in the UK, Sailors do seem to be the best priced pens with an A+ reputation. Unless you buy vintage, of course, or order a Danitrio Raw off Winedoc.

[NG-Huy]

I do find that there are an awful lot of messages from people who expect to find high quality pens unusually cheaply.

 

If you mean I expected to find MontBlanc for 5$ for example ~_~, you are wrong. In France, buying a new MontBlanc in store is about 275-300$ (220-240€) for the entry range. Whereas an entry range for a Sailor is twice less than that. I'd expect an entry range at 150$ for MontBlanc at least.

 

When you compare a MontBlanc meisterstuck with a Sailor 1911 full size for example, seriously, what are the differences according to you?

 

P.S. Yes, I found better pens for more money (cf Aurora Sole mini), so I'm not really picky about money. What tickles me is the ratio design/quality/price.

Edited July 20, 2006 by NG-Huy

[Titivillus]

I'm not admonishing people for posting, but I do find that there are an awful lot of messages from people who expect to find high quality pens unusually cheaply. In my opinion, the best value pens in the world are Sailor ones - the 1911 and Professional Gear ones in particular. I have yet to find a pen that offers better quality for less money, but I have found better pens for considerably more money!

Nope goint to have to disagree with you there. There are a lot of posts from people who expect to find a quaity pen reasonably priced. And that is one reason that there are reviews here and discussion about different manufacturers and new pens. There are many overpriced pens of little or no QC that are being sold and there are many pens that are REASONABLY PRICED of a quality level comparable to MB but a lower price point. There is discussion about all pens and unfortunately if the emperor doesn't have any clothes there are people here who wil say it.

 

 

K

[PaulK]

I always find these discussions about "those" brands disconcerting. It boils down to the fact that people don't like the marketing strategy ("boastful" nature) of certain companies. I lurk at a popular watch collector website and the same discussion occurs with Rolex (as already mentioned). It gets downright emotional. Instead, look at the product (watch or otherwise) for what it is. Folks, in this case, it's a pen.

 

Forget the hype because I know everyone on here are "users" of the pens: we like 'em or dislike 'em for the pen's merits. If the reason some "civilian" purchases a particular product is 'cuz fancy speak & colorful picts.: cool. What's sad is that will be the full extent of their knowledge. I recall KCAT's description how one of her supervisors had about put a MB in front of her nose to impress her. Again, how sad. It would have been interesting if she had innocently asked "why did you choose to buy that fountain pen?"

 

However, again, not being nor implying we're arrogant, I think people here (who are enthusiasts) can dive considerably deeper on the subject. In fact, I bet you if I was to name a pen manufacturer/model quite a number of people could provide pro's and con's to each. That's why I'm here: to learn.

 

Best to all,

 

Paul

[Chris]

Can't resist...

 

I have MB Chopin - the platinum finish, not gold - and I love it. Writes perfectly and is very well made, suits me and is understated (boring if you like); the perfect tool.

 

I compared it with a Sailor of the same size that I was able to borrow and try out for several days before deciding whether to purchase. The Sailor was a nice pen, but the MB is IMO better, actually much better for fine finish and feel in the hand.

 

Now, whether the difference is worth the significant price difference is a separate question.

 

I only choose Sailor because it was so similar in shape, size, design etc. and is a very well-respected pen and, again IMO, represents good value for money.

 

Would I buy the MB? No - too expensive for my pocket. I got it free from loyalty miles with the Eurostar travel between London and Brussels. I think I am lucky.

Would I ever pay that much for a fountain pen? Yes - have done so, but as a one off special purchase.

 

Chris

[kissing]

Third, when you buy a fountain pen, it's mainly because of the name because of you have heard of it somewhere from someone you know, because everyone speaks about this brand around you. Speaking frankly, who would bother buying an ugly no-name plastic fountain pen? "Mimi mini, what's that? never heard of it!". Reactions are more "ah, this is a Parker right? I know it, it's really a good pen!". Same for watches, I would never buy a no-name watch I've never heard.

