Fountain Pens

[Kanger]

Hi my TRF friends,
I had a friend in high school who was very into pens, and he spent a lot of money on Montblancs. I went to the Montblanc website and did some research, and found that these pens cost quite a bit of money. Before I buy some for myself, I just had a few questions that I hope you guys can help me answer.
1. Do these pens serve only as collector's items, or do you actually write extensively with them.

2. What are the Rolex class, the Patek class, the Seiko class of fountain pens, and where does Montblanc fit in?

3. How is the resale value on fountain pens such as Montblanc

4. Are there such things as box and papers and warranties with pens so that I can protect myself and not buy a fake

Thanks so much guys!

[Shangas]

I treat all my fountain pens as working pens. If I spent $500 on a Montblanc fountain pen, you can bet I would be using it literally every single day. No point in wasting money on something to put it on your desk and drool over it.

Montblancs are kinda like the Rolex of the watch world. Pretty, expensive, but not necessarily any better in function than a cheaper pen. That's not to say that a more expensive fountain pen doesn't write better than a cheap one, but rather that once you reach Montblanc's price-range, expense is paid more for the BRAND and the REPUTATION rather than for technical superiority.

Resale...honestly I'm not sure. I would imagine fairly high.

Yes there are lots of things like that. Boxes and papers and serial numbers and hidden messages and...probably a lot more things now, since I bought my MB 5 years ago. MB is often faked, so they have a million and one security measures.

[Numismatist]

Welcome! By all means, write with your fountain pen. It's quite an enjoyable experience - I prefer the look of the ink on the page when I'm done as well.

I have heard that on the very high end fountain pens, their value will hold better if the nib has never been inked; however, with a daily use moderately priced MB use it and enjoy it!

The box they give you is just a box (unless you're after one of the limited editions) and it's actually not a very good box, the manual is supposed to have the model, date, and AD written in it, so that's always nice to have.

Try fountainpenhospital.com for great prices on MB pens, and let us know what you end up with!

[JBat]

You can bet I write with my MB. No way that kind of hard-earned cash is going out for something that won't be used. Buy it, use it and enjoy it.

[Naples09]

Originally Posted by kanger

Hi my TRF friends,
I had a friend in high school who was very into pens, and he spent a lot of money on Montblancs. I went to the Montblanc website and did some research, and found that these pens cost quite a bit of money. Before I buy some for myself, I just had a few questions that I hope you guys can help me answer.
1. Do these pens serve only as collector's items, or do you actually write extensively with them.

2. What are the Rolex class, the Patek class, the Seiko class of fountain pens, and where does Montblanc fit in?

3. How is the resale value on fountain pens such as Montblanc

4. Are there such things as box and papers and warranties with pens so that I can protect myself and not buy a fake

Thanks so much guys!

Dan,

I think if you are trying to flip MB pens, its going to be a tough process. Take a look at the Pen For Sale Section....not many pens sell quickly.

Just my two cents.

Jim

[Numismatist]

Originally Posted by Naples09

Dan,

I think if you are trying to flip MB pens, its going to be a tough process. Take a look at the Pen For Sale Section....not many pens sell quickly.

Just my two cents.

Jim

I concur, if you're trying to get a fair share back after using it for a long time, then you'll be all right. But flipping - no way.

They are strictly a pleasure/luxury item.

Having my MBs has completely changed the way I look at paperwork and writing. It's become a much more enjoyable experience.

[Kanger]

I just want to have a few nice fountain pens, no flipping for sure. The pens are quite attractive, and I will give that website fountainpenhospital.com a try. Thanks.

[Kanger]

I just checked out fountain pen hospital, and they had some discounts on MSRP prices. I am allergic to paying retail now, so are the prices at fountain pen hospital good by any means because it indicates that it is an AD.

[shandy]

Welcome to the wonderful world of fountain pens! I agree with all the points made above, I was going to say that Mont Blanc would be the Rolex of the pen world, well made and last a lifetime if taken care of.

Mind, most fountain pens will out last any of us if taken care of, there really is very little to go wrong and even now one can have a pen made over eighty years ago serviced (I know as I own such pens!)

