Chinese Fountain Pen Competes With Montblanc? Engineering Breakdown Wingsung 630

[@999tinman]

I love when you do these kind of comparison videos. Please keep doing them please 😊

[@philnaunton7181]

A-m-a-z-i-n-g detailed analysis. Wing Sung must be proud to have made it through that gauntlet so remarkably unscathed.

[@Doodlebud]

Glad you enjoyed it. This is stuff I'm curious about with some pens so figure I just might as well show you what I find

[@osirisgolad]

Thumbs up for letting some ink out and sucking the feed dry after filling, it's advice all the manufacturers used to give but not many people seem to remember it.

[@DevanSabaratnam]

This was a great comparison! Thanks for taking the time to give us an engineer's perspective on these two pens - it was so much more informative than just a subjective writing comparison.

[@Doodlebud]

My engineering brain wants to know something was built. How something feels..... thats a different answer for everyone else 🤓

[@konradyearwood5845]

If you can afford a 149 then I see nothing wrong with getting the Wing Sung and test driving it for a while first. How a pen looks and how a pen feels in the hand can be very different and when you are thinking of investing over one thousand dollars.... I would even consider a Jinhao X159 for the same reason and those are dirt cheap.

[@sathishrao7926]

That a Wingsung costs $219 is news to me (even if it has a gold nib) ! These days I picture an under $10 X159 whenever a comparison to a Montblanc is made !!

[@totallylegit2068]

theres wing sungs that cost more than that, although theyre made of ebonite and whatnot

[@luckyoleary9626]

Genuinely, this was an excellent video. Thank you. The comparison, and focus on details is exactly what we are all looking for, right down to the tipping/grind. And I would also like to note that the writing sample was perfect. It would be great to see the Wingsung JF nibs compared also.

[@mkeyou]

Normally, I hate video reviews of pens as they are mostly excessively long for no reason. This is the first review which I find 100% good. Congratulations. And thank you for that.

[@ariey.lifshitz6587]

Wing Sung 698 Piston 14K Gold nib is the cheapest new gold nob f.p. Thanks for your KZbin channel contribution to us all fountain penthusiasts

[@joeldoxtator9804]

I have a really hard time justifying anything more than $300 for a plastic resin pen. This video just proves there isn't much difference other than fit and finish. For over a grand, I'd go all the way for the Visconti bronze age. Being made of volcanic rock, humanity will be finding these pens a million years from now wondering what it was used for. I just actually ordered a Esterbrook estie raven because I love the matte finish you can feel. One day, when I am feeling saucy, I will buy the visconti bronze age. I have held platinum bars before and I'm sure holding volcanic rock has a similar uniqueness to it.

[@DBachiniLima]

There is now a version of this 630 with steel nib. I'll admit I'm more looking forward to the 600 with steel nib than anything. (the 600 is a duofold like, but with the same nib and piston as the 630...)

[@ichirofakename]

The color choice of the Wing Sung is a deal-MAKER for me.

[@Doodlebud]

Yup, options for nib point, nib design, body color, ink window, and body shape! Plus #8 nib in gold and steel. I think its a hit

[@ibpopp]

Chinese pens are advancing in leaps and bounds. Thank you for an intelligent review and comparison. Cheers from The Wombats.

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Hi DB!: That Wing Sung looks like a real winner! I really don't mind that these Chinese companies make affordable copies of some of the long lived and famous pens! It's funny you showed the Pilot, I just got an E95S! NICE pens!

[@b0bmcgee]

I reall enjoyed this comparison piece, and it convinced me to hunt down one of the 630s.

[@markmcpherson17]

Wonderful comparison, Love the Wing Sung, great job!

