Great comparison. I’ve never desired either pen. While I have over 10 in my Pelikan family (I need to inventory) I’ve never wanted an m600, 800, or 1000. I love the size in hand of the m200 and 400 series. I’ve never wanted Sailor King of Pens or Leonardo MZ Grande. Your video has shown me that I am within my current comfort zone with pen sizes. Thanks for sharing detail about the firmness differences of each nib. I’ve always thought my Pelikan EF, F, M, and B nibs were the smoothest writers.
This review was great. Still not sure if I am going to get my pocket book out just yet. Although this is off topic, I have been eyeing the exclusive Sailor pen at Yoseka "Refresh" it keeps calling me, but I can't decide on the slim or the regular Pro Gear. There is quite a price hike. I will have to look on this channel to see if she has reviewed any Sailors
I honestly think that the slightly larger size and the 21k nib of the standard Sailor Pro Gear makes it a better (albeit pricier) purchase option than the PG Slim.
Very well-done. For the record, both MB and Pelikan have always been notorious for the QC issues and inconsistencies with their (gold) nibs. I’ve been lucky with my MB 220, 145, 146 and 149. All write splendidly without issues. Though one had the annoying baby’s bottom that needed fixing. I own the Pelikan M200 and the M600. And I’ve held and tried the M600, 800 and 1000 at pen shows in the past. Pelikans look and feel really nice. Good size and weight. No complaints. The color finishes options are not so exciting, but no big deal. The piston system (along with Aurora’s) is one of the smoothest you’d find. However, the gold nibs are just not my thing. I like and use both hard and soft nibs. But Pelikan 14k/18k nibs have an awfully squishy softness to them that I just don’t like. They are also invariably overly wet writers with the designated nib size points weirdly out of whack, e.g. an F writing like a fat medium or broad line. Baby’s bottom issues are common and other inconsistencies make Pelikan pens quite a pain. And they are premium priced pens, too. For that money, I’d take an Aurora every day of the year. I like my two Pelikans, but I won’t get any more. Of the two you compared here, the MB 146 wins, on my card.
@@sajjadhusain4146 of course you would take the Aurora! The 88 does not have any give! This Pelikan M800 is not squishy at all & has no bounce for a gold nib. My M400 is like that too - in fact, they both write really stiff. Since I spend a lot of time writing, I find that I don’t reach for the M400, but I choose the 3776 and the MB. Their nibs seem to glide better for longer writing sessions and the grip is comfortable. Which pen is your go to for long writing sessions?
@@KitchenCounterCrafts The nibs are very smooth, no question. Even the steel nibs are. I have the M200 Brown Marble with a steel M nib - and the M600 Glauco Cambon with a 14k F nib. I’ll always keep them both. I have found their steel nibs to be stiff (but smooth) and the gold nibs to be invariably quite soft and spring-y and like I said, disappointingly squishy. The 3776 is great for long writing sessions. I love the five I own. So, if I could pick, say, 3-4 of my automatic ‘go-to’ pens, I’d always reach for the Aurora 88, Stipula Etruria, Sailor KoP and Aurora Optima.
I have both pens in my collection and both are delightful writers. The Pelikan M800 has a brass connector bushing and your MB 146, if it’s from the 80’s I believe connector bushing would be a plastic which would make it lighter. Newer MB use metal connector bushings and have a similar feel in weight. I find the piston filling system of the Pelikan to be superb. Both are great in slightly different ways. Thanks for the comparison.
@@stephenE4017 yes! I totally forgot about that! Thank you for the clarification on the brass inside the Pelikan and post 90’s Montblanc pens. I also understand that if my 1980’s pen needs to be refurbished, MB would put in brass. It’s now the standard.
