I've wanted a Montblanc 149 since 1975 when I saw my grad-school adviser editing a research paper with one. I could never justify the price, but I've persisted in looking for a deal ever since. My persistence paid off the other day when I was at an antique show and noticed an elderly man in the corner of the pavilion with an assortment of vintage fountain pens for sale. The majority of the pens (mostly old Parkers) were from his own collection, but he also had purchased the collection of an old friend who had recently died. Among those pens was a new-in-box 149 complete with the original MB documents AND the original sales receipt from 1982. After some dickering, I walked off with the pen for $350. I'm using Aurora black in it, and it writes like a dream. Persistence pays.
eqlzr2 Nice pickup. I am also looking for a MB 149 in that price range. I can’t justify buying a new one at the prices they are asking now. Plus, there is a RUclipsr that stated that the vintage MB 149 were a little better quality than the newer ones. Basically buy the one’s before 1994.
But you waisted 50 years of your life to save a few hundred bucks. Seriously you are a long time dead you should enjoy yourself a little. Your story is not a good example of persistence.
when I die, I want these pens to bring me back to life if I'm paying £1,620 including VAT for it. Also it better give me: +30 magic resist, +30 armour, AND +50 attack damage.
I own a 146 (no 149 yet) and just recently had a Sailor KoP Ebonite delivered from Engeika. The King of Pen is simply a dream to write with. I would definitely get another KoP before a 149 simply based on the nib. As you said in the video, the cartridge converter is a bit disappointing but the nib and feel of the pen make up for that. Sailor makes some of the best nibs I have ever used, even my hard-fine ProGear II is awesome to write with.
To be honest, the cartridge converter is an advantage to me over a piston. I fill used cartridges with a needle, that means I don’t have to worry about fitting the nib inside a bottle (some have narrow necks) or wiping ink off of the pen and feed after a dip. On top of that, I can get every last drop of ink out of the bottle!
I got to know the Montblanc as a child while playing with the one my mother had, it was already an old pen then and she still owns it 25 years later. I knew montblanc for all my life and finally managed to get a 149 and im quite superhappy with it.
I own 2 Montblanc Meisterstück 149's one from the 80's/Early 90's in a Medium Nib & the other one is a 2013 with a Oblique Medium Nib and I love them but I would be interested in trying a Sailor King of Pen to see if it's worth getting as well. Great Video. Keep up the great work. Nick.
Man, this makes me feel both fortunate, and old, because I have about a half-dozen 149s of different nib sizes that I bought new, back in the day, for about $275 each. They all still work great, too. But now I wish I had thought to look into the King of Pen because I am loving the look of that flex.
looks are not everything. you have to feel them as well. I have 2 149's among a collection of 30 odd fountain pens (most of them vintage) and the 149 never ceases to amaze me every time I use it...
xXxAtkinsxXx king of pen is soft enough but you can end up destroying the nib due to overflexing the nib. the montblanc is slightly softer than king of pen but you have less chance to damage the nib because if u write with it,you feel it like a smoothly flowing non flex pen so if you are using montblanc,you only have a slight chance to flex the nib like king of pen.so,if you’re using any of these oens,plz try to be aware.🙂
I'll sadly never own a Sailor King of Pen but i'm in love with it just from the videos i've watched, including yours. It's so beautiful and it looks like it would feel amazing to write with.
My compliments for the video. I own a 149 but not a King of pens so I can't compare them. I have to say though that the Sailor is very interesting, especially the nib. The simpler design is also very appealing to me and I would love to own one of these great pens.
Jonathan Liptrot True. It kinda also depends on the marketing target. Montblanc is more like a luxury product for business people, and Sailor is for people who collect pens or crafts I guess? It’s only my own opinion.
1bigjohn11 It's really impossible to compare a $15 pen to a Montblanc or a Sailor KOP. If you don't want to get into collecting fountain pens, sure, go for the Jinhao, it's a mildly decent writer. Definitely better than a rollerball. A gold nib pen will far surpass it in every practical category, however. Any fountain pen enthusiast will tell you the writing experience is far worth the money. Saying the jinhao is a winner against these pens is akin to saying a Nokia phone is a winner against the latest Samsung phone. The Nokia may be cheaper and it does work, but most people would go for the Samsung.
@@thebeldam304 both gold and steel nibs have an iridium tip. From a practical perspective a ballpoint pen is the clear winner. Both shown fountain pens have this value for people who love writing/drawing with ink. People only interested in taking notes would be foolish to do so with such expensive instruments.
I really like my 146 and with smallish hands it's undoubtedly the best fit for me, but I will likely check out a 149 at some point. That Sailor certainly has a delicious looking nib - that makes it the pen I'll consider first. Thanks, Dan.
+Nibsmith I think the 146 is a much better fit for smaller hands. The 149 is way too heavy for me being a woman with regular hands. STILL I don't want another Meisterstuck. I've had enough of them.
King of Pen because of 1. The look. This ebonite version is just so beautiful. I like the fact that its not fancy. Doesnt need to be. Mont Blanc is crying out in desperste effort to make everybody notice it. 2. The nibs are just from different leages. Cant even be compared. Sailor beats MB easily. By the way did you notice tge hard start? Somehow all the MBs I come across with are hard starters. Must really irritate the owners who had spent tons of money on the doubtful style. I even like the fact that Sailor is a converter, more practical to me. (just to make things clear i am no die hard Sailor fan, actually unfortunately i don't own one yet, but i do like what i see in these previews and shootouts) Thanks for this video mate! Very useful and helpful!
