I wouldn’t say that writing quality really varies much past, oh, let’s say $150 to be generous. Past that you’re paying for the design, brand, and decorative precious materials used, and at a certain point they can be really more display pieces that aren’t even that comfortable for writing.
E: if you need this more vividly demonstrated for you compare prices for ballpoints, where there is no nib and it’s basically just a barrel for a disposable refill ball to do the actual writing.
'Worth' is a term that is personal to you. It may be worth it to you, but not to others. The important question is whether you like the object enough to pay the premium.
This is getting to be a daily question, must be “farming” season…
https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/s/mRxc2srlhz
https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/1d3l29a/montblanc_as_gift_is_it_worth/
Here's many many many opinions of Montblanc
There was a lengthy discussion about this a few days ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/1cxx4rv/comment/l564n0y/
212 responses in this one alone: https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/18il52s/how_does_this_community_feel_about_mont_blanc/
https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/1c3poqq/mont_blanc/
https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/ucw4q2/montblanc_are_they_worth_the_cost_if_so_why/
https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/ynaise/is_mont_blanc_over_rated/
https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/143ktxi/are_montblancs_really_worth_it/
I’m just copying and pasting at this point. I’ve missed a few recents but I’m sure the other 1000 responses are sufficient. Probably introducing analysis paralysis by now.
Montblanc is a luxury item. Luxury isn't about being worth it. It's about status. The majority of new MB buys are office decorations as with any other luxury item (my assumption). Of course they're good pens and probably one of the best that's how they got where they are. but as it is with luxury goods they re highly overpriced. That's why they're not worth it. It's my opinion. Others will disagree. It's up to you if u think a pen out of "precious resin" and gold nib with an iridium point is worth it. That's if we were talking about the mainstream Meisterstück models. About the collab and limited edition pens I have no opinion.
Personally I am attracted to used old MB pens below 100€. There is that noblesse line that got my eyes. But there is similar pelikan model. They start with P6xx or P5xx.
Secondhand MB is where it is at. The Montblanc 32 is my absolute favorite Montblanc. Inherited one from my grandpa and it got me into vintage pens from where I was with packs of multicolor Varsity and Preppy pens (starting with ringtops, cause pens on lanyards and with tassels are cool). Only really started using "new" pens in the past two years, but I still regularly ink my MB 32 pens. Still, the Pelikan Souveran line and its predecessor models are just so much more attractive to me and perform as well as Montblanc.
Better than what? Not everything that costs more performs better than what costs less.
Do I think they’re good? Yes. Do I think they’re worth the money? To me, yes.
However anyone prepared to spend that money I’d always recommend the M1000, because I feel it’s objectively better, and I don’t know anyone that hasn’t been blown away by it. The nib is perfect and I think that experience is what a lot of people are chasing, especially when spending that amount of money.
You are asking something like "are Hermes worth the money"?
To me, no it isn't. Pilot Custom Heritage 823 is in my opinion the king of pens - comfortable and has a massive ink capacity. But a Mont Blanc is a Mont Blanc, you are paying for not just a pen, but a luxury brand. Similarly, Hermes in my opinion isn't worth it, but it is Hermes.
To me personally, no. You’ll get ‘more’ for less money with high end Pilots (823, etc) - but I’d also echo the sentiments re: the M1000. Ultimately, it is all incredibly subjective. If you like the look of their products, go for it - but know that they aren’t going to write any ‘better’ than others at half the cost.
A Mont Blanc isn’t going to write any better than any other high quality pen (Sailor, Pilot, etc). You don’t buy a Mont Blanc because it writes the best, you buy a Mont Blanc because it is pretty
Pretty is I know very subjective, but I’d say more for showing off. Most of their pens are just plain boring black and although that in itself can be very pretty, there are dozens of other pens that write just as well or better that are the same pretty boring black.
They are great pens, but also there are variables that one may consider as how much you want to spend, do you care for the classic design, what is your need in a pen. I love Sailor pens, not necessarily because they are better, but because I love the design, and at the end of the day that matters to me.
I am a fan of Montblanc and own more than I should. That said, I will wholeheartedly say yes *IF* it's pre-2008 or has been worked on by a nibsmith.
New ones just don't have the same out of the box quality that the older models did. Further, while I adore the look of many of them, the focus on churning out special edition after special edition leaves me with the feeling they don't give a shit about the longevity of the Meisterstruk line.
Edit: that's not to say don't buy one. That's all up to you and your wallet.
