Pelikan M805 VS Montblanc M146

[@freespirit995]

I have very many pelikans and only 1 Montblanc- several M800/805 and the MB Classique. So you have guessed it, I am a Pelikan fan. I am rather put off by the aggressive marketing of MB as a luxury pen with prices to match and rather pretentious franchise outlets in department stores. Pelikan strikes me as the true, serious writer's pen. Peter Twydle, one of the leading pen experts in the world and famous for his skills as a repairer, wrote a brilliant book called "Fountain Pens" he discusses the question “Which is the best fountain pen?” (page 145) and concludes that the Pelikan M800 is “the pen against which all others should be judged”. As he eloquently and persuasively writes: “The one question people ask me more often than any other is, “What is the best fountain pen in the world?” My answer is always the same - Pelikan, and specifically, the Pelikan Souverän M800 . Since Pelikan made their first fountain pen in 1929, the overall concept of their quality pen range has changed very little. The traditional design and the filling mechanism with its enormous ink capacity has stood the test of time and, instead of being subjected to the whims of fashion, has been content with just a steady refining and improvement. Also, the nib is just outstanding. Whereas other comparable manufacturers have rolled their gold thinner to extract more nibs per sheet, Pelikan has continued to manufacture a nib of the highest quality and durability in a wide range of nib points.” I completely agree, although I have a very soft spot for Sailor pens- especially their Pro Gears regular size and 1911 Large pens.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

I second your comment on Sailor pens. Their 21k nibs, especially, are to die for. I tried and loved the zoom nib, too. The Pro Gear standard and the 1911L are outstanding pens in every way. I have a handful of them. And the piston filling Realo is great as well.

[@TigerDude333]

Where do you see MB ads? They sell a luxury brand to a luxury market, and Pelikan isn't much different, frankly. I'm a Pilot fan, and I submit that none of us are objective enough to separate how we feel about brands from what they actually are. That's why Coke in a bottle tastes so damn good.

[@TXGRunner]

@@TigerDude333 I can’t address what the OP meant, but I can say Montblanc has dedicated “Gucci” stores in “Gucci” malls that sell MB belts, MB bags, MB locks, MB clothing, etc...oh, and they also carry a couple of pens. I think their argument is Montblanc is selling the brand, not the pens per se. I’ve never seen a Pilot, Sailor, or Pelikan store in Germany or Japan. They making writing instruments and things directly related to writing. I haven’t seen any Pilot branded socks, or Pelikan brand backpacks, or Sailor brand watches. Maybe, at their factory stores they do. If so, please correct me. I’ve never seen their stores in Siam Paragon, Glorietta Manila, or Dubai Mall opposite the Burj Khalifa. You’re right of course, none of us are objective. I think they were only expressing what put them “off” the MB brand. I have a similar attitude about Sony cameras, preferring Olympus, Canon, and Nikon...although I do have some older Leicas.

[@TeamFish15]

“If these were 2 live people, they’d be in a relationship.”🤣 Good one Kerry!

[@archivist17]

Definitely looking forward to your Appelboom Top 3 Pens bid.

[@bigstroke2069]

I love my MB 146 with a "F" nib. I've had it 20+ years. I like your videos.

[@lukaszpokoju]

To me, aside from the price and style aspects, one big advantage the Pelikan Souverän series has over the Monblanc Meisterstuck, is the easily removable and replaceable nib and feed unit.

[@arcfide]

Very nice review. I think you're right about the aesthetics being critical. For myself, I can't get excited about the Pelikan nib grinds (too broad) nor the aesthetics, whereas I have had multiple Montblancs because I like their design a lot, as well as their nibs. I am a huge fan of their MB149 Flex nib, but that's a different beast entirely.

[@rishikesh11]

I would like to know should I go for Pelikan M800 with a Fine or a Medium Nib? I like Lamy Safari with a Fine Nib. I am not able to make the decision. Also let me know, is there any real difference between Pelikan M600 and M800 in terms of writing experience? I follow your videos a lot. Please guide.

[@richardc6932]

My opinion only, a Pelikan medium is a broad writer and if your handwriting leans towards small you are better off with a fine nib. I am turned off with MB pricing. The Pelikan shown here is overpriced compared to the M800 or M805 due to it’s name “Stresemann” and has the same nib but is more attractive than the MB shown here and is ever bit as good a writer. JMHO.

[@archivist17]

Fascinating comparison, though. More useful to compare the 'second tier' offerings than the flagship models.

