How do you like me now Montblanc 146 and 149

[@chrisb012]

Totally agree on the verdict of which to buy. If you want to show off, get the 149, if you want a pen that writes beautifully, and makes you want to use it all the time, get the 146. I wrote (lots of pages of) lab notes, and the 146 is my go to every time.

[@kato2395]

"a lot business man buy this to compensate for lacking in other departments". Savage and true at the same time! These kind of people make me dislike Montblanc at first. But after a few reviewers covered Montblanc fountain pen, I can finally see that Montblanc is actually a beautiful fountain pen (even though it's overpriced imo).

[@Sams911]

Some of us also buy fine pens (watches, guitars, etc) because we enjoy the high quality and workmanship... and not just to show off. My Glacier and 80 days Around the World pens are very special works of art to me as well as pens.

[@GirlGeekLovesStampin]

I think it's notable that it would be difficult to discuss value by comparing a general pen cost with a brand like Mont Blanc. I disagree that the gap in cost is just about materials and social status (although Mont Blanc is marketing to a particular audience who 'appreciates' being able to obtain a product marketed to it). (Most of that audience would devalue a two dollar pen 'because' it costs two dollars.) On the other hand, I think there is also a large margin of cost associated with services and expectations which can be considerably different. For example, if you buy a Ford Focus you receive a certain service experience that differs from the service experience Lexus owners have (think about the differences in their service centers and customer response metrics), and I am sure that a Ferrari owner has another very different experience than the Lexus owner. But based on the cost difference if we compared Ford to Ferrari, would we expect the Ferrari to fly? No, it's still a car... Also, my expectation changes when I buy from JetPens (no offense to JetPens). In most cases I am not as disappointed with a no refund issue, or a pen that stops working quickly when I buy from JetPens....I don't expect them to be service-oriented or to be manufacturing at the highest standard, and there is no company history that indicates that I should expect that. On the other hand if I buy my spouse a Mont Blanc for his Bday - I KNOW it will last forever -or be replaced even 2 YEARS after purchase.......All that is to say that when you discuss brand premiums you have to remember it's not just about the quality of the item that you're paying for. I like when you compare two pens from the same brand since that is appropriate when "cost" is in question. That discussion of cost may not fit in the review between two different brands if you are only using a writing sample as the benchmark. With that said, I love your videos! Smiles

[@sbrebrown]

Good points!

[@umue11]

Agreed 100%. Killer pens for half the retail price. However, I'm still upset about the sample variation of the modern MB nibs.

[@michnygaard]

Oh boy. Typically a video from a Young man rushing hands and the stupid idea about lacking something. Totally nuts. See a real collector explain and await you judgements until you have used several fountain pens for more than ten years. Then its clear what quality is. Then you get the picture and dont have to rush a “test”

[@tedmans7621]

I used to carry around a mont blanc cap in the front pocket of my suit, I had bought it for 10$ USD. It looked as though I had actually spent a massive amount on a piece of jewelry haha

[@sbrebrown]

That's what a lot of samurai did with ornate sword handles :-).

[@jackknightsbridge5232]

OMG that's so sad

[@leonl9123]

I use a original mont blanc, I carry it in the inside pocket of my suit, as I have no need to impress anybody, besides fellow businessman should a deal hang on it.

[@firefightergtx3281]

Thata what drags the value down. Do as you like or wish. But i hope no one will hand you a paper to sign then just to see you getting out another pen looking quite stupid then 😂

[@firefightergtx3281]

@@sbrebrown interesting!

[@SCAREDBANANA]

I would expect pen like this not to skip.

[@sbrebrown]

Indeed.

[@jmbaug1229]

Shameful ! retail price is just ridiculous !