[@caseyjp1]

It might be the video's lighting, but TBH in the writing sample I FAR preferred the look of the WS samples over the MB. My own writing style doesn't need/require a gold nib so I'd love to see you snag a steel nib for that pen and review the "low end". I won't spend more than 30$ for a pen. ($25 for my A1 and N7 was pushing it. Heh.) Of course I'm over the moon with my 9019 (and 3 new nibs coming!) and my Orange-bodied X159 with a 'perma-load' of Diamine Oxblood sits in pride of place as it turns out the wider barrels just suit me better. Aside: FYI: Jinhao now is selling #8 nib packs (M/F/EF) for the x159/9019 models....they just need to get off their butts and start producing that wonderful jumbo converter. 🙂 The MB149 is a pretty pen, but again, a grand? ----I get it from a 'collector's' POV, but since I'm not interested in that side of the hobby, my brain just farts when seeing prices that high. Heh.

[@Doodlebud]

The 630 is more wet. I purposely tuned my 149 to be a tad dry so I can still use it on cheaper paper without feathering. I coukd make it more wet but keep it as is so it's a bit more versatile.

[@caseyjp1]

Makes sense. One of the reasons I like nibs is that they seem to be the absolute best on cheap paper. 😀@@Doodlebud

[@PersonalFlourish]

Ooo I love the heart shape hole in the nib with the heartbeat split - that’s artistry ❤

[@geckonia]

I got the Elite in a and I love it! Will keep an eye on the Wingsung. Thanks DB

[@Dylcandraen]

I have the black steel nibbed version and it too glows red when lit from inside. It isn’t as shapely near the piston knob as my MB 149 and my nib needed some adjustment out of the box, but it is hard not to be impressed.

[@coling1258]

A Montblanc 149 *can* have the same piston issue. I bought one used and had that exact issue. Visually, the slop appears to be essentially the same as with my 149, as does the rest of the piston mechanism.

[@Doodlebud]

Oh wow I'd expect it to be a better fit. Guess it comes down to proper assembly. The slop doesn't matter much if you know how to assemble. Think MB would have caught that error.

[@Shak-MD]

I can confirm this is true of nany of 149 generations.

[@Soyokaze404-yc1dt]

your handwriting is so satisfying to see. Amazing review by the way, as per usual.

[@Doodlebud]

Thanks! I still feel it needs a bunch of improvement

[@jakublulek3261]

From my personal experience with Chinese factories, a lot of these imperfections could be just down to inferior/old machine tooling. People aren't lazy or less skilled, they just have to work with sometimes significantly worse tooling, from machines to cutting or machining tools. Japanese manufacturers in China are much more careful when comes to this and "Made in China" japanese goods are fine but homegrown chinese manufacturers can wary pretty drastically.

[@milchpuder]

Always look forward to your engineer's perspective. Learned something new about cutting them slits. Wonder if the Bock nib execution is any better

[@unboxingmontblanc4956]

Seek out a duplicate of the montblanc limited editions, those are also a treasure-trove of engineering solutions that cut costs.

[@judyjacobs5827]

Good detail on the comparisons, Doodlebud! Thanks for describing the techniques and warnings about adjustment and disassembly on these pens. I bought a pen, not one that they sent you, from this seller. I got announcements starting Sept. 6 that it was at my "local" site, though the location mentioned was in the Southwest US, and I'm in the Southeast. I contacted the seller, whose site offered a guarantee of on-time delivery. They claimed they can't give the partial refund, never promised me anything of the kind, and I should complain to the shipper. Finally after waiting for over a month, the pen arrived. I'm satisfied with the pen, but am not planning to do business with this shifty seller again.

[@Doodlebud]

Sometimes the shipper they use can be crappy. I've had stuff sit in customs forever sometimes as well.

[@judyjacobs5827]

This pen was reportedly at a USPS, had long since been handed over from customs and p.o.e. I'm completely disgusted with the crummy treatment from the seller. @@Doodlebud

[@nope8535]

I used to buy really expensive knives, 200 bucks wasnt a big deal if that tells you anything. Want to know where most of those knives went? The safe or sold, none are still in use. My daily user is a 50 USD knife that gets rotated with a 20 and a 15 USD knife. Each customized by me. I've taken that lesson into my fountain pen journey. If I'm not comfortable customizing then it's not worth it for me. The Monte is still a nice pen, just wont buy one.