@@arnaupuig5097 I’ve been told that people are moving away from the minimalist lifestyle and going for the maximalist- I’m glad as a pen user/collector! 😂
I've had about a dozen Montblancs and half a dozen Pelikans over the last 15 years of my fountain pen journey. My absolute favourite fountain pen is my MB 149 calligraphy flex pen, the nib is incomparable. Having said that, in my experience I found every single Montblanc piston filler including the 149 Calligraphy had a piston issue at some point requiring a trip to MB repair for a level 1 service where they do a thorough over haul of the pen for about $100 flat rate fee, and the pen is like new again. It either leaked, ink passing through the plunger and leaking water and ink with hissing sound at the back of the piston filler screw, or stiff piston. In contrast none of my Pelikans had piston issues. Pelikan makes better integrated piston filling systems hands down. On the other hand, I love the MB nibs more. They are wonderfully tactile and full of character. Some have architect and some have stubbish characters. While the Pelikan nibs have nice elasticity, the nib tipping is round and boring, so I prefer Montblanc nibs. Between the two, I still prefer the MB for it's remarkable nibs. I just wish their integrated piston in the 146 and 149s were more reliable and less problematic. A 145 cartridge/convereter is great,, I love both my 145s.
@@jungroe Wow! Thanks for sharing your experience with these pens! When I was speaking to my MB seller, they told me the same thing. Some of the older MBs have had piston issues and when you send it in, they replace it with the newer ones. However, they do the overhaul on the pens and they are great writers. Interesting about the Pelikan not having any issues. That certainly makes them a big contender for a grail pen. Question: did you purchase your MB with the calligraphy nib or was it a custom grind? It sounds awesome!
@@KitchenCounterCrafts Thanks! My 149 Calligraphy Flex is the Special Edition that were released by Montblanc back in 2019-2020 with a factory MB flex nib. As far as I know MB stopped production of the 149 Calligraphy flex, so they are hrad to find. They also did a Special Edition 146 Calligraphy flex. I have that one too, in the soiltair version, and it is a great writer too, though the 149 is a little softer. If you can find one of these, I highly recommend it. Others make modern flex pens like Pilot FA and Mag 600, but the Montblanc special edition factory flex nib is much more refined, a great every day writer when not flexing, and flexy line variation is rigth there with ease when you want it. The great thing is the feed keeps up for reliable flex writing without railroading, that is the trick that MB engineers worked out.
@ sounds absolutely dreamy! I have the 823 with a FA nib! It’s wonderful! I thought that I didn’t have any grail pens left, but I think that the MB 149 with Flex is now my new dream 💭!!! Thank you for sharing this with me!
I have both these pens too, and I favor the Montblanc. It's so much better than the Pelikan. I also find that the 149 is better than the M1000. I still love my Pelicans and always have one or two inked, but you can feel the quality in the Montblanc the way it feels in the hand and on the paper. I also find that the Montblanc nibs don't run as broad as Pelikan nibs. They're more practical for everyday writing. But the less turns on the Pelikan cap is also a great feature.
@@mariopellegrino7661 ah! That 3/4 turn! It spoils a person! I admit- the Montblanc are wonderful every day writers! I’m loving my Starwalker! You’re definitely penabling with the temptation of the M1000. There’s something beautiful about Pelikan. I love the Stresemann & the story behind it- but I don’t have one…yet!😊
@@KitchenCounterCrafts Pelikan got it right with that cap. I only have one other pen in my collection that the cap comes off just as fast - the Pilot Custom 74. I had it shipped from Japan because at the time American sellers only had clear demonstrators available and I wanted a solid barrel. That one comes off just like the Pelikan. Why other companies don't copy this from Pelikan, and why Pilot only seems to have done this for that one model, makes me wonder when they'll come around to making this "innovation" lol. The Homo Sapiens (which I long since sold) also had one of the best uncapping mechanisms. It was very fast to deploy for quick notes.
