William Henry Pens Are Better Than Mont Blanc

[mmahany]

I wanted to share a little story that occured last week.

 

I was at my local jeweler getting a deployant clasp swapped on my Baume et Mercier Watch. I generally only go to them for very simple jobs and only when I don't have the tools to do the work myself.

 

While I was filling out the paperwork, he noticed my pen. (I was carrying a Sterling Silver Mont Blanc Solitaire if it matters)

 

Anyways, we get to talking and he asks me if I have seen his William Henry pen display. The pens he was selling were in the range of $300-$750. I honestly had never heard of them at the time (they're apparenty known more for knives), but I asked him why he didn't carry Mont Blanc.

 

His response which humored me: "I used to carry Mont Blanc until Sams Club began carrying them. I run a high end jewelry store and don't want low quality brands in my store." Mind you, this guy's nicest watch brand is Belair which are in the $100-200 range.

 

Anyways, I gave him a bit of a patronizing smile and told him that I personally thought he would have better luck selling a $750 Mont Blanc than a $750 William Henry.

 

Fast forward to yesterday. I went to go pick up my watch and he pulled out his dealer catalogue. He told me that he still didn't want to sell Mont Blanc, but he hadn't sold a single William Henry pen. We looked through the book and I recommended he at least consider carrying Parker, Waterman, or Visconti. He's the nicest jeweler in my town, but that's like being the tallest midget. I will give the man credit. He at least listened to my advice (I'm half his age keep in mind) the second time I came in.

 

Cliffnotes for the lazy:

-Came into my local jeweler

-Owner saw my Mont Blanc pen

-Essentially told me that Mont Blanc was a lower end brand that he no longer sold

-Tried to sell me a William Henry pen

-Next week, he asked for my advice on a new brand to carry

[adamselene]

I wanted to share a little story that occured last week.

 

I was at my local jeweler getting a deployant clasp swapped on my Baume et Mercier Watch. I generally only go to them for very simple jobs and only when I don't have the tools to do the work myself.

 

While I was filling out the paperwork, he noticed my pen. (I was carrying a Sterling Silver Mont Blanc Solitaire if it matters)

 

Anyways, we get to talking and he asks me if I have seen his William Henry pen display. The pens he was selling were in the range of $300-$750. I honestly had never heard of them at the time (they're apparenty known more for knives), but I asked him why he didn't carry Mont Blanc.

 

His response which humored me: "I used to carry Mont Blanc until Sams Club began carrying them. I run a high end jewelry store and don't want low quality brands in my store." Mind you, this guy's nicest watch brand is Belair which are in the $100-200 range.

 

Anyways, I gave him a bit of a patronizing smile and told him that I personally thought he would have better luck selling a $750 Mont Blanc than a $750 William Henry.

 

Fast forward to yesterday. I went to go pick up my watch and he pulled out his dealer catalogue. He told me that he still didn't want to sell Mont Blanc, but he hadn't sold a single William Henry pen. We looked through the book and I recommended he at least consider carrying Parker, Waterman, or Visconti. He's the nicest jeweler in my town, but that's like being the tallest midget. I will give the man credit. He at least listened to my advice (I'm half his age keep in mind) the second time I came in.

 

Cliffnotes for the lazy:

-Came into my local jeweler

-Owner saw my Mont Blanc pen

-Essentially told me that Mont Blanc was a lower end brand that he no longer sold

-Tried to sell me a William Henry pen

-Next week, he asked for my advice on a new brand to carry

 

William Henry Knives are to Knives as Invictus are to watches

[scoli83]

I wanted to share a little story that occured last week.

 

I was at my local jeweler getting a deployant clasp swapped on my Baume et Mercier Watch. I generally only go to them for very simple jobs and only when I don't have the tools to do the work myself.

 

While I was filling out the paperwork, he noticed my pen. (I was carrying a Sterling Silver Mont Blanc Solitaire if it matters)

 

Anyways, we get to talking and he asks me if I have seen his William Henry pen display. The pens he was selling were in the range of $300-$750. I honestly had never heard of them at the time (they're apparenty known more for knives), but I asked him why he didn't carry Mont Blanc.