[@907bigdog]

Awesome review! Thanks db.

[@Doodlebud]

No problem 👍

[@budthecyborg4575]

13:01 I love how TWSBI has enabled everyone in the whole world to be able to maintain their pens.

[@personette3226]

Love this review, really appreciate the detailed comparison. Especially polishing down the inside of the nib to check the materials! This pen seems like a great candidate to send to a nibmeister for customization.

[@aag24]

Sir, another delightful video - thank you. You're always answering the questions we've always wanted to know. (I don't think I'd ever spend so much on a Chinese fountain pen - I don't know … but I have got used to treating them as a source of cheaper pens … over 100 $/£ seems way too much. Thing is - I'm very old and I remember when nibs on Chinese pens were absolutely terrible. (The Good Old Days). An interesting aspect of the fountain pen industry is that all companies copy off each other. The Platinum President is a "rip-off" of the MB 159/149/etc etc … who knows who MB ripped their design off. I do wish people would get off their high horses about fountain pen designs. Anyway … thank you - good night and good luck!

[@ofDepreciationatTaxRate]

I know that the wait is terribly long, but you should consider a Monty Winnfield Model 1. He is known for great engineering (ultra tight converter slot tolerance, amazing threads, custom etched sections, beautiful stacked nibs) and it seems like it would be down your alley. Currently waiting on my Model 1 myself.

[@Doodlebud]

Thnaks for the share. Never heard of him before 👍

[@FrancoisTHX]

5:50 This is what I saw on the tester pens at a MB boutique. Maybe they are copying this aspect of the modern 146/149! xD (Also, the current 149 uncaps in 1 and 3/4 rotation unfortunately. Bock makes a heartbeat style nib as well, maybe you can compare the two one day!)

[@fepatton]

Excellent comparison. I'm _especially_ glad that you checked the nib for really being gold - I always wonder about that. They've got some nice color combos and some alternate shapes as well. That said, it's either about being an excellent writing instrument or it's about the "prestige" of having a Montblanc. Even if this is a great writing instrument, I think I'd rather have something unique-looking rather than an "homage" to something it's not.

[@nonsexysecretary]

The Wingsung Montblanc clone suffers from two problems: 1) being Chinese (no-one makes any fuss about Pilot and Sailor's Montblanc clones), and 2) being too new. It took several decades before people forgot that Montblanc (along with everyone else) copied the cigar shape of the Sheaffer Balance, and it will be a few more decades before people stop holding Wingsung's copying against them.

[@zamedoeswtever5267]

I mean if you don’t want this shape, there’s flat-ended variants that are semi transparent, which I got the red one with that montblanc-esque 14K gold fine nib with a Sailor-Naginata-esque grind (better for writing Chinese characters in style if you know how to use it) Yes, copying here and there, but the price tho… really looking forward to that coming next week lmao

[@murkser4149]

I am very pleased with the steel nibbed version of the Wing Sung 630. Probably one of the best bang for buck pens in the $30/€30 range you can get atm. From all of the Chinese steel nibs I have tried this one has been my favourite.

[@kattz753]

Wing Sung really did a nice job on this pen. I love that blue and the red. That's another point for Wing Sung. You can get the Montblanc in any colour, as long as it's black. I looked into the Junlai thing back when Douglas reviewed this pen. It is a name owned by the company who pays to use the Wing Sung name and makes the 600 series. They thought that they were also going to have to change their name. Kaweco tried to trademark Wing Sung in Canada. It was denied, they could have appealed but dropped it a few days before Christmas last year. Kaweco really has their knickers in a knot.

[@kwogger]

Got sources I can point to? That sounds like done fascinating drama

[@andykellens7237]

Thanks for the detailed comparison. While I own ao. an MB 149 (with the calligraphy nib), and their pens are truly well-built, you pay of course a big premium for the little snow flake. The Wingsung ... IMO for that price you probably have better made pens with a gold nib from the Japanese brands. Nevertheless an interesting offering, curious to see how their product offering will evolve over time.

