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

[Tom Kellie]

I don't know much about broad nibs let alone bespoke, but is there any particular reason for the slits not to reach breather hole?

 

~ Blueberry567:

 

It's very nice of you to comment here and to ask such a pertinent question.

I wondered the same when I first saw an image of a Bespoke Short Signature nib.

Broad nibs aren't rounded, but more stubbish. They're typically very smooth writers which offer eye-pleasing line variation.

Bespoke nibs aren't any different than any other nib. What sets them apart is that they're custom-made after consultation between the client and Montblanc staff.

Being a custom product, they may encompass nibs which Montblanc once offered, but are no longer standard options.

Such nibs as EEF, BBB, Architect's Point, Cursive Italic, Large Signature, Small Signature, and OF have been made as Bespoke products for clients requesting them.

I'm especially attracted to the long ago ‘sketch artist's nib’, i.e. OF Flex, which was widely used a century ago by naturalists during field expeditions.

Pravda's extraordinary nib is his own conception, combining a Small Signature with Cursive Italic qualities. Every time I look at images of it, I smile.

As to your question about why the two slits aren't stretched to the distinctive triangular breather hole, I've been told that it's because it isn't necessary.

The length of the slit increases ink flow, but because the Small Signature is already such a broad nib with ample ink flow, there's no practical requirement for more.

None of this I knew, so, like you, I'm gradually increasing my understanding of nib dynamics.

Tom K.

Edited January 14, 2018 by Tom Kellie

[Tom Kellie]

Is the "signature small" nib a speciality nib?

Your 1914 nib looks like a CI nib to me with 2 slits...I only have M and B nibs...so please excuse my questions here

~ Memorexx:

 

I'm glad that you asked this, as several months ago I had a similar question.

Among the options offered in Montblanc's Bespoke Nib Program is the Small Signature.

It's distinguished from the full-sized Signature or Large Signature by the overall width of the nib face which contacts the paper surface.

There are those who regard the Large Signature as essentially being a paintbrush, with strokes too broad for daily use.

That may or may not be the case, depending on what and how one writes or sketches.

Therefore the Small Signature is approximately 25% narrower than the immense Large Signature.

In his post introducing his Cursive Italic Small Signature nib, Pravda described it as being approximately 5B/6B in size, vs 8B for the Large Signature.

Thus in size Pravda's magnificent nib is a Small Signature, and in style it's a Cursive Italic.

Thank you for your relevant question. By all means ask anything, as we're all learning together.

Tom K.

 

 

Edited January 14, 2018 by Tom Kellie

[Tom Kellie]

Thank you for this beautiful and very useful series of photographs! The bespoke nib is fabulous--as is the handwriting sample. I very much appreciate the photo with the range of nibs and the handwriting samples from each nib. Your contributions to this site are always so interesting, useful, and very informative.

 

~ dannyboy:

 

What you've so eloquently expressed is what I feel.

Pravda's images of his one-of-a-kind Bespoke Cursive Italic Small Signature nib have pulled me back a number of times.

Looking at them shows what Montblanc's talented Hamburg Nib Team does when they work with a sophisticated client.

Yes, the comparison image is over-the-top wonderful. The composition, choice of inks and range of pens is deeply impressive.

You're so right. Pravda continually offers his insight, experience and wisdom about a range of topics, benefitting everyone.

There are many threads celebrating what's described as being Montblanc's “Golden Age”, meaning the era when vintage pens were produced.

While that may be the case, Pravda's diverse collection suggests that we're blessed with living during another “Golden Age”.

Thank you for such a thoughtful post.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

Having fun at the office:

 

~ penmanila:

 

Your posts are enjoyable because you use such lovely fountain pens.

I like the image composition, with the Agatha Christie and the Ernest Hemingway pens open with a handwriting sample beneath them.

The two inks look nice.

Is that Montblanc Toffee Brown in the Hemingway?

I'm too inexperienced to recognize the dark blue ink in the Christie.