 

Of course, if a brand is well-known (Sheaffer, MontBlanc, Parker, Waterman, ...), I think there are some factors:

1. Their pens are reliable, not a junk,

2. The design is nice,

3. The nib is nice,

4. The image is well promoted by the brand.

The satirically funny thing about this is...the average "civilian" seems to know of only 2 quality pen brands

 

Parker and MontBlanc

 

(Brands such as Sailor, Waterman, Pelikan, etc seem to be virtually unknown in the non-FP community)

 

:ltcapd:

 

If you ask random people on the street what fountain pen they would would wanna own if they could have any in the world, I have a feeling that a majority would say "Montblanc" because its one out of a total of 2 brands they are aware of and its the more expensive one :roflmho:

 

HOWEVER, the opinions given in this forum differ from the opinions of the wider community. Let's just say that MontBlancs are the Mercedes Benz of fountain pens. A Mercedes usually signifies luxury, elegance and prestige. They drive pretty well too, I would think. However, it would be naiive to say that Mercedes are the best cars in the world. Afterall, a Toyota with a turbo-charged engine could probably drive faster than a Mercedes for a much cheaper price.

 

As with the price thing - Yes, it would be inappropriate to complain that Mercedes are overpriced (as some people have expressed). However, it is completely valid for someone to ask whether there are cars out there that offer the qualities that a Mercedes offers (such as a stylish design, elegant look, comfortable leather interior, good brand name, etc) for a smaller price, I believe that is one of the main purposes of this forum and they have every right to ask what they are looking for and how to make the most of their money. I dont hear many people who own a Mercedes complaining about driving quality, nor do I hear many people complaining about their Ford or their Toyota. They will both get you from A to B

 

My point is - There is nothing wrong with MontBlancs. They dont write as well as some pens you could buy at a lower price, but they come with the elegant design that civilians will recognise as a luxurious statement. And on a personal level, it may even be more satisfying to own a MontBlanc than an average Parker. Some speak badly of the hype, but the hype itself comes with monetary value whether you respect it or not.

 

If you're a conservative person who simply seeks writing quality at a reasonable price - MontBlancs may not be as appealing. It's all subjective and highly dependent on everything ranging from your personality, financial status and fountain pen experience.

 

(my big fat 2 cents)

Edited July 20, 2006 by kissing

[NG-Huy]

The satirically funny thing about this is...the average "civilian" seems to know of only 2 quality pen brands

 

Parker and MontBlanc

 

(Brands such as Sailor, Waterman, Pelikan, etc seem to be virtually unknown in the non-FP community)

 

:ltcapd:

I'd rather say average people tends to know two major brands: Parker and Waterman because you can have one of those two for under 20$ (Parker Jotter, Vector and Waterman steel plated one). I think MontBlanc is more a gift people do for occasions like birthday or graduation.

 

The question I'm asking myself whenever I'm purchasing a fountain pen is always: "is this worth the money I'm giving for nib performance, design, functionnality,... ?"

 

Speaking frankly, watching my own tastes, I rather buy a Waterman Exception (Night & Day) than a Meisterstuck for about the same price.

[meanwhile]

Kissing -

 

What you wrote just isn't true.

 

Mercedes, Jaguar, Lexus, etc, do actually make cars that deliver more than in total than cheaper vehicles. Whether paying an extra 80% in cost 80% to get this, say, 20%-50% capability is justified is another question.

 

This is not what Mont Blanc are selling, if the reputation they have here is correct. Their *best* pen is equal to a Sailor 1911 (which is a Mercedes in price and performance when compared to a Hero "Toyota") and costs several times more.

 

This is very, very different!

Edited July 20, 2006 by meanwhile

[kissing]

haha, good point :bonk:

 

I was just focussing on the quality of the engine as equivalent to the nib. My analogy was limited to just the main feature of the car (engine).

 

Mercedes have good engines. But I dont see a hell of a lot of street racing people (like the ones you see in movies such as The Fast and the Furious, etc) using a Merc in their NOS powered races (ok...they might use the SLK, coz its a sporty version of Mercedes

Edited July 20, 2006 by kissing

[Bill]

This is an interesting discussion that takes my mind off nib widths ;-) Here are a couple of random observations for what they are worth:

 

1. I've been reading a different translation and commentary of the Tao Te Ching and last night was struck by how we learn what is labelled "good" or "bad" and how we taught these labels from birth. If we are part of a society, our notion of an items "worth" is typically not formed independently. How do I know the true "worth" of a Rolls Royce? Certainly not first hand.

