Should I defect from Parker?

[Quink]

Hello everyone. New member here in Sweden...

 

I'm wondering if you can help me with some advice...

 

After years of only ever using Parkers, I'm thinking of switching allegiances and buying a Mont Blanc 'Traveller'. (I had been using one of the new Parker Mandarin Yellows, but they're getting quite collectible and so I think it's time to stop using it for everyday stuff.)

 

Years ago a salesperson at a London pen shop had warned me off Mont Blanc on quality grounds. Was this fair advice?

 

I know that everyone has their own preferences, and it's a far from exact science, but are there any quality reasons why I should not switch to MB.

 

Many thanks.

[blak000]

I would agree with the London pen shop person... but it ultimately depends on how much the pen costs, and how well you feel it fits you. If you think the pen is worth the money, then throw down the moolah!

 

I think a lot of people here just feel that Mont Blanc's are a bit overpriced and over-hyped. They're not bad pens... just not always worth the money you're paying. There are plenty of much cheaper alternatives that would provide you with a lot of fountain pen pleasure. However, to be fair, there are plenty of people who own Mont Blanc's and love them to death. I have a Cartier Diabolo fountain pen, which was made by Mont Blanc. The nib on that pen is a joy to write with, so you're definitely not getting a bad fountain pen.

 

Quality control? Haven't really seen too many people complain about a quality control issue. The only problems I've read about is that the pens tend to be a bit fragile for their price range (e.g., the barrel will shatter if you drop it on the floor). There are pens from other brands that could survive a nuclear blast and are much, much cheaper (Lamy 2000, Lamy Safari, Namiki Vanishing Point, etc.). Mont Blanc also has a problem of being widely counterfeited, but if you're looking to buy it from an actual pen shop... you shouldn't have any problems with this.

 

Welp, that's all I know off the top of my head. Hope I helped!

[Quink]

Thanks, you helped a lot... What's interesting is that the tendency to shatter was what put me off in the first place. That was the specific complaint of the person who warned me off MB.

 

I'm so sad that Parker seem to be slipping -- another pen store was telling me how they're stopping stocking them as they're having problems with them. I've stuck with them for ages and of late have also been using a great modern Parker 51, but I'm worried about that not being the most robust pen.

 

With MB, I do love their classic appearance, but it is a shame that they have become so much associated with showy middle-managers who just want the distinctive cap sticking out of their suit pocket. But seeing as I spend so much time on aeroplanes, I rather like the MB Traveller.

 

Thanks again.

[blak000]

What do you look for in a fountain pen, Quink? I'm sure if you listed certain things... a lot of people could give you some good suggestions.

 

If you want convenience and ruggedness... the Namiki/Pilot Vanishing Point is great.

 

If you want an understated, but hard-working and smooth pen... the Parker "51" (of which you have the modern version) or the Lamy 2000 would fit the bill.

 

If you're looking for a Mont Blanc substitute... I would really recommend the Sailor Professional Gear or Sailor 1911. Sailor makes some of the smoothest nibs in the fountain pen industry. They're really held in high esteem by a lot of fountain pen users, and they also look pretty classy. They're a little bit cheaper too, I think. Not that they're cheap pens... you can easily find Sailor pens that run in the $1000+ range. A manager with a Mont Blanc might impress the average Joe, but a Sailor pen will impress those "in the know." Just a thought! www.nibs.com has a nice selection of Sailor pens, and the owner checks every pen before he sends it out. I also remember reading somewhere that buying fountain pens in the US can be cheaper than buying it in Europe (on account of the US dollar being weaker). Who knows, you might save yourself a few pounds!

[sleek_lover]

Of course you should not defect from Parker...but trying other REPUTABLE marques is not defecting...it is sampling the wonderful wares available...

 

Please note the emphasis on the word REPUTABLE. Mont Blancs are not reputable. Nor are they fountain pens. The objects that purport to be fountain pens are symbols of LIFESTYLE. And from your choice of Parker you are a true GoodPenFolk.