Dan, check out my vid on the Sailor King of Pen Realo version w/Nag-togi nib - that's the pen that you should be comparing to the MB149 - the most similar in features. The Sailor KOPrealo rapes MB149 in all categories except ink capacity.
An excellent video, and useful comparison of two pens which are very similar in many ways, including high price. For myself, I find that having had experience with some oversize pens, I don't like them because I soon experience so much fatigue in my hand that regardless of all the features, I simply can't write. Hence, a 1911 or perhaps a 146 would make more sense for me. Please keep up the good work!
i don't even dislike the KOP bc of the cc filling system (it actually makes for easier cleaning). the only thing that really bothers me is that the nib looks more dented than stamped. the 149's nib is much more crisp and looks more engraved than embossed.
The people firing up the 149 kind of have a point. Modern 149s are mass produced objects. But if you venture into the pre 70s examples, you'll find a wonderful pen. And the 50s, a whole different league.
In Australia the prices are the opposite. $1220 for the Montblanc 149, $1520 for the Sailor King of Pen Standard; and for some backwards ass reason, the Sailor King of Pen Ebonite is $2795 -.- I’m going with the Montblanc 149 or W.E Homer if they still have any in stock
I would pick the King of Pen because Sailor produces higher quality nibs than Montblanc. Montblanc has become a brand for jewelry and lifestyle products. They market their brand very well, their pens look and feel great. However when I try to write with them I'm regularly disappointed. I'm going through the second nib change on a 146 now in the hope that this time I finally get a writing instrument that works without flaws. It's my impression that Montblanc fountain pens are not really produced for writing.
Does the Sailor 1911 large have the same nib as the king of pens? And what nib should I choose, when I'm used to a European medium nib from Lamy? I wouldn't mind a slightly broader nib, but I won't need it as a calligraphy pen so it shouldn't be too broad. Somewhere between European medium and European broad.
Mr Nibsmith, sir, I have a question! Please help me. I am left-handed and write relatively small--my lower case letters barely take 1/3 of the heght of a Moleskin line. I do not like thick lines, naturally gravitating towards Japanese F and EF nibs. My favorite daily writers are Pilot 823 F (purchased on your recommendation and Matt Armstrong's) and Sailor 1911 Large EF. I have some European pens (Visconti Homo Sapiens, Aurora Ipsilon, PeliKan M800, Lamy Dialog, Omas Paragon), which I like but do not use as much as the Japanese workhorses. I really really want to add one or two Montblancs to my collection, but the only Montblanc pens I can actually try at a boutique is the 146 series, and a 146 EF writes too thick for my liking. However I recently bought a 145 EF for my business partner, and I was very surprised that it seems to produce lines nearly as fine as a Japanese EF. So now I am considering a 145 EF for myself as well. My questions are: 1. Is it also your opinion that a 145 EF nib writes finer than a 146 EF? 2. I notice that 145 has a quite small nib. Would this account for the thinness of its lines? 3. If yes, will other Montblanc pens with small nibs (such as Rouge et noir) also produce similarly fine lines if I buy the EF version? Thank you! I really lust after Montblanc but the line thickness of the few 146 EF I tried has been putting me off. I want a Montblanc EF that can behave like a Pilot F or Sailor F.
I understand that the feed on the 149 is made from plastic not ebonite. I'm not sure about the KOP. Are there genuine technical reasons for this? It seems to sully what should be a quality product but maybe I'm ignorant regarding the merits of plastic.
I've been seeing that MB design forever now and funny enough that's the one that looks boring to me. Rhodium trim would help a great deal indeed. I bought the KOP after I saw your review on it so thanks for that! I've seen multiple people complain about the C/C though, what's up with that? I understand it offers a way better ink capacity but it's sooo hard to clean and you can't maintain it yourself. I would pick a C/C over piston any day of the week. Thanks for the video, the more I see that KOP the harder it is to wait.
sorry but i think the MB 149 is very much over-rated with over reacted hypes. I have personally tested 1 myself at a B&M place and also had it to play with from a friend and there is nothing about it i can be proud of even the nib you can get better ones elsewhere. Sailor too has some overhyped reviews as i have also tested one and it's similar with the 149 except the nib. if i have to pick 1 and even if both are selling at the same price be it up or down, at any given day i'll go for the sailor KOP simply because it has more nib varieties, it's nib quality and a Demonstrator version (a big Plus for me)
for some people maybe sentimental value just doesn't add much to the overall benefit of the pen itself. we can't all have the same destination in our journey, therefore we might never see the point you are referring to.
Michael Harto Good point. I have always considered the MB 149 to be my grail pen, but not at the prices they are asking for a new pen. I will likely pick up a vintage in the near future. There is a RUclipsr Pelahale that was saying the newer MB’s had less attention to detail and less quality from 1994-to now. I probably pick up soon a Sailor 1911 L with 21k nib in the meantime.
