I've been enjoying your reviews for over 6 years now and you have taught me the joy of working with an instrument that has its own distinct characteristics. I bought the gold leaf version and find it is the most interesting pen in my collection - always fun to use. Bit of baby's bottom that needed addressing. I'm still trying to figure out the limit with writing speed/pressure before it railroads. Would love if feed could keep up. Still it makes the joy of writing with an instrument something unique in this modern day of bland sameness. Many thanks to you Dr. Brown.
Being that vintage flex has been mentioned repeatedly as being the paragon of all that is flex, could you make a video that covers the best of, or at least the best of those that are still obtainable, vintage flex pens and perhaps showing off what such pens are capable of? (Yes, seriously long sentence, I know. ;-) ) I think it would help many, including myself, figure out if that's something we want to go for or if it's just lore. Keep up the most excellent work!
Your wife's demonstration of the nib is superb. This is the first modern flex nib I've seen reviewed that actually delivers in a truly workable fashion. The others I've seen demoed clearly require working within limits that made me utterly uninterested in getting one. For line variation, I use a stub nib and this is the first nib that I'd consider getting. However, the price is a bit too steep. Not that it's a MB 149. I already have one and without regret. I'd rather try a flex nib less expensively.
My thanks to you and your wife for your reviews. Your openness and honesty is appreciated. With respect to delivery; based on Azizah’s review, I placed my order on Nov 15, 2019 with Appelboom. There is still no estimated delivery date. I have been exchanging emails with Josh. Hope to find out more this week as Montblanc returns from the holiday. Just awareness to set expectations and avoid disappointment.
@@Potatomelon111 He replied 10 months ago but not to this thread, here's the message: "Update from Appelboom. The delivery estimate from Montblanc is unreliable as they continue to push the delivery date back. My comment: You may want to wait for it to actually be in stock. Note that they charged my card at time of purchase, not delivery."
Just an FYI regarding reverse writing. As a doodler, I use "reverse writing" when I draw. It give me a nice fine line to do cross hatching without having to switch to another pen. So reverse writing is important and something I definitely look for in a pen. Anyway, cool pen. Thanks for sharing.
It's a bit of a nerdy point, I know, but the swirly scribbles on the outside of the box are the *opposite* of what one would expect from a flex nib: the down-strokes are thin, and the upstrokes are fat (assuming left-to-right writing)
İ have been using mine for two months and i guess we need some time maybe even a couple of years to see nib's full artistic capacity, and endurance. Up to now it is awesome and extraordinarily nostalgic
@@AranDollay Yes, I would assume they do. Maybe this pen will be the 'vintage ultra flex' pen of the future, who knows! But yes, I believe the gold does become more malleable through long periods of time if flexed relatively constantly, at least it is a reasonable guess... I have a 149 from 1960's that flexes more than this and is flexing more since I acquired it.
Thanks, nice review. In your opinion, why do companies seem to struggle so often to make flex nibs now? Surely the knowledge hasn’t been lost? It’s been puzzling me for a while...
Thank you so much for this video. Agree that the 149 is super classy! I bought this pen last year and it’s absolutely one of my favs for writing in greeting cards and signing stuff. It’s so fun to use but not my favorite everyday workhorse pen.
i started to watch youtube and follow your channel 5 years ago cuz i love pens and writing, but one thing you may never think of is that i actually learnt english from you :)
Stephen...if I could actually write as well as you or your better half, I’d be tempted to purchase one. Excellent review. Thanks for the extended writing sample. Without it, many would think it’s not good at ordinary writing. But your very first “Quick brown...” was with very very light pressure, so its fine line is justified.
I wondered when you'd review this. Very interesting and informative, and I too would appreciate any comparison with the Scribo Feel. Then I can see the bank manager.
It was high time that the old 149 design be made available with a flexible nib... But goodness, why didn't they keep marketing this improved nib, in addition to their nail-like 'enforced' nibs? 11:50 have you reviewed antique (not vintage) flexible, double-elastic steel nibs--such as Joseph Gillott's 604F or Principality--they still cost a fraction of the price of these modern impersonators. I've never used a Quill, but Victorian steel nibs were created to succeed it--I'd love to see that three-way comparison :-)
Stephen another great video, ...this one a little-bit out of my budget....Will be getting myself a Sky-line vintage, still a great flex at a fraction of the cost....
Update from Appelboom. The delivery estimate from Montblanc is unreliable as they continue to push the delivery date back. My comment: You may want to wait for it to actually be in stock. Note that they charged my card at time of purchase, not delivery.