[@klt479]

I find these pens very different. The piston on the Pelican is brass on the Pelikan and plastic on new Montblancs. This not only is very significant as to quality materials, it also make the weight and balance noticeably better on the Pelikan. The writing sections are also rather different since the Pelican is flared witch makes for a better experience. The Pelika also hold more ink. The writing experience and nibs are also different as to stiffness and bounce.

[@getmartincarter]

Would have been better had you given exact measurements and weights using a ruler and a set of digital scales . How much exactly do they cost in US dollars . Both are excellent pens but which one was better and why ?

[@ichirofakename]

So you are comparing a straight nib with an oblique? Which is better, the apple or the orange?

[@fountainpens5199]

Both!

[@catwhisperer911]

If I could only have one I'd choose the Pelican. Thanks, Kerry, for sharing. Oh, BTW I'm loving my new Lamy 2000. You were spot on when reviewing yours. Mine has quickly become my favorite daily writer.

[@jwdyss]

Very nice video Kerry! I always enjoy seeing what you have to say! Ithink this is a good comparison. Of course my question is probably for another video, but now in 2023, I wonder if the discontinuation and lack of the ink windows or the transparency in some models might sway anyone's choice in purchasing either of these pens. Personally, I think being able to see ink levels is essential. I'm considering purchasing a new M800 or Montblanc (149 or 146) and find myself struggling over this ink viewing dilemma. Thanks again for all the great work you do! 😊

[@spruceguitar]

“If these two would be real-life people they would be in a relationship.” 🥰 Wow! Creative writing suggestion: I recommend using this line in a poem everyone.

[@Sunshine-nx5tc]

So happy to find your channel.Very insightful comparison:) Love Love Love your collection.

[@xShadesx3]

It would be great if you would add the pens and the inks to the description! Loveee your videos but find myself having to rewatch sections to catch what you say to be able to google them!

[@randy-9842]

Thanks, Kerry. The MB 146 and 149 are such common "benchmark" pens in the review world as comparisons for to other pens that I've been curious about them. I haven't purchased one nor even seen one up close. I do own an M800 Pelikan though and dearly love it. Seeing a direct comparison between the 146 and the M800 is very helpful. Personally, I like the look of the Pelikan better and, since it's a bit less expensive and already in my Pen remuda, I'll stick with it! Appreciated hearing your thoughts!

[@klt479]

The 146 is a much inferior FP to the m800. The 146 build quality is significantly less robust with a plastic piston vs brass on the m800. The writing experience of the m800 is consistently a uniquely high-quality writing experience, while that of the 146 is nothing significantly or mundane. As a result, my m800s are nearly always inked, and my 146s and 149s remained unlinked for over a year before I sold them. The only Montblancs worth buying are vintage.

[@Leicester_Square]

I personally own the Pelikan M215 (M) and the M805 (F) - very lovely pens. The M215 was perfect from the beginning, the M805 was a little bit on the rougher side, but after a few pages, it got better and now I would say, it writes just fine, really love it. My Brother and Father both own a M146 ("LeGrand" with piston filler) and I like them a lot. For my taste, the have a little bit more Feedback then my Pelikan pens. I find the cigar shape very pleasant to hold - so for writing comfort - in my personal opinion - the Montblanc is a tad more comfortable. I am looking foreward to own a MB 146 some day. BTW: The LeGrand Petit Prince piston filling pen is ca. 6g heavier then the 146 LeGrand (piston) - and the Petit Prince was a little bit more back heavy than the M146. Two weeks ago I had the chance to hold both of them in my hands.

[@ElderHiker]

I have to admit I'm a fan of the Pelikan M800 series and everytime I think I'd like the Monteblanc I just can't pull the trigger. Why? Well, to my unrefined eye, the Pelikan is soooo much more attractive. Sometimes I just pull out my M805 and just write. It is so comfortable and it writes so smoothly that it is just a joy to write with. When I first got into pens, I purchased the Monteblanc because it was "the" status symbol. But, I wasn't satisfied with its look and feel, so I sold it to my friend. But, the Pelikan satisfies on every level (aesthetically and functionally) and I look for reasons to write with it.

[@yominrak7975]

I have the Montblanc 146 (normal edition, the black resin with yellow gold trim), I have both M and EF nibs, they are too dry to my liking, I need to use very wet inks such as the Hero Doctor non carbon ink, Iroshizuku inks to write properly. The Pelikan Stresemann on the other hand is very wet even if my M805 Stresemann is on EF nib, I love this kind of wet nib (not gusher) and smooth with slight feedback on paper, and I do not have issues with dry or wet inks on my Pelikan. One thing good about Montblanc, I can bring the pen to any Montblanc boutique for cleaning the pen easily, Pelikan on the other hand, I would need to bring to a Pelikan office and the office accumulates the pens and send them in bulk to Germany which will take 8-9 months. Another good thing about Montblanc is it can be used for impressing people, even people who do not know about fountain pens, but they sure know about Montblanc.