I have experienced that on posting pens specially for resin pens the barrel and pen section will get scratches.What is your view please let me know that......and like your other reviews this is as nice as before.....
Given the size and weight of the pens how comfortable are they to write with? Are these special occasion pens only? Like for signing cheques or writing personal letters. Or can you write comfortably for long periods of time?
***** I should be getting a 146 soon on auction. Then I can see what all the fuss is about. Though after seeing the Sailor in action I may just go to that as soon as I can. It's a pity the King of Pen looks so bland. And at such a price you would want it to make an aesthetic statement like the 149.
All in all, I'd pick the Sailor. Writes better (21k gold nib, more flexible) and costs less. The converter has its pros and cons, maybe on a pen of this price it's a bit out of place according to western taste, but I guess Japanese are in love with converters :D
why is it every time i watch a review wherein Meisterstuck is reviewed i notice it skipping while comparatively other counterparts of other makes do well enough? it's just a notice, as it's silly to see a high-end pen like MB skips like this!
mmmm, this is the reason, then! But this limited nibs to my thinking maybe due to the need for regular maintenance, which is also away too expensive. Cause, i don't think a pen of this quality and demand won't have stock of nibs, truly this is unfortunate!
Which of the Nagahara nibs is on the pen you used in this demo? Is that a Naginata-Togi? If so, which one specifically? I really like how that writes, but I know Sailor has a ton of different bespoke nib options.
I have both pens. I prefer the 149 much more. Sailor no longer makes great nibs as I understand since the handover from father to son. I received my KOP with an almost scratchy nib. It was really disappointing, and I had to do massive tuning to make it work well. The M also wrote real fat for a Japanese M, which I learned later that it's the case now for KOPs. It is soft but it's not 14k, kind of mushy. For all the high praise people had for Sailor, I could not understand one bit.
I'm having trouble to understand which one the right one (from this review) is. I got so far what the professional gear means. But what is the 1911? Is there a non-1911? Is this in the review a 1911 too just without the gold band? So confused...
If money was no object I would definitely buy the Mont Blanc I don't really like the KOP I think that sailor makes great pens but for me KOP is not worth it a 1911 from Sailor is worth it I personally think 1911 is better than the KOP and MB 149 is considered the most exclusive pen in the world I once wrote and held a 149 and it was by far the best pen I ever held and wrote with it gave quite a line variation and it was a gusher nevertheless great review.
Since you review fountain pen , which ink provider would you recommend for blue ink ... I used some other brands but the ink isn't as clear and light as the one u use ... Please advice and thank you for the explanation of the 2 pens
I love Sailor pens. Have a few with various nobs. They all write great. I do not own a 146 or 149. When I have written with them, I find the experience lacking compared to Sailor. The 21k Sailor nib has no equal & is reasonably priced.
Hi. I hope that you see this. I am considering the purchase of a Sailor KOP. I typically use a pilot v5 rollerball at work. As well as prefer my fountain pens in the XF realm. Do you think that it would be more of a Fine or XF from Sailor that would fit the bill. 2) Does one have the ability to " swap " nibs or change if I need a differet nib variation ? thanks !
crazywisdom2 if this is your first serious fountain pen, I’d say don’t drop this kind of amount of money on a single pen, start with something cheaper and you can tinker with to get familiar with fountain pen mechanisms, e.g., a noodler ahab. As for ur question, pilot v5 to me is more on the fine to medium-fine range for Japanese nibs. I’m not sure about the second question as I do not own KOP but I do have a sailor 1911 naginata and I don’t think the nib can be swapped.
those that know me will attest; Sailor all day, everyday. I'm sure Montblancs are good writers, but Sailors were made with real users in mind; imho anyway.
Excuse me do you service MB149? I received two as gifts, but honestly, I am not impressed, I'm thinking they may need to be serviced. I am bias and partial to the KOP. Honestly My KawecoSport writes a lot better than the MB149, however, I'd like to have them serviced.
I bought my Montblanc 149 brand new at the now bargain price of $33. That's right--the retail price in 1967. That was before the Montblanc name was a status symbol. It also shows how much the dollar has devalued over the years. It had a lifetime warranty and had to be sent to Koh-i-noor once for a repair (leaking at the filler ring). It has worked perfectly since then. Got my money's worth!
As you say, The King of Pen is a pen that I would never buy NEW. I already have one, the same ebonite incredibly simple finish but with chrome trim. The Naginata Togi nib is wonderful (I already tested it, and the Cross Emperor, in my Classic Pens CP7's, but they are based in the Sailor 1911 model and I keep 'em almost MINT). First thing is that with all it's name, is a Cartridge -Converter shell.... Nevertheless, as a pen for playing with it in fancy writing it's ok. Used it cost me Euro $350. The Montblanc 149 -mine is an inherited 1955 pen- is another universe. Please, keep doing more of this nice RUclips work!
I had to watch this video again. As it was superbly well done. Is the King of Pen basically a larger version of the 1911L? In the same way the 1911L is the big brother of the 1911S. Or are they to be considered separate?
Good day, I clicked on the like provided to see more information on the King of Pen. However, something must have changed because the price is not over $800. That to me is just out of my price range but I do desire a quality pen just not for that price any help?