[@PraveenKumar-yo8li]

Wonderful comparison

[@swainsongable]

Very clever with the electro-cut tines :)

[@Doodlebud]

Neat idea just need to tidy it up a bit. I think they have too high a feed rate to save cost. If they need to bump the price up a few dollars I think people would be ok with it if it meant a better finish.

[@siddhartham507]

But if the material and making is almost similar then why mont Blanc is charging so much significantly more, no one notices such details hidden in the back of a clip. Is it just because of brand name?

[@anub3207]

The better question is how does a montblanc 149 compares to a pilot custom 823. The 823 is now a similar price to the wingsun(at least in the us), so it would be interesting to see a comparison between 2 famous brands.

[@derekdavis5720]

Great video brilliant comparison. However I have heard that the Wing Sum has no guarantee and no dealer backup service. If it goes wrong you have no comeback. I think that the solution is to go for a decent used MB. No guarantee I know unless you buy from a super reputable dealer. But you know pretty much what you’re buying. To my knowledge there is no known history of how the Wing Sum performs long term. A good 1970’s MB may be a reasonable compromise. It’s only my opinion. Thank you DB

[@Doodlebud]

Yup that is one thing that you get when you buy from those brands. They do make the pen with a steel nib so its a way to try one out without having to spend too much to see how you like it and durability, etc. Part of the reason they will have trouble with a "luxury" brand approach. But they are built pretty good and the pricing is fair. But I hear ya on the vintage MB perspective. I just had one arrive 2 weeks ago and yeah..... WOW. Some have a hate on for MB, especially with how much their new pens costs and I totally understand. I have never paid full price for a new MB. But man, can you ever find some nice vintage ones that are SUPBERB pens. This new one (mid 70's) was low cost and its an amazing writer. Review will be coming soon

[@theronwolf3296]

I am intrigued by the zig-zag feed. Perhaps the longer ink channel improves consistency? I have been wondering why (at least in the 'how it's made videos') they seem to continue to use an abrasive wheel. Wire cutting, or laser cutting would seem to provide more consistent results.

[@Doodlebud]

The cutting wheels do a very good job and have for a very long time. The wheels also smooths out the slit when its cut. That can be harder to do with laser or EDM like on this nib. I did a grind on this nib and showed some of the issues that the wire EDC nib slit has brought up kzbin.info/www/bejne/m568gplpg7-DptE

[@Ylojaketz]

I do love your reviews and general fountain pen education. So this occurred to me while watching the 149/630 comparison. Taking nothing away from the craftsmanship of the MB, had they been less occupied with positioning the brand in the luxury category by charging a premium for it, they’d find the fall from grace a little less steep and the cost difference a little more defensible. Do we need a tag day for the 149?

[@dm1523]

I have a black 630 and a Moonman P136. The Moonman has a similar designed clip to the Montblanc with the bead underneath. But the Moonman is a little rougher around the edges when you look close. Both are great pens though. Excellent comparison you did here. I can’t think of another video where I’ve seen the 149 so we’ll shown.

[@manifunk1]

A question does Wing Sung also do a copy of the 146? The 146 is probably my favourite pen size.

[@Doodlebud]

Check out the Majohn P136 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJK1fHqogr1qsLMsi=6zY0_ZL_RL3oIyFW I also compared it to the MV 146 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGe0q62ljteKZ80si=k4KxbgvCO_efexYa

[@QwQ-vd4sv]

永生629

[@doriansoergel8160]

Cultpens sells Pelikan M400s for just a hair cheaper than the wing sung

[@paulmchugh1430]