 

His response which humored me: "I used to carry Mont Blanc until Sams Club began carrying them. I run a high end jewelry store and don't want low quality brands in my store." Mind you, this guy's nicest watch brand is Belair which are in the $100-200 range.

 

Anyways, I gave him a bit of a patronizing smile and told him that I personally thought he would have better luck selling a $750 Mont Blanc than a $750 William Henry.

 

Fast forward to yesterday. I went to go pick up my watch and he pulled out his dealer catalogue. He told me that he still didn't want to sell Mont Blanc, but he hadn't sold a single William Henry pen. We looked through the book and I recommended he at least consider carrying Parker, Waterman, or Visconti. He's the nicest jeweler in my town, but that's like being the tallest midget. I will give the man credit. He at least listened to my advice (I'm half his age keep in mind) the second time I came in.

 

Cliffnotes for the lazy:

-Came into my local jeweler

-Owner saw my Mont Blanc pen

-Essentially told me that Mont Blanc was a lower end brand that he no longer sold

-Tried to sell me a William Henry pen

-Next week, he asked for my advice on a new brand to carry

 

William Henry Knives are to Knives as Invictus are to watches

 

What's a good knife?

[jar]

What's a good knife?

 

In pocket knives my normal EDC is one by Greenaway.

 

http://www.fototime.com/01F2BBD93390372/medium800.jpg

 

or by Joe Pardue...

 

http://www.fototime.com/CFFD29376CAAE42/medium800.jpg

 

or one of my Crawford's.

 

http://www.fototime.com/155FE65A75D95A9/medium800.jpg

[gentlewarrior6]

What's a good knife?

 

In pocket knives my normal EDC is one by Greenaway.

 

http://www.fototime.com/01F2BBD93390372/medium800.jpg

 

or by Joe Pardue...

 

http://www.fototime.com/CFFD29376CAAE42/medium800.jpg

 

or one of my Crawford's.

 

http://www.fototime.com/155FE65A75D95A9/medium800.jpg

 

 

 

Oh Lord....a Motorola Startac... memories (nice phone, hip at the time)... does it still work?

[jar]

 

 

 

Oh Lord....a Motorola Startac... memories (nice phone, hip at the time)... does it still work?

 

Probably if I charged the battery. It's still the best cell phone I have ever used.

[Chrissy]

William Henry Knives are to Knives as Invictus are to watches

:roflmho:

That made me laugh because it reminds me of something my best friend who is a high end jeweller once said.

 

Me: 'I have bought a Gucci watch'

Her: 'Oh have you? Gucci make handbags....' (translation to US is purses)

 

She has another version if I mention Dunhill watches: 'Dunhill make lighters'

[Soot]

 

 

 

Oh Lord....a Motorola Startac... memories (nice phone, hip at the time)... does it still work?

 

Probably if I charged the battery. It's still the best cell phone I have ever used.

Sorry to hijack, but I second what Jar said. It was one of the best cell phone that I have ever had. Interestingly, I still have the phone, box and all...

Edited October 20, 2012 by Soot

[Postscript]

What exactly makes MB better than William Henry? Price point? Marketing?

 

Have you had experience with both? Are there specific things that differ?

 

I do not own a William Henry although I do own an MB 146 which is a nice pen. Just curious thanks. Facts please,

 

Post Script

[mmahany]

What exactly makes MB better than William Henry? Price point? Marketing?

 

Have you had experience with both? Are there specific things that differ?

 

I do not own a William Henry although I do own an MB 146 which is a nice pen. Just curious thanks. Facts please,

 

Post Script

Did you actually read the thread or did you only see the title?

 

EDIT-If it was a legitimate question, my apologies.