The 149 is the clear winner for 2 big obvious reasons: 1. You can swap the nib for free within 6 weeks of purchase, no questions asked 2. Brand recognition -> resale value Honestly, if you're gonna shell out that much for a pen, you might as well get a MB.
thats exactly what i said.....nothing comes close to a Montblanc 149. I am getting both though and a Pelikan souvereign m1005.....just gonna put them all on the credit card with 0% APR for 15 months : ) and my birthday is coming up : )
hey matt i have not seen sailor pen on first hand and im thinking of buying the king of pens version which one should i buy the one with the gold trim or rhodium ?
So i'm not really a collector and have more to learn about pens, but from what i see the king of pen outshines the 149 in every aspect, so why would you take the 149 over it? the two have a near identical appearance, they are the same size, the king of pen seems to write smoother and you said it felt nicer, and the material of the king of pen was warmer in the hand. The only thing the 149 seems to have is the filling system and ink window. does that really make the difference?
Tyler Waalen the name alone is synonymous of prestige, some might chose montblanc for that reason, just like someone choosing timberland boots with almost no cold resistance over a similar yet more fonctional pair of boots. style points i guess.
Because to non-aficiandos the Mont Blanc carries an heir of "status", just like that of a Rolex. However, to fountain pen aficiandos, the King of Pen is like a Grand Seiko Spring Drive - if you know, you know. You know?
I don't know much about this. It seems that you can't do much by way of calligraphy with standard fountain pens, can you? The Calligraphy videos I've seen use a whole different set of writing instruments. Not a criticism; just really curious. It seems calligraphy is a whole other thing.
Now this was fun. You have an easy going style and a well of information that provides for a comfortable confidence. The answer for which one? Well, that's not the question is it? The question is, "Why not both?" ; = )
michael ellliot The pink in the KOP is definitely Iroshizuku Tsutsuji. The blue in the 149 I am not sure about...Kon-Peki? He may have used two Pilot inks to make the comparison more even?
I've wanted a Montblanc 149 since 1975 when I saw my grad-school adviser editing a research paper with one. I could never justify the price, but I've persisted in looking for a deal ever since. My persistence paid off the other day when I was at an antique show and noticed an elderly man in the corner of the pavilion with an assortment of vintage fountain pens for sale. The majority of the pens (mostly old Parkers) were from his own collection, but he also had purchased the collection of an old friend who had recently died. Among those pens was a new-in-box 149 complete with the original MB documents AND the original sales receipt from 1982. After some dickering, I walked off with the pen for $350. I'm using Aurora black in it, and it writes like a dream. Persistence pays.
eqlzr2 Nice pickup. I am also looking for a MB 149 in that price range. I can’t justify buying a new one at the prices they are asking now. Plus, there is a RUclipsr that stated that the vintage MB 149 were a little better quality than the newer ones. Basically buy the one’s before 1994.
Also, since yours is from 1982. It might have an ebonite feed meaning more ink flow.
I heard the same. Good luck, and thx.
The ink flow is exceptionally good, thx!
But you waisted 50 years of your life to save a few hundred bucks. Seriously you are a long time dead you should enjoy yourself a little. Your story is not a good example of persistence.
when I die, I want these pens to bring me back to life if I'm paying £1,620 including VAT for it. Also it better give me: +30 magic resist, +30 armour, AND +50 attack damage.
or +1 dick length
Montblanc gives you +10 Class.
Whoah that's overpowered
Ha. It might be best to carry an EpiPen. They cost just as much these days. Heh.
@Archangel Michael whatever makes u happy lol
I own a 146 (no 149 yet) and just recently had a Sailor KoP Ebonite delivered from Engeika. The King of Pen is simply a dream to write with. I would definitely get another KoP before a 149 simply based on the nib. As you said in the video, the cartridge converter is a bit disappointing but the nib and feel of the pen make up for that. Sailor makes some of the best nibs I have ever used, even my hard-fine ProGear II is awesome to write with.
To be honest, the cartridge converter is an advantage to me over a piston. I fill used cartridges with a needle, that means I don’t have to worry about fitting the nib inside a bottle (some have narrow necks) or wiping ink off of the pen and feed after a dip.
On top of that, I can get every last drop of ink out of the bottle!
completely agree
I got to know the Montblanc as a child while playing with the one my mother had, it was already an old pen then and she still owns it 25 years later. I knew montblanc for all my life and finally managed to get a 149 and im quite superhappy with it.
I own 2 Montblanc Meisterstück 149's one from the 80's/Early 90's in a Medium Nib & the other one is a 2013 with a Oblique Medium Nib and I love them but I would be interested in trying a Sailor King of Pen to see if it's worth getting as well. Great Video. Keep up the great work. Nick.
Did you ever get the Kind of Pen? If so, how did it compare with the MB 149?
Man, this makes me feel both fortunate, and old, because I have about a half-dozen 149s of different nib sizes that I bought new, back in the day, for about $275 each. They all still work great, too. But now I wish I had thought to look into the King of Pen because I am loving the look of that flex.
