Want to learn

[Gretsch]

OK, so I've done some reading and searching but was hoping for some input on fountain pens. I haven't done much writing with one but wanted to know what to look for, how much maintenance is involved, etc. I tend to "go big or go home" with most things so I was thinking of getting a MB 149 or 146. I've got a ballpoint MB Star Walker that I like.

[Shangas]

Fountain pens are hardly high maintenance. But they do require maintenance, like any mechanical object. They need cleaning and occasional checkups.

Fill the pen with fountain pen ink. Write with it. Flush it out with cold, clean water every few months and enjoy the pen.

[orfew]

As to the choice between a 146 and a 149, the choice is a personal one. The 149 is a larger pen and would be comfortable for someone with large hand or for someone who likes a large pen. I have several MB fountain pens and I am particularly fond of my 146. It is a model from the late 70's and is an incredibly smooth writer. You can usually find a used one for about 250.00, far less than a new one. The nice thing is that if you do not
Like iit you could probably sell it for the same price you paid.

As for maintenance , flush it in between different inks, do not leave the ink in for too long if the pen is not being used, and enjoy it! A Montblanc fountain pen should last at least a lifetime. Another nice thing is that if it ever needs repairs, MB will fix it for a flat rate ( usually under 100.00) regardless of where or when you purchased it.

[Numismatist]

Fountain pens are a lot of fun if you put in the time. An easy to enjoy hobby. Either of your choices is fine. You might consider if you want a piston fill or bottle fill. There's something vintage feeling about dipping your pen in a bottle to fill it!

[rodrob59]

One of the great things about fountain pens is handing one to a Bic user and watching them try to figure out how to write with it. Cruel but always makes me smile.

[Lion]

If you like big pens then go with the MB 149...I happen to prefer their smaller sizes myself and go with the extra fine nibs!!!

[Gretsch]

I'm headed to the MB boutique today to check out some pens. So here's what I plan on doing. Check out the different nibs and choose one that suits my style. Second, find the pen I like holding best. I've got smaller hands so the 149 might not be the way to go for me but I guess I'll find out more soon. I'm enjoying the process of finding the right pen for me.

[Numismatist]

Originally Posted by Gretsch

I'm headed to the MB boutique today to check out some pens. So here's what I plan on doing. Check out the different nibs and choose one that suits my style. Second, find the pen I like holding best. I've got smaller hands so the 149 might not be the way to go for me but I guess I'll find out more soon. I'm enjoying the process of finding the right pen for me.

YES! This is EXACTLY the right way to do it. Ignore the pen first, and concentrate on the nib. Then find the pen you like best that holds that nib!

[Gretsch]

Originally Posted by Numismatist

YES! This is EXACTLY the right way to do it. Ignore the pen first, and concentrate on the nib. Then find the pen you like best that holds that nib!

Thanks for your advice from other threads Chris I think I'm going to be very happy with the results. What about small hands & big pens?

I'll update when I find out more this evening.

[Numismatist]

Originally Posted by Gretsch

Thanks for your advice from other threads Chris I think I'm going to be very happy with the results. What about small hands & big pens?

I'll update when I find out more this evening.

I was pleasantly surprised at how nice a big pen feels; remember with a fountain pen you don't need to grasp or hold tightly, the ink just flows across the page better.

[Shangas]

Originally Posted by rodrob59

One of the great things about fountain pens is handing one to a Bic user and watching them try to figure out how to write with it. Cruel but always makes me smile.

Have you ever had the cap of one of your favourite (and rarest) pens ripped off by someone who didn't know how to unscrew?

There is nothing great about that. Believe me.

Fortunately, he didn't break it. If he did, he owed me $280 and a new 1928 Parker Duofold two-band flattop. It is one of my rarest pens.

If you want a real vintage flavour, then chase vintage pens. I do.

[arezzo66]

I'd recommend checking out Italian brands like Aurora, Visconti, Marlen and Omas or Pelikan, Graf Von Faber Castel, Conklin and Conway Stewart, you get a lot more pen for your money and they have this old world hand crafted warmth and charm to them but at the end of the day its your call.

S

[Shangas]

The last time I checked, GvFaber Castell was German, Conklin was American and Conway Stewart was English...

[Lion]

Once you get into buying fountain pens you'll want to check out the vintage pens from the 1920's and 1930's as many have flexible nibs which allow you to change your line thicknesses as you write!!!

[arezzo66]

Indeed, thats why I used "or" indicating that I had finished mentioning the Italian brands to move on to the others

Originally Posted by Shangas

The last time I checked, GvFaber Castell was German, Conklin was American and Conway Stewart was English...

[apeogre]

Visconti nibs are amazingly smooth. They just glide across the paper. Pelikan makes wonderful pens as well.

[Gretsch]

I picked up the LeGrand in platinum with a medium nib. The 149 was just massive. I liked it, but I'm not sure I could get used to the size. It's a bit of a change coming from a ballpoint for sure but I think I'll like it and that my handwriting will improve with time. I feel like I could have used a fine nib too but the medium worked well.

[Gretsch]

Update - I returned the 146 M nib for a 149 EF nib. I love the 149 and the EF nib suits me better (slow writer, small writing). I'm loving the choice and like that the MB boutique here in Denver was willing to exchange them for me. Top notch customer service.

[Shangas]

Congratulations on your pen, Gretsch. Hope you have many decades of good use out of it.

[Lion]

Originally Posted by Gretsch

Update - I returned the 146 M nib for a 149 EF nib. I love the 149 and the EF nib suits me better (slow writer, small writing). I'm loving the choice and like that the MB boutique here in Denver was willing to exchange them for me. Top notch customer service.

I too enjoy using the finer line you get from extra fine nibs...if you have a chance check out accountant or needle nibs!!!

[rolio]

Big, small, you'll love the fountain pen :-)

[Numismatist]

Congrats Post a pix when you get a chance!

[Gretsch]

Thanks Guys (esp. Numismatist). Now I need to work on my handwriting. Any suggestions there?

[Lion]

Originally Posted by Gretsch

Thanks Guys (esp. Numismatist). Now I need to work on my handwriting. Any suggestions there?

Practice.....

[Gretsch]

Just wanted to say thanks again. I'm loving this pen and, more importantly, my writing is getting better.

[Shangas]

Looks like a lovely pen. Handwriting looks okay. But as they say - practice practice practice.