 

A month ago I was a happy user of a wide variety of FPs, cheap to expensive. Then I bought one that I was hesitant to ink because I read others considered it valuable and they labelled it "good" and it needed to be preserved. But I didn't buy it for them. A ship in a harbor is safe; but that is not what ships are built for. I inked it and I was set free. For years I worked up through all the stages of true collector of other types of antiques. For what purpose...the thrill of the chase, investment? I became a slave to the collections.

 

2. Some of us here read an off-the-wall monthy item in Bicycling called Style Man. In essence, some inept riders will spend money to look the part of a pro, but they are only posers. Think KCat's boss with the MB. The truly stylish gain respect from their performance. They can walk the walk and don't need symbols to prove it. If you are respected enough, others will try to emulate YOU. Just think of it. Rotring as status symbol I once painted "rally stripes" on a car. It did not go any faster, but I was "cool". I guess it was the equivalent of today putting a big, heavy wing on the back of your small car.

 

Real style or class? Wear a terribly expensive pen that only you see and know about...food for your inner soul, so to speak.

 

Hmmm. Never ingest spices or Laozi (Lao Tzu) just before bedtime.

 

Bill

[wspohn]

The truly stylish gain respect from their performance. They can walk the walk and don't need symbols to prove it. If you are respected enough, others will try to emulate YOU.

 

Real style or class? Wear a terribly expensive pen that only you see and know about...food for your inner soul, so to speak.

Bill (excellent name, that) I am with you part way. Life is only a popularity contest if you care about what other people think of you.

 

All of the things I enjoy, I enjoy for me. I don't use high profile name brand stuff so I will be noticed, and in fact that is why I tend not to take my MB149 to the office with me - I don't want people to think I am the sort of person that likes to wave status symbols about, I want them to judge me (this is in a professional capacity - I really don't care what they might think about me in a personal way) on what I say and what I do.

 

I use the 149 and a couple of other pens mostly at home when writing for myself. If I do take them out, I actually try to avoid having people notice them - which is tedious and annoying sometimes, which is why I don't use them 'out' much.

 

So I guess you are right except for the emulation part I don't see that emulation, a sort of monkey see monkey do has much place in this discussion.

[Nimrud]

Mercedes have good engines. But I dont see a hell of a lot of street racing people (like the ones you see in movies such as The Fast and the Furious, etc) using a Merc in their NOS powered races (ok...they might use the SLK, coz its a sporty version of Mercedes

An SLK? A '98 Skyline will blow that away any time of the day.

 

Which illustrates the point actually, both are not cheap cars. But for one, you pay for the marketing. For the other, you pay for the engineering. One looks like a sports car, the other is a sports car.

Edited July 20, 2006 by Nimrud

[meanwhile]

haha, good point :bonk:

 

I was just focussing on the quality of the engine as equivalent to the nib. My analogy was limited to just the main feature of the car (engine).

 

Mercedes have good engines. But I dont see a hell of a lot of street racing people (like the ones you see in movies such as The Fast and the Furious, etc) using a Merc in their NOS powered races (ok...they might use the SLK, coz its a sporty version of Mercedes

Fast is not the only measure of a car. Mercedes specialize in building excellent large cars, not street racers.

 

Mont Blanc specialize in getting $800 for a 149 that's maybe as good as a $150 Dani or $250 Pelikan - and that's their best product!

[Cloud]

Hi,

 

The question is kind of tricked. Montblanc are good pen in general. But if you are looking to optimise quality/price ratio you would be better to look at another brand name. If price isn't a factor buy the most expensivew one . Like most market the more you pay the more you get. The best way to go about this is really to go the the store, look at them hold them, to see what fits best in terms of grip, balance, size... and of course the look. Also, do you want a piston or cartridges. I would weant a fountain pen that suits my style and the circomstanes I am going to be using it. Note models you like personnaly and then come to see review of these pens. Because tastes are different for everyone. A pen you dont like may be the same as everyone says you should like...

 

(My favorite pen is the montblanc Kafka limited edition)

 

Cheers

 

Claude