feedback as an owner of this pen, for those considering to buy it. I've bought it for its minimalist design and its somewhat divergent design compared to the standard (and trite) Meisterstück line. Some claim that it is a Lamy imitation, and I concede its overall look reminds of minimalist appearance of Lamy pens, the two tone nib somewhat reminds of the high-end Lamy nibs. Although I think the assertion saying it's a complete knockoff is a bit far-fetched. Other than that the finish on it is spotless and overall neat looking. At least I give them credit for offering something a bit different that their quintessential Meisterstück. The main issue I have with it is its ergonomics. As said in the video, the section is too short and the step-up from the section to the barrel is a tad too crisp too be comfortable. The section itself is slippery, it has a sliding coating, not that you fingers slip toward the nib as the serrations prevent it, but the fingers tend to slip around the section on the peripheral axis. They should have checkered the section to prevent this. In the end you wind up putting your finger half on the barrel and half on the section like in the video. The balance of the pen is a bit unorthodox, as all the weight is concentrated around the section. The magnetic cap is cool, as the screwing of the section and magnetic pole aligns with the logo on the flat part with the clip. BUT the repeated screwing and unscrewing of the section in the barrel over the time somewhat made the section screwing locked position a bit too far resulting in misalignment. So to remedy this issue I have to screw the section enough to prevent unscrewing but not all the way to keep everything in line. The lack of converter from Montblanc is outrageous given the fact it's standard production they could have developed something. I've used the the "refill the cartridge by syringe" method. As for the writing experience, the short section and the rather stout nib kinda forces you to hold the pen at an high angle unless you grab it by the body. The nib is as good as you could expect from a 14k nib but don't expect flex, it rather on the rigid side. All in all, if you really like the look of it and can overcome these minor however numerous issues; go for it. If you don't but want all the trouble and save money but still like the look of it, a good alternative is the Lamy Studio LX black and buy an additional Z57 gold nib to put on it. Bonus: to clean easily the section serrations, the toothbrush is your best friend. It also works if you want to remove gunk in the threading of any pen.
I wasn't aware of the M before seeing your review. I think it's a very interesting concept. Yes, the 146 and the 149 are excellent pens, but in my opinion they're a bit stodgy looking. That can be good as well as bad. It's nice to see Montblanc trying a more modern, design-inspired pen. Great review as always!
you forgot to mention that the pen also have an issue with the clip. If you put the pen on a think piece of cloth or a book cover or something that puts enough tension on the clip, the area of the metal leg that touches the plastic will create enough tension to crack the en d of the cap. I think Montblanc is no longer replacing or repairing the caps and that's why it's no longer produced.
Thanks for the review. Interesting to see the size comparison next to a 146, I would have thought the 146 to be longer. I am a bit concerned about the metal section, as you mentioned maybe a different type of pattern may have helped.
I wish Lamy would make a version of the Studio with a section like the Montblanc "M" (at least with a textured pattern). ...not that the smooth grip section stopped me from buying a Studio 😆😆😆😆. The difference is the Montblanc is a bit out of my price range compared to the Studio. Enjoyed the review though....always good and interesting information 👍👍👍👍
Michael, I've tried one of these models out in a M-B boutique, & I just cannot take to it. For me, the magnetic closure will eventually become de-magnetised; it is relatively well balanced, but like you, I have large hands, so find it not the most comfortable. Do not like that strange, foreshortened nib, at all, or indeed the corresponding short cap - it's disproportionate, & frankly, aesthetically displeasing. Ordinarily, I do like minimalist scribes - but the 'M' is almost sterile looking - it is stark in its profile. There's only one other M-B design that I dislike - the 'Noblesse' model - too skinny, & again, little or no character - I see them all the time on various seller platforms - vendors seem unable to shift them. Obviously, my friend, I am not a fan...thank you for the review. Trusting all is well in Sweden - Take care, & stay safe, Andrew :)
Your post just informs me how wide human perception can be. I just adore the M's design and I think the Noblesse design is awesome too. :-) One thing I agree with you on though is the cap. Also, the writing section seems too thick. As thick as the Platinum preppy? I find that pen with a similar looking grip very uncomfortable to write with on account of its overly thick writing section which doesn't even taper down.