[@smart4141]

Love your videos Stephen. Keep advicing us. The 146 is a class apart in medium sized pens

[@TanjaOrme]

When I think of Montblanc I think of the time when someone I know asked me to make a drawing (in their moleskine). He handed me the pen and I said 'OMG IT'S A BALLPOINT PEN!' and he said 'But it's a Montblanc!' and I said 'IT'S A BALLPOINT PEN!' . He took it back. I took it back and made him the drawing. But I didn't feel so good, afterwards. Eew, etc. I like the 149 the best, ink-wise, but too big for me (that's what she said…).

[@sbrebrown]

That IS what she said.

[@stevenlee6881]

U

[@JohnNewtoneu]

Thanks for the review update,although even second hand they seem too expensive to me. keep up the good work.

[@Markenashi]

Marcus Antonius Well it's very subjective isn't it? I know plenty of people who drive BMW or Merc but would not drop a few grand on a watch.

[@TobIas-or9dj]

It is the same in every hobby. Especially with pens, lighters, watches and co. For me personally the MontBlanc is great value for money. It has the name, the classic look, a beautiful nib, and it transports this feeling of holding something special. Is it perfect? No, nothing is. But does it give me a special feeling. Yes. Just like my St Dupont lighters and my Calatrava. Of course I could get a Dunhill lighter or a Zippo, but Dupont is the king of the hill for a reason. Marketing is great and it gives me that feeling. Watch the Patek "A mon fils" video, and you will want a Calatrava. That's what I mean...

[@cypher526]

Would be nice to see a comparison between the 145 and 146. As I understand it, the 145 is a cartridge/converter and a tad smaller size-wise overall.

[@PibrochPonder]

The 145 is a good pen.

[@David-he1ni]

Pressure is inversely proportional to area if this is law then obviously the size of Montblanc for holding the pen for longer without feeling fatiqued of the hand, definitely should be 149 and 146 very comfy.Takes a bit of time for muscle memory to adapt since Biros are like needle size so, More pressure for hand to hold/grip due to slick size of Area.

[@pohyokelo]

I watched this video as there was a Montblanc 149 available 2nd hand to be purchased. I then went to a shop and held one. The 149 is just HUGE .... so, I am waiting to perhaps get a 146 .... used ....

[@phm14]

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. I own a 149 and 146, bought used. From Amazon reviews I've read, Montblanc warranty service is poor enough to make a "new with warranty" purchase unwarranted. ;)

[@bob963me]

Your honesty and candor are always appreciated. As much as I drool over the prestige these pens are supposed to carry, I must classify them as things I would like to win in a raffle, but would never actually purchase.

[@sbrebrown]

I can certainly see that viewpoint!

[@stevehuffman7453]

Is the 146 cartridge/converter, piston fill, vacuum fill, dropper fill, or something else? No doubt very nice pens. However, I won't spend over $10 for a plastic pen. To be honest, I like the weight of the Brass Jinhao X450, and their 149 size 159. As for a gold nib, I can get a new one for around $125 ~ $135. A X450 with a gold nib would set me back less than $150. Why should I spend more? The 2 tone gold plated nib that comes on the X450 works great, so I can spend the cost of a gold nib on something more important, like ink and paper. 👍

[@ssjdonkey4489]

At the end of the pen review could you please do a rating. eg 1 to 10 (please include decimals if the rarings come close). Thank You,

[@sbrebrown]

No, I can't. That would be so subjective that I don't think it would add anything.

[@ssjdonkey4489]

ok

[@khoocheepeng]

Have one 146 Sterling Silver, love it,

[@PB877]

I like your point of view on those two fountain pens! You to hit the nail right on the head!

[@sbrebrown]

Thank you!

[@briantaylor7393]

I have a 146, good pen but over rated and over priced. I like using it now after I had a pen technician customise the nib for me. But, I would not take it out of the office as it has already cracked twice with ordinary use, no abuse. I think Mont Blanc are good pens but not good value but they have had and still do a great marketing program convincing everyone at large that that star logo in your pocket is a sure sign of success.

