Best Montblanc Fakes To Buy

[Kalessin]

Some of the posts in this thread border on shameful. Mont Blancs are not affordable for most people. Those people shouldn't be faulted for trying to have a small part of the feel for the pen in cheaper versions.

 

 

There are pens from other manufacturers that have a bit of similarity to Montblanc pens. Sailor's 1911 is an example that costs about $150, and it doesn't try to copy Montblanc's branding.

 

Fakes are fakes. They're not a little slice of what a genuine item is, they're just fakes. Breaking copyright and trademark laws to sell fakes is also shameful.

[niksch]

 

 

Fakes are fakes. They're not a little slice of what a genuine item is, they're just fakes. Breaking copyright and trademark laws to sell fakes is also shameful.

 

In the immortal words of Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, Mercury Astronaut and general badass..."F'n A Bubba."

[jschwerin]

Oh. If anyone near me in Colorado wants to donate some Bay State Blue, I'd be happy to test that in my new fake MB145.

 

LOL! I've got a bottle 90% full I'll send ya from Texas...

[niksch]

(in my best John Wayne voice)

 

Well, Texican, I might just take you up on that...

[Chrissy]

Some of the posts in this thread border on shameful. Mont Blancs are not affordable for most people. Those people shouldn't be faulted for trying to have a small part of the feel for the pen in cheaper versions.

 

This is part of the problem. The fact that some of those people who can't afford a Montblanc might think they could get a small part of the feel for the pen by buying a fake one. They can't do that by buying a fake Montblanc. It's like comparing apples and pumpkins.

 

Rather than buying a fake Montblanc, they should buy a similar branded pen instead. A Sailor is one of those.

[jmnav]

The 159 is a weapon, the 149 a work of art. Please don't help the fakers.

 

Glenn

 

You may like or dislike those Jinhaos (I don't like them) but they certainly are not fake Montblancs. Please don't stain the reputation of honest producers.

[jmnav]

I really want a Mont Blanc because I love their style of pen . However its out of my price range . Are there any replicas or fakes that look like the real thing and affordable? Thx

 

Regarding "fakes", you already saw the ethical standpoint that makes the majority here. But regarding their technical merits on themselves and, as general matter, the answer should be no, there aren't.

 

With or without reason, counterfeits are illegal and prosecuted as such (much rabidly than they deserve, in my opinion, but that's irrelevant to the argument) so their only reason to be, from the producer's side, is profit, and it should be a much bigger profit than "the real thing" because of the risks involved which, in turn, leaves no place for any resemblance of quality whatsoever. The rising of Internet also makes the usual dilemma of any producer -will I go for low selling numbers at large profit per unit or high numbers for a lesser profit a no brainer: go with high numbers, so you end up -I'd said necessarily, with very, very cheap items that don't deserve even a second look.

 

On the design cues, on the other hand, you will find fountain pens on the "black and gold, torpedo shape" from a lot of producers and basically at any price range, so it's just a matter of keep looking -and saving, till you find something that pleases you and is within your wallet's reach. I for one would suggest mid-range Japaneses (i.e. Pilot Custom, Sailor 1911, Platinum 3776, etc.) even if they are a bit over your current budget, because I consider them a good "bang-for-the-buck" compromise -for new pens.

[MuddyWaters]

 

 

There are pens from other manufacturers that have a bit of similarity to Montblanc pens. Sailor's 1911 is an example that costs about $150, and it doesn't try to copy Montblanc's branding.

 

Fakes are fakes. They're not a little slice of what a genuine item is, they're just fakes. Breaking copyright and trademark laws to sell fakes is also shameful.

People can decide for themselves the value of a "fake," whether it's to see how the size of the body feels through a jinhao 159 or whatever other reason. No one is saying that jinhaos are equal to Mont Blancs.

[torstar]

 

This is part of the problem. The fact that some of those people who can't afford a Montblanc might think they could get a small part of the feel for the pen by buying a fake one. They can't do that by buying a fake Montblanc. It's like comparing apples and pumpkins.