Nitin, I consider it an advantage that we do not all share the same proclivities, in terms of pen styles & ergonomics - that's the very nature of diversity - & thank goodness for it. Fundamentally, there's nothing inherently wrong with either the 'M' or the 'Noblesse' - but I have enormous hands - & both of those models seem to disappear in my grip, & as such, it would be a pointless exercise to purchase a writing instrument that is uncomfortable. As for the cap on the 'M' - it's a common issue with all pen makers who employ a magnetic closure - sure, it's a gimmick, but one that inexorably will fail - & when you're laying out a large sum of money, then that becomes an unsatisfactory element - one that may well drive you to frustration (& we can all do without that). Stay safe & well :)
I'm very disappointed with the Montblanc customer service. I bought a fountain pen with a package labeled M nib. However it turned out to be actually an OM. Now I'm dealing with all the bureaucracy to change the nib to correct one. I recommend not to buy fountain pen without trying on the store. Not being able to trust to an authorised retailer nor the label on the package is a total frustration, especially when the subject is Montblanc.
feedback as an owner of this pen, for those considering to buy it.
I've bought it for its minimalist design and its somewhat divergent design compared to the standard (and trite) Meisterstück line. Some claim that it is a Lamy imitation, and I concede its overall look reminds of minimalist appearance of Lamy pens, the two tone nib somewhat reminds of the high-end Lamy nibs. Although I think the assertion saying it's a complete knockoff is a bit far-fetched. Other than that the finish on it is spotless and overall neat looking. At least I give them credit for offering something a bit different that their quintessential Meisterstück.
The main issue I have with it is its ergonomics. As said in the video, the section is too short and the step-up from the section to the barrel is a tad too crisp too be comfortable. The section itself is slippery, it has a sliding coating, not that you fingers slip toward the nib as the serrations prevent it, but the fingers tend to slip around the section on the peripheral axis. They should have checkered the section to prevent this. In the end you wind up putting your finger half on the barrel and half on the section like in the video. The balance of the pen is a bit unorthodox, as all the weight is concentrated around the section. The magnetic cap is cool, as the screwing of the section and magnetic pole aligns with the logo on the flat part with the clip.
BUT the repeated screwing and unscrewing of the section in the barrel over the time somewhat made the section screwing locked position a bit too far resulting in misalignment. So to remedy this issue I have to screw the section enough to prevent unscrewing but not all the way to keep everything in line.
The lack of converter from Montblanc is outrageous given the fact it's standard production they could have developed something. I've used the the "refill the cartridge by syringe" method. As for the writing experience, the short section and the rather stout nib kinda forces you to hold the pen at an high angle unless you grab it by the body. The nib is as good as you could expect from a 14k nib but don't expect flex, it rather on the rigid side.
All in all, if you really like the look of it and can overcome these minor however numerous issues; go for it.
If you don't but want all the trouble and save money but still like the look of it, a good alternative is the Lamy Studio LX black and buy an additional Z57 gold nib to put on it.
Bonus: to clean easily the section serrations, the toothbrush is your best friend. It also works if you want to remove gunk in the threading of any pen.
Exellent points.
That inconsistent magnetic cap closing is an issue to me…
I wasn't aware of the M before seeing your review. I think it's a very interesting concept. Yes, the 146 and the 149 are excellent pens, but in my opinion they're a bit stodgy looking. That can be good as well as bad. It's nice to see Montblanc trying a more modern, design-inspired pen. Great review as always!
Thanks a lot Jay!
I so want one, but need B or BB.
Do a video of cross Bailey light fountain pen in burgundy unboxing
you forgot to mention that the pen also have an issue with the clip. If you put the pen on a think piece of cloth or a book cover or something that puts enough tension on the clip, the area of the metal leg that touches the plastic will create enough tension to crack the en d of the cap. I think Montblanc is no longer replacing or repairing the caps and that's why it's no longer produced.
