The Final Showdown: Montblanc 146 vs Pelikan M800 vs Pilot Custom 823

[@jeongminhyeong1938]

Nice comparison! I have a custom 823 and I have imagined myself getting both the 146 and m800. However, I always back down when I realize how Awesome the 823 is.

[@stockscalper]

I own a number of Pelikan fountain pens and every single one has been a smooth, wet writer right out of the box I have found them to be extremely consistent. I also own a MB 146 and it is a very smooth writer. Pilot pens to me have a scratchy nib which I don't care for. The Montblancs and Pelikans have been the smoothest writing pens I've used.

[@gautamghaisas]

Like your videos, very few Indians doing these kind of videos... Personally I do not have the budget to buy any of these but have a few economical fountain pens..

[@mrpilotsapien7705]

According to what they bring to the table YOU DONT CHOOSE.... YOU GET THEM ALL. Thats how great they are.

[@TheRealSk8rcruz]

I was very interested in this review because I own these three pens as well. The Pilot i bought new and the others, used. My evaluation is very similar to yours and I use the Montblanc most often. It has a broad nib and a little feedback at a certain angle which could be an inexpensive repair to make it perfect. My Pelikan is a Fine nib and very wet. It is the bounciest of the three and comes clean very easily. The Pilot cost $288 USD new. It has the most feedback of the three and takes longer to clean. Thank you for the excellent review, sir.

[@klt479]

Thanks for a great review of these three pens! This is by far the most fair and balanced review of these pens I have seen. I don't have a 823 yet. You reminded my why I need one as an everyday writer!

[@kevinu.k.7042]

Thank you for this well done and thought provoking review. I had not heard that the Pelikan had issues with their nibs. The two I have had have been exceptional straight out of the box. Smooth and virtually no feedback whatsoever. The other thing I might say is that generally the Custom 823's have very buttery nibs with almost no feedback whatsoever. Some folk complain about that. I can vouch for this smoothness as, again I have two. I wonder whether you got an 'odd' one there. I don't own a Montblanc as I have enough pens now and the two pens above more than meet my scribbling needs. Also, I cannot justify the premium price of the Montblanc when compared to them. It would good to see it demonstrated though. Again, thank you.

[@tsherbs1309]

We'll, you didn't have to choose, did you? 🔥

[@123four...]

A lot of people complain that pelikan nibs are too broad. But personally, I like nibs that aren't as fine as a needle like some Japanese pens.

[@stargazer1359]

I don't have any of these, but enjoy your reviews. The finish on the Pelikan is so eye-catching. Just beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@symplesy2056]

That ocean swirl is hot right now. People are paying over 800 over it. Thats like double its original retail

[@keithwhitney7491]

Interesting and helpful! I have a Pilot Custom 823 (2 actually: one in Broad and one in “M”), and I find the broad to be an almost true “B” nib on mine. So, for a lot of writing, I tend to prefer a Pelikan M800 (I have several models). I have a 1992 Montblanc 149 with a 14K nib (gift from a former student of mine), and I have not considered it my best writing pen. I purchased a used (pretty old) Montblanc 146, but I confess that I have not used it enough yet to make the comparison that you did. Since I purchased the 146 online, I could not be sure of its use and care. I cannot make a good comparison, so I appreciated yours very much.

[@paulmetdebbie447]

I have several Pelikan's of all sizes and so far they all wrote great out of the box. Nib sizes may differ in practice indeed. I have three medium nibs m200/m400 of which one writes medium, one medium fine and one fine. My m1000 is medium and writes the same as m800 broad. Again, they all perform to perfection. But there is inconsistancy in the size performance. I don't mind that, but if you do, you should try them out in shop or by at a reputable seller where you can exchange nibs. By the way Pelikan has the most easy way of changing nibs, they simply screw out without any tool or risk. Nib performance of my Sailor pens also differ a bit. And also the paper used and the ink may greatly influence the thickness of the lines. Thanks for the test 🙏

[@tonycurtis4282]

I'm about to purchase a Pilot 823 myself though in the Amber color. I've been a huge fan of Namiki/Pilot for decades and have owned a few of their limited editions. That said, I do like Pelikan as well. You are correct. With Pelikan, it can be a hit or miss with their nibs and consistency, but they do make some beautiful pens and when they are tuned, are extremely good writers.

[@p1ranesi]

I thought this was a superior video of its type, with well-chosen contestants. I've just bought a medium 823, and now I wonder if a broad would've been better, since for me flow is everything.