I have been very satisfied with the 630. I went with the "classic" style nib. If I am going to imitate the original, I might as well go all the way. In no uncertain terms can I afford the 149, new or pre owned. That being said, the 630 is worth every penny. This is not to say the 149 is not worth it. For those that can afford the pen, go for it. But for the rest of us, this is as close to me getting a classic as I can get. The gold nib is worth the money. I understand that a steel nib version is available for about $30. I understand the nib is bouncy with some line variation. I don't think I want to find out, if you know what I mean. Great thorough review,,

[@animula6908]

I’m with you. I’m not going “should I get the wing sung or should I get the Mont Blanc? Decisions, decisions!” One is possible, one is a pipe dream. The real question for me is whether I might splurge on any pens over $10 at all. Pen reviewers who talk down on copies get on my nerves for this reason. Do they really think pen lovers are diverting from the thousands of dollars pens to the copies? It’s just allowing broke folk to participate in this game at all. No one who can afford mont Blancs and loves pens is switching to the cheap copy. But more people at the bottom are able to be included because cheap pens are around. Not all broke folk remain broke forever, so stimulating more interest in fountain pens in general profits the high end makers in the end. I get tired of judgy pen lovers implying I’m lacking in their high integrity by buying cheap knockoffs. I love doodle bud for not making sweeping ethical assertions, but just giving us facts and criticisms of designs instead of damning me for robbing elite manufacturers when I buy a pen because it’s handsome and within my limited grasp financially.

[@paulmchugh1430]

@@animula6908 Exactly. Two years ago, I had 2 fountain pens that I wasn't using. Then reviewers such as Doodlebug introduced me to pens from China and opened a world I did not know existed. In those two years, the choices have expanded as well as the quality. These reviews have guided my choices.

[@Doodlebud]

Crappy made "copies" annoy me. But when I can see good effort was put in, I don't mind at all. To get something made pretty well at a much lower price point does take work. And it's a balancing act to not go too cheap & make it crappy. Knowing where to balance things just right and still deliver a decent pen is actually pretty involved.

[@budthecyborg4575]

You can get a genuine Pilot 742 for less money or the 743 costs the same, and they have the best 14K gold nibs in the world (tons of variety, e.g. music/soft/super broad).

[@galessi1226]

Didn't you mean Pilot?

[@budthecyborg4575]

@@galessi1226 Absolutely yes. I always have the Platinum 3776 and Pilot 742 in the same cup.

[@mediavita1662]

If I'm not wrong, they're trying to imitate montblnc's filling system, but actually this nib is trying to imitate sailor's naginata nibs. And some of their model's pen body shapes also copied from sailor .

[@Doodlebud]

The pens you mentioned all have similar features. A Sailor KOP side by side with a MB 149 look like siblings.

[@murkser4149]

Yes, I have a Sailor and a Montblanc and even though I prefer the Sailor it's clearly a copy or imitation of the Montblanc.

[@mediavita1662]

​@@DoodlebudSailor's naginata togi nibs are designed for writing chinese characters/hanzi . They're very popular in china and lots of chinese companies or workshops tried to imitate naginata togi nibs. I think the nib WingSung using on this model is made by one of those companies /workshops.

[@Doodlebud]

A different grind for sure, but then there's the JF nib so curious how that compares. From a market perspective I think having a more standard round point would be great to accommodate "the west" and then JF nib would be preferred for Chinese style characters. It writes very good for how it is, but I'll give it a grind to better suit my style of writing.

[@mediavita1662]

​​​@@Doodlebudyep, totally agreed, in Taiwan we found mostly knock off naginata version here, and sellers often emphasize that if you can't afford sailor's naginata, this model is a great replacement 😂.I'm not sure if they changed the nid grind for western market or not.

[@Iwoodlikethat]

Are the gold nibs cast? I thought they were stamped, so if they're stamped wouldn't the nib cost the manufacturer the same weather or not the holes are added?

[@Doodlebud]

The gold that is removed by stamping gets melted back down & reused. It's a gold strip, nibs stamped out, the left over strip skeleton has plenty of good gold so it's melted down again. Those small pieces stamped put are part of that recycled material. It adds up. Let's say you buy a 1kg strip of 14k gold but 150g of material is returned to the supplier for them to use again. That lowers your material cost.