Hello sir , would you rate this flex nib above the regular fine mb 149 for regular writings ? As you mentioned skipping issues while extering minimal pressure . Actually I've been using fine nib from various manufacturers and was considering to add one mb in my collection and I can go for only one of them( flex or regular fine ) . As I think This one will help me to add a lil character to my handwriting but I don't know whether I can take this (flex mb)to my work place and write with it as I write my lamy safari ? Your exper opinion..
I discovered the the fp world at 15 , when my aunt offered me a Montblanc, and since I had quite a few from Dupont, Parker, Waterman, Visconti, Omas and my EDC for the last 3 years wich is a Sailor 1911 L Black Luster, I'm into xf japanese now, and the last Montblanc Petit Prince F I had was way too medium stroke for my taste. When I heard and started watching reviews of the flex nib, I felt really excited so now it's been mine for the last month , and all I can say is that not only I find the 149 very comfortable and with a "presence", but at last I have an XF Montblanc nib wich is beautiful to watch (very big compared to my other pens) but also wich flexes in a beautiful way, so I can truly say that I love my pen and I find it very relaxing as I write slower and try to have a beautiful handwriting. And by the way, thanks for the video, I was expecting it for a long time as I wanted your opinion before buying it, but well, I was impatient and don't regret it ;)
Shin from Open Inkstand, in her review ruclips.net/video/FN7Z-Apd4OU/видео.html suggests not to flex a Namiki falcon for too long (she says she wouldn't suggest doing more than 10% of the time). Would you agree on that for the MB Calligraphy as well?
I recently tried 5-6 Meisterstucks, and came away thinking 'the emperor has no clothes.' The pen is light but solid-feeling; nice enough but unexceptional in the hand. The nibs, on the other hand, were uniformly feeback-y, and not in a pleasant way. I like some feedback, but usually it is a happy marriage of nib and pen materials that gives the hand more control. This was not that. Honestly, my JinHao 159 is nicer, and all it required was $15 and a bit of tuning. It was the clerk who really set it apart, treating the pens like crown jewels (pens cannot be capped!), adorned with white gloves and prepared to edify the uninitiated into the deeper mysteries of pen ownership. I almost whispered. It was quite a performance.
The pen skip like crazy and requires a lot of force to make it work it only got good reviews because Stephen is being a fanboy of Montblanc For comparison look at his reviews on sailor Kop which just glide effortlessly under any circumstances no skip whatsoever.
Kind of comparing apples to elephants here. The MB is sold as a flex nib, as such it will require pressure to allow for the flexing / line variation. The KOP is not a flex pen. HTH
Peter Hofmann that's not a valid explanation no pen should skip ,it's like those people who buy supercars that are unreliable and they are supposed to suck it up because that's an inherent nature of a supercar but the reality is that they are being conditioned to accept substandard product.eg when Honda launched the Nsx proved that you could build a reliable supercar thereby changed perception forever
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm glad you include fast writing in the evaluation.
I purchased mine from Appelboom as well about 8 months ago. It’s a joy to write with and will always be in my collection.
I've been enjoying your reviews for over 6 years now and you have taught me the joy of working with an instrument that has its own distinct characteristics. I bought the gold leaf version and find it is the most interesting pen in my collection - always fun to use. Bit of baby's bottom that needed addressing. I'm still trying to figure out the limit with writing speed/pressure before it railroads. Would love if feed could keep up. Still it makes the joy of writing with an instrument something unique in this modern day of bland sameness. Many thanks to you Dr. Brown.
Got mine since September ‘19 and it is my favorite. I am the owner of a Pelikan M1000, M800 and Lamy 2000, but this one is pure sugar.😅
How does the 149 flex compare to the M1000 in terms of nib softness?
Being that vintage flex has been mentioned repeatedly as being the paragon of all that is flex, could you make a video that covers the best of, or at least the best of those that are still obtainable, vintage flex pens and perhaps showing off what such pens are capable of? (Yes, seriously long sentence, I know. ;-) ) I think it would help many, including myself, figure out if that's something we want to go for or if it's just lore.
Keep up the most excellent work!
Your wife's demonstration of the nib is superb. This is the first modern flex nib I've seen reviewed that actually delivers in a truly workable fashion. The others I've seen demoed clearly require working within limits that made me utterly uninterested in getting one. For line variation, I use a stub nib and this is the first nib that I'd consider getting. However, the price is a bit too steep. Not that it's a MB 149. I already have one and without regret. I'd rather try a flex nib less expensively.
It's honestly cheaper than acquiring a vintage Waterman and also with the added advantage of being in support today so I am happy about it.