@ now you’re speaking my language! I purchased my first artisan acrylic in march and it makes me insane because of the number of turns for the cap (I lost count on how many it takes!). Have you tried Diplomat Aero or pineider’s magnetic cap? So satisfying! Don’t even get me started about the Pilot Vanishing Point!!!😍
Great comparison. I don't have either of these yet in my collection. I find them both a little intimidating. I need to do more research. The Montblanc seems the most intimidating for some reason. My two favorite nibs so far are the Platinum 3776 in a medium and the Pilot Custom 823 in a medium. I have a sailor pro gear slim in MF, but it's just "ok" in my opinion. I love the looks of the sailor pens and am always tempted, but not in love with the nibs. I even had a Sailor Pro Gear in a 21K, but even that wasn't my favorite. I understand the Pelikans run "broader" so thinking I would need a fine or extra fine in the Pelikan. I have very little knowledge about the Montblanc brand, but they are often talked about.
@@impish22 thank you, friend 🥰 I totally understand about the intimidation of the Montblanc- hence this delayed video. It’s a mental thing. I feel like I leveled up but wasn’t ready to- maybe that’s just me!☺️ If you love your Platinum M, you’ll die when you try the Montblanc! It’s the smoothest pen I own. There’s nothing quite like it. The Pelikan, on the other hand, is a bit more stiff like the Japanese pens. There’s no give- even though the nib was 18K vs 14K for the Montblanc. I thought it would be the opposite. There’s not much beating my Pilot 823- I totally felt like I “arrived “ with that pen. It’s an amazing writer. Maybe keep a lookout for the MB 146? You never know…
@@manifunk1 sounds like you have a great selection of pens! I’ve heard that the F can be too thick on the Pelikan. You could always get a custom grind on it. It’s scary to give your pen for that but if you have a trustworthy nib Meister, it can result in a perfect pen!
@@KitchenCounterCrafts I think I would be too nervous to do that I think I will eventually buy both a 146 and m800 in extra fine (if I see a good deal)
@@richardsimms251 thank you so much for watching and for your kind comment! If it makes you feel better, I practice my writing and have learned to slow it down! It does a few things for me: helps me to feel the nib and paper, to slow down and think and to really appreciate the whole process. There are several websites that have calligraphy or Spencerian practice drills. You don’t have to do calligraphy to practice and it all helps in making better loops, connecting the words together. That’s my problem- I get in such a hurry that I will do both printing of my letters and cursive, making the whole thing look like a mess! Back to the video- which pen??? Do you own both?
I can't afford these....M. Could you do a video on Pilot Varsity's or something under $20 LOL!!! Pelikan is on my radar. TY 😊 I like how thick the Montblanc writes. looks like a broad nib which I love.
@@tbayless8324 of course! I love the entry level pens because they’re easy to toss into a bag and dare I say - even let someone else use! I would not do that with my higher end pens. Too scared of losing them
Pelikan are quite lovely and so highly collectible. I love it when you have a pen and it goes up in value! Which Bird do you have? Nib? What do you love most about it? 😍
Great comparison. I’ve never desired either pen. While I have over 10 in my Pelikan family (I need to inventory) I’ve never wanted an m600, 800, or 1000. I love the size in hand of the m200 and 400 series. I’ve never wanted Sailor King of Pens or Leonardo MZ Grande. Your video has shown me that I am within my current comfort zone with pen sizes. Thanks for sharing detail about the firmness differences of each nib. I’ve always thought my Pelikan EF, F, M, and B nibs were the smoothest writers.
@@MarcellHobbs Thank you for the kind words, Marcy! I have a Pelikan Twist, Jazz (entry ) and a M400. The M 400 is small but I have small hands, so it works for me. I’m smitten by the looks of the pinstripes! The classic look is very appealing but then I wonder- wouldn’t I rather write with my Parker? The vintage pens have a charm of their own. I’m intrigued by the Sailor King of Prns but not the price- honestly, I’d rather get another Montblanc!
