Montblanc Meisterstück „LeGrand“ (146) - Fountain Pen Review

[@prasadkolluri4877]

Got my LeGrand 146 today. It is a fine tip. This is what I can summarise upon it - Dimension, Weight and Balance - Perfect, just perfect. It is difficult to say it in words, but once you write with this pen, it is quite difficult to come back to the other pens in my collection. For most part, it is the balance and the feeling of the pen in the hand. Doesn't matter if it is the Parker Duofold, or the Sailor or the Faber Castell or the Lamy or the Pilot or whatever it is, no other pen "feels" the same in the hand as well as this one - It is almost a natural extension of my hand. I am very happy that I have gone for the 146 and not the 149, because it will be too big for me and the 145 could be too thin. The 146 is just perfect in the way it sits in my hand - even without putting any words on the paper. Nib - The nib is smooth, but not as smooth as the Sailor nibs. It has some feedback, not scratchy, but feedback. In saying so, I feed good about the feedback because it is the good feedback. When I pick the Sailor after this one, it is too smooth that the nib feels dead literally. The 146 on the other hand makes me feel as though the nib is live. The line it lays is also good for daily use - It is not too broad, not too thin, just perfect. A good comparison would be the Sailor Medium Fine nib. The nib of the 146, though fine is wet - very wet, but it never puts down too much ink - Suffice to say that the feed is optimised to the deliver the most ink that is needed to lay down a clear line - nothing more, nothing less. Overall - As a combination of the balance and the nib characteristics of the pen, I like it a lot - It elevates my handwriting and the accuracy of the strokes - My handwriting is more precise with it. I feel really good about it feels like a natural extension of myself - each stroke is exactly what I expect it to be and each stroke leaves me with a feeling, delivered smoothly and consistently - it is not lifelessly smooth, if you know what I am trying to say. I have realised that the Montblanc fountain pens have a design fault with them - Took me a few minutes of ownership to realise this - When unscrewing the cap, you need to be careful not to unscrew it holding on to the bottom part of the pen, you will inadvertantly open up the piston filler and not the cap - happen twice to me in the 30 mins of ownership. If only the piston filler has the thread turning the other way, it wouldn't have happened, or some form of fail safe mechasim for foolish people like me.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience! I am very happy to hear that the pen gives you that much joy. I rarely see someone that happy with a piece. Wonderful! To your last point: this has never disturbed me and is probably an issue with many piston fillers? I frankly never hold a pen that far back when unscrewing it...I typically hold onto it somewhere around the middle of the body.

[@raclark52]

I bought my first MB 149 about 32 years ago. It was my first because my boss gave it to a client when they signed a sales contract. He had no idea what he gave away until I replaced it and gave him the expense report. I have kept it all this time and while it is not a daily writer I do carry it an use it frequently. I have never seen it as a status symbol. I enjoy it and have never regretted the purchase. I know that now they are crazy expensive but 35 years ago it was crazy expensive too. I have a Visconti HS and a Visconti Manhattan Magma as well as a Montegrappa Ducale Grande and a couple of Parker Duofold Big Reds and a Pelican m800 which were all crazy expensive. The MB 149 remains one of my favorites.

[@Scrivelynotes]

I didn't intend to suggest that the pen will serve as a status symbol to all users. Mine is no such thing to me, as well. To some, I guess it is. Moral leaned: I won't hand mine to a colleague for contract signing :) *packs in a BIC ballpoint*

[@ironmic9244]

3 things I absolutely adore about Montblanc pens: the snow capped logo, and the engraving of Montblance Meisterstuck on the center band, and of coarse the aesthetics of the nibs. I think when it come to details and finishing, Montblanc can't be beat.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Not sure they can't be beaten, as there are very many brands out there with a least equal, if not more, attention to superb execution. Like Pelikan. Or Sailor. Either way: I do agree with you on the 3 things you adore! :)

[@ironmic9244]

@@Scrivelynotes Funny enough I was thinking about Pelikan and Sailor when I wrote my comment. May be I should have said aesthetically. Unfortunately, the cap band on my 1911 has some polishing issues, and I can feel the seam from the injection molding . The Souveran line is well put, but on my 120, and 200, both Pelikan and Germany seem to be randomly engraved. I would put Delta, and especially OMAS have having a eye for detail and finish.