Under moderately light pressure (like everyday writing) it seems to be around an EF or F. Quite a versatile nib.
My thanks to you and your wife for your reviews. Your openness and honesty is appreciated. With respect to delivery; based on Azizah’s review, I placed my order on Nov 15, 2019 with Appelboom. There is still no estimated delivery date. I have been exchanging emails with Josh. Hope to find out more this week as Montblanc returns from the holiday. Just awareness to set expectations and avoid disappointment.
@@Potatomelon111 He replied 10 months ago but not to this thread, here's the message: "Update from Appelboom. The delivery estimate from Montblanc is unreliable as they continue to push the delivery date back. My comment: You may want to wait for it to actually be in stock. Note that they charged my card at time of purchase, not delivery."
Just an FYI regarding reverse writing. As a doodler, I use "reverse writing" when I draw. It give me a nice fine line to do cross hatching without having to switch to another pen. So reverse writing is important and something I definitely look for in a pen. Anyway, cool pen. Thanks for sharing.
It's a bit of a nerdy point, I know, but the swirly scribbles on the outside of the box are the *opposite* of what one would expect from a flex nib: the down-strokes are thin, and the upstrokes are fat (assuming left-to-right writing)
“Mont Blank”!!! Burst out with very loud chuckles! Cheers 👍
just a smal comment .... thank for making fountain pen videos over years .....
I so so so so much appreciate you using a tripod to take your videos. It gives such a reliable recording, not wasting anyone's time :)
Dr. Brown. Can you please consider doing a shootout between this pen and the Scribo Feel with flex nib?
İ have been using mine for two months and i guess we need some time maybe even a couple of years to see nib's full artistic capacity, and endurance. Up to now it is awesome and extraordinarily nostalgic
@@AranDollay Yes, I would assume they do. Maybe this pen will be the 'vintage ultra flex' pen of the future, who knows! But yes, I believe the gold does become more malleable through long periods of time if flexed relatively constantly, at least it is a reasonable guess... I have a 149 from 1960's that flexes more than this and is flexing more since I acquired it.
Thanks, nice review. In your opinion, why do companies seem to struggle so often to make flex nibs now? Surely the knowledge hasn’t been lost? It’s been puzzling me for a while...
Thank you so much for this video. Agree that the 149 is super classy! I bought this pen last year and it’s absolutely one of my favs for writing in greeting cards and signing stuff. It’s so fun to use but not my favorite everyday workhorse pen.
Love dealing with Appelboom
i started to watch youtube and follow your channel 5 years ago cuz i love pens and writing, but one thing you may never think of is that i actually learnt english from you :)
That is wonderful, and I am appreciative!
Stephen...if I could actually write as well as you or your better half, I’d be tempted to purchase one. Excellent review. Thanks for the extended writing sample. Without it, many would think it’s not good at ordinary writing. But your very first “Quick brown...” was with very very light pressure, so its fine line is justified.
I wondered when you'd review this. Very interesting and informative, and I too would appreciate any comparison with the Scribo Feel. Then I can see the bank manager.
I wanted to check out this nib in the Amsterdam boutique and I certainly will after seeing this!
Is it possible to order this flex nib for my Limited Edition Montblanc models such as the Rudyard Kipling?
It was high time that the old 149 design be made available with a flexible nib... But goodness, why didn't they keep marketing this improved nib, in addition to their nail-like 'enforced' nibs? 11:50 have you reviewed antique (not vintage) flexible, double-elastic steel nibs--such as Joseph Gillott's 604F or Principality--they still cost a fraction of the price of these modern impersonators. I've never used a Quill, but Victorian steel nibs were created to succeed it--I'd love to see that three-way comparison :-)
Super review, informative and entertaining. This reaches your customary heights of excellence. My thanks! Happy new year, Stephen!
Can left handers use a flex nib?
I own this pen and I’m lefty, I write with it in a normal fashion. If you know how to write calligraphy, I don’t see why not.
Another well executed review. Stephen, why is it that modern pen makers can’t recreate the vintage flex?
In a pen collection:
For how long can ink be safely kept in a pen before it has to be cleaned?
Thanks
Hi Dr Brown,
How would you compare the Mb Flex nib with the Pilot 823/743 no.15 FA nib?
Stephen another great video, ...this one a little-bit out of my budget....Will be getting myself a Sky-line vintage, still a great flex at a fraction of the cost....
THE MANDALORIAN POSTER! LOVED THE SHOW!
Stephen, thanks for the review. Very interesting and thoughtfully done.