[@chillybilly826]

My absolute favorite review of yours. Simple to the point. A pen I've dreamed about. Great joke haha

[@sbrebrown]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@AllanEngelhardt0]

The “Signature” nib is not the 2B but the O3B, available as a nib replacement option only. It adds _a lot_ of expression to your signature :)

[@sbrebrown]

Thanks for the information!

[@extraesfera]

Hi Stephen! I love your videos. I've seen pretty much all of them and let me give you my honest opinion on your MB 149. If its warranty was valid at this point I am sure you would want MB to replace the nib/feed unit right away. Regarding your videos with the 149 and excluding the one where you make a joke with a rollerball shootout, I have to say this: - In it's own review it has 5 clear hard starts: at 10:46, 11:12, 11:35, 12:04 and 12:23... Pretty impressive if you ask me; - In the 149/M1000 shootout it has 3 hard starts at: 06:36, 09:15 and 10:36 (a serious one here); - In the 146/149 shootout it has 1 big skipping at 06:37; - In the 149/Jinhao 159 shootout it has 1 hard start at: 07:09 (minor one there, but a hard start nonetheless); - In the 149/Dolcevita shootout you actually say that it is prone to skipping. On that review it has 1 hard start at: 13:15 (and a skip, immediately after) and another hard start at 14:07; - In this video, it's right there for everyone to see... You try to be polite and clear its reputation to a certain extent, and I understand that, but unfortunately the fault on the nib/feed, to my standards, is undeniable and very annoying. I may be wrong but my guess is that the previous owner of your 149 already knew that the pen had issues and wanted to get rid of it. And I imagine you gotta be really pissed off with the guy... I definitely would be! On the 149/M1000 disassemble video (07:54) you mention that you've sent it to MB, and you complain that they cleaned the nib but did nothing to the piston, not even lubricating it. Well, it seems the nib/feed needed more than a clean up. In fact, I don't know if they search KZbin for videos on their products, maybe not, but if they did and if they cared for their product's performance, they would be really ashamed at this point... I have an Aurora Optima, fine nib... Very wet! no hard starts, no skipping! I can leave it sit there for 2, 3 or 4 weeks, it will write promptly at the first stroke. It costs almost half the price of the 149 and writes even better than my Pelikan M800, believe it or not, and the M800 is an excelent writer, as you know... I'm planning on buying a brand new 149, 90th anniversary. But if the pen exhibits that kind of behavior, I will want MB to replace the nib/feed unit immediately, no questions asked! For a pen that costs more than 700 euros I expect no less. If they don't fix it I'll take the next plane to Germany and burn down the place! End of MB....... ;) Congrats for the awesome videos! Cheers.

[@extraesfera]

sbrebrown I'm glad to know that, and quite frankly, it doesn't surprise me at all. You have technical skills that give you an hedge on that matter and allow you to solve problems like these, all by yourself. But that doesn't rule out the fact that many people don't have a clue on how to even begin, so they are totally at the mercy of the brand's technical service... My point is that MB should have fixed it when you've first sent them the pen. The issue was clear, and if they had some kind of doubt, they just had to write a couple lines with it to figure out the problem. If they didn't, the fault is theirs, obviously. But it's really good to know that your pen is now alright! You da man!!! ...And thank you for the astonishing work you've been doing here!

[@sbrebrown]

AuroraDigitalis Yes, I agree with that: from a pen that commands a high price like this, one could expect more!

[@MrPleers]

I guess that baby bottoms are more likely to happen with wider nibs. My 149 with an Medium nib has no baby bottoms whatsoever. (I was a bit worried about it, before buying one.)

[@robbiebluck]

Hello Mr Brown, If you wish you can make a short video on how you advised me on how to carry out the repair to the MB 149 I have. You may use the photographs I sent to you. Please include the name of the adhesive. I think others will appreciate the name of it. The round bit that came loose at the base is stuck fast. With your assistance, it was a good repair.

[@sbrebrown]

Glad it worked out!

[@thewritereview]

Great review!

