Mont Blanc Boheme-review

[goodguy1]

I remember about 6-8 years ago I was walking in a mall and saw in a jewelry shop the MB Boheme. It was the cutest thing I ever saw. I love its gadget like character with the Disappearing/reappearing Safety like nib and the way you open the bottom to replace the cartridge. Its small size just makes this pen ever cuter.

For me I don’t see the Boheme as a heavy duty pen but rather as a companion to carry in the shirt pocket to do all the writing one needs in the modern life environment.

 

I bought the Boheme used but it’s in near mint condition. I got it with a cartridge already in so the pen was ready for use.

The pen is designed so you unscrew the cap off and screw it on the threads at the bottom of the pen. Then you turns the cap and by that the nib is coming out from the other end and at the end of the twist motion there is like a locking mechanism that prevents the nib from dropping back in the barrel under pressure.

 

My Boheme has the white/silver trim, I like GF trim better but this really is not a big issue.

It’s got a blue gem in the clip and I know some people will think its feminine but I don’t. To me this pen looks like a combination of classic design inspired by today’s modern art. This blend in my eyes is making a great little pen that kind of winks at you and tells you “Don’t Take Me Too Serious”.

 

The Boheme takes only cartridges and for me this is its biggest problem with this pen, I don’t like using converters but cartridges are for me the worst things ever to use. I am willing to make an exception in the case of this pen as I understand this is how the pen is design, it’s a small pen designed to fit every pocket and that is why only a cartridge can be used in it.

To replace the cartridge you open the little bottom end. Its holding on hinges on one side and a little latch on the other so a little push is needed to open it. It isn’t hard to open it but not too easy either to prevent the bottom end to open by accident. Now you unscrew the nib a bit more inward and the cartridge will stick out. From here its pretty simple, simply pull the empty cartridge out and stick the new one in and you are good to go.

 

As I mentioned this pen really is designed to be used posted, I never post my pens but in the case of this pen its simply a natural thing to do, the pen is asking to be posted and that also feels like the most natural thing to do with this pen. It’s a very small pen and once you post it it becomes a normal size pen to be used.

The pen without the cap posted is 4 ¼” long and with the cap posted its almost 5 ½ you can see how logical it is to post it.

 

So I get the nib out and start writing, and no surprises here, the 14k white nib is smooth and wet just like all my other MB pens, it never stators or skips and start flowing the moment it touches the paper. On the negative side it is a bit foggy, it doesn’t share so much what’s happening on the paper. Most people would love this nib as its almost glass smooth but I like feedback and this pen could be more informative on that aspect.

 

Bottom line

 

This pen is a great everyday companion, it fits comfortably in your shirts pocket or a small bag. The nib mechanism is working incredibly smooth and fast so taking notes or signing your visa is a very easy task. The nib is smooth and a fast starter and if you like using cartridges this pen is a perfect pen for you.

It could be used to serious use too but in that case bring cartridges with you as these cartridges aren’t too big and I don’t know for how many pages one they will be enough, other then that you can use it all day long without your hand getting tired because this pen is light weight and very nicely balanced.

Edited July 25, 2008 by goodguy1

[JFT]

Thanks for the review it does look nice!

 

Here's a video showing the nib mechanism

 

 

[Bananafish]

goodguy, that's such a girly pen. Joking! Good review, I like the neat mechanism and the nib. Congrats

[goodguy]

goodguy, that's such a girly pen. Joking! Good review, I like the neat mechanism and the nib. Congrats

Thanks,the mechanism isnt only cool but working as smooth as silk.

[shoppy]

Thank you for the review. Also thank you for the link.

[prodigo is totus]

Thanks for the simple clean review. I purchased the exact pen today!

[goodguy]

Thanks for the simple clean review. I purchased the exact pen today!

And how do you like it ?

[montblancdude]

Just got this pen yesterday as a gift for doing well in middle school! I love it!

[goodguy]

Just got this pen yesterday as a gift for doing well in middle school! I love it!

Enjoy it but dont take it to school!!!

[montblancdude]

Just got this pen yesterday as a gift for doing well in middle school! I love it!

Enjoy it but dont take it to school!!!

 

It doesn't travel more than a foot from my desk... EVER. PERIOD.

[Mrsal]

nice review

 

[playpen]

I have the ruby one and I love it. What a cute pen!

[montblancdude]

Mine doesn't write glass-smooth... it leaves a pleasant hint of feedback as you write. I quite like it.

[goodguy]

Mine doesn't write glass-smooth... it leaves a pleasant hint of feedback as you write. I quite like it.

I should look for another one with a nib like yours.

[Ed Ronax]

Excellent review, thanks.

[beelzebub23]

I just got one today! It is my first Montblanc fountain pen. The one I got was the silver trim with a violet gem (the only one they had). It is SMALL. I wasn't expecting that but I love it to death. I havent written with it though.