[@TheRealSk8rcruz]

Thank you for the close up grip section comparisons. The size of the section is a deciding factor-the thing I must consider once a pen catches my eye.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks! Glad it was useful.

[@haripulakkat3490]

I don't own a 146 yet, but the wiggle of the cap is not uncommon, I have heard from others who own it. It happens in the Pelikan Souveran series as well. Considering that both pens unscrew quickly, I am wondering whether it is a trade-off. A faster unscrewing in return for a cap that does not stay in place perfectly.

[@Scrivelynotes]

doesnt really bother me in daily usage

[@jonpondi1206]

I believe since the body is plastic, heat could expand it causing the cap to crack; over tightening, etc…. expert engineering and years of experience at work here

[@arnauuu1]

I have never bought a Montblanc pen, because my father, who recently passed away, was a fanatic Montblanc fountain pen collector and I have about 30 of them (146s, 149s, and some limited editions...). I happen to prefer the design of the 80s, with the monotone yellow gold nib. Anyway, all are, although overpriced, great pens and so enjoyable to use them if you like fountain pens.

[@aliveli-hq6zk]

u lucky one

[@taywil64A]

As usual a very good and fair review. I enjoy writing with my MB 146 (albeit) I had the nib modified to a fine italic which writes as thin as a Japanese fine, and it is a favourite in my pen line up. It is one which has "W. Germany" on the cap band. I did buy it second hand so I saved some money. Regardless, the MB 146 (and 149 are) a treat to write with. I have an OBB 146 but it is way, way too broad for my taste and I find the medium a wee bit on the broader side too so I use those two pens seldomly. The EF seems more my style when I reflect on it and the writing sample showed how neat and tidy the written word is with such an EF MB nib.The only thing I dislike about MB is the status symbol associated with the brand.Enjoy many years of writing with the pen Herr Scrively.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks much for a very nice and balanced comment, Sir! I agree with you: I also enjoy the pen a great deal, but I dislike the status symbol character that is associated with it.

[@AtilioEscobar]

Excellent video my friend. You really do break down the comparison's of other similar pens. I did just buy a 149 and it is an exceptional pen, but have others in my collection that write just as well. Although, I do love their squared off nib grinds. Pretty unique.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks much! Glad it was useful :)

[@wayneclarkson375]

Scrively concerning the cap on my MB 146 the threads have tightened up over time and the cap fit more snugly and also the nib has softened up as well as you wear it in. Thanks again.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Great, thanks for that feedback! Can't wait for that to happen on mine, too. Maybe I need to use it more.

[@masudashizue777]

Although I probably wouldn't buy one for myself, my boss was retiring and we easily raised money to buy her a 146. I'll use the surplus amount to buy a bottle of MontBlanc blue ink.

[@keithwhitney7491]

YOU REALLY SCORED FOR ME! I have a 1992 Montblanc Meisterstuck 149, but it is one that came out when a 14k nib was one standard. It is a gift, so I will not sell it. However, I seldom use it. Yet, I was interested in a comparison with the MB 146. To take your comparison even further, I could purchase a mint, slightly used, Pelikan 800 for over $100 less than the “mint” 146. I could buy an incredible M800 from a dealer in the Far East (I trust this dealer) for less than the used 146. Finally, I could buy a NEW SAILOR PRO GEAR REALO FOR LESS THAN ANY OF THE NEW PENS MENTIONED. It has the 21K nib! I am just too old to think anyone is going to judge me as anything other than a social climber if I have a pen that I overspent on because of a worldwide logo of prestige of the “aristocracy.” Maybe it is a European thing or NYC or uptown, but, even in California, I am just foolishly lavish. THANKS FOR HELPING ME STAY MORE GROUNDED.