Dan Magoo Nice!! That is the price that my father paid a MB 149 back in the day.
the king of pen looked like an easy winner from my untrained eye. I started watching videos on fountain pens yesterday.
looks are not everything. you have to feel them as well. I have 2 149's among a collection of 30 odd fountain pens (most of them vintage) and the 149 never ceases to amaze me every time I use it...
xXxAtkinsxXx king of pen is soft enough but you can end up destroying the nib due to overflexing the nib.
the montblanc is slightly softer than king of pen but you have less chance to damage the nib because if u write with it,you feel it like a smoothly flowing non flex pen so if you are using montblanc,you only have a slight chance to flex the nib like king of pen.so,if you’re using any of these oens,plz try to be aware.🙂
LMAO!..100% with you. started watching fountain pen vids, ordered a pilot yesterday as well.. but yeah king of pen 100% for now... lmao well see.
Yo me too 😂
🤣
I'll sadly never own a Sailor King of Pen but i'm in love with it just from the videos i've watched, including yours. It's so beautiful and it looks like it would feel amazing to write with.
Victor Gnoato , why not?
Jack Weisenstein i don't have that kind of money to buy one :/
How do I reach out to you directly? I may be able to help you.
Wow... You don't have to do that for me...
Well, it's the holidays, and I usually try and pay it forward whenever I can. Up to you. I know it seems weird.
The filling mechanism on the Sailor is a game changer. I have a MB 146 and I have not found a better pen.
The nib alone makes the king of pen a grail for me, the proportions and flexibility are just breathtaking to behold 😍
I love my 146 MB. It is smaller than 149. Fits into the hands of the medium size weight.
Not very heavy -not very light. Love the "master piece ".
This intense battle was well put-together. Bravo.
My compliments for the video. I own a 149 but not a King of pens so I can't compare them. I have to say though that the Sailor is very interesting, especially the nib. The simpler design is also very appealing to me and I would love to own one of these great pens.
The KOP with a King Eagle nib. No Montblanc marketing can compete with such a statement of supreme Japanese craftsmanship.
Jonathan Liptrot True. It kinda also depends on the marketing target. Montblanc is more like a luxury product for business people, and Sailor is for people who collect pens or crafts I guess? It’s only my own opinion.
Hehe it's like a Grand Seiko Spring Drive v a Rolex. Give me that Grand Seiko any day!
1bigjohn11 It's really impossible to compare a $15 pen to a Montblanc or a Sailor KOP. If you don't want to get into collecting fountain pens, sure, go for the Jinhao, it's a mildly decent writer. Definitely better than a rollerball. A gold nib pen will far surpass it in every practical category, however. Any fountain pen enthusiast will tell you the writing experience is far worth the money. Saying the jinhao is a winner against these pens is akin to saying a Nokia phone is a winner against the latest Samsung phone. The Nokia may be cheaper and it does work, but most people would go for the Samsung.
Jake These are classic designs, they’re timeless and no one owns them. Quality is what matters and sailor is nearly unbeaten.
@@thebeldam304 both gold and steel nibs have an iridium tip. From a practical perspective a ballpoint pen is the clear winner. Both shown fountain pens have this value for people who love writing/drawing with ink. People only interested in taking notes would be foolish to do so with such expensive instruments.
I really like my 146 and with smallish hands it's undoubtedly the best fit for me, but I will likely check out a 149 at some point. That Sailor certainly has a delicious looking nib - that makes it the pen I'll consider first. Thanks, Dan.
+Nibsmith I think the 146 is a much better fit for smaller hands. The 149 is way too heavy for me being a woman with regular hands. STILL I don't want another Meisterstuck. I've had enough of them.
Just bought the montblanc platinum edition medium nib
Great! I went with the gold coating for the classic look , but having one in platinum states that you bought it recently so i like the trim too!
Awesome review I just pulled the trigger on the KOP ebonite with rhodium trim. Followed your recommendation and purchased from Japan. Thanks!
This is the guitar equivalent of the Fender Strat and Gibson Les Paul, both does its own things and you need both.
King of Pen because of
1. The look. This ebonite version is just so beautiful. I like the fact that its not fancy. Doesnt need to be. Mont Blanc is crying out in desperste effort to make everybody notice it.
2. The nibs are just from different leages. Cant even be compared. Sailor beats MB easily. By the way did you notice tge hard start? Somehow all the MBs I come across with are hard starters. Must really irritate the owners who had spent tons of money on the doubtful style.
I even like the fact that Sailor is a converter, more practical to me.
(just to make things clear i am no die hard Sailor fan, actually unfortunately i don't own one yet, but i do like what i see in these previews and shootouts)
Thanks for this video mate! Very useful and helpful!
You can get a brand new 149 on Amazon for $565. Also there is a platinum-plated trimmed 149 now.
Dan, check out my vid on the Sailor King of Pen Realo version w/Nag-togi nib - that's the pen that you should be comparing to the MB149 - the most similar in features. The Sailor KOPrealo rapes MB149 in all categories except ink capacity.
An excellent video, and useful comparison of two pens which are very similar in many ways, including high price. For myself, I find that having had experience with some oversize pens, I don't like them because I soon experience so much fatigue in my hand that regardless of all the features, I simply can't write. Hence, a 1911 or perhaps a 146 would make more sense for me. Please keep up the good work!