As to use, well I have a basic golden rule, I won't buy a pen that I would not write with. Heck my limited editon Montegrappa (a thousand were made) get's used everyday!

And one of the nice things about the nicer pens is that they generally are pure bliss to write with!

There are so many other fine fountain pen companies out there to consider as well. The aformentioned Montegrappa from Italy, Omas from the same country. Nakaya and sailor from Japan, If you want bespoke the Nakaya or David Oscarson are really great ways to go. I have a Nakaya and it is supurbe!

A good reliable, well made pen is Pelikan from germany, lovely nibs on those.

As to reseale, well I must admit I never buy anything to sell it so never think about that but I will say this. Once you get involved in the pen community, both locally and on the net, there is always someone who is willing to trade pens or do deals.

You happen to live close to one of the best restorers and sellers of vintage pens in North America, Ross Mckinney! And you have an excellent pen club which he is part of,
http://www.rosspens.com/tripen.htm

I really would encourage you popping along to a meeting. Pen collectors are a great bunch and they will be only to glad to inform you of the best sort of pen for your needs.
I have learned so much from my local pen club and love attending (and I have never been a club joining person!)

I really would take advantage of the Gold mine you have on your doorstep and take it from there. By the Way, Vintage pens are a joy to write with and if they have been serviced are very reliable!

Hope that helps and let us know how you get on

[Kanger]

Shandy, you are definitely very knowledgeable about pens. Now, are we talking about fountain pens or rollerball and ball. I am under the impression that fountain pens are better. Do fountain pens smudge?

[shandy]

Originally Posted by kanger

Shandy, you are definitely very knowledgeable about pens. Now, are we talking about fountain pens or rollerball and ball. I am under the impression that fountain pens are better. Do fountain pens smudge?

Thank you! Though I think Richard knows more about fountain pens in his little finger than I do in my entire body!

I am definately talking about fountain pens when I say pens. Not sure if I would say any of the types of writing are "better" as I know some folks who are left-handed who simply cannot use fountain pens. I Much prefer the way my writing looks and the sheer enjoyment that comes with using a fountain pen.
I guess a good analogy would be that Fountain pens are to ball points what Mechanical watches are to quartz. There is more soul with a fountain pen and as such for me I find I become more creative when using one. But that is just me. I know a few writers that only use Bic's and their books are great!

And yes, there is more chance of smudging with fountain pen use but to be honest once one becomes used to writing with a fountain pen all the limitations that seem to be there go away. You adjust your writing habits very quickly. I write around 20 pages a day in an A4 journal and have not got one smudge!

[77 Datejust]

Mont Blanc makes great pens no dought, but if you want the best money can buy then you need to check out William Henry pens. You will be amazed at the pens this guy makes! Williamhenrystudio.com

[shandy]

Originally Posted by 77 Datejust

Mont Blanc makes great pens no dought, but if you want the best money can buy then you need to check out William Henry pens. You will be amazed at the pens this guy makes!

I just googled them, I had never heard of them before, they are beautiful!

[77 Datejust]

Originally Posted by shandy

I just googled them, I had never heard of them before, they are beautiful!

Yes they are! These pens are truley a work of art! He has pens made of rosegold, titanium, damascus and just about any other exotic metal

[Numismatist]

Originally Posted by 77 Datejust

Mont Blanc makes great pens no dought, but if you want the best money can buy then you need to check out William Henry pens. You will be amazed at the pens this guy makes! Williamhenrystudio.com

He must be a Rolex fan, he uses the word Superlative!!!

Great looking pens

[77 Datejust]

Glad i could turn you guys on to these

[RebreatherDiver]

I use my Pelikan M805 at home all the time, and bring my Lamy safari with me on trips.

I love writing with them!

[Bisquitlips]

I write with all 27 of my MBs.

Now for the Rolex, Patek, and Seiko classes.

The Rolex would be one of the rare writers series such as the Hemingway or the Agatha Christie. The Patek would be a Doue 146 or even the 75th Anniversary Doue. As far as a Seiko class, there is none in my opinion, but it would be more like an Omega class. I am thinking that an Omega class would relate to one of the 144 series.