 

Rather than buying a fake Montblanc, they should buy a similar branded pen instead. A Sailor is one of those.

 

Or people who insist on EVERY SINGLE TRANSACTION to be a complete advantage over the other party, using it on children, older people, the other side of a drug deal.

 

They deserve everything they get when they've met their match....

[inkstainedruth]

@ muddy waters -- Nobody is saying a Jinhao is equivalent to a MB. What SOME people have said is that if the OP wants a pen that *resembles* a MB 149, it can easily be done without resorting to buying a "fake".

I'm rapidly coming to the opinion that at least part of this whole issue could be laid right at MB's feet. They decided to market their wares as snooty luxury items, causing people like the OP to buy into the hype. But since they've priced things accordingly, some people can't afford them (or can't be bothered to save up). So they look for alternatives. A lot of people have (repeatedly) suggested pens that have the "look" without the price for pens that are NOT fakes, or even "replicas" (God, why am I now channeling _Bladerunner_ right now?).

Me? I just choose to not buy into the hype in the first place. Especially after having tried someone's 146 and 149 a few years ago and personally found the experiences underwhelming at best: the 146 was "meh"; the 149 had a better nib, but the pen was too big and heavy for me (I don't buy Pelikan M800 size pens for the same reason -- too big and heavy, not to mention being too pricy). I don't care for the look of their standard line, for the most part; their LE and "homage" pens are generally not only huge, but a lot of times they're garish (at best) and butt-ugly, tasteless bling (at worst). Not to mention freaking expensive.

If more people were like me, and stopped believing in "precious resin" as their path to fame and fortune and status, the problem of fake Montblancs would pretty much stop of its own accord. Nobody is going to waste time and effort on a fake when no-one wants the non fake. But as long as there ARE people like the OP, saying "I can't afford a real one" the crooks will be out there.

I don't have a problem with the people saying "I bought a fake to be able to tell other people WHY it's a fake" -- other than the fact of they've put money in the hands of the crooks. No matter how altruistic their motives are. People like the OP, on the other hand? Nine times out of ten people aren't even going to notice WHAT writing instrument they're using, other than maybe "it's not a ballpoint". Most of the times MY pens were noticed? It was a Noodler's Konrad. $20-40 US. And mostly only because it was clearly not a ballpoint pen. The one other time I recall, was when I was signing in at my allergist's office for an appointment, and I was using the Red Shadow Wave Vacumatic, which has the added cachet of being *pretty*....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

ETA: Expecting the chorus of "MY MB is a wonderful writer!" any time now.... But for me? Like I said: for me the experiences were underwhelming (the owner of the two pens was shocked and amazed by my reaction; apparently l was supposed to swoon and say "Oh, I WANT one!" but instead I was going "Meh....")

Edited May 15, 2018 by inkstainedruth

[kandarp]

My MB is a wonderful writer !

 

What you've said is quite true. My favorite MB is a 1950s 342 that I bought for $60. I prefer it over my 149s and most of my WEs. Also, I love using my Lamys, Pilots, sheaffers and parkers. Hell even the pilot varsity is a pretty good pen.

 

@ muddy waters -- Nobody is saying a Jinhao is equivalent to a MB. What SOME people have said is that if the OP wants a pen that *resembles* a MB 149, it can easily be done without resorting to buying a "fake".

I'm rapidly coming to the opinion that at least part of this whole issue could be laid right at MB's feet. They decided to market their wares as snooty luxury items, causing people like the OP to buy into the hype. But since they've priced things accordingly, some people can't afford them (or can't be bothered to save up). So they look for alternatives. A lot of people have (repeatedly) suggested pens that have the "look" without the price for pens that are NOT fakes, or even "replicas" (God, why am I now channeling _Bladerunner_ right now?).