Thank you for sharing such a pleasing pen and ink photograph.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

Well said Tom.

 

You have also been an inspiration to many of us and your cheerful zest for life reminds me to cherish what is important, find beauty all around, and spend more time writing.

 

May 2018 bring a flurry of creativity, beautiful photos, handwritten post, and stunning new nibs.

 

~ zaddick:

 

Thank you very much.

I hope that 2018 will surprise you with one or two pens which you never expected to come your way.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

Right On Time

[Memorexx]

 

Is the "signature small" nib a speciality nib?

Your 1914 nib looks like a CI nib to me with 2 slits...I only have M and B nibs...so please excuse my questions here

~ Memorexx:

 

I'm glad that you asked this, as several months ago I had a similar question.

Among the options offered in Montblanc's Bespoke Nib Program is the Small Signature.

It's distinguished from the full-sized Signature or Large Signature by the overall width of the nib face which contacts the paper surface.

There are those who regard the Large Signature as essentially being a paintbrush, with strokes too broad for daily use.

That may or may not be the case, depending on what and how one writes or sketches.

Therefore the Small Signature is approximately 25% narrower than the immense Large Signature.

In his post introducing his Cursive Italic Small Signature nib, Pravda described it as being approximately 5B/6B in size, vs 8B for the Large Signature.

Thus in size Pravda's magnificent nib is a Small Signature, and in style it's a Cursive Italic.

Thank you for your relevant question. By all means ask anything, as we're all learning together.

Tom K.

 

 

 

 

Thank you Tom for the explanation

So a small signature nib is a Montblanc bespoke nib.

And it's basically a 5B or 6B nib? But it's not italic...so a suuuuper Broad nib then?

It looks quite interesting...and I am getting a Limited Beatle Pen soon...was thinking about going BB...but then I saw Pravda's pen

 

 

Here is my JFK

 

 

 

[Tom Kellie]

Thank you Tom for the explanation

So a small signature nib is a Montblanc bespoke nib.

And it's basically a 5B or 6B nib? But it's not italic...so a suuuuper Broad nib then?

It looks quite interesting...and I am getting a Limited Beatle Pen soon...was thinking about going BB...but then I saw Pravda's pen

 

 

~ Memorexx:

 

Thank you for sharing the image of your JFK with a handwriting sample.

The crisply clear words stand out against the paper. Whatever paper and ink you used it looks great on my computer screen.

Yes, a Bespoke Small Signature is roughly comparable to a 5B/6B nib, as Pravda helpfully explained.

It's thus indeed a super-Broad nib, keeping in mind that the regular Signature, or Large Signature nib is broader yet, at around 8B.

You're right. A Bespoke Small Signature is not Italic.

In Pravda's very special and remarkable case, he had the vision to combine both Small Signature nib face width, and Cursive Italic crispness.

The extraordinary result speaks for itself. Pravda's images, especially the handwriting samples, show shading, line variation and crispness at the highest level of excellence.

Montblanc's Hamburg Nib team, guided by Mr. Axel Nier, ably blended two qualities for the nib, including unseen supporting modifications within the nib.

If you're fortunate enough to acquire a Beatles fountain pen, a BB nib would be fun to use.

However, as you’re apparently based in Hamburg, contacting the flagship boutique there, to discuss Bespoke nibs, might result in a wonderful personalized creation for you.

Whatever you decide about the Beatles fountain pen, I hope that you'll share photos of it and a handwriting sample here, as you so kindly did with your JFK.

It's great to know that you're interested in Pravda's stellar quality Bespoke Nib.

What was created for him could be similarly created for you, if you were to discuss Montblanc's Bespoke Nib Program at your local Hamburg boutique.

Thank you so much for your interest, your comments, and the handwriting sample.

Tom K.

[jmccarty3]

This marvelous thread never ceases to amaze and inspire me. Thanks again so much to all of you.

 

I know that some of you have seen my thread about the Fritz Schimpf Special Edition Italic 146 with platinum trim. This is a cursive italic bespoke nib that Fritz Schimpf had made in a quantity of 100 pens.