 

I never meant to suggest that one brand was better than the other. However, brand recognition, history, and demand are huge factors aside from the quality itself. In those regards you can't argue that Mont Blanc wins over W.H. Mont Blanc doesn't make a writing instrument that is the best value for the money. However, they have earned their reputation over the past 100 years, and they have earned the right to charge $400 for a "plastic" pen.

Edited October 21, 2012 by mmahany

[Freddy]

Fascinating Read...Thanks...

 

Fred

We know everything.

We know nothing.

We learn.

We forget.

In this game of life..we go on to roll the dice once more..{D.Sharpiro}...

That makes me chief cook & bottle washer in a one man Bird Watcher's Society...

Sailor Jack & his dog Bingo..who is a Practising Autonomous Argonaut... ...

edit...before & after...

Edited October 21, 2012 by Freddy

[ClifW]

Brand recognition is more than just a name. Its having a good product people aspire to own. Sure there are probably better pens out there to be sure that write better, have a better feed system.... whatever. But at the end of the day, I'd rather have 2500-3000 wrapped up in a Hemingway or 139, someone out there will always take it off your hands for what you paid. Try that with ANY other brand!

[Postscript]

What exactly makes MB better than William Henry? Price point? Marketing?

 

Have you had experience with both? Are there specific things that differ?

 

I do not own a William Henry although I do own an MB 146 which is a nice pen. Just curious thanks. Facts please,

 

Post Script

Did you actually read the thread or did you only see the title?

 

EDIT-If it was a legitimate question, my apologies.

 

I never meant to suggest that one brand was better than the other. However, brand recognition, history, and demand are huge factors aside from the quality itself. In those regards you can't argue that Mont Blanc wins over W.H. Mont Blanc doesn't make a writing instrument that is the best value for the money. However, they have earned their reputation over the past 100 years, and they have earned the right to charge $400 for a "plastic" pen.

I read it, understood it, and asked this as a legitimate question having never handled the WH. I would like to hear from someone who has though. Thanks.

 

Post Script

[Mathew J]

William Henry Knives are to Knives as Invictus are to watches

:roflmho:

That made me laugh because it reminds me of something my best friend who is a high end jeweller once said.

 

Me: 'I have bought a Gucci watch'

Her: 'Oh have you? Gucci make handbags....' (translation to US is purses)

 

She has another version if I mention Dunhill watches: 'Dunhill make lighters'

 

Dunhill is also known for cufflinks, and occasionally pens, but not so much watches.

 

WH is more of a jewelery line of knives, they can look ok, but for workhorse knives many seem to prefer Chris Reeve, Spyderco, and Benchmade.

 

Truly custom knives are impressive and I have thought of getting one, but always find another pen or something to buy instead.

 

Wouldn't consider a WH pen but then again much for the same reason I wouldn't consider a MB watch or wallet, to me WH is knives and that is barely of interest as they are all too ornate, wheras MB and others like Pelikan are Pens...sure some companies branch out and make other lines they are known for, but for me there isn't much of a draw beyond their core competency.

Edited October 21, 2012 by Mathew J

[scoli83]

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

[BrandonA]

Hijacking the thread slightly. I think you might soon be able to get a MB knife - or at the least a pen inspired by a knife.

 

http://stories.montblanc.com/2012/10/montblanc-masters-for-meisterstuck-laubrac/

 

 

The joy with all brands is that everyone has their favourites. I agree with what some others have said within this thread, certain brands are known for certain items but they try to move into other ranges. I personally would not buy MB aftershave nor watches, I will however buy their leather and pen items. Similarly, I have a lot of Hugo Boss clothes but I'd never get one of their watches.

[mmahany]

Brand recognition is more than just a name. Its having a good product people aspire to own. Sure there are probably better pens out there to be sure that write better, have a better feed system.... whatever. But at the end of the day, I'd rather have 2500-3000 wrapped up in a Hemingway or 139, someone out there will always take it off your hands for what you paid. Try that with ANY other brand!