Very well-done. For the record, both MB and Pelikan have always been notorious for the QC issues and inconsistencies with their (gold) nibs. I’ve been lucky with my MB 220, 145, 146 and 149. All write splendidly without issues. Though one had the annoying baby’s bottom that needed fixing. I own the Pelikan M200 and the M600. And I’ve held and tried the M600, 800 and 1000 at pen shows in the past. Pelikans look and feel really nice. Good size and weight. No complaints. The color finishes options are not so exciting, but no big deal. The piston system (along with Aurora’s) is one of the smoothest you’d find. However, the gold nibs are just not my thing. I like and use both hard and soft nibs. But Pelikan 14k/18k nibs have an awfully squishy softness to them that I just don’t like. Sometimes they are the opposite, i.e. stiff. They are also invariably overly wet writers with the designated nib size points weirdly out of whack, e.g. an F writing like a fat medium or broad line. Baby’s bottom issues are common and other inconsistencies make Pelikan pens quite a pain. And they are premium priced pens, too. For that money, I’d take an Aurora every day of the year. I like my two Pelikans, but I won’t get any more. Of the two you compared here, the MB 146 wins, on my card.
Great comparison. I’ve never desired either pen. While I have over 10 in my Pelikan family (I need to inventory) I’ve never wanted an m600, 800, or 1000. I love the size in hand of the m200 and 400 series. I’ve never wanted Sailor King of Pens or Leonardo MZ Grande. Your video has shown me that I am within my current comfort zone with pen sizes. Thanks for sharing detail about the firmness differences of each nib. I’ve always thought my Pelikan EF, F, M, and B nibs were the smoothest writers.
This review was great. Still not sure if I am going to get my pocket book out just yet. Although this is off topic, I have been eyeing the exclusive Sailor pen at Yoseka "Refresh" it keeps calling me, but I can't decide on the slim or the regular Pro Gear. There is quite a price hike. I will have to look on this channel to see if she has reviewed any Sailors
I honestly think that the slightly larger size and the 21k nib of the standard Sailor Pro Gear makes it a better (albeit pricier) purchase option than the PG Slim.
Appreciate your honest thoughts. You never know what you are missing until you try, and I value the opinions of fountain pen fans.
Thank you so much for watching my little channel! So… which one would you choose or recommend ?
Very well-done. For the record, both MB and Pelikan have always been notorious for the QC issues and inconsistencies with their (gold) nibs.
I’ve been lucky with my MB 220, 145, 146 and 149. All write splendidly without issues. Though one had the annoying baby’s bottom that needed fixing.
I own the Pelikan M200 and the M600. And I’ve held and tried the M600, 800 and 1000 at pen shows in the past. Pelikans look and feel really nice. Good size and weight. No complaints. The color finishes options are not so exciting, but no big deal. The piston system (along with Aurora’s) is one of the smoothest you’d find.
However, the gold nibs are just not my thing. I like and use both hard and soft nibs. But Pelikan 14k/18k nibs have an awfully squishy softness to them that I just don’t like. They are also invariably overly wet writers with the designated nib size points weirdly out of whack, e.g. an F writing like a fat medium or broad line. Baby’s bottom issues are common and other inconsistencies make Pelikan pens quite a pain. And they are premium priced pens, too. For that money, I’d take an Aurora every day of the year.
I like my two Pelikans, but I won’t get any more.
Of the two you compared here, the MB 146 wins, on my card.
@@sajjadhusain4146 of course you would take the Aurora! The 88 does not have any give! This Pelikan M800 is not squishy at all & has no bounce for a gold nib. My M400 is like that too - in fact, they both write really stiff.
Since I spend a lot of time writing, I find that I don’t reach for the M400, but I choose the 3776 and the MB.
Their nibs seem to glide better for longer writing sessions and the grip is comfortable.
Which pen is your go to for long writing sessions?
@@KitchenCounterCrafts The nibs are very smooth, no question. Even the steel nibs are. I have the M200 Brown Marble with a steel M nib - and the M600 Glauco Cambon with a 14k F nib. I’ll always keep them both.
I have found their steel nibs to be stiff (but smooth) and the gold nibs to be invariably quite soft and spring-y and like I said, disappointingly squishy.
The 3776 is great for long writing sessions. I love the five I own.
So, if I could pick, say, 3-4 of my automatic ‘go-to’ pens, I’d always reach for the Aurora 88, Stipula Etruria, Sailor KoP and Aurora Optima.