[@keithwhitney7491]

I have more than one Montblanc. My first ever truly expensive pen (I was so naive I did not even know it was so expensive) was a 1992 gift of the Montblanc 149 with a 14K Nib (gift from an alumnus). I later purchased (sight-unseen) a used Montblanc 146, so I cannot make the comparison you did. In general, I was such a novice that I may not have then realized all aspects of how to use the Montblanc 149, but I was not overwhelmed by it. However, I do have three Pelikan M800 fountain pens, each with a different nib and color. I love the aesthetics of the Pelikan, and I have had wonderful experiences using each. My own single biggest purchase was a stretch to acquire the Montblanc Writer’s Edition Charles Dickens model, and I have absolutely loved it! I do not have it readily available right now, but I think it has a “F” nib, a little extra weight to the cap (although I too write with pens unposted). The balance and overall writing feel of the Montblanc makes it a favorite too. It is a difficult choice; however, I can find good deals on Pelikan pens. I never find a good deal on a new Montblanc! Even used the prices are a big stretch for me (a retiree) to justify. THANKS FOR YOUR REVIEW!

[@sajjadhusain4146]

I have both the MB 146 & 149, but inexplicably don’t own a single one of the Pelikan M series of pens. My pair of MBs are my pride and joy. Sublime smooth, broad, wet nibs - my long-standing top preference in fountain pens. I’m aware of how the pricier Pelikans like the M800 are reputedly the same i.e. wet, thick juicy writers. I’ll get my Montblanc pens new brides: a Pelikan M800 and an M1000. 🙂 And oh, the only pens I ever post are a bunch of my pocket pens. Other than that, I never post my pens.

[@krugmeup2162]

I tried the 146 b nib today / awesome. Do you think it actually writes nicer than the 149? I prefer the 149 size but the m nib wasn’t that exciting and it was finer than my m1000 f nib.

[@VuNguyen-tu1gv]

Great review! Thank you.

[@rakeshvarma4695]

Pelikan for me. I just think that as you said the aesthetic is a little more pleasing and calming! What could be more calming than a bunch of stripes!! Seriously, I find the performance and the price differences between Pelikan and MontBlanc to sway me towards the Pelikan.

[@glennkelley6096]

By the end of the video I couldn't remember which was which .

[@Netjez]

Just ordered my Pelikan M805 Stresemann F in Germany for 360€. In Germany we are having reduced tax due to corona. Contender was the purchase of a Aurora 88 big with sterling silver cap but it just does not write as nice as the Pelikan (Aurora nib had too much feedback for my taste). Thanks for your detailed review of the Pelikan, it made all the difference in my purchase. I was also considering the sailor brand for a fountain pen in this price range. I work in IT for 30 years now and only recently got hooked on the fountain pen thing, enjoying the ride :) Perhaps 2021 will be the montblanc year, the M in mat black looks nice. I will have 12 months to ponder that one 😁

[@clarkbilgrav]

The Pelikan Souveran green is my grail pen. 🥰

[@anguswhite8233]

Think I choose the Pilot Custom 823 because I like Japanese ‘F’ nibs; my Montblanc 146 ‘F’ writes more like a Japanese ‘M’: it’s got great shading but too broad for me; aesthetically, my Montblanc knocks everything else out the park!; great vid, thanks :)

[@mmmssbb23]

Hi, i am looking for a pilot 823 M. Can you pls tell me the line width of 823 M? Is it compatible to pilot metropolitan M line width ?

[@anguswhite8233]

@@mmmssbb23 suspect the Pilot Custom 823 may put down a slightly broader line than the steel M you get on the Metro: gold nibs have more bounce and perhaps because of this put down a broader, wetter line - if it’s very important to you that your 823 puts down the finest line it’s capable of, ink it with Diamine Imperial Blue:)

[@azur3s0ng]

Is it a factory or custom grinded OM on the 146? I have both a M805 Stresemann in F and a 146 in factory OM. My 146 writes much wider than yours.

[@PensandTea]

Factory. Very interesting though!

[@DrIli2008]

I have the Little Prince and a blue M605 (Galerias something edition from Germany) looove both. Now I want a Stresemann, but can't decide between the 805 or 1005. The size of the 146 for me is spot on, maybe I should try the m800.

[@jungroe]

Between my Pelikans and Montblancs, I enjoy the Montblanc nibs a little more. They have more character in my opinion. The Pelikan nibs tips are all generally ground round, whereas MB in the EF has architect character, and the medium has slight stubbish quality. The MBs have a nicer tactile feel too with a pleasant feedback.

