Pelikan Vs. Montblanc?

[Uncial]

I'd agree that the piston on the Pelikan feels more robust but on the other hand I have never had a single issue with MB's piston but I've have two Pelikan pistons pop out on me.....and Pelikans current nib choices are disappointing. They took away all the fun.

Edited February 14, 2019 by Uncial

[CoolBreeze]

I'd agree that the piston on the Pelikan feels more robust but on the other hand I have never had a single issue with MB's piston but I've have two Pelikan pistons pop out on me.....and Pelikans current nib choices are disappointing. They took away all the fun.

 

What Pelican models had pistons pop out on you - the metal threaded m800/m1000 or the m200/400/600 friction fitted ones?

 

Great point about more nib choices with the MB. I would probably also add, everything that I have read about Peiikan nibs indicates that there can be a lot of variation in actual sizes of tipping even if marked as the same size.

Edited February 14, 2019 by CoolBreeze

[OMASsimo]

I don't think that this is the proper question. The question is: better in what respect? I think that nobody here would deny that both brands are top manufacturers. It's a totally personal thing if or which of the two is preferred. And the question is also not precise in whether you consider the pen history of the past roughly 100 years of both companies or only the current models.

 

 

 

Ha - Same for me - But i want to add a thought:

 

When I was like 5 years of age, I learned to write in school. And there was two sorts of pens for pupils: "Geha" and "Pelikan", both with cartridges. Later the years, everybody doing studies and making career, "Montblanc" occured on the menu, luxury, price tag, "bling"-type of pen. And people went for Montblanc. I stuck to Pelikan, as I thought, this pen taught me to write - So why to change? Just be grateful and stick to your history. Nowadays, colleagues look at me with my Pelikan M805 and sometimes I hear "Well, you are consistent, aren't you". And this is one of the biggest compliments these times IMHO.

 

Best from Germany, Stephan

 

I kind of share this experience, except that most pupils tossed their abhorred fountain pens as soon as they were allowed to (me included). Most of them never returned to the fountain pen. In the 70s and 80s it simply was so much cooler to use a modern ball pen while the "boring adults" used old-fashioned fountain pens. But I inherited the MB safety pen from the 1920s of my grandmother and that hooked me on the wonderful writing experience of great fountain pens. This was no compare to the Pelicano from primary school or the Lamy I had later at grammar school. It was neither practical nor cool, so, it remained a toy for fooling around at home. Once I started to earn money, I wanted to buy a good quality fountain pen and since I come from a "Montblanc family", I bought a MB Classic. I better not go into what a let down that was! Several years and many troubles later I got a Waterman Preface, a beautiful pen that served me well, though the nib had some skipping issues. This was still better than the MB because I wouldn't have a stained forefinger and a leaking pen all the time. Eventually, I remembered my old trusty Pelicano and got myself a cheap used Pelikan M600 from the 80s on ebay. BAM! That pen was (and is) a dream. It's a wonderful writer and never had an issue whatsoever. Together with my grandmother's pen, it also triggered my interest in vintage pens, which became my passion in the end. When I bought the Waterman, I tested many pens in the shop (that was pre-internet era) including MB Masterpiece and Pelikan M400/M600. But the one pen that really struck me but I considered too expensive was an OMAS (no idea which model). By now I ended up collecting and using OMAS and Pelikan pens (besides Osmia and Kaweco).

 

Today I know that I had bad luck with the MB Classic because it was an exceptionally poor design. I do have a small flock of MBs in my collection (mostly not bought myself) and would differentiate in terms of time and models. Up to the 40s MB made a full range of pens from school pen all the way up to prestigious gems. Pelikan started at the top level with essentially one model during that time and founded a second tier brand (Rappen/Ibis) for cheaper pens. In my opinion, the average quality of Pelikan was higher during that period but MB produced luxury models that Pelikan didn't reach. In the 50s the situation changed a bit. Pelikan extended their product range while MB did the opposite. But by then MB established itself as the most common luxury brand on the German market while Pelikan remained more or less entirely in the consumer market. And this has little to do with the product quality, though I'm inclined to think that the 50s Masterpieces are among the best ever produced. I'd say that from then on to today MB lived substantially of its reputation and marketing while Pelikan had to convince with high and consistent product quality. I'm afraid that marketing is a more successful strategy than product quality nowadays, at least economically.