[@Scrivelynotes]

It's all relative, isn't it.

[@OspreyPens]

Another wonderful review! Keep up the amazing videos Scrively!

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks a lot, my friend! Means a lot, coming from you!

[@Shub99]

Luckily I bought my MB 146 (Burgandy) at a department store in a mall on a trip to Dubai in 1997 or thereabouts 😇... They were having a sale and I think I got it at a ridiculous sumguy price .... It's a lovely old pen now, and the first "premium" pen I bought. I agree, the MB pen prices are bordering on unviable due to the luxury brand positioning they've really pushed hard on. But the pens are a treat to write with...

[@Scrivelynotes]

Lovely little story! Great to have such a wonderful keepsake of so many years! Hope to have mine that long, too.

[@Shub99]

@@Scrivelynotes it survives because I was braver then to pay the price then, these days I would think many times 😂😂😂😂

[@AlessandroVolta1]

My 146 cap did the same thing but after using it for a while it seemed to get tighter. I think that the threads sort of wore in allowing the cap to thread on maybe a millimeter further than when it was new. The pen is a very good writer but has a stiff nib as you indicate.

[@Scrivelynotes]

AlessandroVolta1 yeah true. When I screw the cap on a little further, it also doesn’t do that. But feels awkward, as if one’s about to overtighten. Certainly doesn’t feel natural. And as many other pens show, doesn’t need to be like that (thinking of the awesome fit of Pelikan caps) - certainly not at a luxury object of this price range.

[@AlessandroVolta1]

Scrively, the 146 will grow on you. I got sucked right in and added a 149. I like the Pelikans and Sailors too, but the Montblanc pens are the original luxury pen. When they get compared to Pelikans it is like comparing Coke to Pepsi. Pepsi gave you more soda, but Coke is the original. BTW, you do some of the best pen reviews. Thanks.

[@Scrivelynotes]

@@AlessandroVolta1 Great, looking forward. Also would find a 149 tempting. Thanks for the kind words, too!

[@h3o296]

Very helpful video. Thank you for posting. I watched before and after purchasing a MB that was worth it to me.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Which one did you get?

[@h3o296]

@@Scrivelynotes I got the 146 Around the World in 80 Days F-nib. Like it a lot.

[@Scrivelynotes]

@@h3o296 fantastic pen!

[@efeocakoglu1969]

smooth?

[@1q2653]

Mine skips occasionally and writes very dry making it only suitable for certain fountain pen friendly paper. I sent it to Montblanc three times and had the nib changed from B to M to F. It's better now than it was with the previous nibs but it is still puzzling how a pen with obvious flaws like that can be so famous. Did you have similar issues with yours?

[@Scrivelynotes]

Sorry to hear. No, not at all. I have two 146s, one 149, and handled a few other models. All of them were almost too wet for me, so I always have to use drier inks to tame them a little. So the opposite is true for me.

[@jameskeener7251]

Thank you for your video. I learned and enjoyed the process. A LeGrand (146) fountain pen was delivered recently. It’s presented as the Heritage Edition Paris Olympics 1924-2024. A gloriously red instrument. The cap wiggles. I had it engraved with my initials and had intended to bequeath it to a nephew who has the same initials. In the grand scheme, a wiggling cap isn’t a monumental problem. But it does preclude giving the pen as an heirloom. Very sad for me.

[@Scrivelynotes]

I think overall it doesn’t matter hugely. I have mine ever since, it still works perfectly, and I don’t notice the wiggle (since one never really wiggles the cap in daily usage). So I think you can safely look forward to pass it on one day. But I agree: not expected of a MB.

[@XocasV]

I have an old catalogue from the nineties and it says that StOD stands for the quality of materials. Nice review!

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks very much!