 

 

The writing sample above is from one of the first customers to obtain one of these pens.

 

I have inked my pen with Leo Tolstoy Sky Blue. This nib is not a BBB or BBBBBB, but rather a B at least, with a very friendly cursive italic grind that is most pleasant to write with. I recommend it highly to anyone who is interested in cursive italic nibs.

[Pravda]

This marvelous thread never ceases to amaze and inspire me. Thanks again so much to all of you.

 

I know that some of you have seen my thread about the Fritz Schimpf Special Edition Italic 146 with platinum trim. This is a cursive italic bespoke nib that Fritz Schimpf had made in a quantity of 100 pens.

 

 

The writing sample above is from one of the first customers to obtain one of these pens.

 

I have inked my pen with Leo Tolstoy Sky Blue. This nib is not a BBB or BBBBBB, but rather a B at least, with a very friendly cursive italic grind that is most pleasant to write with. I recommend it highly to anyone who is interested in cursive italic nibs.

 

 

That's actually the nib Axel Nier personally prefers, I think. A broad CI and its.. glorious! Congratulations jmccarty3

[Memorexx]

 

~ Memorexx:

 

Thank you for sharing the image of your JFK with a handwriting sample.

The crisply clear words stand out against the paper. Whatever paper and ink you used it looks great on my computer screen.

Yes, a Bespoke Small Signature is roughly comparable to a 5B/6B nib, as Pravda helpfully explained.

It's thus indeed a super-Broad nib, keeping in mind that the regular Signature, or Large Signature nib is broader yet, at around 8B.

You're right. A Bespoke Small Signature is not Italic.

In Pravda's very special and remarkable case, he had the vision to combine both Small Signature nib face width, and Cursive Italic crispness.

The extraordinary result speaks for itself. Pravda's images, especially the handwriting samples, show shading, line variation and crispness at the highest level of excellence.

Montblanc's Hamburg Nib team, guided by Mr. Axel Nier, ably blended two qualities for the nib, including unseen supporting modifications within the nib.

If you're fortunate enough to acquire a Beatles fountain pen, a BB nib would be fun to use.

However, as you’re apparently based in Hamburg, contacting the flagship boutique there, to discuss Bespoke nibs, might result in a wonderful personalized creation for you.

Whatever you decide about the Beatles fountain pen, I hope that you'll share photos of it and a handwriting sample here, as you so kindly did with your JFK.

It's great to know that you're interested in Pravda's stellar quality Bespoke Nib.

What was created for him could be similarly created for you, if you were to discuss Montblanc's Bespoke Nib Program at your local Hamburg boutique.

Thank you so much for your interest, your comments, and the handwriting sample.

Tom K.

 

Hi Tom,

 

the ink is the JFK ink and the paper is Crown Mill Cotton paper.

 

I am guessing that bespoke nibs, such as small signature or italic or a combination of both come with a hefty price.

I acquired the Fritz Schimpf Italic 100 some time ago, that one is quite nice would be even better if it would be just a tiny teeny bit broader

 

Let's see...when I will get hold of my Beatle pen. Then I will definitely go to the Boutique and discuss with them my options.

[Pravda]

 

Hi Tom,

 

the ink is the JFK ink and the paper is Crown Mill Cotton paper.

 

I am guessing that bespoke nibs, such as small signature or italic or a combination of both come with a hefty price.

I acquired the Fritz Schimpf Italic 100 some time ago, that one is quite nice would be even better if it would be just a tiny teeny bit broader

 

Let's see...when I will get hold of my Beatle pen. Then I will definitely go to the Boutique and discuss with them my options.

Hello Memorexx,

 

I am happy to hear that youve already got the Fritz pen. That means youre already the proud owner of a Bespoke nib!

 

Had you gone directly to Montblanc, theyd have made you that same nib but instead of Fritz on the engraving you couldve gotten your name or anything you like.