I agree, and I was only suggesting some other variables to consider why choosings one brand or another. I know that Mont Blanc has a superior history behind their pens and I fulled expect them to continue to sell writing instruments in the distant future.

 

I read it, understood it, and asked this as a legitimate question having never handled the WH. I would like to hear from someone who has though. Thanks.

 

Post Script

I re-read your post and again, my apologies. I didn't mean to come off rude. My first instinct when I read your post was that you thought the thread title was not sarcasm.

 

Here is a review of a W.H. Cabernet https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/170733-william-henry-cabernet/page__p__1709501__hl__%22william+henry%22__fromsearch__1#entry1709501

 

I will add that while I did not have the chance to write with any of the pens I saw, my initial instincts were similar to the review. They're very well made, in the sense that they're all metal, heavy, and well designed. However, from a function standpoint, I would hate to have to write with one for long periods of time. The nice thing about my 149 or 146 are that they're very functional. They made not be metallic, but they are very well balances and built to be used.

 

Dunhill is also known for cufflinks, and occasionally pens, but not so much watches.

 

WH is more of a jewelery line of knives, they can look ok, but for workhorse knives many seem to prefer Chris Reeve, Spyderco, and Benchmade.

 

Truly custom knives are impressive and I have thought of getting one, but always find another pen or something to buy instead.

 

Wouldn't consider a WH pen but then again much for the same reason I wouldn't consider a MB watch or wallet, to me WH is knives and that is barely of interest as they are all too ornate, wheras MB and others like Pelikan are Pens...sure some companies branch out and make other lines they are known for, but for me there isn't much of a draw beyond their core competency.

I respect your opinion although I disagree on MB watches. MB is making some very very impressive watches and spending a ton of R&D money creating new timepieces. Look up the Metamorphosis from 2010 and the new 2012 Timewriter which is only the 2nd( that I know of) watch measurable to 1/1000th of a second. The only other mechanical timepiece that is capable of doing that is a Tag Heuer Mikrotimer. The movements on them are phenomenal.

 

I do agree, that there are certain items to avoid, although I firmly believe that MB is putting serious money into some of their products other than writing instruments.

 

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

This thread also sparked my interest in knives. I spent about 2 hours last night looking up "damascus blades" and the process for creating them. I may be investing in a new foldable knife here in the near future. If you have the time, look up "ABS Damascus Test" on youtube. That will really show you how amazing some of these works of art are.

 

Hijacking the thread slightly. I think you might soon be able to get a MB knife - or at the least a pen inspired by a knife.

 

http://stories.montblanc.com/2012/10/montblanc-masters-for-meisterstuck-laubrac/

 

 

The joy with all brands is that everyone has their favourites. I agree with what some others have said within this thread, certain brands are known for certain items but they try to move into other ranges. I personally would not buy MB aftershave nor watches, I will however buy their leather and pen items. Similarly, I have a lot of Hugo Boss clothes but I'd never get one of their watches.

Avoid their quartz watches, but I really would consider looking into their automatic watches. They don't have the track record like other manufacturers have, but mechanically, they're very impressive watches (at least in my opinion).

[Postscript]

Agree with you on the MB watches. Mont Blanc is making great strides in the watch arena with its acquisition of Minerva. Now if only they could avoid the fatal mistake of using the radial flip on their dials. Egregious!

 

Knives? You are now going down another slippery slope. With watches and pens, I must resist following...

 

Post Script

[Dr. Eriko]

Well, I just bought the Montblanc Body deodorant stick. I have used better deodorants than that. About knifes, my favorite is the Aitor Jungle King 1, for my daily use, it is the best knife I had ever use and it is about 20 years old and still kicking..

[Pen Nut]

Well, I just bought the Montblanc Body deodorant stick. I have used better deodorants than that. About knifes, my favorite is the Aitor Jungle King 1, for my daily use, it is the best knife I had ever use and it is about 20 years old and still kicking..

 

Deodorant stick !! OMG ! Although I must admit MB talc does smell better than most and their toothpicks reach the cavities others can only dream about.