 

So run away from the thought of a Mont Blanc (transliterated---empty their pocket..) and try something else...maybe a Conklin Durograph (I have a Parker Centennial and a Durograph) and they are both very comfortable pens...

 

Please look at all the content on this site about the evilness of MBs. I own one. It is a travesty. I keep it so that when I discuss the low quality and miserable writing results of the MB marque, I have first hand knowledge...

 

Bill...who knows...

 

[Fountainbass]

Have you considered Pelikan Souveran fountain pens? They're held in very high esteem (and rightly so, in my opinion). They're excellent pens that come in a nice variety of sizes & price ranges. I've heard that the nibs might sometimes need a little adjustment out of the box to write like they should, but if you have a Pelikan with a perfect nib, it'll be a wonderful, smooth-writing pen. I have a Pelikan M605 which rose to the top of my favorite pen list the day I got it.

 

I have 3 Montblanc ballpoints, and I'd agree with the above & say they're not worth their price. All 3 of my pens have had cracked barrels, and I sent one to Montblanc for repair (they replaced the whole barrel).

 

Welcome to the forum!

[DrPJM1]

It cost me $75 to repair a cracked cap! The pen fell off my desk and the cap cracked on the hardwood floor. So much for their precious resin.

[PaulLeMay]

It cost me $75 to repair a cracked cap!

 

That would really burn my toast! I had a cheap Lamy Safari with a cap problem, Lamy fixed it for free. They even Fedex the pen back to me, which must cost them more than the actual pen. Same with Pelikan, I had a problem on a $90 pen, they replaced the cap at no charge. Sounds like MB service is not up to their level of pricing.

 

[Shangas]

I'm gonna cop more flak than the Dambuster's Squadron for this, but what the hell...

 

If you want to buy a Montblanc, I say, go for it. I bought one and I've never had any problems or complaints with it.

[goodguy]

I'm gonna cop more flak than the Dambuster's Squadron for this, but what the hell...

 

If you want to buy a Montblanc, I say, go for it. I bought one and I've never had any problems or complaints with it.

I'm with you Shangas.

I LOVE Parker pens its my favorite pen maker.Most of the pens I own are Parker (vintage) and I will buy many more in the future.

As for MB pens.I have the 149,146,Generation and recentrly sold a SL pen.

All these pens are EXCELLENT.Great writers and very very well made.They never failed me in any way and I always enjoy using them.As for cracks well I never dropped them so I never tried that aspect of the pen.I actualy never dropped any FP so I must say I am very careful with all my precious pens.

 

By the way,whats so wrong about owning or using diffrent makers ? pens are not your wife that you need to stay faithfull for the rest of your life ?

 

My writer is Omas Paragon (old style).I own mostly Parker and Sheaffer pens but almost never use them.

 

If you want a good writer take the Omas Paragon its much beter user then MB,Pelikan,Parker or Sheaffer pens in my eyes.Actualy better than any pen I ever tried!!!

Edited October 3, 2007 by goodguy

[Kimo]

I agree that Parker quality has been in a noticeable decline over the past ten years or so. See the recent discussion here about the new Black and Pearl Duofolds for example. Of course you can stay with Parker and enjoy the high quality by buying pens that were made ten years ago, or more.

 

I agree with everyone else about Montblanc as being relatively low quality and very overpriced. They have had a great advertising campaign for many years and that is what you buy when you buy a MB. As the others have said, though, having a Montblanc in your pocket is good for impressing the uneducated masses, but I think that it is equally effective in telling those who know pens that you are not very knowledgeable about quality. A number of years ago when I first decided to buy a nice fountain pen I decided I would buy a Montblanc Meisterstuck since that is all I knew at the time. I thought it was a great pen until I started to learn about what else is out there and started trying other high end pens. It did not take long for me to realize I had spent a great deal of money for an average quality pen. One day the pen fell out of my pocket as I was leaning over and it landed on a wooden floor. The drop was only about 2 to 3 feet but the barrel of the pen shattered like it was thin glass. The cap was chipped as well. I never bothered having it repaired since the cost was very high and I did not think it was worth the money as I had since moved on to other pens that were of higher quality and cost less.

