Enjoying Montblanc Pens — Broad, Oblique, Extra Fine, Le & Bespoke

[Tom Kellie]

You are a wealth of information Tom K! Good to know that it still exists, but will have to do some research then. Worth it I am sure!

 

~ Stanman:

 

Thank you very much!

If you encounter reluctance at a local Montblanc boutique in discussing Montblanc's Bespoke Nib Program, here's an e-mail address.

By explaining your interest, those best suited to answer your questions will suggest what steps to take.

Bespoke-nib@montblanc.de

I hope that will be useful to you and others. Bespoke nibs are a pleasure to use.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

Platinum 149 OBBB and Bespoke 90th Anniversary 149 EEF

Tangerine Nibs

[yeepers]

Gorgeous!!!

 

The 75th and 90th anniversary pens/nibs are just fabulous.

[Tom Kellie]

Gorgeous!!!

 

The 75th and 90th anniversary pens/nibs are just fabulous.

 

~ yeepers:

 

Thank you so much!

The images above were made this afternoon to celebrate your purchase of a Platinum OBBB.

You've expressed an interest in Bespoke nibs, so it seemed appropriate to show the contrast between a Bespoke EEF and an OBBB.

Where I work is China's primary tangerine growing area. While most of the local tangerines are a mild orange, there's a week where saturated red-orange tangerines are on offer.

This is that week, therefore they're used above to set off the precious metals in the nibs.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

My experience with the Saibi Togi was identical. I ended up selling it. It probably, for Westerners at least, is more a tool for the artist than for the writer.

 

 

~ Jay:

 

Very well said.

Over here in East Asia, the writer and the artist tend to be the same person.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

Though not a part of your question, may I add another model to consider? My wife is a decades-long fan of EF nibs. She has had several Platinum fountain pens which were razor fine and wet, smooth writers. She also has an XXF Parker 75 which is a smooth razor.

 

Finally, Tom, thank you for the great photos. Your 90th Bespoken EEF Leopard looks lovely. So glad it is completely satisfying. Would love to test a 149 nib of that grade some day. Enjoy it for many years, sir! It's a beauty.

 

[Tom Kellie]

~ After preparing several posts this afternoon, the frequent difficulties in ordering Bespoke nibs were linked in my mind with somewhat comparable challenges in seeking OBBB nib exchanges.

The two processes aren’t identical, as the OBBB nib exchange for 149 pens is a free option if initiated within six weeks of the initial purchase.

At a much later time after the initial purchase an OBBB nib may be purchased for a nominal fee, exactly as with any other regular nib.

As has been noted in earlier posts in this thread, OBBB nibs may be purchased for any #9 nib pens, including the Hemingway, Dumas, Year of the Dragon 2000 and most Skeletons.

Yet as I and others have learned in our respective experiences in ordering OBBB nibs, from time to time there are Montblanc boutiques which balk at ordering OBBBs.

Due to inadequate training or limited experience, they occasionally insist that an OBBB is a Bespoke Signature nib — it’s not — or that such an option is unavailable.

A friend in Southeast Asia has two lovely Skeletons. He sought OBBB nibs for both of them, but encountered resistance, being told that OBBB nibs are exclusively for 149s.

He persisted, insisting that #9 nib Skeletons are eligible for OBBBs, which they are. In the end he received not one, but two splendid Skeleton OBBBs for his use.

Similarly, Bespoke nibs are frequently resisted as a concept by Montblanc boutique staff members. The cause of their hesitancy is very likely limited experience.

At present the Bespoke nib program offers a wide range of options for a Bespoke fee that’s notably less than €1500, depending on boutique location.

For example, the engraving on both sides of the nib may be white, yellow gold, or rough-textured, as in the case with my Bespoke 149 EEF.

Yet Montblanc boutique staff members who have been trained to explain these Bespoke options are very few in number. That results in misunderstanding and reluctance to place Bespoke orders.

At the present time, Montblanc heavily promotes premium products made of high grade leather made in Northern Italy and a full line of timepieces made in Switzerland.

Boutique staff members are regularly trained on features of such outstanding products, but occasionally lack deep awareness of Montblanc fountain pens and inks.

From my experience over several years, it merits emphasizing that both OBBB nibs for 149s and Skeletons, and Bespoke nibs, are available for special order.

If one is interested in either of these possibilities, by all means encourage the local boutique staff to contact their regional managers for further information if they’re unaware of them.

While it’s unfortunate that Montblanc clients may sometimes need to direct boutique staff to relevant information, that needn’t be a bar to eventually enjoying an OBBB or a Bespoke nib.

Stepping out of the box towards less standard options makes possible enjoyment of fine writing tools. I hope that others will discover, order and use them as I have.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

Leopard Pen

[Stanman]

 

Platinum 149 OBBB and Bespoke 90th Anniversary 149 EEF

Tangerine Nibs

Wow. Absolutely gorgeous nibs!

[tinta]

 

Platinum 149 OBBB and Bespoke 90th Anniversary 149 EEF

Tangerine Nibs

 

I love the photo setup, Tom.

[Ghost Plane]

Love the leopard with it’s kill. But no Florida girl can resist tangerines.

[Stanman]

~ Stanman:

 

 

Thank you very much!

If you encounter reluctance at a local Montblanc boutique in discussing Montblanc's Bespoke Nib Program, here's an e-mail address.

By explaining your interest, those best suited to answer your questions will suggest what steps to take.

Bespoke-nib@montblanc.de

I hope that will be useful to you and others. Bespoke nibs are a pleasure to use.

Tom K.