[Memorexx]

But probably charging me more than getting it from Fritz ?

 

Still debating with myself which Nib I should get on the Beatle...LCDC is sending me a JFK on Monday.

Will keep the M on that one I guess.

[Pravda]

But probably charging me more than getting it from Fritz ?

 

Still debating with myself which Nib I should get on the Beatle...LCDC is sending me a JFK on Monday.

Will keep the M on that one I guess.

Any Montblanc nib costs $350 (or equivalent plus tax per country) and a bespoke is EUR 1,300.

 

If I recal correctly that is similar to the Fritz but in that case you get a pen too Montblanc is only selling you a nib on an existing pen. The good news, if you have a very special pen then the sky is the limit.

Edited January 14, 2018 by Pravda

[Memorexx]

Any Montblanc nib costs $350 (or equivalent plus tax per country) and a bespoke is EUR 1,300.

 

If I recal correctly that is similar to the Fritz but in that case you get a pen too Montblanc is only selling you a nib on an existing pen. The good news, if you have a very special pen then the sky is the limit.

 

Hehe yeah in case of Fritz I got a pen with the price Otherwise I would have had to buy a 146 and add 1.300.

But good to know that a bespoke nib cost 1.300...So I am guessing I am getting a BB Nib then

[benbot517]

 

~ benbot517:

 

 

I'm interested in your experience with the Montblanc 220.

Do you mean that you've found and ordered a BBB nib for it?

If so, that's quite a nice find! Yes, please post images after they both arrive.

It would be a pleasure to see what you've acquired.

Do you mean that the seller has OBBB nibs available, which are sold as nibs, rather than on pens?

I didn't realize that there was such items offered. Thank you for mentioning them here.

Tom K.

Yup, the pen is on the way, and a separate BBB nib is also on the way, to be swapped onto it. The nib is shaped more like a lamy nib, so it should just slide off. They can be found here:

https://m.ebay.de/itm/eBayISAPI.dll/332414717266?_mwBanner=1

I'll post pictures when they arrive.

[GranTorino25]

Today I received my brand new, *phenomenal*, Montblanc Meisterstuck 149 in red gold trim. The delightful pen body is equipped with an oblique triple broad nib, which writes like a dream!!! It is incredibly smooth, a perfect oblique angle, and with a hint of flex if pushed.

 

I have it inked up with Lavender Purple (my third choice of ink, but the store had no Encre du Desert or Toffee Brown in stock), and when writing with such a wet, broad like, it reminds me a touch of Lamy Dark Lilac!!

 

I have some photos, but alas all are over 1.95 MB, so I'll take some more tomorrow in the light!

[Tom Kellie]

Today I received my brand new, *phenomenal*, Montblanc Meisterstuck 149 in red gold trim. The delightful pen body is equipped with an oblique triple broad nib, which writes like a dream!!! It is incredibly smooth, a perfect oblique angle, and with a hint of flex if pushed.

 

I have it inked up with Lavender Purple (my third choice of ink, but the store had no Encre du Desert or Toffee Brown in stock), and when writing with such a wet, broad like, it reminds me a touch of Lamy Dark Lilac!!

 

I have some photos, but alas all are over 1.95 MB, so I'll take some more tomorrow in the light!

 

~ GranTorino25:

 

Wow! Wow! Wow!

You're writing with a newly arrived Red Gold 149 OBBB !!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for sharing this great news with us!

It'll be a pleasure to see a handwriting sample with Montblanc Lavender Purple.

Ghost Plane has a good reason to take more cookies out of her oven.

On a chilly Winter evening, you've sent warmth, light and happiness.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Tom K.

[GranTorino25]

Thank you very much Tom- your photos, information and enthusiasm in this thread greatly inspired this purchase, and my new found love!

 

I will post tomorrow when I have light for photos

[Tom Kellie]

Thank you very much Tom- your photos, information and enthusiasm in this thread greatly inspired this purchase, and my new found love!

 

I will post tomorrow when I have light for photos