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I got this eyedropper-filled Blackbird a few days ago. It's not only my first Mabie Todd it's also my first pen with 'real' flex. Questions: Is it normal for the tines to be this far apart in 'resting' position? How far should the nib and feed be inserted into the section? Should I put a lot of ink in the barrel? Should it be able to work well with just a small fill? Suggestions for inks that work particularly well with this pen? Ideally, I would like to use a vintage-looking brown or sepia. Also, I am on an extended trip and brought along a small bottle of Pilot Blue Black so I am hoping that will work well. (?) Ink didn't flow consistently in my initial tries - actually a little difficult to get flow going. When it flows it is great, though. I used a small fill of L'Artisan Pastellier Classique Marron, which is supposed to be a "safe" ink for vintage pens.

I've decided to try to collate the information found on the internet and my knowledge on Blackbirds. The guide is pretty basic and many statements are based on assumptions and guesses. Hopefully someone finds it still interesting. https://www.penexchange.de/forum_en/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=6332

Howdy Mabie Todd lovers, I now understand why people love these pens! I got what I thought was a good deal on eVilbay (~$50) for a nice looking Blackbird 5260. Cleaned it up and installed a new sac, and boy is it a stunner! Leads me to a question, though. I've only resacced pens whose levers are considered proper lining up with the nib, which is how I have this guy set. The lever was lined up with the feed when I got it, so wondering if that's what's appropriate. ETA: fix a wording error

Blackbird Ink is a new brand on the ink market. The ink is made in England by/for Mabie Todd Limited. I'm not sure if they create inks or order them from UK producer. At the launch of Blackbird Ink six colors are available. All the inks are named after birds, which is a nice touch given they were created as a tribute to Swan inks produced years ago. At the moment you can get them in following colors: Blackbird BlackKingfisher BlueMallard GreenRobin RedSand Martin BrownStarling PurplePackaging The ink comes in 30 ml glass bottle that comes in a red cardboard box. The bottle is small, stable and functional. On the other hand, I'm not sure if you'll be able to fill MB 149 and other huge monsters directly from it. The ink Starling Purple is nice purple ink. It's not as vibrant and deep as Lamy Dark Lilac or Herbin's Amethyste de l'Oural but it's still pretty strong. The flow is good, although in some pens the ink may feel dryish. I was pleasantly surprised to see it start right away after few minutes of leaving the pen uncapped. Overall, it's a decent, well-behaved and reasonably priced ink. Drops of ink on kitchen towel Color ID Color range Fabriano, Lamy Al-Star, medium nib Copy paper, Lamy Al-Star, medium nib La Couronne du Comte invoice paper, Lamy Al-Star, medium nib Mini-comparison Water resistance

The only British pens that I have collected so far are Parker Maxima's. I have never had a Swan or Blackbird pens. I was told by a colleague that Blackbird pens are less expensive British made pens as compared to their Swan counterparts. Where can I buy a Blackbird pen at a reasonable price? I am not speaking about the eBay but I would like to know if there is a reliable pen dealer here or in the UK who can ship the pen that is restored and ready to write? Thank you.

I have stumbled across the Merle Blanc retractable safety pen made in England. I have not yet found any information on similar Blackbirds and been wondering whether there were any or this particular Merle Blanc was just a rebranded version of the Swan safety pen made for the French market?

I've seen something this morning that puts me in a campaigning mood. One butcher by the name of Womble1962 is apparently stripping gold nibs from fountain pens, (and doubtless anything else he/ she can get at) and selling the remains " for parts or repair" I think that this heathen, heid banging philistine, who sells the purist dross, should be bombarded with messages. See: http://www.ebay.fr/sch/m.html?item=351349542960&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%253A80%252Frover%252F0%252Fe11010.m2368.l3160%252F7%253Feuid%253D71a9939dc1a243c59475241194a55afa%2526loc%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.fr%25252Fitm%25252F351349542960%25253F_trksid%25253Dp11010.c100136.m2769%252526_trkparms%25253Daid%2525253D555012%25252526algo%2525253DPW.MBE%25252526ao%2525253D1%25252526asc%2525253D20140212115136%25252526meid%2525253Da76ed1d692014051a70e0f36a9aa1b2b%25252526pid%2525253D100136%25252526rk%2525253D1%25252526rkt%2525253D12%25252526sd%2525253D301561760653%25252F%25253FssPageName%25253DADME%25253AB%25253AWNA%25253AFR%25253A3160%2526srcrot%253De11010.m2368.l3160&_ssn=womble1962&rt=nc What about a "save Mabie Todd" thread that would willingly accept other maker's fans? I think I'll start a thread right now and send this heathen a link.

Hey folks, I have a small dilemma. I've had this Mabie Todd Blackbird BB2-60 for a couple of months now but I just cannot get on with it at all. The nib is a medium and, looking closely at it, I wouldn't be surprised if it had been sprung some time in the past and reset. I love the BCHR and it is in very good condition in that respect. It's just that damned nib. I actually find using a Zebra G dip pen easier to use than this Blackbird nib. Has anyone else struggled with the Mabie Todd nibs. I am on the verge of giving up - which is a real shame as I like the pen overall - and selling it off for half the price I paid (or even giving it away if I cannot get that). In frustration.

My first fountain pen review post here on FPN, so I would gladly welcome any feedback and comments. http://i.imgur.com/5ZpPIbW.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gNx6toZ.jpg A note, it's certainly not that blue in real life, it's far more of a grey/steel blue than that vibrant blue.