Update from Appelboom. The delivery estimate from Montblanc is unreliable as they continue to push the delivery date back. My comment: You may want to wait for it to actually be in stock. Note that they charged my card at time of purchase, not delivery.
The pen is wonderful, the price is outrageous. ..
Thumbs up, not just for the review but for The Mandalorian poster behind you. :)
Thank you, Stephen.
Do you think they'll offer the flex nib on their other items at any point?
Anyone know how this Calligraphy 149 compares with the Fritz Schimpf The Expressive? Are they basically the same?
Need your opinion on goldleaf calligraphy.
This one looks like a winner
is this nib going to be a limited edition or become part of the regular line, whereby you can get it with a bit of wait time?
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Seems indeed to be a great flex pen!
How much does this dream pen cost ? 1000 $ ?
That's a purdy Mawnt Blanck right there 😂
Hello sir , would you rate this flex nib above the regular fine mb 149 for regular writings ? As you mentioned skipping issues while extering minimal pressure .
Actually I've been using fine nib from various manufacturers and was considering to add one mb in my collection and I can go for only one of them( flex or regular fine ) . As I think This one will help me to add a lil character to my handwriting but I don't know whether I can take this (flex mb)to my work place and write with it as I write my lamy safari ? Your exper opinion..
I think it really depends on what you are looking for: the flex nib will definitely add more character to your handwriting than a regular fine nib
Hi ,
my MB 149 Calligraphy Flex nib is scratchy 😪😪.
I discovered the the fp world at 15 , when my aunt offered me a Montblanc, and since I had quite a few from Dupont, Parker, Waterman, Visconti, Omas and my EDC for the last 3 years wich is a Sailor 1911 L Black Luster, I'm into xf japanese now, and the last Montblanc Petit Prince F I had was way too medium stroke for my taste. When I heard and started watching reviews of the flex nib, I felt really excited so now it's been mine for the last month , and all I can say is that not only I find the 149 very comfortable and with a "presence", but at last I have an XF Montblanc nib wich is beautiful to watch (very big compared to my other pens) but also wich flexes in a beautiful way, so I can truly say that I love my pen and I find it very relaxing as I write slower and try to have a beautiful handwriting. And by the way, thanks for the video, I was expecting it for a long time as I wanted your opinion before buying it, but well, I was impatient and don't regret it ;)
You forgot to mention details for the Giveaway! D:
Shin from Open Inkstand, in her review ruclips.net/video/FN7Z-Apd4OU/видео.html suggests not to flex a Namiki falcon for too long (she says she wouldn't suggest doing more than 10% of the time). Would you agree on that for the MB Calligraphy as well?
Great review.
Nice review, but the background noise was very disturbing, I don't know what happened there ;)
Unfortunately, I am not in control of people in the background.
@@sbrebrown there was a pretty high note constantly in the background, maybe from the camera? That's what I meant :)
thank
Nice advertisement in the background
It’s platinum, not silver
Repair is a problem in the foreseeable future.
At 5:14 did anyone else brush the screen thinking something was there?
This RAYBAN suits you....
I recently tried 5-6 Meisterstucks, and came away thinking 'the emperor has no clothes.' The pen is light but solid-feeling; nice enough but unexceptional in the hand. The nibs, on the other hand, were uniformly feeback-y, and not in a pleasant way. I like some feedback, but usually it is a happy marriage of nib and pen materials that gives the hand more control. This was not that. Honestly, my JinHao 159 is nicer, and all it required was $15 and a bit of tuning. It was the clerk who really set it apart, treating the pens like crown jewels (pens cannot be capped!), adorned with white gloves and prepared to edify the uninitiated into the deeper mysteries of pen ownership. I almost whispered. It was quite a performance.
Mine scratchs like a cat
I am extremely distrustful of an 18k flex nib. 18k gold just doesn't work that way.
"flexpert" was worth watching the whole video
The pen skip like crazy and requires a lot of force to make it work it only got good reviews because Stephen is being a fanboy of Montblanc
For comparison look at his reviews on sailor Kop which just glide effortlessly under any circumstances no skip whatsoever.
"Fanboy of Montblanc"...
Kind of comparing apples to elephants here. The MB is sold as a flex nib, as such it will require pressure to allow for the flexing / line variation. The KOP is not a flex pen. HTH
Peter Hofmann that's not a valid explanation no pen should skip ,it's like those people who buy supercars that are unreliable and they are supposed to suck it up because that's an inherent nature of a supercar but the reality is that they are being conditioned to accept substandard product.eg when Honda launched the Nsx proved that you could build a reliable supercar thereby changed perception forever
@@billoni1155 if you say so..