[@shane6242]

Very cool! I am excited that they also have the same pen with flat ends like the Montblanc 139...

[@jimkrieger776]

Witnessing your ability to examine and analyze every last detail, I find myself wondering if you can pinpoint what distinguishes a great (perfect) nib from a good (close but not perfect) nib. I'm not talking about personal preferences, though they surely matter; I'm talking about structural and tip-surface features that show up on magnified looks, and on the page.

[@MrCabimero]

Anyone know why they show a B nib on the picture at 365 but it is not offered?

[@Doodlebud]

I originally wanted a B nib but they are currently out so he sent me a F to review. He should get more B nibs in sometime

[@darrinyhearm4240]

I love that grey.

[@vijjreddy]

ten dollar parker or pilot are as comfortable to hold and write, and write even better, especially if you can use a fine caligraphy nib for regular use...though I don't know of anyone who writes regularly every day now a days

[@penguin1780]

Thanks for reviewing the 630 with a gold nib, most reviews that I have seen are for the plated version. I think the grind on the heartbeat nib is probably closer to a naginata togi, which is ideal for writing in pictographic language systems. Did the laser etched slit give thebpen any extra flex or softness? I can’t recall if you mentioned that, sorry. Oh, and last year around this time, I purchased the Wing Sung 699 piston with a 14k nib for $70 US, I think it’s still available. I think it’s a smaller nib, but lengthy pen.

[@Doodlebud]

It feels nice but doesn't have much flex to it. I'd like to see what the nib is like of the ones that have the regular nib slit.

[@penguin1780]

@@Doodlebud it would be cool to compare the two, with each other and the steel gp versus.

[@penguin1780]

*version, (oh touchscreens, tsk tsk)

[@TumescentPuma]

Is the JF nib a naginata togi nib?

[@irvintepper5]

I have one with a steel nib. Does the gold nib flex?

[@Doodlebud]

No, they're not flex nibs

[@samyg123]

Where can I find a 630 with flat finials? I’ve been searching….

[@Doodlebud]

In the 365Days Stationery store in Aliexpress. I put a link in the description. They have that option s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mLzHDFY

[@samyg123]

@@DoodlebudThanks! Looks like this may only be an option with the gold nib version.

[@princeajaz9167]

Do you have a link for buying that grey pilot e95

[@Doodlebud]

Its a vintage model which is no longer in production. Has to be bought on the 2nd hand market. Here's the video on the pen kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5bJoY2mrpqZqJo

[@aubeenlopez1051]

I hear what you're saying about the feedback, but to my eyes, the Wingsung's writing looked much better.

[@Febeleh]

My vote still is on the Sailor 1911. I got mine in 21k gold and it was somewhere around $150-180. Incredible pen. It comes with a converter... I used to be a piston filler snob myself, until I realized it only matters during filling with ink, not the writing experience. Am I dumb for feeling like Sailor is a bit more... legitimate? WingSun feels like a counterfeit-esque brand. Is that a foolish opinion?

[@Doodlebud]

Not dumb at all. These brands have typically stayed in the low cost pen arena. And of course low cost means lower build quality. But seems like they are venturing into pushing up the price point but also increasing the quality. It will take time but I think they can further increase their reputation of they continue to improve and be thought of as good quality pens.

[@rubinglen]

Sailor 1911 is an amazing pen

[@zveryok1]

I bought one for $90 bucks plus tax brand new! 😀 Yep. You heard that right. A sailor 1911 large.

[@herrelektrika5490]

This person really reminds me of the kooky guy from the AvE channel that reviews tools and explains how they are engineered...amazing similarities between these guys 😵‍💫

[@Doodlebud]

I've heard the AvE reference many a time. Grew up in the same region he lives. So guess we got some of the same lingo.