@@sajjadhusain4146 Thank you for sharing your top pens. It’s no surprise to see Aurora on there, but no Pilot? 😭😭😭
@@KitchenCounterCrafts Oh well, limiting to only a handful keeps the Pilot out, because the ones I named I love a whole lot more.
@@sajjadhusain4146 😊you know how I feel about Pilot pens!
I have both pens in my collection and both are delightful writers. The Pelikan M800 has a brass connector bushing and your MB 146, if it’s from the 80’s I believe connector bushing would be a plastic which would make it lighter. Newer MB use metal connector bushings and have a similar feel in weight. I find the piston filling system of the Pelikan to be superb. Both are great in slightly different ways. Thanks for the comparison.
@@stephenE4017 yes! I totally forgot about that! Thank you for the clarification on the brass inside the Pelikan and post 90’s Montblanc pens. I also understand that if my 1980’s pen needs to be refurbished, MB would put in brass. It’s now the standard.
Why choose? Have both for when one runs out of ink! Besides, they look gorgeous together. The iconic, pistonic German duo.
@@arnaupuig5097 I love the way you think 💕
@@KitchenCounterCrafts
It's the consumerist way to think. LoL.
@@arnaupuig5097 I’ve been told that people are moving away from the minimalist lifestyle and going for the maximalist- I’m glad as a pen user/collector! 😂
I've had about a dozen Montblancs and half a dozen Pelikans over the last 15 years of my fountain pen journey. My absolute favourite fountain pen is my MB 149 calligraphy flex pen, the nib is incomparable. Having said that, in my experience I found every single Montblanc piston filler including the 149 Calligraphy had a piston issue at some point requiring a trip to MB repair for a level 1 service where they do a thorough over haul of the pen for about $100 flat rate fee, and the pen is like new again. It either leaked, ink passing through the plunger and leaking water and ink with hissing sound at the back of the piston filler screw, or stiff piston. In contrast none of my Pelikans had piston issues. Pelikan makes better integrated piston filling systems hands down. On the other hand, I love the MB nibs more. They are wonderfully tactile and full of character. Some have architect and some have stubbish characters. While the Pelikan nibs have nice elasticity, the nib tipping is round and boring, so I prefer Montblanc nibs. Between the two, I still prefer the MB for it's remarkable nibs. I just wish their integrated piston in the 146 and 149s were more reliable and less problematic. A 145 cartridge/convereter is great,, I love both my 145s.
@@jungroe Wow! Thanks for sharing your experience with these pens!
When I was speaking to my MB seller, they told me the same thing. Some of the older MBs have had piston issues and when you send it in, they replace it with the newer ones. However, they do the overhaul on the pens and they are great writers.
Interesting about the Pelikan not having any issues. That certainly makes them a big contender for a grail pen.
Question: did you purchase your MB with the calligraphy nib or was it a custom grind?
It sounds awesome!
@@KitchenCounterCrafts Thanks! My 149 Calligraphy Flex is the Special Edition that were released by Montblanc back in 2019-2020 with a factory MB flex nib. As far as I know MB stopped production of the 149 Calligraphy flex, so they are hrad to find. They also did a Special Edition 146 Calligraphy flex. I have that one too, in the soiltair version, and it is a great writer too, though the 149 is a little softer. If you can find one of these, I highly recommend it. Others make modern flex pens like Pilot FA and Mag 600, but the Montblanc special edition factory flex nib is much more refined, a great every day writer when not flexing, and flexy line variation is rigth there with ease when you want it. The great thing is the feed keeps up for reliable flex writing without railroading, that is the trick that MB engineers worked out.
@ sounds absolutely dreamy! I have the 823 with a FA nib! It’s wonderful! I thought that I didn’t have any grail pens left, but I think that the MB 149 with Flex is now my new dream 💭!!!
Thank you for sharing this with me!
Great comments. Thank you
RS. Canada
@ thank you again for watching my little channel 😍
Excellent video. Thank you
I have both these pens too, and I favor the Montblanc. It's so much better than the Pelikan. I also find that the 149 is better than the M1000. I still love my Pelicans and always have one or two inked, but you can feel the quality in the Montblanc the way it feels in the hand and on the paper. I also find that the Montblanc nibs don't run as broad as Pelikan nibs. They're more practical for everyday writing. But the less turns on the Pelikan cap is also a great feature.