 

I agree that the Pelikan Souverans are examples of the kind of exceptional pens that you can buy and that get envious stares from people who know pens. And it seems that every year more and more executives and people who are willing to buy quality are becoming more knowledgable about pens. My newest addition to my small flock of nice pens that I use in my everyday business dealings is a Pelikan Souveran M450. I really like the quality of this pen and of all of my pens this one gets the most people drooling whenever I take it out of my pocket. It has a sterling silver cap and end that are plated with 18K gold, a solid 18K gold nib with rhodium decoration on it making it two tone, a beautiful tortoise shell green striped barrel, and the Pelikan logo in gold on the black button on the top. There is just no comparison to that old Meisterstuck.

 

http://dev.pelikan.de/pulse/vfs-public/img/store_article_images/Writing/High_quality_writing_instruments/Souveraen/detail_images/Souveraen_450.jpg

Edited October 4, 2007 by Kimo

[AndyHayes]

If you like the style of the MBs then I would echo Blak000. Get a Sailor 1911. They really are a great pen with a smooth nib.

 

Look on this forum for complaints about MBs from MB owners and look at the complaints from Sailor 1911 owners (or Sailors in general). There are considerably more of the former than the latter.

 

Sailor have a deservedly good reputation and the shape might fool those middle managers

[sleek_lover]

I'm gonna cop more flak than the Dambuster's Squadron for this, but what the hell...

 

If you want to buy a Montblanc, I say, go for it. I bought one and I've never had any problems or complaints with it.

 

You are not going to catch flak, at least from me. Your proclivities are well known. Why should I (or anyone) bust your chops for choices you make. It is your money. You want to waste it (according to some) or spend it wisely (according to others), knock yourself out.

 

It is MY OPINION, though, that a person new to the FP world should not squander money on an MB...but again, that is MY opinion.. NewPenFolk should be directed to marques that are NOT tied to LIFESTYLE, but to pens that exhibit the best of PenDom..the genuine feel and love of FP-ing...Parker, Pelikan, Sheaffer, Retro 51, VP...ANYTHING but Mont Blanc.

 

Let the new person get the feel of FP-ing BEFORE, then they will not be disappointed by the letdown of paying hundreds of dollars for a pen that Frank Dubeil believes costs, at best, $20 to make..and writes, in my opinion WORSE than an M215 or a Wing Sung or a Hero 329...

 

Bill

 

 

[Quink]

You've all been terrifically generous with your thoughts (and refreshingly pleasant too).

 

It's been very helpful -- I had always had a hunch that MB were Not For Me, but then started to wonder if I was just being some sort of inverted snob, disliking them because of their "advertising executive" image. I'd cringe when I saw their ads with Nicolas Cage, but I started to wonder if my prejudice was ill-founded. Your comments have reassured met that I'm right to steer clear.

 

Let me spend some time and look around at all your recommendations. My Mandarin Yellow Parker is still my favorite pen, but now I've seen them for sale at around double what I paid when it was new, I think I need to stop using it for every day work.

 

I just looked at the nibs.com page... The Yukari Royale vermillion is just my sort of thing -- streamline, striking -- though a bit pricey for what I need right now. The Sailor International 1911 looks rather nice too.

 

 

Thanks again. All advice much appreciated.

[goodguy]

You've all been terrifically generous with your thoughts (and refreshingly pleasant too).

 

It's been very helpful -- I had always had a hunch that MB were Not For Me, but then started to wonder if I was just being some sort of inverted snob, disliking them because of their "advertising executive" image. I'd cringe when I saw their ads with Nicolas Cage, but I started to wonder if my prejudice was ill-founded. Your comments have reassured met that I'm right to steer clear.