[@freespirit995]

This is an interesting comparison. I have the 823 Amber and the Pelikan Ocean Swirl but not the MB 146 (I have the Classique instead which is slimmer and not comparable). Personally, I would suggest the Pelikan as the best of the three- mine has a fine nib which is broad for a fine and writes wonderfully, (but the drawback is that the Ocean Swirl version does not have an ink window, which is annoying as you can't tell how much ink is left unless you beam a powerful torch at the body of the pen e.g. from an IPhone). Other Pelikans (M800 which are large or M600 which are of medium sizes) have consistently proved reliable and wonderful writers over many years. The Pilot 823 is a fine pen and I use it as my "travel pen" as it has a huge ink capacity. The drawback is the need to regularly open the valve to let in through to the nib, which I find a little irritating at times. MBs I cannot really comment on because I only have a different and slimmer model, but the 146 is certainly on my list. I was surprised, however, that you did not include the Sailor 1911 Large series, which had a comparable size but are not piston fillers. Their 21 carat gold nibs are simply wonderful- smooth and precise, (like writing with a freshly sharpened pencil as someone has said). This other Japanese pen would- in my view- certainly compete with Pelikan and Pilot. But thanks for the review! Very informative!

[@TheSH1N1GAM1]

If you didn’t know, you can remove the rubber stopper that separates the main ink reservoir from the nib on the Custom 823. I did it so I don’t need to worry about regularly opening the valve. Like you, I found it annoying at times.

[@lucm6476]

nice pens , my choice would be the pelikan , thank you for the video

[@drfountainpens1521]

The screwable nib unit is an added advantage with that. One can always try multiple nib widths.

[@spacecat7715]

I am pretty soon going to get a Pelikan M805 Blue Dunes. I have a MB 146, but the nib might need tuning. My Pilot Custom 823 amber was perfect right out of the beautiful box it came in.

[@0xss]

146 with a BB nib would be my first choice. I wish that pelikan still made BB nibs. Wouldn’t consider the 823 solely because of the limited nib sizes. (That go above a western medium)

[@TrajanRoman]

Most curious to know: : Like-for-like how does the Pilot M nib stack up against the Pelikan and Montblanc in terms of width and wetness? (I suspect the Pilot is not as "smooth" and "buttery" as the German pens but come with more feedback?)

[@escargotomy]

This is a very tough choice here! Almost impossible as each one is a superlative writing experience. However, the one I reach for most often is the Pilot for the smooth as glass feel and huge ink capacity. Also, the other 2 are so expensive I almost never go out of house with them. But if I'm honest, the Pelikan is the most satisfying to write with.

[@SijalAhmad]

Like your handwriting mate.

[@milchpuder]

Really enjoyed your presentation and review style.

[@123four...]

I'm thinking of getting a pro gear realo. Since it's in around the same price range of these pens, I was wondering what you think about it if you have tried it.

[@jamesjacocks6221]

I have one that came with a H-M nib that made string instrument sounds! The Realo is a maroon and now wields a cross nib. I like the Sailor nibs especially for their well tuned inking and their light feedback. I have never had a problem with the pens starting, they almost won’t dry out.

[@waltonsimons3323]

I heard this in so many different reviews and your review seems to confirm this - the Pilot custom 823 punches far above its weight. Thinking of buying this just for the awesome writing experience

[@ctsealteam6]

I have used my 823 for 2 years now, and I kinda regret it. Cos it performs so well, it makes buying anyother pen for practical reason seem stupid. It will remains to be my fav pen for a long long time.

[@breadyegg]

Nice to see you using an Endless Recorder notepad. Pence per page they are the best value TR68gsm I can find, look great and are excellent construction as well. (They will be releasing their own paper soon, which they say is better than TR!) I have an 823 but of course need to get the other two.

[@moinpatel3262]

Where would be a good place to buy used fountain pens

[@prashanttikekar6693]

I do not have a MB 146 but I have other 2 and I prefer Pelikan M805 over Pilot 823 as it has better build quality and simple filling mechanism. (Openimg of valve frequently for ink flow in 823 bothers me a bit) I have tried MB 146 few times and I like it too but not over M805 / M800

[@himanshukhuntia4293]

Where do you get these pens pre-owned in india ?

[@anjumanwar3456]

Hi, Which one is better of pilot 823 or sailor progear???

[@sudiptabiswas8981]

From where to get the preowned pens in Kolkata?

[@skorzeny7377]

great review! better than asmr brother!

[@فریدصفوی]

Thank you.very useful review

[@kalappasreedhar7098]

Nicely explained. I am from Hyderabad and the biggest concern is how / where to buy (online/ offline) these pens. I already written a mail to you on this and awaiting for your reply. Then why can’t you make a video on this topic. It’s my request. I think it will be very useful to all fountain pen lovers in India.