I have not mentioned it since I never experienced it.
Clips were designed to go in shirt pockets, no over thick book covers. Use it the way it is intended and you should not have a problem.
Helpful review. Making a decision about this one has been delayed. Now glad that I did. Interesting design but seems lacking in functionality.
I was able to hold the pen at the Ohio Pen Show,it is very different from anything else MontBlanc produces.I like it,very cool.
Fully agree!
Thanks for the review. Interesting to see the size comparison next to a 146, I would have thought the 146 to be longer. I am a bit concerned about the metal section, as you mentioned maybe a different type of pattern may have helped.
I am yet to see the metal section that I personally find comfy!
Great review! Thank you for sharing🙏🏻
Thanks a lot :)
I wish Lamy would make a version of the Studio with a section like the Montblanc "M" (at least with a textured pattern). ...not that the smooth grip section stopped me from buying a Studio 😆😆😆😆.
The difference is the Montblanc is a bit out of my price range compared to the Studio.
Enjoyed the review though....always good and interesting information 👍👍👍👍
Thanks for stopping by again 😊
Nice pen, I looked a them but would rather have the 149.
Michael, I've tried one of these models out in a M-B boutique, & I just cannot take to it. For me, the magnetic closure will eventually become de-magnetised; it is relatively well balanced, but like you, I have large hands, so find it not the most comfortable. Do not like that strange, foreshortened nib, at all, or indeed the corresponding short cap - it's disproportionate, & frankly, aesthetically displeasing. Ordinarily, I do like minimalist scribes - but the 'M' is almost sterile looking - it is stark in its profile. There's only one other M-B design that I dislike - the 'Noblesse' model - too skinny, & again, little or no character - I see them all the time on various seller platforms - vendors seem unable to shift them. Obviously, my friend, I am not a fan...thank you for the review.
Trusting all is well in Sweden - Take care, & stay safe,
Andrew :)
Your post just informs me how wide human perception can be. I just adore the M's design and I think the Noblesse design is awesome too. :-) One thing I agree with you on though is the cap. Also, the writing section seems too thick. As thick as the Platinum preppy? I find that pen with a similar looking grip very uncomfortable to write with on account of its overly thick writing section which doesn't even taper down.
Nitin, I consider it an advantage that we do not all share the same proclivities, in terms of pen styles & ergonomics - that's the very nature of diversity - & thank goodness for it. Fundamentally, there's nothing inherently wrong with either the 'M' or the 'Noblesse' - but I have enormous hands - & both of those models seem to disappear in my grip, & as such, it would be a pointless exercise to purchase a writing instrument that is uncomfortable.
As for the cap on the 'M' - it's a common issue with all pen makers who employ a magnetic closure - sure, it's a gimmick, but one that inexorably will fail - & when you're laying out a large sum of money, then that becomes an unsatisfactory element - one that may well drive you to frustration (& we can all do without that). Stay safe & well :)
Sterile is the right word for it, until you uncap it. That section will be terrible in a few years time.
Certainly, that has been my experience, U-M
Interesting debate right here, friends :)
This one really missed, in my opinion. I can’t imagine they sell well.
Going after the younger demographic.
No indeed, Mark - it just seems somehow, wrong...
I'm very disappointed with the Montblanc customer service. I bought a fountain pen with a package labeled M nib. However it turned out to be actually an OM. Now I'm dealing with all the bureaucracy to change the nib to correct one. I recommend not to buy fountain pen without trying on the store. Not being able to trust to an authorised retailer nor the label on the package is a total frustration, especially when the subject is Montblanc.
Sorry to hear about this. I can imagine this is frustrating!
Just keep going.
I wish montblanc pens are cheaper instead of over $300 !
Ha! I also wish that Porsche's would be cheaper ;) (hope you notice the light-heartedness)
I can't believe all these long reviews to have the illegible handwriting of a 7 year old child.
Interesting with which rude sense of entitlement you speak to strangers you don’t know.