[@reympab29]

My first MB Meistertük was a graduation gift. It’s a roller ball. I cherish it a lot and still use it (as a statement). I would like to know if it’s a way to give it maintenance (yes I have dropped a few times, but scratches are barely visible).

[@Scrivelynotes]

yes, sure. You can either send it in to Montblanc, or you send it to a pen repair shop/person.

[@efeocakoglu1969]

Can ı ask something the nib is smooth?

[@Scrivelynotes]

yes it is.

[@efeocakoglu1969]

@@Scrivelynotes thanks

[@mike_010]

Can’t decide whether I should buy the yellow gold or rose gold 149 Just afraid that rose gold would be too pink for me, yellow gold is classic but could be too boring A 149 is not a cheap pen, so I don’t want to have a wrong decision Could anyone give me some ideas? I would directly go to the pen store if it doesn’t have the damn COVID-19

[@Scrivelynotes]

Hard to say, as is very personal matter of taste. Maybe wait until you can check it our in person or ask a reputable seller like LaCouronneduComte or Appelboompennen if you can order both, then decide and send the other one back.

[@mike_010]

​@@Scrivelynotes yeah, it's better to look in person before the decision🤔, I would wait until I can go and see it btw, your review is wonderful, can't wait to see more upcoming videos!!!

[@Scrivelynotes]

@@mike_010 thank you very much. I have just posted a new video this very second ;)

[@amenaalnassr5782]

How much does it cost these days???

[@mike_010]

@@amenaalnassr5782 It can be different depends on the region, but in where I live, it costs around 750usd in pen store. The official price is probably about the same worldwide.

[@yony120]

In the Lamy 2000 review you said it was your favorite. Is that still true?

[@Scrivelynotes]

Yonathan Zarkovian yes, it is still true for all the reasons that I mentioned in this review. I recently rewatched it myself 😊.

[@yony120]

@@Scrivelynotes Thank you for your reply! I'm contemplating between a new Lamy 2000 and a used MB 146, and I read that the 2000 is a nail - is this true? I like the softness of my Pilot Custom 74 and wouldn't want a nail. Oh and I'd appreciate it if you could tell me which of the two is softer - the MB or the Lamy. Thanks!

[@Scrivelynotes]

@@yony120 you're welcome. Well, it is true that the Lamy 2000 is not a very cushioned of bouncy writer. Which would also be difficult, given the fact that the nib is quite short with a tiny slit, so there really is not much space for it to flex or swing. Still, it is an extremely smooth writer, I have to say. It always depends on whether you want softness (cushioned writing experience - and often also line variation) or smoothness. Sometimes people confuse these two. To your MB-question: it depends on how old the used MB is. The rather modern version are definitely also far from being soft. The vintage ones are said to be very flexy. I have three modern MBs, but never wrote a vintage one. So I can#t talk about the latter. But there are many MB forums and also knowledgeable people on Instagram that know what year was producing the nicest soft vintage MB nibs.

[@yony120]

@@Scrivelynotes Thank you for taking the time to reply. I have no idea how old the used MB is, but I should meet the seller this weekend and I'll see if I like it. Thanks!

[@Scrivelynotes]

@@yony120 my pleasure. Let me know how it goes and what you decided to do in the end.

[@NEM24780]

why 600 euros when many times the pen is on eBay used, in great condition, for 250 usd or so. It is indeed a fantastic pen, worth even 600 euros

[@tomasgimenez3199]

Not commenting this in German for the sake of interneticity. I bought this pen in 1992 as a present to my grandmother who was a fountain pen lover (which is why I am one) and she used it for almost two decades until she passed away. After which the pen ended up with me where it is highly esteemed for its sentimental value. Piston was hard so I went for a disassembly with the "Montblanc tool" you buy in China instead of letting Montblanc charge you whatever they like. Having the pen disassembled in front of me, I was ever so disappointed: a body of "precious resin" (plastic), a piston mechanism that is no better than a Wing Sung 3008´s and a nib that may contain some 0.568 grams of gold. A nib, by the way, that in my opinion is not State of the Art in terms of writing. I bought it for the reasons I did, I would never buy it for myself.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Tomas Gimenez I see your point. A polarizing pen and brand, indeed. I guess some of your arguments may be applied to many other pen brands equally (which surely doesn’t make them less true) - but I guess the surplus that MB charges (and yes: most of it is created through marketing) makes them especially vulnerable to such argumentation. I get your point!