[@b0bmcgee]

While I don't love copycats, Wing Sung has done a really impressive job delivering on the quality with this. Majohn as well (with the A1). Chinese pens have really stepped up their game lately. Even 4 or 5 years ago, they'd have a hard time justifying $100+ for a pen aside from the Hero 100. Now they're moving increasingly up-market -- I think PenBBS pens kick-started that trend, and thankfully they're doing more original designs and some interesting filling systems.

[@GentleGiggler12345]

very nice

[@kaka_kaka28]

I use an Indian brand "Kanwrite" Pen, Model : Desire with BB nib. It cost me less than US$ 15 and writes remakably well.

[@Shak-MD]

Hey DB. Loved the review. My thoughts are... The newer 149 clips go one way, and they have a "breather" hole under the clip. As for the writing experience. I found this Wingsung nib to be very unpleasant to write with. The softness ony serves to add scratchyness on side/oblique strokes. I have compared it to 149 from 70s to 220s. To me, it absolutely shows why MB is 1000 dollars more.... Also a point of clarification. A vintage MB 149 [ around 400 USD] is absolutely worth 2.5 x the price of the Wingsung at around 180s. To me, the only thing this Wingsung is good for is to swap a vintage 149 nib into it- and it becomes an amazing pen. 😊 Cheers.

[@mahbubshahidshisir4141]

21 mins of a pen review and we waited 18 mins for the writing simulation to start. However, a very well-made detailed video for a good weekend morning watch.

[@13noman1]

Honestly, I've never been super-impressed with MB's "precious resin" -- I have lots of other gold nib pens (Parker, Pilot/Namiki, etc) and steel nib pens (Edison, Franklin Christoph, Faber Castell) that have held up better (no microscratches etc discernible to the naked eye) than my MBs (164 and 146). I don't find the few refinements in MB over WS worth $1000.

[@QwQ-vd4sv]

中国人路过，永生的品控和奢侈品还有很远的距离，性价比是很不错，在中国二手630大概需要100USD

[@LisaPottinger]

I was really surprised at how much I like this pen. The gold nib has very Sailor like feedback but is very smooth. The steel nib version is also very good. I bought the Montblanc 146 and wasn’t that impressed, so I’ve not pulled the trigger on the 149. For the price, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy these.

[@mathguy1015]

Given how grossly overpriced Mont Blanca’s are, not a surprise you can find something comparable for a fraction of the cost.

[@JohnDoe-el5ir]

None of them is worth the money. I would choose Pelikan. Anyway I prefer snap caps and currently use Waterman Expert.

[@BizarreBear]

I would never spend more than 50 dollars for a Chinese FP let alone over 200… for 200-300 you could get a Lamy 2000 or a pilot custom…

[@Doodlebud]

Then its an easy decision, don't get this one

[@BizarreBear]

@@Doodlebud Yeah lol! Btw man I love your videos! Some of the best and most informative fountain pen reviews I have ever seen!

[@Doodlebud]

@@BizarreBear 😉👍

[@andrewwebb2241]

Maybe it’s me, but the two Montblanc pens I have are not good writers. The EF nib is very scratchy, while the F writes like a broad.

[@Kalmaro4152]

Why is that thing so expensive!? Those parts better be gold electroplated

[@easonzhang3250]

omg, don’t polish the inner side of the nib😂. That side is intentionally sanded for increased wetability of the nib.

[@Doodlebud]

Yes it does help increase the surface energy of the nib and increase flow. You can do it with just the feed or feed & nib. Pointed it out since it does save cost and also buffed it for those who wonder if it's really gold or not.

[@AG-en5y]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mikehoare6093]

AvE is that you ?

[@Doodlebud]

His channel is far more skookum than mine 😉

[@mikehoare6093]

@@Doodlebud hahahahahaha......ok !!!!!

[@lead-dog]

I gave you a thumbs because it was a good video and I like your channel. But for me "replicas" and "fakes" are for fake people. You did make some good points but I would rather have a real TWSBI than a fake Montblanc. In fact I would rather have a real Platinum Preppy than any kind of fake.

