Montblanc 221 - review

[alexander_k]

The 22x pens are largely neglected, probably because they were medium-level models. I've managed to get a few of them over the years and they're all excellent daily writers (that's what they were meant to be). However, I have to disagree about the aesthetics: they're exemplary designs of the 1970s, not flashy but quite elegant and pleasant to view and to hold (but this is a matter of preference).

[sexauerw]

As promised, a writing sample of my 221 OBB with Pelikan Edelstein Sapphire ink. The scanner color is not quite accurate and makes the ink look more like Baystate Blue, it's not really quite that bright but it really is a nice bright blue. Just not that bright! But the sample is meant to show the line variation and shading and for that the color accuracy is not critical.

 

No flex and moderate variation. This is an extremely wet nib, some of the folks in the Seattle Pen Club have called it a "fire hose".

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j66/sexauerw/MB221WritingSampleEdelsteinSapphire.jpg

Edited February 22, 2012 by sexauerw

[Gojira]

The line is similar (albeit slightly less wide) to the OM nib on my 32S. Mine is a pretty wet nib too...looks great when inked with Noodler's Eel Blue. I'm now anxiously waiting for a 220 with what appears to be an OF nib!

[Fountainpenlover]

Have an identical MB to the one you have - the only difference is that it has a slim band at the very end of the barrel, but otherwise seems to be identical to mine. It writes reasonably well and smooth - the only problem was that recently I found out that with some inks, perhaps the better flowing ones (such as Aurora blue), had a tendency to start dripping out of the nib unpredictably when in use, as a result of which I am wary of making much use of it as I am afraid that it might produce a blob of ink when writing and ruin some document which I am using it on. Otherwise it writes well and has a good flow - perhaps too good?!

Edited February 23, 2012 by Fountainpenlover

[philipr]

Hi, Goodguy.

Your pen is a beauty. It is a 221P (Patronenfuller). I have two of them, in black and burgundy, and a 221 pistonfiller in black. Of the same series I have also the 121, 126, 124, 227, 220, 220SP,224, 225 and the extremely rare rhodium 2209. I am only missing the full silver 1266 and full gold 1246. These two are very hard to find. The nibs on these pens are all quite flexible and nice to write with, although very different from my daily writer for over 50 years, the one and only 149OB.

[masterFAF]

I just bought the classic (almost the same as the 221) in burgundy ! It is in the mail right now ! I'll do a review when i'll receive it !

My classic have the exact same nib !

 

-FAF-

[goodguy]

I just bought the classic (almost the same as the 221) in burgundy ! It is in the mail right now ! I'll do a review when i'll receive it !

My classic have the exact same nib !

 

-FAF-

So how do you like your new pen ?

[masterFAF]

So how do you like your new pen ?

very nice !!!! use it everyday !

[SB129]

Have the same pen + the piston filler. Great nib but spews ink and has a slight tendency to leak even when stored correctly

[entropydave]

Have the same pen + the piston filler. Great nib but spews ink and has a slight tendency to leak even when stored correctly

 

Have three of them and never experienced what you describe, I use them often. I think they may be sensitive to a lack of sealant on anything threaded (section or barrel threads), so you might correct what you observe by applying some silicon grease to the threads or another sealant.

[entropydave]

 

Have three of them and never experienced what you describe, I use them often. I think they may be sensitive to a lack of sealant on anything threaded (section or barrel threads), so you might correct what you observe by applying some silicon grease to the threads or another sealant.

 

Actually, I forgot that there are two very different feeds. I only have what I call the first generation feeds with a very pronounced circular air intake that has a black or silver insert. The other feed might exhibit different behaviour to mine. (I don't have it because I don't like the look of it.)

 

David.

[colrehogan]

I have a 221P pen from 1981. It is the only vintage pen I own, but I really like it.

[rwilsonedn]

Have the same pen + the piston filler. Great nib but spews ink and has a slight tendency to leak even when stored correctly

... what entropydave said. If the pen leaks, I would suspect either a piston in need of replacement or a crack (MBs seem to love to crack), either of which could let air into the barrel and induce leaking through the feed.

ron

[Tom Kellie]

The 22x pens are largely neglected, probably because they were medium-level models. I've managed to get a few of them over the years and they're all excellent daily writers (that's what they were meant to be). However, I have to disagree about the aesthetics: they're exemplary designs of the 1970s, not flashy but quite elegant and pleasant to view and to hold (but this is a matter of preference).

 

~ I like “not flashy but quite elegant”.

That's the kind of fountain pen I enjoy using.

The 60s and 70s Montblanc medium-level models are excellent writers.

Tom K.

[icevic]

I have a 22 from the 1960's, which looks very similar and is probably a precursor. A lovely pen to write with: glass smooth and a little stubbish, plus some easy flex if you want it. Feels good in the hand, posts easily, and a smooth piston filler.

 

But yeah, not flashy, medium size. It's got all the Montblanc markings and snowflake of course but it's just from a different design era.

[Orthostylos]

I agree wholeheartedly on the MB 221's.

 

I have two purchased in the 80's-90's, which I have recently neglected.

 

They are excellent daily writers as noted.

 

I am going to put at least one in my rotation.

 

Thanks.

[Tom Kellie]

~ Thank you to icevic and Orthostylos for their endorsement of Montblanc 221s as writers.

Yes, from a different design era, which adds to the appeal.

Quality pens like 221s retain their worth in a rotation.

Tom K.