Montblanc 163 Should I Keep It?

[Batman]

I just bought a 163 today because I needed a more practical pen for taking lecture notes. But now I'm second guessing my purchase because in all honesty the pen is beautiful but it just looks and feels fragile and I've heard of stories about cracking barrels. Anyone here who has used a 163 extensively tell me whether the pen is durable? 14 days to exchange

 

Thanks

brad

[osnofian]

If it's all fine and original, I don't see any problem with it. I've spent most of my undergrad with a 144FP + 164BP and they are still in fantastic shape today. I've changed the 144 for a 146, but the 164 is still my daily companion. Just invest in a little case for it, and you'll be fine.

 

Note: I don't expect any difference between the 144 and the 163... should have the same cap, and same barrel as far as I know.

Edited September 28, 2011 by osnofian

[pavoni]

Your MB 163 should be absolutely fine Batman. I have had mine for 10 years or so, never let me down. Used more as a back up to every fountain pen I carry (particularly useful if someone important asks if they can borrow my pen). My trusty and reliable 163 is the only pen I have dropped on concrete (stupidly let it roll off a coffee table) but it survived without a scratch.

 

Keep it, use it. You won't be sorry unless you are really hankering after a different sort of pen.

 

Pavoni.

[mark e]

I just bought a 163 today because I needed a more practical pen for taking lecture notes. But now I'm second guessing my purchase because in all honesty the pen is beautiful but it just looks and feels fragile and I've heard of stories about cracking barrels. Anyone here who has used a 163 extensively tell me whether the pen is durable? 14 days to exchange

 

Thanks

brad

 

 

hmmmmm..... why no, batman, that pen is way too fragile for a superhero---you should send me that pen---i'll take care of it for ya-- i'll be real careful

 

robin

[orfew]

The rollerball is a great pen, enjoy it. Pens are made to be used. I have not found any of my MBs to be overly fragile.

[Batman]

Thanks everyone for your input I will be sure to use the pen then. Is the 145 girth slightly bigger than the 163?

[pavoni]

Hi Batman,

 

I have both the 163 and the 145 (Chopin).

 

The 145 is wider in the body, likely so as to accommodate two cartridges (1 held in the body as a spare). Uncapped, they are both the same length. Capped they look so similar that non fp users would struggle to know the difference. The 145 however is a smidgen longer and looks bigger. I personally feel the 145 has a more balanced look, given the 163's bottom cap ring which is broader and covers the lip of the cap. I prefer the 145's screw-on cap in any event (wish the 163 wasn't slip-on).

 

Whilst you would obviously use the two pens differently, the 145 has a slightly broader grip-section. They make great travelling companions and are my preferred choice when flying.

 

Pavoni

[Frosty One]

Your MB 163 should be absolutely fine Batman. I have had mine for 10 years or so, never let me down. Used more as a back up to every fountain pen I carry (particularly useful if someone important asks if they can borrow my pen). My trusty and reliable 163 is the only pen I have dropped on concrete (stupidly let it roll off a coffee table) but it survived without a scratch.

 

Keep it, use it. You won't be sorry unless you are really hankering after a different sort of pen.

 

Pavoni.

 

I also had the sad experience of my black 163 roll off the desk and hit a tile floor. I was sick, but when I looked at it, it showed no signs of distress, not even a scratch.

 

Do not put the cap on the opposite side of the pen when you use it. I usually hold it in my other hand when I write so I do not forget the cap. I was told to do this at a high end jeweler, and this was verified at the MB Boutique. The gentleman at MB said if you put it on the opposite end it will eventually stretch the seal on the sleave inside the cap. This will let air in when you cap it and the cartridge will not last as long.

 

If you are thinking FP the 144 is a nice match.

[Batman]

Your MB 163 should be absolutely fine Batman. I have had mine for 10 years or so, never let me down. Used more as a back up to every fountain pen I carry (particularly useful if someone important asks if they can borrow my pen). My trusty and reliable 163 is the only pen I have dropped on concrete (stupidly let it roll off a coffee table) but it survived without a scratch.

 

Keep it, use it. You won't be sorry unless you are really hankering after a different sort of pen.

 

Pavoni.

 

I also had the sad experience of my black 163 roll off the desk and hit a tile floor. I was sick, but when I looked at it, it showed no signs of distress, not even a scratch.

 

Do not put the cap on the opposite side of the pen when you use it. I usually hold it in my other hand when I write so I do not forget the cap. I was told to do this at a high end jeweler, and this was verified at the MB Boutique. The gentleman at MB said if you put it on the opposite end it will eventually stretch the seal on the sleave inside the cap. This will let air in when you cap it and the cartridge will not last as long.

 

If you are thinking FP the 144 is a nice match.

 

Thanks for letting me know about that but the pen doesn't feel right if I don't cap it, it's just a skinny pen I guess. But I've decided to exchange it for the starwalker ballpoint cause rollerballs, like the fountain pen, are very picky with paper and it bleeds through way too often. Thank you though for all your help.

 

Thanks

Brad

Edited September 30, 2011 by Batman

[Batman]

Just got back with the Starwalker, here are some photo's. I chose the midnight black cause I like the subtle color combination. The plating on the clip and barrel is Ruthenium rather than Platinum. I know it's just a ballpoint but it's still a thing of beauty. I'm comparing the pen to a capped 146 for you reference for size.

 

 

Thanks

Brad

Edited October 1, 2011 by Batman

[orfew]

Just got back with the Starwalker, here are some photo's. I chose the midnight black cause I like the subtle color combination. The plating on the clip and barrel is Ruthenium rather than Palladium. I know it's just a ballpoint but it's still a thing of beauty. I'm comparing the pen to a capped 146 for you reference for size.

 

 

Thanks

Brad

Very nice. I have the rollerball version and use it quite often.