 

In my oppinion the better question is- "Why you choose Pelikan?".

And again short story

Some years ago I get promotion and bonus possibility to choose premium watch by myself. I make short investigation and visit premium watch seller there in Lithuania. Their has a lot of brands Panerai, Omega, Rolex, Tag Heur, Ulysse Nardin,.Breguet and others.. couple of times asked the shop man,- which is the best? And evehry time don't get the exact answer as all have their advantages, style, price limit, size, movement mechanics.. and I choose Ulysse Nardin. Why? Just because this watch/brand have what I need: inhouse made movement (1), style which is modern classic without extra adornments (2) , historical background and influence to watch market and development (3) and finally this brand is not like commodity, its has something individual (4).

The same preferences are valid by me for Pelikans. But others may have at least one different preference and their will choose MB (or Rolex), or Omas (or Panerai), or Soennecken ( Heuer).

 

Intersting comparison. Do I get you right that you'd compare Ulysse Nardin with Pelikan? But why? I also don't get the connection between Soennecken and Tag Heuer. But MB/Rolex hits the nail on the head.

 

Finally my personal preference. Except for my 1920s safety filler and a 254 from the 1950s, I don't like the MB nibs too much. My 1950s MB 146 is a wonderful pen with a great piston mechanism but the nib does not stand up to many of my other pens of that period (or even regardless of period). That's generally my problem with current MBs, I don't like their nibs. Lately they started with an amazing range of beautiful special edition pens but they are not for me because of their nibs. I don't care if a F is truely a fine nib or medium nib but I do care how well it writes. And in this regard I much prefer Pelikan.

[Barutti]

 

Intersting comparison. Do I get you right that you'd compare Ulysse Nardin with Pelikan? But why? I also don't get the connection between Soennecken and Tag Heuer. But MB/Rolex hits the nail on the head.

 

 

In Lithuania (and Baltics) Pelikan is quite niche brand and less common then MB, Waterman or Parker, the same is with Ulysse Nardin watches.

Heuer (not TAG Heuer) was well known and innovative brand, but some time ago disappear as independent manufacture (a ka Soennecken).

these are associative comparisons and we can found more tolerances.

[Uncial]

 

What Pelican models had pistons pop out on you - the metal threaded m800/m1000 or the m200/400/600 friction fitted ones?

 

Great point about more nib choices with the MB. I would probably also add, everything that I have read about Peiikan nibs indicates that there can be a lot of variation in actual sizes of tipping even if marked as the same size.

 

A 200 and a 400. It's easy enough to fix, but its annoying. I suspect the spindle in the 800 and above would just snap, which would be a little more than annoying.

[sirgilbert357]

I'd agree that the piston on the Pelikan feels more robust but on the other hand I have never had a single issue with MB's piston but I've have two Pelikan pistons pop out on me.....and Pelikans current nib choices are disappointing. They took away all the fun.

 

 

What in the world?? What made the piston just "pop out" of your pens?? I've never heard of such a thing!

[sirgilbert357]

That's crazy about the Aurora - They are beautiful pens. Do you know if it cracked at the ink window (like the guy who dropped his on the carpet) or on some other point of the "auraloid"?

 

I hear you about Pelikan - I haven't formulated an opinion either way about which is "better" but as far as "features - I really really really like the easier to service aspect and swappable nib units.

 

 

It was right at the ink window -- not sure if above or below it though.

Edited February 15, 2019 by sirgilbert357

[Uncial]

What in the world?? What made the piston just "pop out" of your pens?? I've never heard of such a thing!

The 200 was quite an old green stripe. I guess the grease just wore off from age and use. The 400 popped out due to an ink stripping the grease after a single fill. It was mentioned here on FPN but I can't for the life of me remember what it was; wish I could now! The surprising part is that it took remarkably little force for it to happen.

[Tseg]

I have a Sailor King of Pen ( and a Pelikan M1000 ( and an MB 149 (M) on the way. I can have long writing sessions with a relatively wide line with that precise Sailor pen/nib. It is an excellent writer and practically writes by itself. The M1000 is super juicy, wide and fun to write with... controlled decadence. Because it is sloppy/soft, it requires a bit more attention to detail when writing for a good result... so not for long writing sessions when you actually want to forget about the pen. It takes/hogs all the attention. I'm looking forward to the MB149 experience and seeing how that flagship stacks up.

