Why Buy A Mont Blanc?

[DecafAmericano]

I bought a MB 146 and some 144s in 1983 because of the reputation. I have enjoyed using them since then. These pens have all been serviced or need to be serviced by Montblanc because of piston (146) leaks or material failure in the resin, mainly on the section of the 144--threads, capping ring. So, they don't seem to last like Parker 51s do. Pelikans probably have smoother nibs. Montblancs do write nicely and give pleasure. They are a luxury. They are just something you want.

 

 

PERFECTLY expressed here, including the same repair experiences. I couldn't add another thing.

[aget19]

Of all the Pens I own I have found MB 149s to be the best writers. That's why I love montblanc and will continue to buy MB in the future.

 

Don't get me wrong, Pelikans, Parkers etc are all fantastic writers and I use them regularly. But the juicy, wet line laid down from that magnificent (and enormous) 149 nib is something else.

[mano I]

IMHO MB is the pen equivalent of Rolex. Both are well made luxury items which have a certain market reputation that works for and against them. Both hold their value well compared to similar items and both are priced well above what is necessary to do their job (write and tell time). If used regularly, both will eventually need expensive factory servicing.

 

For people who are hesitant about spending the money or taking the plunge, for whatever reason, there's a need for reassurance or encouragement from other users.

 

Bottom line, as others have stated, is try one and if you're so inclined, buy one. I guarantee your life will not be transformed. It's a pen, no more and no less. But you may enjoy using it in a way that brings you some sense of personal pleasure and satisfaction.

[Edgar Allan Bo]

You see many negative posts about the MB service... but it's mostly because 99% of the people that had negative experience with MB will come back to tell everyone and their dog about how bad MB is, but only 1% of the people who had great experience with MB service will come back to tell about that.

 

And there is this image thing... too many people out there running with 149's in their shirt pockets but not having a clue about fountain pens have ruined the MB image for me... yes, I know I should't care about other people, but I do! I wish I was that self-confident!

 

But there is still a reason for me to buy an MB: because they have unique pen designs that I like and that I can't find nowhere else, and I will buy me an MB in the future, even one of the WE's - but one of the more understated ones!

[kubalai]

If it brings pleasure to you then it is worth the price. For example, just purchased a MB 82 gold FP from a fellow member. More expensive then a brand new MB but as it isn't in production anymore it is a collectors piece. However I will be using it extensively as it looks good write well. That to mw it was worht the price.

[Bo Bo Olson]

I picked up two prejudices on this com. One was about M nibs.

MB Toffee cured that one.

In Regular flex.

Fine was light with dark trails.

Medium was 50-50.

Broad was dark with light trails.

 

I was at a live auction after a Pelikan semi-flex OF 400NN, part of a @'56 set of FP,BP and MP. I had rationalized I'd sell the BP, MP and etui. I didn't.

I was not really all that interested in some old MB I didn't know what it was. It was not an 146-149.

It had a semi-flex nib, but I didn't know what it was....at that time I was a tad more ignorant than today. MB 234 1/2 Deluxe (52-55 only) Meisterstuck clip, and thicker different cap ring than the regular 234 1/2. It looks much like the 134 (1947). And is the end of that design line.

The 146/246 were after the war...from the old L30...so I must apologize, MB did have it's own "New Balance" top at least out in 1925-32.

 

It's KOB (15 degree), is my best nib, by a hair...to my Pelikan 140 OB (30 degree).

I was pleasantly surprised, I got use to and like it's slightly back balance.

I post and use forefinger up, so it rests in the web of my thumb.

 

I like it's balance best, second is a tie between my Geha 725 Goldschwing (gold wing) and my P-75 cisele.

 

I was so very surprised with all the bad press, how nice my old 1 1/2 tier MB was. The nib is fantastic, the balance and feel is great.

 

I am very happy with my MB, wouldn't swap it in at all. Except for the slightly fancier cap ring, the 134 is not better, and like it's flat top. My nib is not fancy, just a big snowflake and small Mount blanc on it, but it's my best nib. In spite of being a MB.

 

I'd like it just as much with out the snow flake.

That pen broke my prejudice against MB.

 

Some day I'll own a '50's 146-149, with the much more plain but better nibs.

As soon as MB comes out with a semi-flex in the new pens, I'd think about a modern pen. They do have some great bling nibs.

[kanajlo]

Incendiary posts, also known as "trolling", "stirring the pot" or "flamebait": Posts with content designed to produce an outraged, defensive response are not allowed. In this forum, these posts are often (but not always) strongly based on outrage over Montblanc cost, perceived value, pen brands in the Third Reich and during World War Two, snobbery and prestige issues, claims about quality, and the perceived or actual social class of MB owners, or the alleged social-climbing of MB owners. These posts often include calls to "prove" things about MB product quality or value. Sometimes there are attempts to "convert" MB owners away from the brand, and often a fair bit of insult, overt or subtle, is included.