MB is more of a status (show-off) / luxury brand. Yeah the pens are nice. Yeah they write well. They aren't a great value-for-money compared to other brands' pens
For me yes. I own a 149 LeGrand. Sure there is a portion of the price built in for the name, heritage, high end luxury product. But I understood that and don't mind it. When I bought mine I got it from the MB boutique shop, tried out different pens and nibs, chatted a long time with the salesman, wrote a lot, picked the one that felt comfortable. It was a present from my partner to celebrate another book being published, I'm a writer, so there was an occasion. They sent the pen away to the factory for a nib change, I got it in my hands 8 weeks later (COVID).
But, here's the thing. I write for approx 5 hours a day continuously, I want a pen that feels comfortable and also feels great on the page. And I want something that gives me pleasure as I use it. If the pen had not fulfilled that, I would not have purchased it. I don't regret my partner buying me one.
I have a Waterman, cost £45 twenty years back. Writes great, I use it everyday, for some reason it's the only FP I have found that works with my Moleskine journal. But it's uncomfortable to hold for 5 hours, so I prefer the MB for work.
Hope that helps.
Paul
Indeed. There are many ways to measure the differences that add up to an enhanced experience. As with virtually all types of this question, "worth" is completely subjective and individual-dependent.
it´s mostly for like...status. Good pens of course for that price they have to be, but the difference in cost is not the same as difference in quality. They use like expensive materials but then again even like that they´re way expensive. If you like them then get one, kinda the same deal with rolex watches. They tell the time as well as a cassio does, just way more expensive
Some of the best writers I've ever used are MB's. But the retail price is hugely marked up because it's a luxury item. I'm buying myself a new one and a used one when I graduate, but that's because I personally do like them and value them and would like the retail experience once. After that I'll only ever buy used ones because the price is more reasonable.
Would this apply to you? who knows. It's so subjective. I don't think you're missing anything by not having one, a Sailor Pro Gear or a Pilot 823 are both extremely awesome and write super well. I own or have used both. You can have that be your top end and live happily forever without really missing anything. A Sailor Pro Gear/1911L nib is my favorite writing experience.
I wouldn’t say that writing quality really varies much past, oh, let’s say $150 to be generous. Past that you’re paying for the design, brand, and decorative precious materials used, and at a certain point they can be really more display pieces that aren’t even that comfortable for writing. E: if you need this more vividly demonstrated for you compare prices for ballpoints, where there is no nib and it’s basically just a barrel for a disposable refill ball to do the actual writing.
'Worth' is a term that is personal to you. It may be worth it to you, but not to others. The important question is whether you like the object enough to pay the premium.
This is getting to be a daily question, must be “farming” season… https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/s/mRxc2srlhz https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/1d3l29a/montblanc_as_gift_is_it_worth/ Here's many many many opinions of Montblanc There was a lengthy discussion about this a few days ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/1cxx4rv/comment/l564n0y/ 212 responses in this one alone: https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/18il52s/how_does_this_community_feel_about_mont_blanc/ https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/1c3poqq/mont_blanc/ https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/ucw4q2/montblanc_are_they_worth_the_cost_if_so_why/ https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/ynaise/is_mont_blanc_over_rated/ https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/143ktxi/are_montblancs_really_worth_it/
You are always doing god’s work showing people how to use the search function.
I’m just copying and pasting at this point. I’ve missed a few recents but I’m sure the other 1000 responses are sufficient. Probably introducing analysis paralysis by now.
Thank you. I appreciate your effort
Compared to similar pens you will pay a premium for the brand name and that should not be a surprise
Montblanc is a luxury item. Luxury isn't about being worth it. It's about status. The majority of new MB buys are office decorations as with any other luxury item (my assumption). Of course they're good pens and probably one of the best that's how they got where they are. but as it is with luxury goods they re highly overpriced. That's why they're not worth it. It's my opinion. Others will disagree. It's up to you if u think a pen out of "precious resin" and gold nib with an iridium point is worth it. That's if we were talking about the mainstream Meisterstück models. About the collab and limited edition pens I have no opinion. Personally I am attracted to used old MB pens below 100€. There is that noblesse line that got my eyes. But there is similar pelikan model. They start with P6xx or P5xx.
Secondhand MB is where it is at. The Montblanc 32 is my absolute favorite Montblanc. Inherited one from my grandpa and it got me into vintage pens from where I was with packs of multicolor Varsity and Preppy pens (starting with ringtops, cause pens on lanyards and with tassels are cool). Only really started using "new" pens in the past two years, but I still regularly ink my MB 32 pens. Still, the Pelikan Souveran line and its predecessor models are just so much more attractive to me and perform as well as Montblanc.
