Montblanc 149 Nib Skip

February 1, 2017

Dear members,

I am new to the fountain pen world. I own two pens, a Sailor 1911L (Fine nib) and a Montblanc 149 platinum (Medium Nib)

Sailor writes like a dream. I have been using it for few weeks now.

Succumbing to the good reviews of MB149, I purchased a platinum 149 medium nib from a local store- Apasara Pen mart in Mumbai (its a 50 year old store). They deal with all pen brands.

I got a piece fresh out of the box (at least it looked like one). I went home to try it - to my surprise the nib skipped. The flow was inadequate. I had to press it hard to make it write without any break.

I got it exchanged on the same day. The replaced pen was better than the earlier one, but I am still not sure about the smoothness. (My sailor 1911 can kick MB149's ass anytime)

I have contacted the Montblanc boutique store for a Nib replacement(Fine) and overall service. They said it can take up to 2 months. I do not want to go to that local store again. I would rather get it serviced by the official Montblanc center.

I have attached few pics of the Pen and the Nib. The nib tip me look off because of the light, but he physically the nib looks perfect to me.

What should I do next. Is this how the MB 149 writes (With no force the nib skips, unlike sailor). How much will the service center charge me for the nib and for fixing the skipping issue.

Any other suggestions.?

Edited February 1, 2017 by viruvannam

February 1, 2017

No not at all. You are just unlucky. I would opt for another nib swap, but be sure to go for B or thicker (BB, O3B)- it will be worth waiting for 2 months.

Sailors are well known for their smoothness and consistency, but MB offers a different feel, still smooth nevertheless.

Good luck.

February 1, 2017

No not at all. You are just unlucky. I would opt for another nib swap, but be sure to go for B or thicker (BB, O3B)- it will be worth waiting for 2 months.
Sailors are well known for their smoothness and consistency, but MB offers a different feel, still smooth nevertheless.
Good luck.

Hey Mastiff. Thank you for the reply.

I already have a medium Nib, which I found too thick for my taste. So I am planning to get it exchanged with Fine, I hope the overall feel of fine would also be good.

I never had a chance to experience the Broad nib, but i sure it will be too thick for me,

The Nib I have is already a medium. I found it to be

February 1, 2017

The B is stubbed and gives a completely different experience.

MBs are expected to be wet and generous immediately out of the box. You have a feed problem that is cause for repair. NO FP should require any kind of pressure to write. Their own weight is sufficient when working properly.

Western nibs are always one size wider than their eastern counterparts. An F in MB will be an eastern M in general. But one can request a narrow version of that size given they are handmade and vary widely.