 

First of all, to those who are outraged, I offer my sincere apologies. I am indifferent to which pens the Nazis used. My content was not "designed" to produce any response other than some honest testimony for the perceived positive or negative qualities of the product by people who are in a position to know something about them. I am pleased with those who cooperated in this way. I realize that buying a MB makes no statement about the quality or intentions of the owners, any more than buying a Mercedes or a VW does, nor do I wish to convert MB owners away from their preferred brand or brands of pen or pens. I don't proselytize. If I mean no offense, then perhaps you will take no offense.

 

Again, I thank all participants for their kind answers to this question.

Edited August 26, 2010 by kanajlo

[LouisA]

People buy a Montblanc for the same reason they may buy a Mercedes or a Lexus or a BMW. It fits into their "comfort zone", into their mental image of who they are. There maybe pens that write better, cost more or less but the Montblanc fits into their self-image. Personally I can take them or leave them, I happen to be a Waterman, Pilot, Nakaya guy. I also shave with a Parker 22E double edge rather than a multi-blade disposable because it just happens to be the way I like to shave. In the end you buy what you feel most comfortable with.

[Juan in Andalucia]

In my case, for the writing experience.

 

Juan

[schadowrider]

People buy a Montblanc for the same reason they may buy a Mercedes or a Lexus or a BMW. It fits into their "comfort zone", into their mental image of who they are. There maybe pens that write better, cost more or less but the Montblanc fits into their self-image. Personally I can take them or leave them, I happen to be a Waterman, Pilot, Nakaya guy. I also shave with a Parker 22E double edge rather than a multi-blade disposable because it just happens to be the way I like to shave. In the end you buy what you feel most comfortable with.

cool

 

Agree on FP part, although I would add Pelikan and a bunch of Italian brands to my list; and on the DE part: mainly use a Gillette Black Handled Adjustable (V1 - 1975) DE myself, although I do have a modern Rooney horn handled DE that has a Parker head on it...

[Peter Pommes]

I do the same when I know what I want. I'm not working in marketing.

[yexihuan]

this's meaningless,this is a boring topic.

if u couldt resist it,u buy it;if you dont like the (dung),snap back and go away.

[DKbRS]

I would like someone to make a case for purchasing a Mont Blanc at any point in my future! Please give me your best arguments about why this line of pens is worth the high price.

 

Pretty simple really. For the longest time, I wanted nothing to do with Montblanc, thinking that they were simply flashy pens, that you used if you wanted to impress people, and that these were the pens that non-pen people tended to want. Then I wrote with and fondled a 149, and it was game over. Then I discovered the glorious vintage MBs and nibs.

[meiers]

They are great pens.

1. Excellent writers ( a little expensive, yes, but you get your money's worth)
2. Outstanding customer service. If MB won't service it, other penmeisters will.

 

 

[kanajlo]

Thank you all for helping me understand the allure of the MB.

[Aperture]

" Please give me your best arguments about why this line of pens is worth the high price."

 

There really is NO reason what so ever.

Lot's of other pens write just as good or better and don't have the same leak problems MB's have.. . . or at least my MB's. . . . every one of them.

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/164336-very-tired-of-my-mont-blancs/page__p__1640099#entry1640099

 

So think about it twice before you spend your money on them.

 

A

[Edgar Allan Bo]

" Please give me your best arguments about why this line of pens is worth the high price."

 

There really is NO reason what so ever.

Lot's of other pens write just as good or better and don't have the same leak problems MB's have.. . . or at least my MB's. . . . every one of them.

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/164336-very-tired-of-my-mont-blancs/page__p__1640099#entry1640099

 

So think about it twice before you spend your money on them.

 

A

 

MB want its pens to be special, desirable... therefor they are constantly increasing the prices for no "real" reason other than that, their products have to be premium and not for "everyone"... if the sales go up too much, they increase the price once again, just to keep them desirable.

 

But that's the MB policy and people have accepted it... well, not everyone, but it seems that MB can allways get away with everything they do.

Edited August 29, 2010 by Edgar Allan Bo

[Peter Pommes]

 

MB want its pens to be special, desirable... therefor they are constantly increasing the prices for no "real" reason other than that, their products have to be premium and not for "everyone"... if the sales go up too much, they increase the price once again, just to keep them desirable.

 

 

Maybe they raise the prices for new pens to keep the prices in the used-marked high, which reflects on the value of the MB-brand à la "these pens must be good, just look at what You have to pay for a used one"

 

the devil doesn't wear prada, he's working in a marketing department

[goodguy]

but it seems that MB can allways get away with everything they do.

As long as they will continue to make good quality products and good customer service then you might be right.

[meiers]

" Please give me your best arguments about why this line of pens is worth the high price."

 

There really is NO reason what so ever.

Lot's of other pens write just as good or better and don't have the same leak problems MB's have.. . . or at least my MB's. . . . every one of them.

 

http://www.fountainp...99#entry1640099

 

So think about it twice before you spend your money on them.

 

A

 

MB want its pens to be special, desirable... therefor they are constantly increasing the prices for no "real" reason other than that, their products have to be premium and not for "everyone"... if the sales go up too much, they increase the price once again, just to keep them desirable.

 

But that's the MB policy and people have accepted it... well, not everyone, but it seems that MB can allways get away with everything they do.

 

 

 

All (successful) companies in the free market play that game as best as they can.

Matt

Edited August 29, 2010 by meiers