Me? I just choose to not buy into the hype in the first place. Especially after having tried someone's 146 and 149 a few years ago and personally found the experiences underwhelming at best: the 146 was "meh"; the 149 had a better nib, but the pen was too big and heavy for me (I don't buy Pelikan M800 size pens for the same reason -- too big and heavy, not to mention being too pricy). I don't care for the look of their standard line, for the most part; their LE and "homage" pens are generally not only huge, but a lot of times they're garish (at best) and butt-ugly, tasteless bling (at worst). Not to mention freaking expensive.

If more people were like me, and stopped believing in "precious resin" as their path to fame and fortune and status, the problem of fake Montblancs would pretty much stop of its own accord. Nobody is going to waste time and effort on a fake when no-one wants the non fake. But as long as there ARE people like the OP, saying "I can't afford a real one" the crooks will be out there.

I don't have a problem with the people saying "I bought a fake to be able to tell other people WHY it's a fake" -- other than the fact of they've put money in the hands of the crooks. No matter how altruistic their motives are. People like the OP, on the other hand? Nine times out of ten people aren't even going to notice WHAT writing instrument they're using, other than maybe "it's not a ballpoint". Most of the times MY pens were noticed? It was a Noodler's Konrad. $20-40 US. And mostly only because it was clearly not a ballpoint pen. The one other time I recall, was when I was signing in at my allergist's office for an appointment, and I was using the Red Shadow Wave Vacumatic, which has the added cachet of being *pretty*....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

ETA: Expecting the chorus of "MY MB is a wonderful writer!" any time now.... But for me? Like I said: for me the experiences were underwhelming (the owner of the two pens was shocked and amazed by my reaction; apparently l was supposed to swoon and say "Oh, I WANT one!" but instead I was going "Meh....")

[niksch]

My MB is a wonderful writer !

 

What you've said is quite true. My favorite MB is a 1950s 342 that I bought for $60. I prefer it over my 149s and most of my WEs. Also, I love using my Lamys, Pilots, sheaffers and parkers. Hell even the pilot varsity is a pretty good pen.

 

 

Is that the one with the steel nib?

[jmnav]

ETA: Expecting the chorus of "MY MB is a wonderful writer!" any time now.... But for me? Like I said: for me the experiences were underwhelming (the owner of the two pens was shocked and amazed by my reaction; apparently l was supposed to swoon and say "Oh, I WANT one!" but instead I was going "Meh....")

Well, here comes a chorusman ...

 

I have to say I enjoy my 1950's 144 and 146 even if, unluckily, I find them a bit tiny: very nice nibs, very good weight and balance, well designed, sturdy and functional internals... And their prices are, while high, quite competitive against their modern counterparts.

 

In fact, I think that from a certain point of view, it might be said that current Montblanc are themselves "fakes" as they use a brand name they (IMHO) don't qualify to anymore: living out of a reputation of quality gone long ago and a well oiled overpromising marketing machine.

 

You wanted a chorus, right? Now you'll have it!

[kandarp]

hahah good memory. That thing sounds like nails on a chalkboard.

 

 

Is that the one with the steel nib?

[Polanova]

I'm rapidly coming to the opinion that at least part of this whole issue could be laid right at MB's feet. They decided to market their wares as snooty luxury items, causing people like the OP to buy into the hype. But since they've priced things accordingly, some people can't afford them (or can't be bothered to save up). So they look for alternatives. A lot of people have (repeatedly) suggested pens that have the "look" without the price for pens that are NOT fakes, or even "replicas" (God, why am I now channeling _Bladerunner_ right now?).

Me? I just choose to not buy into the hype in the first place.

 

 

I think that you just nailed it!

 

Personally I don`t give a rat`s behind about faking luxury products. I`d be a lot more worried about fake components for building airplanes and such.

 

Does anyone here really think it`s superbad for the Rolexes, Montblancs & Louis Vutton`s that there are fakes on the market? I mean, seriously?

Couldn`t it be rather said that having fakes on the market is pretty cool advertisement for these brands?

Edited May 15, 2018 by Polanova

[praxim]

Personally I don`t give a rat`s behind about faking luxury products.

Fine. So, how do you feel about commercial reputational damage through civil or criminal fraud?