 

I do have a mint MB24 from ~1960 with and OM nib. A complete nail but beautiful writer. I can forget about that pen in hand for a long writing session. It is unlike all my other pens, although maybe closest to my Lamy 2000 (OB) in nib feel. Meanwhile my Pelikan M120 is just a workin'-man's pen. In a way it reminds me of my Pilot Custom 823... it writes with any ink on any paper and is easily forgotten about when writing and has a massive ink resevoir, but slightly more character in the nib.

[TheDutchGuy]

Pelikan is a brand that I just can't seem to appreciate. Some of their designs are aesthetically pleasing but when I pick them up to write... it's just not for me. I admire Pelikan's ability to produce high-quality pens in almost every price range, but they're just not for me... About Montblanc: whereas their limited edition pens merely make me shake my head in bewilderment, their other luxury items (wallets, belts etc) actually make me dislike the brand. There is art in producing a high-end product at a competitive price - Leonardo pens come to mind, or Sailor's Pro Gear Slim pens. There isn't much art in producing a high-end product at a premium price. It's Montblanc's "regular" pens such as the 146 and the 149 that resonate with me, though I'd never buy one new. Having said all that, my two vintage MB's are heaven. I cherish those.

[dhanks]

If you like Pelikan, buy Pelikan. If you like Montblanc, buy Montblanc. If you like both, buy both. If you like neither, buy neither. That sums it up. All the arguing and trying to persuade others is silly.

 

Rumpole

[TheDutchGuy]

^---That view, while quite reasonable in principle, basically translates to closing most of FPN down. Discussing pens is fun. In addition: some folks would like advice from long-term owners before they buy. More than once I have been ecstatic about a pen when I bought it, only to see my feelings change over time.

[dhanks]

^---That view, while quite reasonable in principle, basically translates to closing most of FPN down. Discussing pens is fun. In addition: some folks would like advice from long-term owners before they buy. More than once I have been ecstatic about a pen when I bought it, only to see my feelings change over time.

I don't mind the sharing of information; in fact, I like it. It is the endless arguing, which sometimes takes on a religious fervor, that seems silly. My pen is better than your pen, my god is better than your god, etc. Take no offence...I just needed to vent a little.

 

Rumpole

Edited February 26, 2019 by dhanks

[inkstainedruth]

I've been reading this thread with great interest.

Several years ago, at a pen club meeting, someone handed me his MB146 to try. And truthfully, I think he was surprised at my response on using the pen. Which was "Meh...." I tried his MB149 another time, and it definitely had a better nib than the MB146 had -- but the pen itself was just too heavy for my hand. When I tried someone's Pelikan M800 another time, I didn't go "Meh...." I just said "Oh, this is too big and heavy a pen for me...."

When I was looking at a special pen for a special occasion, a couple of years later, I looked at Pelikan. Got an older model M400 Brown Tortoise on eBay. My husband was flipping out over the price, which was more than I'd paid for any other pen, up to that point. And it was a revelation about how nice a non-vintage high end pen could be. So I was hooked. Last year, I picked up a $5 US Pelikano from the 1980s. And it too was a revelation as to how nice a student grade pen could be. The nib was a nail -- but it was an amazingly smooth nail.

I look at most MBs, on the other hand and either they're boring black torpedos or bling-y LE pens (most of which I find to be garish and ugly). Even the bling-y Pelikans seem to be more tasteful looking. They say "I'm a good writing instrument" -- not "I'm a show-off trying to look snooty" (which seems to be MB's business model).

No, I don't buy expensive designer handbags either... in fact the closest thing I have to that I'm really unhappy about because the outer layer of the straps is disintigrating after a little oner a year -- I bought it not for the "label" but because I wanted a good leather handbag that had functionality but wasn't some ginormous tote, and had tall skinny pockets for pen sleeves; and the one "designer" dress I own was bought in an outlet store because I needed a dress for a wedding -- and unlike my other "nice" dress is also appropriate for funerals, being not a flashy floral print (and it doesn't scream "designer label").

The only MB I ever saw that I wanted was a vintage one from the 1930s, and its four figure price cured me of that "want" really quickly. My most expensive pens are all Pelikans (the M405 Stresemann being the most expensive) -- and it's a classy looking excellent writer which is still less expensive than a new MB 146.