[@drfountainpens1521]

Hi. Try Pens Point Delhi. Can Google that. Also try writing to [e-mail]

[@rajonrahmanrumi988]

Sir it's been a long time, why don't you give the video

[@CCC-ze8pj]

Thank you for the review. I have a 146 which has always been out of tune so I don't really use it much. Disappointing experience that put me off Mont Blanc. Of my four Pelikans two were perfect out of the box (M200 F and M1000 EF) and two were frustrating skippy hard starters until I ground and polished them (M200 B and M1000 B). All of the Pelikan are now very smooth and very wet - the EF and F have a little bit of feed back - just right. The B nibbed ones are gushers. I use the Pelikans daily. I am considering getting the Pilot 823. B

[@Ramdas_Devadiga]

Which is the best place to purchase the Pilot Custom 823 in India? Thanks.

[@AjitYadav-qs3im]

where can i find pre-owened pilot 823

[@anguswhite8233]

Only have Pilot Custom 823 ‘F’ and used Montblanc 146 ‘F’: both write perfectly and cost about the same, the Pilot puts down a noticeably finer line which suits me(I have small handwriting!); as far as aesthetics goes: nothing beats a 146 but my 823 suits my handwriting better; bear in mind, if you want a 146 serviced, you need to return it to Montblanc which is, potentially, a costly drawback:(

[@devendrasinghdeepak]

I want to buy Montblanc 146 pre owned pen pl suggest from which place I can buy.............

[@Stefangafoor]

Great comparison! I own all 3 and the best "bang for buck" is the Pilot 823, fantastic pen!

[@klt479]

The 146s I have had and used are actually junk: the writing experience, build quality, and materials use are all significantly well below that of the m800 and 823. However, the m800 and 823 are pens that remain ink near all the time. I actually sold all except one vintage 146 and 149 because I never used them. The vintage 146 and 249 were slightly higher quality than the new stuff.

[@maximilianschwab9668]

I do not think that this is a fair comparison. The M800 and the 146 are comparable, and the 823 belongs to a complete other price range. I've never had problems with the nibs of my Pelikan fillers (I have a couple of them) and I've never heard about many inconsistencies with the nibs of the brand. Of course, there are always some fillers that come out faulty in the production line, so you just go to the reseller and you get your nib repaired. Which is the designation/name of your Pelikan filler? Because it seems to be a special color. I went through the Pelikan Site and I did not find this one. About the Pilot 823, it is a reliable filler, and with an excellent nib, it can be difficult to clean, it is comparable with the M400 (they cost both around 270/280 €), the M400 is just a little smaller in size. I think from the Pilot line the Custom 845 could be comparable to the M800 and the 146.

[@aman7750]

Which brand's leather case are you using?

[@drfountainpens1521]

This is from Wancher. I am not sure it's being sold right now.

[@West2WesternGhats]

Hi Doc, from where can I get a pre owned Pilot Custom 823 in good condition?

[@drfountainpens1521]

Hi. Try writing to [e-mail]

[@drnimish333]

Good video

[@sumitkhanna4433]

Where can an ocean swirl be found under 20k?

[@drfountainpens1521]

It's not available at that price

[@sumitkhanna4433]

Dr Fountain Pens oh. You mentioned in the video that a used one could be found for that price.

[@colinmurphy2214]

@@sumitkhanna4433 I believe he meant the regular Pelikan M800, not this special version

[@LOVEGODFEARSIN]

Very nice review...pl review Lamy Aion

[@pcalculas]

Hey Doctor sahab, I am using ' Monteverde 2018 special edition DC Supershow Blue ' I wrote many hours a day ... This ink is absolutely gorgeous and smoooooooth ..... Try it. .. Thanks ....

[@ratneshpawar]

I have 3 80x. One medium and two fine nib. Surprisingly my nibs are not so wet. And I like these. I do like my 146, it is also not so wet. Regarding 823, it is really a wet nib. I prefer 146 and 80x .

[@alanc6468]

I find my Japanese pens need to brought to a nib smith to write perfectly. Regardless, how it writes shouldn't stop you from buying your ideal pen. Cost on the other hand...

[@humanfirst11]

Hey why have you turned off comments in your latest video? It's a great pen and a great video.!

[@drfountainpens1521]

Sorted.. thanks. Some settings issue

[@Richard-1776]

They're just too damned expensive. I'd buy the Pilot, since i can trust their quality, but they're, especially the other two non Pilots, outragously priced. I have a fountain pen that cost me 120.00 (US) and a dollar store rollerball that cost 2/1.00 ( before Biden). The .50 pen writes just as well, maybe better. It's not as as cool, nor reusable but. . .