New MB M vs F Help

[Kobashi]

Hi all, 

I just picked up my first MB (Brahms Special Edition). I tend to write small, so my previous fountains have all had F nibs - most recent EDC is the TWISBI Swipe F, which I find a tiny bit scratchy but really like the flow amount. 

As most MBs come with M nibs, I figured I would try it out in the exchange window, but most likely swap it with an F. That was the plan, but I was completely taken aback by how buttery smooth it is. The writing is, however, a little thick for my liking.

 

As I'm not experienced with MB nibs, would I completely lose the smoothness if I went with an F? Is an MB F on par with TWISBI in terms of line thickness?

 

Any insight would be appreciated. 

[Uncial]

You will lose a little but not a great deal. The problem is that some m nibs can write like a fine due to the way nibs are manufactured and finished. Sometimes, moving from a larger nkb to a fine or ef can magnify the stiffness of the nib.  Modern MB nibs aren't soft anyway, but can feel very firm in the lower range.

[amberleadavis]

[amberleadavis]

A few weeks ago @Frank C brought over some of his MBs and let me write with them.  

 

 

Personally, I had my MB Medium nibs custom ground to a stub and a CI. I love how they write.  I found the MB 149 Fine to write similar to the medium.  You can see the lines above.

 

Below you can see some of my MBs compared to the Pelikans and Frank's Medium.

 

[Zdenek]

19 hours ago, Kobashi said:

... As most MBs come with M nibs, I figured I would try it out in the exchange window, but most likely swap it with an F. ...

The difference between M and F will be minimal. Go for EF. I have got two these nibs on my 149's, they are smooth and great writers. ... My opinion.

[Kobashi]

Thanks for the feedback. I thought about going to nib specialist (I believe we have one locally here in Toronto) so I can get it custom, but since the pen is brand new I feel it makes most sense to leverage MBs trade option. 

 

Thinking I might just go to the store and try out the F and EF to see what makes the most sense. 

 

Cheers

[Kobashi]

On 8/27/2022 at 7:43 AM, Zdenek said:

The difference between M and F will be minimal. Go for EF. I have got two these nibs on my 149's, they are smooth and great writers. ... My opinion.

I'm shocked at how little the difference is. My MB M is night and day to my TWIBI F's.

[Kobashi]

On 8/27/2022 at 2:42 AM, amberleadavis said:

 

Thanks! Discovering FPs has been an inspiration. Happy to be part of the community.

[gerigo]

There is usually very little difference between M and F for Montblanc. If you're sending the pen in, why not ask for an EF?

[Kobashi]

13 hours ago, gerigo said:

There is usually very little difference between M and F for Montblanc. If you're sending the pen in, why not ask for an EF?

I'm going to try their F and EF in store and see which I like more. I like a fine line, but also want to balance smoothness. 

 

Given how much I like the feel of my current M, I'm also considering leaving it as is and just not using it as my main driver.