Awesome and thanks so much for the email Tom K. Will be helpful. I have a feeling that they will not offer or know of this service at the MB boutiques in Toronto.

[Tom Kellie]

Montblanc POA François I photographed by Lamb South

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/285793-montblanc-patron-of-the-arts-francois-i/

~ The February, 2015 review by Lamb South of the Montblanc POA François I is an outstanding example of a well-written, well-photographed fountain review.

The lighting in the images shows the detail in the clip and cap engraving. The distinctive nib decoration is easily appreciated.

What I especially liked was the comparison image showing the François I beside a 149. I hadn't realized how large the François I was.

It's a special pleasure to read about Montblanc Limited Editions, especially when the text and imagery are as excellent as this.

Tom K.

[Stanman]

 

~ After preparing several posts this afternoon, the frequent difficulties in ordering Bespoke nibs were linked in my mind with somewhat comparable challenges in seeking OBBB nib exchanges.

The two processes aren’t identical, as the OBBB nib exchange for 149 pens is a free option if initiated within six weeks of the initial purchase.

At a much later time after the initial purchase an OBBB nib may be purchased for a nominal fee, exactly as with any other regular nib.

As has been noted in earlier posts in this thread, OBBB nibs may be purchased for any #9 nib pens, including the Hemingway, Dumas, Year of the Dragon 2000 and most Skeletons.

Yet as I and others have learned in our respective experiences in ordering OBBB nibs, from time to time there are Montblanc boutiques which balk at ordering OBBBs.

Due to inadequate training or limited experience, they occasionally insist that an OBBB is a Bespoke Signature nib — it’s not — or that such an option is unavailable.

A friend in Southeast Asia has two lovely Skeletons. He sought OBBB nibs for both of them, but encountered resistance, being told that OBBB nibs are exclusively for 149s.

He persisted, insisting that #9 nib Skeletons are eligible for OBBBs, which they are. In the end he received not one, but two splendid Skeleton OBBBs for his use.

Similarly, Bespoke nibs are frequently resisted as a concept by Montblanc boutique staff members. The cause of their hesitancy is very likely limited experience.

At present the Bespoke nib program offers a wide range of options for a Bespoke fee that’s notably less than €1500, depending on boutique location.

For example, the engraving on both sides of the nib may be white, yellow gold, or rough-textured, as in the case with my Bespoke 149 EEF.

Yet Montblanc boutique staff members who have been trained to explain these Bespoke options are very few in number. That results in misunderstanding and reluctance to place Bespoke orders.

At the present time, Montblanc heavily promotes premium products made of high grade leather made in Northern Italy and a full line of timepieces made in Switzerland.

Boutique staff members are regularly trained on features of such outstanding products, but occasionally lack deep awareness of Montblanc fountain pens and inks.

From my experience over several years, it merits emphasizing that both OBBB nibs for 149s and Skeletons, and Bespoke nibs, are available for special order.

If one is interested in either of these possibilities, by all means encourage the local boutique staff to contact their regional managers for further information if they’re unaware of them.

While it’s unfortunate that Montblanc clients may sometimes need to direct boutique staff to relevant information, that needn’t be a bar to eventually enjoying an OBBB or a Bespoke nib.

Stepping out of the box towards less standard options makes possible enjoyment of fine writing tools. I hope that others will discover, order and use them as I have.

Tom K.

Great post! ”At the present time, Montblanc heavily promotes premium products made of high grade leather made in Northern Italy and a full line of timepieces made in Switzerland.” (personally, I head straight for the fountain pens in the MB boutique... no interest in the fancy leather and watches).

 

I have placed my enquiry through the boutique and we’ll see where things go with the bespoke nib.

[Ghost Plane]

Best of luck! Dying to see what you come up with.

[Tom Kellie]

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/329988-a-very-nice-is-it-worth-it-montblanc-video/

Ghost Plane

Indescribable

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Posted Yesterday, 20:30

Poor guy wastes that beautiful O3B on signatures when he could be using it for everything. Sigh...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stanman]

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/329988-a-very-nice-is-it-worth-it-montblanc-video/

Ghost Plane

Indescribable

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• 27,103 posts

• Location:USA
• Flag:

Posted Yesterday, 20:30

Poor guy wastes that beautiful O3B on signatures when he could be using it for everything. Sigh...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet! Now you're tempting me for the OBBB!! In the photo, looks like rose gold Meisterstuck?

[Tom Kellie]

Sweet! Now you're tempting me for the OBBB!! In the photo, looks like rose gold Meisterstuck?

 

~ Stanman:

 

Yes, it's a Red Gold 149 Meisterstück OBBB.

When purchased from the boutique, it was described on the packaging as being “Red Gold” rather than “Rose Gold”.

I'm uncertain if that no more than a nomenclature issue, or if it indicates different blends of precious metal in the alloy.

As I'm a strong advocate of OBBBs as daily writers, I'm delighted to tantalize you with OBBB images.

OBBBs really do write very well, and are fully capable of writing in moderately sized handwriting.

Thank you for your enthusiasm and interest.

Tom K.

[thygreyt]

Just a lovely semi nib shot...

 

[Tom Kellie]

Just a lovely semi nib shot...

 

~ Reed_thoughts:

 

That's surely an angel's eye view of a Monblanc nib.

The radiant light through the daisy is a stunning effect.

I love the way that the nib tip is demurely concealed.

The ink — Burgundy Red? — in the ink window adds a pleasing contrast.

You've shown me how to make an effective pen image in high glare lighting.

Thank you for posting such a delightful nib photograph!

Tom K.