I wish you well on your quest and YES write with them. They are world class instruments and actually you will find that once you write with a nice FP and experience its smoothness and line variations as well as the ink shading, I don't believe you will be able to write with anything else.

And then.................... when you become really addicted, you will be seeking out nibmeisters to take your favorite pens and grind them to your preference.

[RebreatherDiver]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

.......They are world class instruments and actually you will find that once you write with a nice FP and experience its smoothness and line variations as well as the ink shading, I don't believe you will be able to write with anything else.

X2

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by 77 Datejust

Mont Blanc makes great pens no dought, but if you want the best money can buy then you need to check out William Henry pens. You will be amazed at the pens this guy makes! Williamhenrystudio.com

Wow!!! I am going to spend some time on that site. I have always wanted a matching FP and Knife Set!

[Naples09]

Originally Posted by 77 Datejust

Mont Blanc makes great pens no dought, but if you want the best money can buy then you need to check out William Henry pens. You will be amazed at the pens this guy makes! Williamhenrystudio.com

They sell his pocket knives at my Rolex AD. They are stunning. I'll need to stop back in to see if they can order his pens, because they also sell MB pens.

[77 Datejust]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

Wow!!! I am going to spend some time on that site. I have always wanted a matching FP and Knife Set!

Let me know if ya find anything ya like cuz i can hook you up with a jewler who sells both

[77 Datejust]

Originally Posted by Naples09

They sell his pocket knives at my Rolex AD. They are stunning. I'll need to stop back in to see if they can order his pens, because they also sell MB pens.

If they sell the knives then they can deff get you a pen. theres a place in Corpus Christie called Aframs Jewlers and they sell both

[Kanger]

Can someone educate an ignorant like myself about the nib sizes. Thanks :)

[Naples09]

Originally Posted by 77 Datejust

If they sell the knives then they can deff get you a pen. theres a place in Corpus Christie called Aframs Jewlers and they sell both

Thanks! I'll stop by the AD and see what they say. The store recently started to carry the knives....maybe they have the pens in stock now.

[Naples09]

Originally Posted by kanger

Can someone educate an ignorant like myself about the nib sizes. Thanks :)

NIB size equates to the size of the line drawn by the pen when you write with it. Fine is smaller...broad is larger. Medium is somewhere in between.

Find a nice Pen store or MB dealer who will let you try all size NIBS before you buy. Pick the one you like best.

[2careless]

Originally Posted by kanger

Can someone educate an ignorant like myself about the nib sizes. Thanks :)

Here is John Mottishaw's page on different size nibs' writing.
http://www.nibs.com/writing_samples.htm

Here is the more technical specifications of tip sizes (the width on the nib that contacts the paper)
http://www.nibs.com/TippingSizespage.htm

Also, I find Richard Binder's articles on nibs most interesting. (He's one of the best nib meisters in the world, waiting period usually 6-8 months).
Goto http://www.richardspens.com, on the left there is "Reference Pages", goto this section, and scroll down there is an article section "Nibs, Feeds and filling systems", under Nibs there are 3 articles. They are very detailed in explaining how the nib works.

[JBat]

Great links 2careless.

[Shangas]

I should point out that nib-sizes are NOT universal. What is "fine" in one fountain pen is "Medium" in another. What's "Broad" in one fountain pen is a BB ("double broad") in another.

So don't go: "I want a medium" or "I want a fine" and stick to that, sight-unseen of the actual pen. I bought a Montblanc FINE-nibbed pen that, even though I'm very happy with, writes more like a wet medium.

[sunburst]

Originally Posted by 2careless

Here is John Mottishaw's page on different size nibs' writing.
http://www.nibs.com/writing_samples.htm

Here is the more technical specifications of tip sizes (the width on the nib that contacts the paper)
http://www.nibs.com/TippingSizespage.htm

Also, I find Richard Binder's articles on nibs most interesting. (He's one of the best nib meisters in the world, waiting period usually 6-8 months).
Goto http://www.richardspens.com, on the left there is "Reference Pages", goto this section, and scroll down there is an article section "Nibs, Feeds and filling systems", under Nibs there are 3 articles. They are very detailed in explaining how the nib works.

In Richard Binder's site there is a down loadable PDF file showing the visual examples of storke width.