 

Let me spend some time and look around at all your recommendations. My Mandarin Yellow Parker is still my favorite pen, but now I've seen them for sale at around double what I paid when it was new, I think I need to stop using it for every day work.

 

I just looked at the nibs.com page... The Yukari Royale vermillion is just my sort of thing -- streamline, striking -- though a bit pricey for what I need right now. The Sailor International 1911 looks rather nice too.

 

 

Thanks again. All advice much appreciated.

Sad you dont think MB is for you but there are endless of other nice pens out there.

How about another Duofold only cheapper model ?

As I said Omas Paragon is an amazing pen.

Of course Pelikan M800 or M1000 are fantastic pens and are as good as the MB pens only I understand not as brittle as the MB Masterpiece resin.

Conway Stewart Churchill is another nice big pen.

I own Delta Dolce Vita this pen is one of the best pens I own and its big and nice to write with.

Oh dont forget Waterman Edson amazingly beautiful pen with an eye popping inlaid nib.The nib on this pen is probably the smoothest nib you can find anywhere.

Edited October 3, 2007 by goodguy

[J English Smith]

Actual vintage Montblanc of course is another way to go...

 

But there are better pens and nibs as smooth. Several good comments already here...

 

I have a 70's 146 that is a pleasure to write with...I just fear of it ever needing service.

 

(Car-wise I am more of a Toyota man than a BMW or Mercedes driver, same logic. Nice cars, until you need service. Then you pay for your proclivities...)

[Col]

The Sailor International 1911 looks rather nice too.

The 1911 is a great pen if you like the traditional look, and Sailor make some of the best nibs in the business. Bear in mind though, that they will come up finer than their Western counterparts. Despite the very reasonable price, these pens ooze quality - as you might expect from A Japanese manufacturer.

 

Don't give up on Parker just yet. Although some people report problems with them, the Sonnet is still a very good mid-priced pen.

 

[PAKMAN]

Welcome to FPN!! I say, try um all!!! Parker, Sheaffer, Conklin, Sailor, MB, Waterman, Omas, Visconti, Bexley, Conway Stewart, Lamy, Yard-o-Led, Wahl, Reform, Retro 51, RoTring, Eversharp, Pelikan, etc.... New and Vintage and tons of different inks to keep them happy! At least that is my plan!!

 

Hope you don't give up on Parkers and just expand your horizons!!

 

Enjoy FPN!

[DrPJM1]

It cost me $75 to repair a cracked cap!

 

That would really burn my toast! I had a cheap Lamy Safari with a cap problem, Lamy fixed it for free. They even Fedex the pen back to me, which must cost them more than the actual pen. Same with Pelikan, I had a problem on a $90 pen, they replaced the cap at no charge. Sounds like MB service is not up to their level of pricing.

 

I paid it because it was my father's once, and it has sentimental value, but it will remain unused. I think they have had to replace so many "precious resin" barrels and caps that free replacements became economically unfeasible. At least that is my suspicion.

[Bennington1967]

Hello everyone. New member here in Sweden...

 

I'm wondering if you can help me with some advice...

 

After years of only ever using Parkers, I'm thinking of switching allegiances and buying a Mont Blanc 'Traveller'. (I had been using one of the new Parker Mandarin Yellows, but they're getting quite collectible and so I think it's time to stop using it for everyday stuff.)

 

Years ago a salesperson at a London pen shop had warned me off Mont Blanc on quality grounds. Was this fair advice?

 

I know that everyone has their own preferences, and it's a far from exact science, but are there any quality reasons why I should not switch to MB.

 

Many thanks.

 

 

Montblanc pens are fine. I have three: a 149, a 146 sterling silver, and a 146 vermeil Ramses. The nibs are a little on the broad side, but I find the quality superior to Pelikan and certanly no worse than Parker. Unfortunately there is a lot of snobbishness about Montblanc, as it perceived to be a pen of the nouveau riche, but it's all (bleep). Montblanc pens are good - buy one and find out.