[@Lyander25]

Andre Niquet- Or, if you need a slightly larger pen, the Full-Size 1911/1911 Large (different names for different markets) would better fit the bill. I own one, and it's perhaps the most comfortable pen I have. There isn't much of a difference between Sailor's 21k and 14k nibs in terms of writing performance, at least none that I could detect, but the physically larger size and the higher gold percentage make it quite a bit cooler, in layman's terms, haha.

[@funniq]

Thanks Kevin ... i'll look into that as well ... :) Enjoy your Sunday :)

[@Lyander25]

No biggie, just glad to help people find decent pens. Haha, if I were confident enough, I'd probably start doing reviews too XD

[@sbrebrown]

Kevin Joric Apolonio It's just a matter of diving in an doing it :-).

[@RobertMaguire67]

I do enjoy your weekly video posts. Truly and seriously. Short videos and too to the point with a load of humour! Nice to see you cut loose as I am sure you don't let the opinions roll in a cognitive studies lecture the way the pen opinions do here on KZbin. Do you think I could get to the piston using a paperclip and a TWSBI wrench? I have a MB 149 needing some silicone grease!

[@sbrebrown]

Someone once told me he actually uses a strong bent paperclip to open up his piston housing unit, so yes, you probably can! Glad you enjoy the videos!

[@RobertMaguire67]

Thanks.

[@ashishjain871]

Thanks for posting :).

[@juliomurillo5340]

Bought my Montblanc 149 at $300. My pen is skipping do you have any videos to show us how to load the ink and how to clean it or maybe it's got an ink clot.

[@IAT1964]

yes. great pens.

[@dagreateli]

Hey Stephen, did you ever find anything about the Ackerman pump pen? I know they can sometimes take a while to get once you've ordered them but I think they have improved their customer service.

[@sbrebrown]

I don't own one.

[@theOtinmia82]

Hey Steve, great video as usual. I think I am ready to add a Mont Blanc to my collection. I will be heading to NY City on the 8th and I am going to drop by the Fountain Pen Hospital. I don't know if you have been at their stores, but I hope they have some good deals there. If you have visit them, is it a good place to find a pre own pen there? If you don't know, please let me know what website you purchase the 149. Thank you so much for your comments

[@sbrebrown]

I have not been there, but I've heard very good things about FPH. I got my 149 from a Dutch auction site.

[@dagreateli]

You should look into the Ackerman pump calligraphy pen.

[@sbrebrown]

Yes, those look quite fascinating.

[@gearmonster1769]

Hi Stephen, Now that you've owned these for a number of years, I was curious whether you have noticed scratches or cracks in the body of either pen? I've read many reviews on Amazon where customers complained about that, especially with regard to the 149.

[@wisperingbeard]

good question. I'm also curious what Stephen paid for his 149

[@EtInArchadiaEgo]

Dear Mr. Brown, which kind of ink do you use in the 149? Thank you very much

[@sbrebrown]

Montblanc Irish Green, as I say in the video...

[@EtInArchadiaEgo]

sbrebrown Thank you! Sorry, I didn't get it, my english is really bad.

[@kshitijoberoi1928]

"That's what she said..!" 😂😂😂

[@yominrak7975]

Pelikan for the win :D Perhaps cannot impress people as much as Montblanc, but Pelikan M800 and the M805 Stresemann are great writing instruments :D

[@firewire086]

Which do you recommend to buy first? The 149 or the 1000? I have neither of them now.

[@firewire086]

I had a feeling you're gonna say that ;)

[@MrPleers]

I agree. (I have both, but the MontBlanc nib doesn't compare with the springy M 1000 nib.Although I love both pens.)