 

What is your level for protection of intellectual property, or do you have no bar?

 

For your later questions, yes, yes, and no.

Does anyone here really think it`s superbad for the Rolexes, Montblancs & Louis Vutton`s that there are fakes on the market? I mean, seriously?

Couldn`t it be rather said that having fakes on the market is pretty cool advertisement for these brands?

 

[sansenri]

inspiration and eventually finding an own design begins with copying,

it's a natural process in all of human artifacts.

I feel no shame in buying a 10$ pen that vaguely looks like a Montblanc (or a Parker, or a Waterman, etc. - by the way has anyone noticed that the Kaigelu 322 is a Waterman Liason replica?...) when I know very well that it's not, nor do I expect it to be anywhere close, nor do I think this is damaging the famous pen company.

I would however be very angry if I found out that my 400$ Montblanc is a fake, that would also damage Montblanc, and that is illegal.

I am hoping that chinese manufacturers will come up with something original soon, although they are taking their time and trying all the already existing pen designs before moving to an own distinguished design... , but no doubt they will get there (the first chinese pen that becomes recognized as an own iconic design and a good pen, will sell much more than any replica).
(at the same time I am also hoping their manufacturing skills improve, I would like to see properly done threads, screw on caps, lighter materials, less rigid nibs)

 

my advise (as already mentioned by several): don't buy a replica if what you really want is original, save up;

buy a replica just for the fun, but don't expect it to be comparable to original, disappointment will be relevant;

be careful not to buy a fake

 

Kaigelu 322

Edited May 16, 2018 by sansenri

[niksch]

inspiration and eventually finding an own design begins with copying,

it's a natural process in all of human artifacts.

I feel no shame in buying a 10$ pen that vaguely looks like a Montblanc (or a Parker, or a Waterman, etc. - by the way has anyone noticed that the Kaigelu 322 is a Waterman Liason replica?...) when I know very well that it's not, nor do I expect it to be anywhere close, nor do I think this is damaging the famous pen company.

I would however be very angry if I found out that my 400$ Montblanc is a fake, that would also damage Montblanc, and that is illegal.

I am hoping that chinese manufacturers will come up with something original soon, although they are taking their time and trying all the already existing pen designs before moving to an own distinguished design... , but no doubt they will get there (the first chinese pen that becomes recognized as an own iconic design and a good pen, will sell much more than any replica).

(at the same time I am also hoping their manufacturing skills improve, I would like to see properly done threads, screw on caps, lighter materials, less rigid nibs)

 

my advise (as already mentioned by several): don't buy a replica if what you really want is original, save up;

buy a replica just for the fun, but don't expect it to be comparable to original, disappointment will be relevant;

be careful not to buy a fake

 

Kaigelu 322

 

 

 

Thank you for a good, reasoned, thought provoking post.

[Polanova]

 

Fine. So, how do you feel about commercial reputational damage through civil or criminal fraud?

 

What is your level for protection of intellectual property, or do you have no bar?

 

 

 

Bad. High.

 

After having spend the evening reading in depth on the topic of modern slavery & sex trafficking and then browsing FPN for some light reading, I still don`t care. Maybe I do, just a tiny weeny bit, on my long list of things I truly care about. Just not sure if a good pair of binoculars would be strong enough to see "Care for fake luxury goods" at the very end of my long list.

[praxim]

Bad. High.

 

Then act as you claim. I can understand you may not have been in an emotional state to care much about anything else. That is often a good time not to post an ill-considered thought.

 

Go back to your aircraft example, and consider the consequences of your promotion of industries of fakery. People have burned recently in apartments constructed with "fireproof" materials which were not. Aircraft parts can be profitable. How about fake drugs for people in the so-called third world? That is happening. Still espousing your support of: fakery, who cares? OMASsino's post may have seemed extreme but he had a point regarding criminal enterprises, some of which operate in exactly the fields of your current concern. This is not about whether a luxury goods manufacturer loses some money, and never was so far as I am concerned.