[@tomasgimenez3199]

@@Scrivelynotes, you are right, this certainly does not apply only to Montblanc. Reason why I do not own, for instance, a Pelikan or a Visconti but instead enjoy honestly crafted Diplomats, Faber Castells or Lamys. There are people that buy pens not as such but as jewelery, and that is perfectly ok. To me, though, it still is all about the writing.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Tomas Gimenez Fully agreed. Guess it’s all a matter of where one personally draws the line.

[@wayneclarkson375]

Tomas Gimenez i also take the piston mechanism out of my MB 146 when i need lubricate it but i use a modified paper clip as a removal tool which works perfectly. I am like you i wouldn't pay the price MB would ask for something i can do myself for the price of a paper clip.

[@tomasgimenez3199]

@@wayneclarkson375 You are more skilled than me (which is easy, I am pretty clumsy), my first attempt with a paper clip left some marks on the pen, but were to no avail. Paid some 15 € for the Chinese "Montblanc tool", which worked fine and was 10% of what MB would have charged me. I like the pen, it is full of fond memories to me. But my -just to say- Lamy Studio with a gold nib writes much better (to my taste).

[@AryanAlemi-m9u]

Regarding cap wiggle room, Montblanc corrected the issue they had with vintage 146. the wiggle room is designed to avoid scratch line.

[@Scrivelynotes]

not very sure about this, as those pens scratch more than any other makes that I know of

[@EverGreenElephant]

When a feeling of nostalgia kicks by seeing these prices... 19:52

[@Scrivelynotes]

😂

[@andrewtongue7084]

Good evening, Michael. I'm going to deal with your summing-up of the Montblanc range as a whole; certainly, they are overpriced, but it is indeed, the brand name that you are paying for. There is no doubt, since their inception to the world of fountain pens, the quality has, by & large, remained consistent; however, in regard to the "wiggly" cap, there is a general consensus - & this refers not only to the above, but also the piston-filling mechanisms - the most well-made 149's & 146's were manufactured in the 1980's & '90's - the 'Le Grande' you feature is after this time period, & there have been quality control issues (all be they minor imperfections), where such flaws have been noticed by purchasers. I own two 146's - the classic black (yellow gold accents), & a burgundy, also with gold accents - the black model dates to 1990; the burgundy, 1998 - their performance is outstanding, & yes, I bought them secondhand. The early versions of this model (& the 149) were scrupulous in their attention to detail. Admittedly, I service all my own pens - so buying the purpose-made tools is essential. Historically, M-B have gone through stages of varying quality - usually decade to decade. I cannot in all consciousness consider that I would buy a brand new M-B - in part, because the quality may be at variance, & because of your aforementioned assertion - pricing. What I would advise anyone wishing to buy a 146, is to look around on the pre-owned marketplace - there are some real gems to be had, & at a fraction of the price. In total, I have over 40 fountain pens under this brand, & have found the 1950's, '80's, & '90's models (with the odd foray into the 1930's - '40's) to be the best issues. Thank you, as always for such a straightforward & honest review, my friend :)

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks much again for a very thorough and educative comment, my friend! The Burgundy one is certainly a beauty as well - and oh boy do I envy your MB collection. Just kidding, but I may need to go hunt some vintage ones :-).