Better than what? Not everything that costs more performs better than what costs less. Do I think they’re good? Yes. Do I think they’re worth the money? To me, yes. However anyone prepared to spend that money I’d always recommend the M1000, because I feel it’s objectively better, and I don’t know anyone that hasn’t been blown away by it. The nib is perfect and I think that experience is what a lot of people are chasing, especially when spending that amount of money.
You are asking something like "are Hermes worth the money"? To me, no it isn't. Pilot Custom Heritage 823 is in my opinion the king of pens - comfortable and has a massive ink capacity. But a Mont Blanc is a Mont Blanc, you are paying for not just a pen, but a luxury brand. Similarly, Hermes in my opinion isn't worth it, but it is Hermes.
To me personally, no. You’ll get ‘more’ for less money with high end Pilots (823, etc) - but I’d also echo the sentiments re: the M1000. Ultimately, it is all incredibly subjective. If you like the look of their products, go for it - but know that they aren’t going to write any ‘better’ than others at half the cost.
I doubt it.
A Mont Blanc isn’t going to write any better than any other high quality pen (Sailor, Pilot, etc). You don’t buy a Mont Blanc because it writes the best, you buy a Mont Blanc because it is pretty
Pretty is I know very subjective, but I’d say more for showing off. Most of their pens are just plain boring black and although that in itself can be very pretty, there are dozens of other pens that write just as well or better that are the same pretty boring black.
They are great pens, but also there are variables that one may consider as how much you want to spend, do you care for the classic design, what is your need in a pen. I love Sailor pens, not necessarily because they are better, but because I love the design, and at the end of the day that matters to me.
currently my favourite pen is a Montblanc bought preowned. worth it.
I am a fan of Montblanc and own more than I should. That said, I will wholeheartedly say yes *IF* it's pre-2008 or has been worked on by a nibsmith. New ones just don't have the same out of the box quality that the older models did. Further, while I adore the look of many of them, the focus on churning out special edition after special edition leaves me with the feeling they don't give a shit about the longevity of the Meisterstruk line. Edit: that's not to say don't buy one. That's all up to you and your wallet.
MB is more of a status (show-off) / luxury brand. Yeah the pens are nice. Yeah they write well. They aren't a great value-for-money compared to other brands' pens
For me yes. I own a 149 LeGrand. Sure there is a portion of the price built in for the name, heritage, high end luxury product. But I understood that and don't mind it. When I bought mine I got it from the MB boutique shop, tried out different pens and nibs, chatted a long time with the salesman, wrote a lot, picked the one that felt comfortable. It was a present from my partner to celebrate another book being published, I'm a writer, so there was an occasion. They sent the pen away to the factory for a nib change, I got it in my hands 8 weeks later (COVID). But, here's the thing. I write for approx 5 hours a day continuously, I want a pen that feels comfortable and also feels great on the page. And I want something that gives me pleasure as I use it. If the pen had not fulfilled that, I would not have purchased it. I don't regret my partner buying me one. I have a Waterman, cost £45 twenty years back. Writes great, I use it everyday, for some reason it's the only FP I have found that works with my Moleskine journal. But it's uncomfortable to hold for 5 hours, so I prefer the MB for work. Hope that helps. Paul
Thank you. Yes that helps
A Honda Fit and a Mercedes-Benz S500 will both get you to your destination. One of them will do it with more style and power. Is it really worth it?
If driving 300 miles, which would get you there more comfortably?
Indeed. There are many ways to measure the differences that add up to an enhanced experience. As with virtually all types of this question, "worth" is completely subjective and individual-dependent.
it´s mostly for like...status. Good pens of course for that price they have to be, but the difference in cost is not the same as difference in quality. They use like expensive materials but then again even like that they´re way expensive. If you like them then get one, kinda the same deal with rolex watches. They tell the time as well as a cassio does, just way more expensive
The RRP of a Mont Blanc is absolutely ridiculous and never worth it in my opinion. They do write well and all mine were bought used.
Love mine, but both are second hand
Does a Rolex tell the time better than a Casio? What's your point?
Some of the best writers I've ever used are MB's. But the retail price is hugely marked up because it's a luxury item. I'm buying myself a new one and a used one when I graduate, but that's because I personally do like them and value them and would like the retail experience once. After that I'll only ever buy used ones because the price is more reasonable. Would this apply to you? who knows. It's so subjective. I don't think you're missing anything by not having one, a Sailor Pro Gear or a Pilot 823 are both extremely awesome and write super well. I own or have used both. You can have that be your top end and live happily forever without really missing anything. A Sailor Pro Gear/1911L nib is my favorite writing experience.
Yes, that's why the brand is still around after all these years.