You guys have corrupted me!

[Zed Homme]

A few weeks ago I decided to get my first pen. I ended up with the mb black mystery. I love it! I have awful wrists and have always had atrocious penmanship. However, the mb has made writing fun and I now look for excuses to use it.

Now you guys are making me think I want a fountain pen. It just seems so cool. I've got my eye on the mb mark twain which is just about one of the coolest pens I have ever seen! I want one. How should I go about getting it? Should I call mb? Sorry for the newb questions but when it comes to fine pens that is all I am...

[ParisDakarBmw]

Nice choice!

Post pics when you get a chance!

[Zed Homme]

Originally Posted by ParisDakarBmw

Nice choice!

Post pics when you get a chance!

Does that mean I can walk into an mb store and they will be available?

[daveathall]

I'm not so sure that the Mark Twain would be a stock item for a normal shop Chris, the boutiques will either have them or be able to order them for you though, a couple of phone calls in your area would certainly point you in the right direction, note, I have no experience in the US, I speak with a UK perspective, but am almost certain it will be similar.

Stunning choice though.

[Zed Homme]

I've bought a few pens at the NYC boutique (gifts for others till I got the bm) I'll give them a call...

[2careless]

If you're in NYC, goto Fountain Pen Hospital - 10 Warren St.
Some TRFers have been there and came out addicted

[Zed Homme]

Thanks, fph seems to have them or can get one for me. My last question is which nib size should I get?

[2careless]

Important thing - are you a leftie? If yes, then fp is not the thing for you in general, or you'll have to write in such a way that the ink doesn't smudge.

As for the nib, seriously you need to check out a pen shop and ask to sample. Usually it's either XF or B for the generally available nibs -either you're an accountant or you're a boss using the pen to sign documents only.

[Zed Homme]

I am a lefty, and I only use a pen to sign papers or at most, write a check. Idk if a fp is right for me, but I want to try. Either or, that mark twain is incredible and I'd like to own one...

[Skip Greenwade]

You could always opt for the Mark Twain ballpoint.

I carry/use all my Writers' Series pens and the ballpoints work very well for me.

Best,
Skip

[Zed Homme]

Thanks Skip. Perhaps I'll get a bp or rb and get a "cheaper" fp to see if that's for me...

[2careless]

I've put in an order for the Mark Twain FP. Let's see when it will arrive...

[Skullring]

Originally Posted by Zed Homme

I am a lefty, and I only use a pen to sign papers or at most, write a check. Idk if a fp is right for me, but I want to try. Either or, that mark twain is incredible and I'd like to own one...

Hi Chris
I am a lefty too and I don't have any problems writing with a fountain pen. It just depends on your writing style. I am an underwriter and I keep the page at about a 45 degree angle and I have no problem with smudging the ink. Even if you have a different style you can likely adjust a bit and make it work.

Here is an article about leftys from Nibs.com.
http://www.nibs.com/Left-hand%20writers.htm

As far as nib size you should just try some different sizes to see what suits you best.

Welcome to the inky side and please post some pics when you can.

[nowzen]

I used to have a MB 149 with a broad nib.
I wanted a thick bold line and liked to sketch.
Big mistake.
The pen liked to blot - large dumps of ink (sometimes) and ruined many shirts with leakage.

I'm thinking of returning to FP but will look at M or even F.

[2careless]

Originally Posted by nowzen

The pen liked to blot - large dumps of ink (sometimes) and ruined many shirts with leakage.

That's most likely a crack or a seal problem. Recommend you take it to a repairer/boutique for service.

[Zed Homme]

Originally Posted by Skullring

Hi Chris
I am a lefty too and I don't have any problems writing with a fountain pen. It just depends on your writing style. I am an underwriter and I keep the page at about a 45 degree angle and I have no problem with smudging the ink. Even if you have a different style you can likely adjust a bit and make it work.

Here is an article about leftys from Nibs.com.
http://www.nibs.com/Left-hand%20writers.htm

As far as nib size you should just try some different sizes to see what suits you best.

Welcome to the inky side and please post some pics when you can.

Thanks Phillip!

Now I am stuck. I know I want the Mark Twain, but cant decide on Rollerball or FP. I guess I should wait until I can make it to the store to try one out in person....

[Skullring]

Originally Posted by Zed Homme

Thanks Phillip!

Now I am stuck. I know I want the Mark Twain, but cant decide on Rollerball or FP. I guess I should wait until I can make it to the store to try one out in person....

That is what I would do.

Go test out some Montblanc fountain pens and you can get a feel for the nib size you may be looking for.

The Mark Twain is beautiful you can't go wrong either way you go.

[Zed Homme]

How quickly do you anticipate these pens selling out? Apparently they are only making a couple of thousand of them....

I'm in rural Georgia and finding a place to testdrive an MB fp is tough as I dont want to make the trek to Atlanta. However, I am going to South FL in the next week or two so I'll try then....They wont be gone by then will they?

[Noonan]

I'd suggest starting with an inexpensive FP before dropping the ~$1K for the MT. Fountain Pen Network is a great site to learn about pens and they have an active for sale section.

That all being said, I agree that the MT is one of the best looking pens MB has made in a while. If you decide that FP's are not for you, go for the rollerball version.

[2careless]

Originally Posted by Zed Homme

How quickly do you anticipate these pens selling out? Apparently they are only making a couple of thousand of them....

I think there are 12000 FP and another 3000 sets. So 15000 all up for the FP.
Don't think they will run out soon. Possibly after Easter next year.

[Zed Homme]

Interesting, I knew of the production numbers (they are listed on mb's website) but have no idea of the market for something like this. This is good to know for future reference.

However, I'm a very impulsive person. Therefore I ordered the mark twain fp with a container of blue/black ink (I'm a black ink guy, but this color seemed more fitting to the theme of the pen). Somehow, the rollerball just didn't have same appeal to me. I figured that if it isn't for me, I could always sell it. I can't wait, the pen arrives tomorrow. I will then bombard you with dumb questions such as "how do I get the ink in the pen?"

Thanks for being patient with all my inquiries and thanks for opening the door to a great new hobby for me. I am really enjoying it.

[Noonan]

Congrats! Please post up some pics when it arrives.

Good choice with the B/B ink. The MB variant is the nicest I've seen for that color.

[Lion]

Chris, congrats with your purchase and look forward to your comments over how much you like the fountain pen. I too really like the Mark Twain pen and have considered buying the fountain pen version. And now I see they have a special edition(three different fountain pens) to commemorate John Lennon.........what to do!!!