[@jstone98]

I've just bought a Pelican m805 with a medium nib. Really worried that it's going to be to broad for my writing. Expensive mistake 😭

[@cmw9876]

If The Medium is your only nib . . . a problem. I bought with an EF as well. Pelikan needs to get their act together on classifying nib sizes. There's nothing EF about my EF . . . near enough to F. Since I have a choice, I enjoy using the Medium but it would be a pain to use it all the time.

[@michaeljones1009]

Hey Kerry. First off, love your videos. As a Brit I definitely approve of your love of tea 😂. Secondly, I'm wondering which Canadian based retailers do you use to purchase your pens, paper and ink, as I am moving to Canada in the next few weeks. Hope you can help

[@PensandTea]

I shop all over the place but I use Wonderpens mostly (Toronto based) but if you’re moving into a major city, google what local pens shops are there. A lot of cities have great pens shops but just don’t sell online. Welcome to Canada 🇨🇦

[@michaeljones1009]

@@PensandTea Thank you very much, I'll have to give wonderpens a try. I'm moving to Cape Breton, NS so pen shops might be a little limited 😂

[@KDArchive]

For Toronto, Wonderpens does the job. For Montreal, I'd recommend either Nota Bene or Casse-noisette. Welcome to Canada!

[@michaeljones1009]

@@KDArchive Hey bud, thank you for the recommendations, it is greatly appreciated! And thank you for the welcome, I can't wait to finally get there.

[@richardc6932]

@@michaeljones1009 a little limited, actually non exist!

[@jimmybritt8405]

Thanks for the good review. I find it so funny to hear people try to pronounce Montblanc with a German accent. It's just too funny to me.

[@richardc6932]

I could never justify buying a MB 146 when it runs twice the price of an M800 series Pelikan. I am curious to know if the MB has a metal piston mechanism for filling or just the traditional plastic components. The Pelikan M800 and 1000 series have I believe brass components giving them a slightly heavier feel.

[@MarioCarpintero]

MB is plastic. It surprised me when I tried them personally, they were so much lighter than expected. Nothing to do with the M800 bras piston heaft!

[@tommasocaretti1810]

Faboulous video Carrie. You’re addictive.

[@richardsimms251]

Very nice video

[@sguerrero2000]

Peter McKinnon flashback ❤

[@leopoldoparada76]

Hi baby, nice comparisons. See you in Toronto one day!

[@AlanJet5]

Size-wise they're pretty darn close. They're pretty darn similar. And, I can say it again they're pretty darn close. I don't actually have a scale, but they're pretty darn close. Cut to the chase - say what you want to say and no more, hun. X

[@thomaskuhn6541]

Who did the nib grind for you on the MB?

[@PensandTea]

Nobody. Came from the factory that way

[@efeocakoglu1969]

Montblanc one is clasique size or legrand size

[@mrcat3493]

I love my Pelikan m800

[@drananth]

I have a MB 146 in OBB. It doesn't write. It dances with glee and without a care! I initially got it in an M nib but it was just blasé. Just not me. So I had the nib changed to OBB. Then the magic happened. Even the ink (MB ROYAL BLUE) "opened up" it's character with the OBB. No regrets. Nice review there. It'll be good to see a comparison between German VS Japanese fp.

[@XtianApi]

Pelikan cellulose acetate body takes the win.

[@bjoerncis6949]

as far as i know the MB 146 is a c/c pen except some special editions like the le petite prince, so the pens you reviewed may be quite similar but Pelikan M800/M805 and standard MB 146 are not. roughly they may have similar dimensions but thats all they have in common. a cheap commercial ballpoint pen of mine has roughly the same dimensions as the M800 but i wouldnt compare these two.

[@krugmeup2162]

147 is the c/c.

[@chrisb7682]

Wrong. I own a few standard 146s that are all piston-fillers. You’re thinking of the 147.

[@archivist17]

I LOVE the look of the Pelikan Stresemann, but he was such an awful person that I really wouldn't want anything with his name. Daft, I know, but there it is.

[@ichirofakename]

Better to realise one's own quirks than to deny them.

[@paulmetdebbie447]

Was he? What are your sources? I thought he was a well respected statesman and nobleprize winner.

[@retardno002]

The name is only a reference to his clothing style.

[@kellieashman6908]

I thought the 146 was a cartridge pen

[@PensandTea]

No. There is a traveller pen that is the same physical size but it’s a 147

[@sanjaytucker1850]

kaufen einen Pelikan 100 prozent !