Anybody Own Or Have Used A Mb Mechanical Pencil?

[Centurion]

Anybody here own or have used a MB mechanical pencil? I like to get one. I'm probably looking at the platinum LeGrand since it's the thickest. But not sure if I want a 0.7mm or a 0.9mm. I'll be using it to take notes and write cursive. I wonder if the 0.9mm would be better for cursive writing over the 0.7mm??

[Tom Kellie]

[Centurion]

Oh, that's looks good and it looks thicker than the LeGrand. Montblanc.com doesn't give dimensions of its mechanical pencils so I don't know for sure. Also, the La Boheme uses 0.9mm lead which doesn't look overly broad. I've only used 0.7mm. Do you ever find the 0.9mm too broad? Do you only use Montblanc lead refills?

 

I like the blue sapphire on the pen.

[Tom Kellie]

~ Centurion:

 

Thank you for your generous comment about the Boheme mechanical pencil. It's a beauty!

I've used Staedtler 0.9mm refills on the advice of the local boutique, who have difficulty obtaining Montblanc refills.

No, the 0.9mm width hasn't ever seemed overly broad. Then again, I like BB and OBBB fountain pen nibs.

Yet for sketching detail of botanical specimens in the field, it's been more than adequate.

As with any fine tool, much depends on how it's used in practice.

From my experience, the 0.9mm lead is workable in any ordinary situation. There might be specialized needs where it wouldn't be effective, but I've yet to encounter any.

What I like most is the ergonomic balance — it's just right for me.

I hope that you'll find a Montblanc mechanical pencil which suits your requirements.

Tom K.

[Kenlowe]

All great advice so far. I have only used MB Pencils from the 1950s and for the modest price they give perfect performance. I am not a flashy person and prefer something classic. This is another 70s set in Burgundy.

[orfew]

I have a few and use them often. These include: Boheme, 100 year anniversary, and a Meisterstuck. They are all comfortable to use for long writing sessions (in my case I mark many assignments). If I had to use a favorite it would be the Boheme. It is small, but you cannot beat the balance and how it feels in the hand.

[Tom Kellie]

If I had to use a favorite it would be the Boheme. It is small, but you cannot beat the balance and how it feels in the hand.

 

~ What orfew has written above is exactly the same as my experience.

The balance and overall ergonomic satisfaction of a Boheme mechanical pencil is exceptional.

After the first time one was shown to me in a boutique, I was convinced.

Tom K.

[torstar]

I have owned one for 16 or so years.

 

Great writing instrument, seems a bit over the top though.

 

I prefer other high-end pencils over this one at times.

[Montecristo]

I regularly use a vintage PIX 172 (often found for sale on this forum or eBay) that takes a 1.18 mm Yard-O-Led refill.

I find the 0.7 and 0.9 mm refills of the present MB pencil line to thin.

Edited September 6, 2016 by Montecristo

[Rosetta59]

0.9 or 0.7 millimeters are matter of personal choice. In the mechanical pencil wisdom the support (i.e. the mechanical pencil itself) is the least important component, the lead is the top one.

Personally I have, and employ sometimes, few MB mechanical pencils, from Mozart to Wilde, but the engine is always a Pentel's Ain Stein lead, one of the best in my opinion (I'm not alone...

 

http://davesmechanicalpencils.blogspot.it/2010/09/pentel-ain-stein-lead-review.html )

 

I personally prefer my Rotring 600, but absolutely no one beats my original Blackwings from the fifties to the seventies...

[Acb5456]

I have a Montblanc 165 mechanical pencil that I've been using to take notes in some business classes that I'm taking, and I really enjoy everything about the pencil! It's light and comfortable, yet it still feels sturdy...and it's beautiful!

 

By the way, I need HELP: do any of you guys who use Montblanc pencils know of any 'generic' eraser refills that would fit the classique? I hate the thought of spending as much at Montblanc wants to charge for a few little tiny erasers if there are cheaper options available.

 

Thanks everyone!

[sd10521]

I have a classique 0.5 in Platinum trim that I like a lot but it's not my "go to" pencil. The mechanism in it is very good. It's a little heavy for a pencil for me, but I do like heavier pens for some reason.

[Centurion]

0.9 or 0.7 millimeters are matter of personal choice. In the mechanical pencil wisdom the support (i.e. the mechanical pencil itself) is the least important component, the lead is the top one.

Personally I have, and employ sometimes, few MB mechanical pencils, from Mozart to Wilde, but the engine is always a Pentel's Ain Stein lead, one of the best in my opinion (I'm not alone...

 

http://davesmechanicalpencils.blogspot.it/2010/09/pentel-ain-stein-lead-review.html )

 

I personally prefer my Rotring 600, but absolutely no one beats my original Blackwings from the fifties to the seventies...

 

 

I believe the Boheme only comes as a 0.9mm pencil. I've used 0.5mm which for me is too thin. I like 0.7mm, but can't remember what 0.9mm is like.

 

What do you think of MB's 0.9mm lead or 0.7mm? Most important to me is smoothness and smear resistance. Jet pens.com says Ain Stein is smear resistant, but not as smooth as Pilot Neox. But then Neox is not as smear resistant. I'll be using a mechanical pencil to write in cursive to take notes. I'm currently using a wooden pencil (Hi-Uni in 4B, sometimes 2B). Never tried a original Blackwing. Any still around? 602 not smooth enough for me, new Blackwing is smooth but needs constant sharpening. Never tried Blackwing Pearl. Have you?

 

I like to get a fancy pretty mechanical that's also high quality functionally, sounds like I found it with the Boheme. I like it with the blue sapphire. Now, have to try and see if I like 0.9mm and if I feel the same ergonomic balance and weight.

[Rosetta59]

I have never employed MB leads, but only leads from pentel, faber castell, staedtler or caran d'ache. Personally, my choice are Pentel.

 

If you need interesting informations go to the dave's mechanical pencil site and search for leads reviews or the "lead cup"...

 

Good reading !

[ivyman]

Here is my recently acquired MB 204 coral red celluloid pen and pencil set. They come in their original MB box.

 

They were made in Denmark in the early 1950's and I believe the coral red celluloid pens have only been made in 1 to 2 years in those days.

Attached Images

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[Nathanb]

I carry a Classique in platinum with my rotation, its very comfortable to use.

 

I almost won a 75th anniversary LE in Le Grand size a few months ago; sadly I was outbid with a few seconds to go.

[amcityink]

I own two, the Classic 164 Platinum .5, and Starwalker BLK Platinum 0.7... I perfer the Starwalker for the 0.7 lead size, 0.5 is to thin. I perfer Lamy lead, I've tried them all and Lamy gives me the smoothness I like. I'd have to agree with others here who say MB lead is not that great.

 

I own other pencils that are 0.9, but are a bit to thick for the type of drawing I do.

[adair]

Anybody annoyed or irritated by the "looseness" of the MB twist mechanism while writing?

[Estycollector]

I am a collector of Autopoint mechanical pencils.  While there are more modern pencils available and as someone else said, the most rare ones were those that didn't work. 

[Centurion]

13 hours ago, adair said:

Anybody annoyed or irritated by the "looseness" of the MB twist mechanism while writing?

Hmm, maybe that's why MB doesn't sell pencils anymore.