Differences in MB146 Platinum Nibs (14K vs 18K)

[blueblazes]

Hey MB'ers,

 

Last year I bought a platinum trim MB 146 from Fountain Pen Hospital. When I ordered the pen, they told me that they were out of F nibs and that I would have to wait. The next day I got a call and was told they located an F nib for me. I hadn't even inked the pen until this week, when I noticed that the nib was a two-toned 18K nib. I know the pen is supposed to come with a 14K nib. Apart from being irritated that FPH did this, does it make much of a difference? Are the 14K nibs on the platinum 146 much different?

 

 

Thanks.....

[Blade Runner]

I don't notice any difference in writing. The 18K are generally reserved for higher end pens, so I wouldn't be too annoyed.

[tanalasta]

I wouldn't blame FPH for this. After all, they don't install the nibs. MB does and they reserve the right to install an 18k nib.

 

I've ordered from FPH before and received a 18k nib on a MB146. It writes beautifully. See below.

 

Any difference between the current generation 14k and 18k nibs from a writer's perspective is likely splitting hairs and could well be attributed to the fact they are individually hand ground anyhow.

 

See Blade Runner's post above. And for what it's worth (not that it makes much difference to writing), 18k nibs cost more than 14k do they not?

 

If the nib is perfect, be happy with the pen.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/Tanalasta/Fountain%20Pens/MB146_nib.jpg

Edited May 8, 2010 by tanalasta

[blueblazes]

I wouldn't blame FPH for this. After all, they don't install the nibs. MB does and they reserve the right to install an 18k nib.

 

I've ordered from FPH before and received a 18k nib on a MB146. It writes beautifully. See below.

 

Any difference between the current generation 14k and 18k nibs from a writer's perspective is likely splitting hairs and could well be attributed to the fact they are individually hand ground anyhow.

 

See Blade Runner's post above. And for what it's worth (not that it makes much difference to writing), 18k nibs cost more than 14k do they not?

 

If the nib is perfect, be happy with the pen.

 

Well, the 14K nib is the standard for a platinum trimmed 146 and it is indeed my understanding that FPH is able to switch out nibs on MB pens. I believe they did so as a "favor" to me, even though I told them to take their time if it was necessary to order out for an appropriate F nib. My interest in getting the platinum trimmed 146 in the first place was for the 14K nib, which I am told has a springiness that is missing from the 18K nibs. I don't much care if the nib is monetarily of greater worth than the standard 14K....it's how the nib writes. As it stands, I find the 18K nib too rigid to suit me and I wanted to check in with the opinions here before I go through the hassle of exchanging the nib.

Edited May 9, 2010 by blueblazes

[dmuchow]

From my limited experience, an 18k nib would be less rigid than a 14k. Atleast the 18k on my 144 is fairly soft/springy.

[tanalasta]

I suppose you will have to clarify with FPH and let us know whether they in fact 'did' swap the 14k for the 18k nib.

 

I ordered an EF Legrand (also platinum trim) from the FPH and it took them two weeks to order the pen in. Perhaps MontBlanc have changed their nibs to the 18k for the platinum trim 146?

 

Yes, the nib is somewhat rigid but having also tried the 14k nib at my local penstore, I don't really remember there being much difference. Perhaps someone with more experience could shed more light on it.

Edited May 9, 2010 by tanalasta

[meiers]

I don't think that there would be a noticeable difference in the performance of the nib...

All my 14k nibs are fairly rigid.

 

 

Matt

Edited May 9, 2010 by meiers

[Pfhorrest]

Having tried both carats, I think that there's not enough difference between the two to warrant going through trouble to get the 14k. If anything, I prefer the 18k, but that could just be normal variation on the two 146s I tried.

[mejdrich]

Disclaimer: Not a metallurgist.

 

These nibs are not solid gold. They are alloys. As such, I believe a 14ct nib can be crafted to be more flexible due to the ability of the non-gold components to return to shape after pressure is applied. The 18ct nib, by definition, has more gold, (which is malleable) resulting in a nib that needs stiffer "complements" to not lose shape and become sprung.

 

So, ceteris paribus, the 14ct could be more flexible...

 

But, again, I don't even play a metallurgist on TV... Discount what I have suggested until someone far more knowledgeable responds.

[fountainpende]

Hello blueblazes

 

there is absolutely NO differences between 14kt and 18kt nibs concerning their flexibility!

 

What matters is the thickness of the material and this does not differ between 14kt and 18kt nibs. If you prefer flexible nibs, I would recommend a vintage pen, e.g. a III from the 30ties. This was the cheaper version of the masterpiece and the nib was thin ... at least compared to the masterpiece and therefore the nib was very flexible.

 

By the way: You sometimes will get a 146 Platinum with a 18kt nib directly from Montblanc ... these pens were produced for France (in France all gold nibs are 18kt nibs) and then sold elsewhere.

 

Kind regards

Michael

Edited May 10, 2010 by fountainpende

[OPG4711]

Great answers to a question I was also wondering about too!

 

Interesting tidbit about the MB Pens bound for France.

[blueblazes]

Thank you so much for all of your input on my question about the nib differences. It looks like I'm just going to stick with what I have.

[DetlevCM]

I think if I remember correctly someone once posted on a German forum that the 18K nibs (outside of limiteds and the 149) were used in France were originally 14K nibs couldn't be sold as "solid gold nibs" - while 18K nibs could be sold as such.

 

Regarding flexibility - I think the 18K nib on my Faulkner (B ) is softer than the 14K nib (M) on my 146 - but they aren't identical nibs...

 

Edit:

I noticed someone got that France bit before me...

Edited May 11, 2010 by DetlevCM

[dcohenafp]

I am thinking about a MB 146 in Platinum Trim in Medium Nib. Is this a great pen? Will the Platinum Trim hold up less invalue vs. the gold standard trim?