[@Qwerty-xu1kd]

idont like the idea to buy a 146 in a shop. but how to spot a fake mb？

[@markos741]

Great vid, Stephen. I own both these pens, the 149 pre-owned, and a new 146. I agree with what you said, but I would apply that to almost every pen at that price range. Is the Pelikan M1000 worth the price? Is the Visconti Opera Oversize worth €700? Are all the Sailor pens or the Montegrappas, or the Conid worth the price? I would say, agreeing with you, that any pen you find pre-owned in good condition, is worth purchasing. I'm not the biggest fan of MB, but considering all the alternatives, I have to say that these are reliable pens, and they will do the job they're designed for. Pre-owned is better, of course :)

[@sbrebrown]

They definitely are reliable pens!

[@dandelincheng9902]

Sir you subtle filthiness is quite ingenious lol.

[@siddi73]

Can you please add the visconti HS to the list ?

[@sbrebrown]

I'll see what I can do.

[@bazwright1962]

If you want to impress other people, buy a Montblanc. If you want to impress yourself, buy a Pelikan.

[@JerryBearry]

Before I bought my 146, I also considered the M800. For me, I just preferred the classic cigar shape. Lots of GOOD choices out there! I honestly don't worry about what other people think. I got a good one out of the box. It writes so well that I feel no need for more pens.

[@vollblau5310]

Nice jokes :D, by the way, how did you make somebody to sell you pens like these at that price?

[@sbrebrown]

Look around long anough and you'll stumble across a good deal.

[@robbiebluck]

Hello Mr Brown, I have a Meisterstuck149. It has slight scratches on its body. I ask, do you know of a method whereby these hardly noticeable scratches can be removed by polishing the body of the MB 149? Is.there a MB recommended polish for this purpose? I have a Dremel with a multitude of bits and polishing bits. Thanks :)

[@sbrebrown]

I think some pen restorers use a Dremel for that very purpose, but I have no practical experience with the process, so I don't want to recommend doing it so that you will ruin your pen :-). This may be a case of "don't fix it if it ain't broke".

[@sulymanahmed5423]

Could you please tell me which website is reliable for buying Meisterstuck 149 ob nib

[@GoranPlaysTV]

why do u have both?

[@douglasroehling]

Hi where is the best place to get second hand pen thanks

[@funniq]

Hi, I love your videos. I am new to pens and I am wondering. I love the way how these pens write but don't have the cash to buy a Mont Blanc. Could you recommend a brand/pen (max 100 EUR) who delivers the good. Same way of ink flow, calli style of writing without the ink on your hands and without skipping?? Thank you in advance ...

[@madamerosario]

I think Stephen would agree with me here: Sailor 1911 Mid-Size. Same style and arguably stolen cigar design with gold bands and a simple clip. Well balanced and Sailor make some of the highest quality and smoothest nibs in the world.

[@funniq]

madamerosario Thank you so much ... Have a nice Sunday

[@sbrebrown]

André Niquet Indeed, a good suggestion.

[@funniq]

madamerosario sbrebrown +Kevin Joric Apolonio... thanks guys ... i bought two pens from Japan: the Sailor Music en the Sailor Zoom ... But now I am only using the Music nib ... I love it. I have a very ugly hand writing and the music nib enforces me somewhat to write slower and 'sierlijker' :) The Music was about 130 euro (incl tax) and the Zoom nib about 150 euro incl. tax and import duties. Later I bought a Parker 51 (but not with a Greg-nib unfortunately) and a Pelikan 140 ... but the Pelikan has a nice flex nib, but is soooo scratchy, so I want to sell this pen soon. I realize now that buying fountain pens can be very addictive. :)

[@sbrebrown]

Very addictive.

[@SamHuq]

Hello Brown can u give me the 146 or the 149 please.

[@narendranramakrishnan9594]

Hi stephen Is there any difference in the build material of the pelikan m1000 and m200 ? i am planning to buy a m215 is it worth it ( in India it costs 9000rs =$150 )? is it possible to upgrade it to a gold nib in future ?

[@sbrebrown]

I don't know if it's the same material. The nib units screw in, so you can swap them out.