A propos of the Sailor, are all the Sailor nibs interchangeable in all the pens? Could you in theory install a music nib in the KOP, for example?
i don't even dislike the KOP bc of the cc filling system (it actually makes for easier cleaning). the only thing that really bothers me is that the nib looks more dented than stamped. the 149's nib is much more crisp and looks more engraved than embossed.
I bought the MontBlanc 149. And I love it.
Same !
I am addicted to these videos even though I'm left-handed and have never owned a fountain pen in my life
Just learn to underwrite, problem solve! (from a lefty underwriter)
@@EGPhil yeah I'm left handed and never have a problem writing with fountain pens, i really love using them.
Dan thank you for another great review!
The people firing up the 149 kind of have a point. Modern 149s are mass produced objects. But if you venture into the pre 70s examples, you'll find a wonderful pen. And the 50s, a whole different league.
In Australia the prices are the opposite. $1220 for the Montblanc 149, $1520 for the Sailor King of Pen Standard; and for some backwards ass reason, the Sailor King of Pen Ebonite is $2795 -.- I’m going with the Montblanc 149 or W.E Homer if they still have any in stock
I would pick the King of Pen because Sailor produces higher quality nibs than Montblanc. Montblanc has become a brand for jewelry and lifestyle products. They market their brand very well, their pens look and feel great. However when I try to write with them I'm regularly disappointed. I'm going through the second nib change on a 146 now in the hope that this time I finally get a writing instrument that works without flaws. It's my impression that Montblanc fountain pens are not really produced for writing.
My heart identifies with the Sailor KOP. It's good class and depth besides the intoxicating nib.
The 149 is "a bit pricy" but it is still the king! Mine should arrive in 1 to 2 weeks to the dealer.
Does the Sailor 1911 large have the same nib as the king of pens? And what nib should I choose, when I'm used to a European medium nib from Lamy? I wouldn't mind a slightly broader nib, but I won't need it as a calligraphy pen so it shouldn't be too broad. Somewhere between European medium and European broad.
***** Thanks a lot for this answer:)
Mr Nibsmith, sir, I have a question! Please help me.
I am left-handed and write relatively small--my lower case letters barely take 1/3 of the heght of a Moleskin line. I do not like thick lines, naturally gravitating towards Japanese F and EF nibs. My favorite daily writers are Pilot 823 F (purchased on your recommendation and Matt Armstrong's) and Sailor 1911 Large EF. I have some European pens (Visconti Homo Sapiens, Aurora Ipsilon, PeliKan M800, Lamy Dialog, Omas Paragon), which I like but do not use as much as the Japanese workhorses.
I really really want to add one or two Montblancs to my collection, but the only Montblanc pens I can actually try at a boutique is the 146 series, and a 146 EF writes too thick for my liking. However I recently bought a 145 EF for my business partner, and I was very surprised that it seems to produce lines nearly as fine as a Japanese EF. So now I am considering a 145 EF for myself as well.
My questions are:
1. Is it also your opinion that a 145 EF nib writes finer than a 146 EF?
2. I notice that 145 has a quite small nib. Would this account for the thinness of its lines?
3. If yes, will other Montblanc pens with small nibs (such as Rouge et noir) also produce similarly fine lines if I buy the EF version?
Thank you! I really lust after Montblanc but the line thickness of the few 146 EF I tried has been putting me off. I want a Montblanc EF that can behave like a Pilot F or Sailor F.
This is a GREAT comparison. Wonderful information. Thanks
I understand that the feed on the 149 is made from plastic not ebonite. I'm not sure about the KOP. Are there genuine technical reasons for this? It seems to sully what should be a quality product but maybe I'm ignorant regarding the merits of plastic.
If you're talking about garish Mont Blancs look at their "Limited Editions". The only one that is understated is The Hemingway
brilliant review, bravo on the sailor what a beauty.
I want to buy one for my husband. I love him a lot.
I have a 149 and love it. Sailor makes fantastic pens and I’ll add a KOP one day.
I like the king of pen nib but the 149 montblaunk styling is supersuperb!
I sure hope you're right about this. Just ordered a King of Pen.
I'll give you a full report! Ordered the Naginata Togi Medium Fine nib.
I've been seeing that MB design forever now and funny enough that's the one that looks boring to me. Rhodium trim would help a great deal indeed. I bought the KOP after I saw your review on it so thanks for that! I've seen multiple people complain about the C/C though, what's up with that? I understand it offers a way better ink capacity but it's sooo hard to clean and you can't maintain it yourself. I would pick a C/C over piston any day of the week. Thanks for the video, the more I see that KOP the harder it is to wait.
great review! It would be great if you can review a Platinum UEF or a Sailor Saibi Togi !
sorry but i think the MB 149 is very much over-rated with over reacted hypes. I have personally tested 1 myself at a B&M place and also had it to play with from a friend and there is nothing about it i can be proud of even the nib you can get better ones elsewhere. Sailor too has some overhyped reviews as i have also tested one and it's similar with the 149 except the nib. if i have to pick 1 and even if both are selling at the same price be it up or down, at any given day i'll go for the sailor KOP simply because it has more nib varieties, it's nib quality and a Demonstrator version (a big Plus for me)
for some people maybe sentimental value just doesn't add much to the overall benefit of the pen itself. we can't all have the same destination in our journey, therefore we might never see the point you are referring to.