YMMV

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Calabria]

Let's talk about price. I'm a longtime Pelikan fan going back to school days (when I wanted a Pelikano and only got a no-name pen). Recently, however, two things are turning me off; one is Pelikan pricing and the low quality of their nibs. The other is the steep prices of vintage pens. At the LA pen show two weeks ago there were some very nice pens, also some fair prices (90s brown tortoise for 200), but overall the prices were way too high for me, and no longer within the range of writing, EDC pens.

On the other hand, I paid 100USD for a nicely cleaned 60s MB No.24. After 50 years, the design is still modern (more so than any Pelikan), the materials have held up, the nib writes unlike any current production pen. It's actually the opposite of a pocket jewelry pen: functional, minimal, good value.

I'm thinking, maybe too many people are into Pelikan, it's getting crowded and time to look for deals elsewhere?

[Matlock]

Let's talk about price. I'm a longtime Pelikan fan going back to school days (when I wanted a Pelikano and only got a no-name pen). Recently, however, two things are turning me off; one is Pelikan pricing and the low quality of their nibs. The other is the steep prices of vintage pens. At the LA pen show two weeks ago there were some very nice pens, also some fair prices (90s brown tortoise for 200), but overall the prices were way too high for me, and no longer within the range of writing, EDC pens.

On the other hand, I paid 100USD for a nicely cleaned 60s MB No.24. After 50 years, the design is still modern (more so than any Pelikan), the materials have held up, the nib writes unlike any current production pen. It's actually the opposite of a pocket jewelry pen: functional, minimal, good value.

I'm thinking, maybe too many people are into Pelikan, it's getting crowded and time to look for deals elsewhere?

 

As I wrote last month "A lot has been said about Pelikan's price rises but, here in the UK at least, a MB 146 costs £500 against the M800 (the nearest equivalent to the 146 I would say) at £325. Quite a difference I would say. I think the point about nib choice is well made though". In the US it would seem you have the problem of Chartpak. How BREXIT will affect our prices I cannot say but, at the moment we seem to have a pretty good deal. More and more MB seem to be concentrating on luxury leather goods, I visited an MB boutique in Royal Exchange the other day and the pens were consigned to a small display at the back. Going back to nibs, we have the advantage, with Pelikan, that we can freely exchange a nib that is not to our liking for an early one more suited to our needs. Something not possible with MB.

Peter

[Calabria]

Peter - Point taken. UK pricing is pretty good, I order there sometimes. And current MB pens are of no interest to me, I don't even know what they cost.

 

Given my dissatisfaction with currently available Pelikan nibs I have been looking for older production ones and just noticed that the prices are pretty steep - as one dealer said, a two

chick M800 nib is upwards of $300. Also, fairly common out of production M600 pens such as the Marine Blue are now close to 500, and the Karstadt blue Pelikans have similarly increased in value. So my conclusion was, too many collectors are driving up prices.

 

I listen to the BBC and my thoughts are with you.

Derek

[Matlock]

Peter - Point taken. UK pricing is pretty good, I order there sometimes. And current MB pens are of no interest to me, I don't even know what they cost.

 

Given my dissatisfaction with currently available Pelikan nibs I have been looking for older production ones and just noticed that the prices are pretty steep - as one dealer said, a two

chick M800 nib is upwards of $300. Also, fairly common out of production M600 pens such as the Marine Blue are now close to 500, and the Karstadt blue Pelikans have similarly increased in value. So my conclusion was, too many collectors are driving up prices.

 

I listen to the BBC and my thoughts are with you.

Derek

 

Thanks Derek, they have only had two and a half years to sort BREXIT out and still seem no nearer with only a month to go.

On the MB front, I have several but not the current ones. I have to say that my fairly old 146 I find nicer to use than my M800. But my most used pen is my M600, old smaller style, which I bought in 1991 and has been in constant use since. It has a fine nib which is a joy to use. The only modern nibs that come close are the stainless steel ones.

[Calabria]

 

Thanks Derek, they have only had two and a half years to sort BREXIT out and still seem no nearer with only a month to go.

On the MB front, I have several but not the current ones. I have to say that my fairly old 146 I find nicer to use than my M800. But my most used pen is my M600, old smaller style, which I bought in 1991 and has been in constant use since. It has a fine nib which is a joy to use. The only modern nibs that come close are the stainless steel ones.

That explains a lot. Those are great pens, nibs! I'm increasingly finding the M800 too unwieldy myself.

[Tom Kellie]