[@stefanzahra3105]

can you do a review on a mont blanc boheme fountain pen please ?????

[@sbrebrown]

I've used one at some point, and it's a nice pen, but I don't own one.

[@4jt25]

How bout doing one on the Lamy 2K? Pilot VP? =D

[@sbrebrown]

I'll see what I can do.

[@4jt25]

sbrebrown I look forward to it.

[@superflyayjay]

Another great video thank you ! I work in the city and I've contemplated the 149 for awhile now, I want a classic black pen like the 149 but I don't want the 'show off' stigma associated about it, I have a passion for fountain pens but because I'm young (21 years old) I don't want people to think I just bought it for the name which paradoxically puts me off buying it ?! On the other hand I feel as I begin to build a collection of fountains pens, I should have a 'strategy' e.g. just buy mont blanc rather than having a mix of many different branded pens What alternatives would you recommend / what are your thoughts? Thank you sir

[@sbrebrown]

Why don't you go for a Sailor King of Pen Pro Gear in black, then?

[@superflyayjay]

Yes I am considering this and the Aurora 88. Both are difficult to source in the UK unless purchased online! I shall see in the coming months what I go for ! Thanks :D

[@opulan]

Got a 149, after much self reflection I realised I got scammed 1grand

[@paulirineomontano5074]

How did you find out that you got a fake?

[@hrnekbezucha]

@@paulirineomontano5074 it may be genuine, just not worth it

[@pfridell8424]

a funny man!

[@spruceguitar]

The Pelikan wins 😂😂😂😂👍

[@Oldmoneydan]

Haha I had to comment. That's what she said..

[@GenWivern2]

90% semiotics, 10% pen. It amuses me to think just how infuriated the designers at Montegrappa must be when they see a Montblanc. While they're beavering away coming up with more and more elaborate (and preposterous) status signifiers to build into their products, all MB has to do is inlay a tacky white star. From what I hear, in the 1950s Montblanc probably had a justifiable claim to being at the pinnacle of pen making, certainly as far as nib making and finishing was concerned. Were I so inclined, those would be the ones I'd chase.

[@sbrebrown]

The good old vintage MBs with their flexy 14k nibs are a job to use - and they were quite a bit cheaper...

[@ndubstar]

$700 pen for the cheapest one? Yeah no. Pelikan thiugh are fantastic even the m200 steel nib is like a gold nib. I dont have a montblanc but if i was a millionaire yeah i would probably grt one brand new for the hell of ot. If it would be a fave i dont knoww or think so but hey.

[@jmbaug1229]

Montblanc and Rolex are very good brands but extremely over price and boring.

[@mike74ro]

My experience with Montblanc is the worst experience I ve ever had. And I am explaining you why. First of all, when choose a nib size, you actually choose nothing. I ve bought 3 MB, all of them FINE NIB and all of them over 1000 EUR. First one was Le grand and the FINE NIB was similar with BROAD from PARKER, second one was a classic one and the FINE NIB was similar with MEDIUM from PARKER and the 3rd one is a lady pen (Marelyn Monroe) and its FINE NIB is similar with FINE of PARKER. Moreover, I think the worst part of MB is the nib because all the pens had problems in writing, all of them wrote discontinued, It is very difficult to sign with them because of the same problem. VERY VERY DISAPOINTING. As my final conclusion I would say. MONTBALNC is the only brand where you pay your money only for the brand.

[@sammydavis6255]

I would prefer owning just 1 MB 149 instead of 20 cheap looking chinese or korean fountainpens 50€ each🤢🤑

[@boomjonggol5757]

Seriously? The *Pilot Custom 74* is 75$ on eBay.

[@sesu5604]

Sad and derogatory review.

[@armanbesler8253]

A skipping shiny plastic with some jewellery added. MB sucks.

[@firefightergtx3281]

Ouh the mechanics were superior for the time they came out and they symbolize peak of writing culture. Go for whatever pen you like but you cant take that from them.