[@daveg686]

👍

[@dancinswords]

$219 for a pen?! Yeah, I'll take the Chinese knockoff. Wait...

[@Doodlebud]

That's the Canadian conversion price and also it has a gold nib. The regular steel nib is $30 USD and the 14K nib version is $155USD. I put the prices in my video in CAD since thats where I am

[@GrahamW722]

China is on my naughty list atm, so no Wingsung pen for me, and I can’t afford the Montblanc. Oh well.

[@Doodlebud]

Yup that's fine. We all get to make our own choices 👍

[@MikeBae]

There are enough fantastic pens from Germany, Japan, and Taiwan to never have to get Chinese knockoffs.

[@jadefae]

Is it weird I was praying on the Montblanc's downfall? I think I'm just a loser but I've always disliked Montblanc. Seem like a pen a Billionare carries around (I am a communist)

[@Robin-oe8vt]

I refuse to purchase Chinese made products because, most of the time, they are great COPIES of Western designed products without going through the research and development to create the original product.

[@murkser4149]

Can you explain how these companies didn't go through the "research and development" as you say? Did they break into the Montblanc factory in Hamburg and steal the nib making tools and the plastic moulds?

[@Innieminnie]

Every patent expires at some point. No reason one person should have the only license to sell a certain type of product forever. Your comment is somewhat ignorant.

[@Mikey-ii8ef]

Hmmm. Not sure China is less deserving of my money than Germany...

[@Robin-oe8vt]

No one is telling you how to spend your money. For me, China is undeserving of my money.

[@Mikey-ii8ef]

@Robin-oe8vt I didn't say that China WAS deserving of my money. I was merely pointing out that Germany(home to Montblanc) may be no more deserving. Plenty of great US made pens, right!

[@MrNiklassthlm]

promoting chinese copys now are we, they are cheap because they steal the designs, both for the machinery that make the pens and the design for the pen, not cool

[@Zone-xo1qf]

A plastic pen cost $1300? A sucker borns every minute...

[@knowledgeos]

hate Chinese quality don't buy

[@bharatc.sampat6406]

MontBlanc T&D , manufacturing and construction is far far more intricate and superior and complex compared to this novice comparison here. Comparing a Rolls ROYCE to a Hyundai is rather childish. Talk to some real engineering people. Not to mention some serious Nibmiesters

[@b0bmcgee]

Harsh and unnecessary. This is a quite detailed comparison and does a solid job highlighting small fit and finish differences. Yes, Montblanc has more attention to detail, compared to even one of the best Chinese pen makers. But there's nothing truly exceptional about their product or engineering compared to other high end pens. Arguably a Montblanc is a step down from something like a hand finished Nakaya urushi-lacquer pen in terms of writing experience and attention to detail. In terms of engineering, there are other pen makers doing far more innovative things than Montblanc -- who hasn't innovated in decades. Especially in terms of filling systems.

[@bharatc.sampat6406]

@@b0bmcgee professionally humans are judged more harshly and unnecessarily. This is comparatively a mild uptake. Best font make attempts to compare apples to oranges

[@b0bmcgee]

@@bharatc.sampat6406 I am afraid that your communication skills have undermined the attempt at a devastating retort. In the actual professional world, I've seen multiple director, principal engineer, and even C-level execs fired for a pattern of acting like a jerk. People may have opinions, but speaking your mind without thinking about impacts is a great way to end up BEING the one judged harshly.

[@bharatc.sampat6406]

@@b0bmcgee reality hurts. I don’t walk on egg shells

[@b0bmcgee]

@@bharatc.sampat6406 okay, if we're taking that path: you're rude and your opinions show you have no idea what you're talking about when it comes to pens. You can't separate marketing from objective reality. There, blunt enough for you?

[@ilikepens]

I have this one in broad and it is a fire hose. I can send you a writing sample on ig if you want me to.

[@Doodlebud]

Sure curious what it looks like