[@andrewtongue7084]

Not at all, Michael. The earlier M-B's (as I am discovering with many brands) tend to be of a better build quality. Have a great weekend, my friend :)

[@wayneclarkson375]

Scrively nice to have you back Sir. I bought my MB 146 many a year a go it is a cracking pen in all respects it is a great performer a total joy to write with and the perfect size for me. I will admit i do prefer my Pelikan M 600 i just prefer Pelikan pens. But having said that my MB is here to stay and will remain my collection of fine writing instruments. Thanks again for another excellent review and hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and see you on your next video.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks much for stopping by, again! I am also a great fan of Pelikan, as you know! Hope you had a wonderful festive season as well!

[@celestialteapot309]

I've been unable to use my Mont Blanc fountain pen since my Grandfather passed away after falling in a climbing accident. We told him he was too old to scale any more peaks, but he couldn't resist one more expedition.

[@jonothankaplan]

Gotta shame the dead grandpa every once in a while

[@alim2582]

great review

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thank you very much!

[@thedandymod]

I dream with this fountain pen.

[@Scrivelynotes]

It's a great pen, isn't it!?

[@vaibhavmishra2331]

hope you get it!

[@AppelboomPennen]

Thank you for the review!

[@Scrivelynotes]

Appelboom Pennen thank you very much!

[@danmagoo]

Montblanc ran a fancy ad, bragging that King Charles uses a MB 146 (silver). After the recent incident of Charles melting down because the bloody thing leaks every time, got ink on his hand and he said he hates the thing, Montblanc might want to reconsider the bragging rights for this one.

[@JavierArellano]

Great review. One thing I would like to add to your comment of the price is that if you want/need to sell a Mont Blanc is very likely to recover your investment.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Very true. Thanks for adding

[@Dr.Huzaifa_Saud]

₹53,200

[@mmmssbb23]

I am not happy with MB146, My collection m205>m805>pilot metro>MB146

[@prasadkolluri4877]

A few years back, I use to drive a Royal Enfield Bullet. It had a character to it. When I say Character - Well, the thing is, it was mostly man-made and had a 70 year old engine design that just keeps working. Had it's imperfections and it is the very imperfections when added to charm of using it. It had probably the smoothest drive of them all, not necessarily the smoothest ownership, because every now and then, a bit too frequently ofcouse, it needed maintenance. But one thing be said, it felt like an extension of myself, as though, it is a human - there is life to it. It is the same with this pen. More about it in the post below

[@IJustKant]

Scrively: comparing prices, calling the 146’s price outrageous. Me, having just bought a Pilot Custom 845 Urushi: 😳

[@Scrivelynotes]

It’s all relative, isn’t it

[@IJustKant]

@@Scrivelynotes Yeah, even with the price tag I don’t regret the purchase. It’s a lovely pen that’s given me a lovely writing experience.

[@Scrivelynotes]

@@IJustKant „yolo“, as the younger generation says.

[@pencollectionscambodia5407]

😍😍

[@putteringpenman]

Very good review! I've been looking to try a MB 146 or 149 for a while.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thank you very much! They are great pens, I think. Did you have the chance to try one of them?

[@putteringpenman]

Yes, I tried one at a MB retail store. It was very good, but I couldn't justify buying it given the other excellent pens in my collection.

[@wesfoulds47]

All my pens do that

[@Marco_LaGuardia]

The lamy 2000 is so cheap in comparison with those pens... and at same time, TO ME, it is far superior!

[@Marco_LaGuardia]

Immer Lamy 2000....

[@hossamnabil6306]

I am putting a second...and maybe a third "Like" in here in the comments

[@Scrivelynotes]

Haha, thanks. Why is that?

[@jisa98]

Pelikan is a lot better deal.

[@med017784]

Absurd and nonsense review. Go to a Laney Castle to ask for elocuence stone

[@BobHuesman]

It's a piece of JUNK.

[@theamericano3966]

How have you drawn that conclusion?

[@syedmohdfasihnaqvi155]

@@theamericano3966 Jealousy , Hate

[@federalisticnewyorkians4470]

Please, provide some proof or argument. This is the first negative review I’ve ever seen for this pen.

[@pencollectionscambodia5407]

😍😍