Enjoying Montblanc Pens — Broad, Oblique, Extra Fine, Le & Bespoke 2020-2023

[Tom Kellie]

~ Circumstances have necessitated replenishing the bottled ink on my writing desk.

 

A recent visit to the Chicago Montblanc boutique on North Michigan Avenue added several Montblanc inks.

 

What's impressed has been the steady ink flow and vibrant hues, no matter what writing paper is used.

 

The staff in the Montblanc boutique were exceptionally gracious, despite various mandatory public health limitations.

 

After returning to Texas, a handwritten note from the boutique staff was a pleasant reminder of the enjoyable time there.

 

The Montblanc leather goods, inks, and fountain pens available for daily use continue to enrich my post-retirement life.

 

I'm glad to read that others likewise enjoy Montblanc quality.

 

          Tom K.

[Zdenek]

VSP.

[Tom Kellie]

https://www.montblanc.com/en-us/discover/campaign/spike-lee

 

Montblanc Meisterstück 146 Spike Lee Special Edition (500 Worldwide)

 

 

 

 

[gerigo]

On 6/11/2021 at 6:10 AM, Tom Kellie said:

~ Circumstances have necessitated replenishing the bottled ink on my writing desk.

 

A recent visit to the Chicago Montblanc boutique on North Michigan Avenue added several Montblanc inks.

 

What's impressed has been the steady ink flow and vibrant hues, no matter what writing paper is used.

 

The staff in the Montblanc boutique were exceptionally gracious, despite various mandatory public health limitations.

 

After returning to Texas, a handwritten note from the boutique staff was a pleasant reminder of the enjoyable time there.

 

The Montblanc leather goods, inks, and fountain pens available for daily use continue to enrich my post-retirement life.

 

I'm glad to read that others likewise enjoy Montblanc quality.

 

          Tom K.

Tom, have you left China? I have found your posts of your life in China and the stories associated with it quite engaging. Where are you these days?

[gerigo]

On 4/23/2021 at 12:20 PM, seimodern said:

I love this forum!! Thanks to everyone for sharing your beauties--and Cyrille81 your photos & collection are pure pleasure!

 

...I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask (so please forgive me if not), but a question for those of you with a 149 in OBB, OBBB, and calligraphy flex....

 

I currently have a 149 OBB (& love it!) and am now contemplating another 149. 

 

I'm trying to decide between a 149 OBBB and a 149 with a calligraphy flex nib. I realize that this comes down ultimately to personal preferences, writing usage and so on, but I wonder if anyone would recommend one over the other?

 

My hesitations:  

1) that the line & writing experience of the OBBB might be so close to the OBB that the difference in writing experience won't seem worth it. (vs another MB SE model or etc). I've looked at a lot of online writing samples, and sometimes the line difference seems quite noticeable, other times not so much. 

 

2) that the 149 calligraphy flex might be too similar to Pilot's FA nib or etc. I don't mean to say they are on the same level or anything, but I've read mixed reviews....some singing its praises (especially its extra fineness without pressure), others indicating that it's not that different from the FA (or perhaps more closely, an FA with a Spencerian grind). So I haven't been able to get a clear picture of its merits....

 

Recommendations?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 149 OBBB is a very unique nib that is closest to the bespoke signature nibs one can get without paying the premiums of the bespoke nib. It is super wide and very nice to write with. Until I had the bespoke nib, it was the only off the shelf Montblanc nib I would use to emulate calligraphy nibs.

[Tom Kellie]

7 hours ago, gerigo said:

Tom, have you left China? I have found your posts of your life in China and the stories associated with it quite engaging. Where are you these days?

 

~ @gerigo: Yes, in late January, 2021 I was repatriated to the United States.

 

With several dozen other long-time resident academics, I was given very short notice to conclude my affairs and return to my home country.

 

As it was a policy decision from the highest level, we weren't allowed much flexibility. Very sadly, my Pekingese, Yubi (御笔), was prohibited from leaving with me.

 

Since then I lived with family for a couple of months in Indiana. Now I'm in West Texas at the home of my godparents.

 

Thank you so much for your warm comments. I'm moved and grateful.

 

        Tom K.