Michael Harto Good point. I have always considered the MB 149 to be my grail pen, but not at the prices they are asking for a new pen. I will likely pick up a vintage in the near future. There is a RUclipsr Pelahale that was saying the newer MB’s had less attention to detail and less quality from 1994-to now. I probably pick up soon a Sailor 1911 L with 21k nib in the meantime.
I have experienced that on posting pens specially for resin pens the barrel and pen section will get scratches.What is your view please let me know that......and like your other reviews this is as nice as before.....
I will be very grateful to you if you will please let me know how can a resin pen be posished please.........
What ink was used in the 149 for the writing sample? It looks beautiful!
+Spenfen i think that its pilot iroshizuku kon peki, but i am not sure
Its royal blue
What is the diameter of the grip on the KoP? I've got the 149, but I'm curious how those diameters compare.
Given the size and weight of the pens how comfortable are they to write with? Are these special occasion pens only? Like for signing cheques or writing personal letters.
Or can you write comfortably for long periods of time?
***** I should be getting a 146 soon on auction. Then I can see what all the fuss is about. Though after seeing the Sailor in action I may just go to that as soon as I can.
It's a pity the King of Pen looks so bland. And at such a price you would want it to make an aesthetic statement like the 149.
I wonder why this fashion (?) of 21 K. Gold nibs. I think that a gold nib can be excellent regardless if it is made in 18 or 21, or even 24 K.
All in all, I'd pick the Sailor. Writes better (21k gold nib, more flexible) and costs less. The converter has its pros and cons, maybe on a pen of this price it's a bit out of place according to western taste, but I guess Japanese are in love with converters :D
I was wondering if you knew why the inside of my clip on my montblanc 149 says metal Germany then the word pix.
Ok, I cannot find the link you referred to to buy the Sailor KOP from Japan. Clue me in. Thanks, 73, Tom, KC3QAC
Why pick one I need both of them
Agreed.
why is it every time i watch a review wherein Meisterstuck is reviewed i notice it skipping while comparatively other counterparts of other makes do well enough? it's just a notice, as it's silly to see a high-end pen like MB skips like this!
mmmm, this is the reason, then! But this limited nibs to my thinking maybe due to the need for regular maintenance, which is also away too expensive. Cause, i don't think a pen of this quality and demand won't have stock of nibs, truly this is unfortunate!
I heard something about a limited edition King of Pen that had a piston filler.
+Charles Earle Sailor made an anniversary KOP with a piston. I've never seen one come up for sale on the used market though. Hopefully one day.
I would love to find one. Although I hear Sailor's Piston fillers are more like Visconti's captured convertors, with a low ink capacity.
Hi odd query but what size gloves do you wear? They say the 149 is good for large hands but uncomfortable otherwise?
Which of the Nagahara nibs is on the pen you used in this demo? Is that a Naginata-Togi? If so, which one specifically? I really like how that writes, but I know Sailor has a ton of different bespoke nib options.
I have both pens. I prefer the 149 much more. Sailor no longer makes great nibs as I understand since the handover from father to son. I received my KOP with an almost scratchy nib. It was really disappointing, and I had to do massive tuning to make it work well. The M also wrote real fat for a Japanese M, which I learned later that it's the case now for KOPs. It is soft but it's not 14k, kind of mushy. For all the high praise people had for Sailor, I could not understand one bit.
I'm having trouble to understand which one the right one (from this review) is. I got so far what the professional gear means. But what is the 1911? Is there a non-1911? Is this in the review a 1911 too just without the gold band?
So confused...
If money was no object I would definitely buy the Mont Blanc I don't really like the KOP I think that sailor makes great pens but for me KOP is not worth it a 1911 from Sailor is worth it I personally think 1911 is better than the KOP and MB 149 is considered the most exclusive pen in the world I once wrote and held a 149 and it was by far the best pen I ever held and wrote with it gave quite a line variation and it was a gusher nevertheless great review.
Since you review fountain pen , which ink provider would you recommend for blue ink ... I used some other brands but the ink isn't as clear and light as the one u use ... Please advice and thank you for the explanation of the 2 pens
By the way, who sells this beautiful pen pouch?
I love Sailor pens. Have a few with various nobs. They all write great. I do not own a 146 or 149. When I have written with them, I find the experience lacking compared to Sailor. The 21k Sailor nib has no equal & is reasonably priced.
Hi. I hope that you see this. I am considering the purchase of a Sailor KOP. I typically use a pilot v5 rollerball at work. As well as prefer my fountain pens in the XF realm. Do you think that it would be more of a Fine or XF from Sailor that would fit the bill. 2) Does one have the ability to " swap " nibs or change if I need a differet nib variation ? thanks !
crazywisdom2 if this is your first serious fountain pen, I’d say don’t drop this kind of amount of money on a single pen, start with something cheaper and you can tinker with to get familiar with fountain pen mechanisms, e.g., a noodler ahab. As for ur question, pilot v5 to me is more on the fine to medium-fine range for Japanese nibs. I’m not sure about the second question as I do not own KOP but I do have a sailor 1911 naginata and I don’t think the nib can be swapped.
those that know me will attest; Sailor all day, everyday. I'm sure Montblancs are good writers, but Sailors were made with real users in mind; imho anyway.
How thick is the KOP Ebonite?
What is the ink youre using on the sailor?! its amazing! i want it too!
Excuse me do you service MB149? I received two as gifts, but honestly, I am not impressed, I'm thinking they may need to be serviced. I am bias and partial to the KOP. Honestly My KawecoSport writes a lot better than the MB149, however, I'd like to have them serviced.
I bought my Montblanc 149 brand new at the now bargain price of $33. That's right--the retail price in 1967. That was before the Montblanc name was a status symbol. It also shows how much the dollar has devalued over the years. It had a lifetime warranty and had to be sent to Koh-i-noor once for a repair (leaking at the filler ring). It has worked perfectly since then. Got my money's worth!
Will you please review the new bic round stick m
It's my favorite pen at the moment
As you say, The King of Pen is a pen that I would never buy NEW. I already have one, the same ebonite incredibly simple finish but with chrome trim. The Naginata Togi nib is wonderful (I already tested it, and the Cross Emperor, in my Classic Pens CP7's, but they are based in the Sailor 1911 model and I keep 'em almost MINT). First thing is that with all it's name, is a Cartridge -Converter shell.... Nevertheless, as a pen for playing with it in fancy writing it's ok. Used it cost me Euro $350. The Montblanc 149 -mine is an inherited 1955 pen- is another universe. Please, keep doing more of this nice RUclips work!
5:55 I believe he said that he wouldn't buy a 149 brand new.
If you just judge from the writing samples the King of pens is the clear winner. I have the 1911 L and really like it.
came here for the pens and fell in love with the inks
I had to watch this video again. As it was superbly well done.
Is the King of Pen basically a larger version of the 1911L? In the same way the 1911L is the big brother of the 1911S.
Or are they to be considered separate?
I believe that they are 2 seperate pen lines
What nib said sizes are the KOP and the MB 149 in?Daniel
Is it weird that sometimes I dream about owning a KOP? I wish I can own one but def way too out my league 😅
Good day,
I clicked on the like provided to see more information on the King of Pen. However, something must have changed because the price is not over $800. That to me is just out of my price range but I do desire a quality pen just not for that price any help?
The 149 is the clear winner for 2 big obvious reasons:
1. You can swap the nib for free within 6 weeks of purchase, no questions asked
2. Brand recognition -> resale value
Honestly, if you're gonna shell out that much for a pen, you might as well get a MB.
thats exactly what i said.....nothing comes close to a Montblanc 149. I am getting both though and a Pelikan souvereign m1005.....just gonna put them all on the credit card with 0% APR for 15 months : ) and my birthday is coming up : )
Have you purchased from engeika and are they legit
Could you kindly outline the inks you are using? :) Thanks for the review!
hey matt i have not seen sailor pen on first hand and im thinking of buying the king of pens version which one should i buy the one with the gold trim or rhodium ?
So i'm not really a collector and have more to learn about pens, but from what i see the king of pen outshines the 149 in every aspect, so why would you take the 149 over it? the two have a near identical appearance, they are the same size, the king of pen seems to write smoother and you said it felt nicer, and the material of the king of pen was warmer in the hand. The only thing the 149 seems to have is the filling system and ink window. does that really make the difference?
Tyler Waalen the name alone is synonymous of prestige, some might chose montblanc for that reason, just like someone choosing timberland boots with almost no cold resistance over a similar yet more fonctional pair of boots. style points i guess.
Because to non-aficiandos the Mont Blanc carries an heir of "status", just like that of a Rolex. However, to fountain pen aficiandos, the King of Pen is like a Grand Seiko Spring Drive - if you know, you know. You know?
Isn't the "resin" on MB 149 ..... Just plastic? I get it on my $150 Custom heritage 91 using Plastic resin but a $900 149.....no
Will 1911 large give same flex as king of pen
?
There doesn't seem to be an available king of pen to import on the site i joined. Any advice?
Have you tried a Namiki Yukari Royale?
Hello, i want to know where to buy an used MontBlanc 149. can you give me a link?
it must be able to ship to Uruguay
Do they also do a right-handed version?
I don't know much about this. It seems that you can't do much by way of calligraphy with standard fountain pens, can you? The Calligraphy videos I've seen use a whole different set of writing instruments. Not a criticism; just really curious. It seems calligraphy is a whole other thing.
If my 40€ Twsbi can have a reliable piston mechanism, so should the self proclaimed "King of Pen".
Now this was fun. You have an easy going style and a well of information that provides for a comfortable confidence. The answer for which one? Well, that's not the question is it? The question is, "Why not both?" ; = )
Nice review
Between the two, I'd pick the 149, only because I already have one and I cannot afford either pen brand new.
Which one is best .149 or king of pen
Which nib size will give maximum flex? F or B
Which is the best option to get
Where can I reliably find a used 149?
Very good presentation.
The 149 also comes in rose gold
Buy sailor realo directly from Japan, you get better nib and piston filler plus 1/3rd the price of Mont blanc.
What inks did you use in the writing samples Dan?
michael ellliot The pink in the KOP is definitely Iroshizuku Tsutsuji. The blue in the 149 I am not sure about...Kon-Peki? He may have used two Pilot inks to make the comparison more even?
michael ellliot I think the blue may actually be Ama-Iro