[Frank C]

I've been enjoying reading this topic for some time now. I'm sorry to hear about Yubi; he is very photogenic. I love seeing all the various Montblanc pens and ink reviews. I wish you well now that you're back in the USA. 

[A1979]

3 hours ago, Frank C said:

I've been enjoying reading this topic for some time now. I'm sorry to hear about Yubi; he is very photogenic. I love seeing all the various Montblanc pens and ink reviews. I wish you well now that you're back in the USA. 

Same here, every post written by Tom is a pure joy reading and watching. Sorry to hear about Yubi, I hope that - despite the circumstances - it was possible to find a suitable accommodation. I wish you a peaceful stay in the United States. 

[yubaprof]

Tom, welcome home, although under very difficult circumstances. My heart breaks for your loss of Yubi as I know he was dear to you. I know that everyone on this forum wishes you  the very best here in the U.S.A. Best wishes to you...

David

[gerigo]

Tom, did not mean to push your private life public. I should have asked you in the private channel. I hope your transition back to the US was smooth despite having to leave a loved one back in China. It does sound like Montblancs are making the transition easier:)

[Frank C]

I just finished reading all 129 pages of the first part of this topic. It was a fascinating education in fountain pens, Montblanc, ink, bespoke nibs, life in China, photography, literature, and dogs, to name a few. What impressed me most was the civility and graciousness exhibited by all the posters. This tone was set by @Tom Kellie. I would like to thank all the major participants who kept it lively, educational, and interesting. I would name some screen names, but I wouldn't want to leave anyone out. I would like to thank all the participants for their thoughtful contributions.

 

I have a few Montblancs coming in the near future. Once my finances recover, I plan to acquire a bespoke pen. I am considering the music nib; go big or go home. 

[DrDebG]

I echo what Frank C just mentioned above. 

 

I have been somewhat absent from FPN for some time, and did not realize Tom's changes.  Unfortunately, something very similar has happened to other friends as well.   

 

I too recently purchased two MB 146s, which I love.  Perhaps there is another MB in my future as well.  

[jagwap]

Hello from Shenzhen, and sorry we never met while you were here. 

May I will you nib alignment and generous flow wherever you settle.

[thygreyt]

Currently enjoying my "currently inked"... MB 146 Lpp: Fox OBB inked on Iroshizuku Yu Jake, Lpp Planet OBB on Amethyst Purple, 146 PT on Midnight Blue, and Homer on Golden Yellow..!  

 

I was looking to add a red gold OBBB 149 to my conglomerate... only to find there is a waiting period of around 8 weeks, and another 4-6 for the nib exchange..! Wow. Needless to say, i wont buy jumping on that just yet.

 

Thanks for keeping the thread alive, and for continuing to enjoy these amazing writing instruments.

[Frank C]

I did just order a 149 with an O3B nib, based, in part, on reading these topics. The seller told me six to eight weeks. I'm in no hurry; I have a "few" other pens to use in the meantime. When it arrives, I'll let you know and a writing sample will be provided. While I'm waiting, I'm trying to decide what ink to put in it. I usually use Montblanc ink in Montblanc pens. With narrower nibs, I tend to use darker inks for better contrast on the page, but with a big nib like this, (almost) anything goes. I would appreciate any suggestions. 

 

[GOTO10]

After about two years of on and off searching I took delivery on a PoA Copernicus yesterday. It has the best out of the box "modern" MB nib I've come across to date. 

 

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone on this forum, I don't think I'd have spent as much time with MB pens if not for this place. 

 

[Michael R.]

Great pen! I love the sterling silver trim and meteorite stone set in the clip!

A rarely discussed and mentioned pen.

Enjoy in good health

 

Michael

[Tom Kellie]

 

Working Pen

 

The Original Montblanc Fountain Pen, Received As A Gift

[N1003U]

2 hours ago, Tom Kellie said:

 

Working Pen

 

The Original Montblanc Fountain Pen, Received As A Gift

 

Thanks for the post, @Tom Kellie. Your pen is a classic beauty. I am pressed think of a more recognizable pen on the planet.

[DrDebG]

7 hours ago, Tom Kellie said:

 

Working Pen

 

The Original Montblanc Fountain Pen, Received As A Gift

 

Lovely MB.  Is it a 149?  And it looks like an EF.