@@mariopellegrino7661 ah! That 3/4 turn! It spoils a person! I admit- the Montblanc are wonderful every day writers! I’m loving my Starwalker!
You’re definitely penabling with the temptation of the M1000. There’s something beautiful about Pelikan. I love the Stresemann & the story behind it- but I don’t have one…yet!😊
@@KitchenCounterCrafts Pelikan got it right with that cap. I only have one other pen in my collection that the cap comes off just as fast - the Pilot Custom 74. I had it shipped from Japan because at the time American sellers only had clear demonstrators available and I wanted a solid barrel. That one comes off just like the Pelikan.
Why other companies don't copy this from Pelikan, and why Pilot only seems to have done this for that one model, makes me wonder when they'll come around to making this "innovation" lol.
The Homo Sapiens (which I long since sold) also had one of the best uncapping mechanisms. It was very fast to deploy for quick notes.
@ now you’re speaking my language! I purchased my first artisan acrylic in march and it makes me insane because of the number of turns for the cap (I lost count on how many it takes!).
Have you tried Diplomat Aero or pineider’s magnetic cap? So satisfying!
Don’t even get me started about the Pilot Vanishing Point!!!😍
Great comparison. I don't have either of these yet in my collection. I find them both a little intimidating. I need to do more research. The Montblanc seems the most intimidating for some reason. My two favorite nibs so far are the Platinum 3776 in a medium and the Pilot Custom 823 in a medium. I have a sailor pro gear slim in MF, but it's just "ok" in my opinion. I love the looks of the sailor pens and am always tempted, but not in love with the nibs. I even had a Sailor Pro Gear in a 21K, but even that wasn't my favorite. I understand the Pelikans run "broader" so thinking I would need a fine or extra fine in the Pelikan. I have very little knowledge about the Montblanc brand, but they are often talked about.
@@impish22 thank you, friend 🥰 I totally understand about the intimidation of the Montblanc- hence this delayed video. It’s a mental thing. I feel like I leveled up but wasn’t ready to- maybe that’s just me!☺️
If you love your Platinum M, you’ll die when you try the Montblanc! It’s the smoothest pen I own. There’s nothing quite like it.
The Pelikan, on the other hand, is a bit more stiff like the Japanese pens. There’s no give- even though the nib was 18K vs 14K for the Montblanc. I thought it would be the opposite.
There’s not much beating my Pilot 823- I totally felt like I “arrived “ with that pen. It’s an amazing writer.
Maybe keep a lookout for the MB 146? You never know…
Absolutely
thank you!!
I have both but I love the 146 just slightly more it’s the perfect size
Also I think I should of gotten the M800 in an extra fine instead of fine
@@manifunk1 sounds like you have a great selection of pens! I’ve heard that the F can be too thick on the Pelikan. You could always get a custom grind on it. It’s scary to give your pen for that but if you have a trustworthy nib Meister, it can result in a perfect pen!
@@KitchenCounterCrafts I think I would be too nervous to do that I think I will eventually buy both a 146 and m800 in extra fine (if I see a good deal)
If only I could write better !!
Great vid
@@richardsimms251 thank you so much for watching and for your kind comment! If it makes you feel better, I practice my writing and have learned to slow it down! It does a few things for me: helps me to feel the nib and paper, to slow down and think and to really appreciate the whole process.
There are several websites that have calligraphy or Spencerian practice drills. You don’t have to do calligraphy to practice and it all helps in making better loops, connecting the words together. That’s my problem- I get in such a hurry that I will do both printing of my letters and cursive, making the whole thing look like a mess!
Back to the video- which pen???
Do you own both?
I can't afford these....M. Could you do a video on Pilot Varsity's or something under $20 LOL!!! Pelikan is on my radar. TY 😊 I like how thick the Montblanc writes. looks like a broad nib which I love.
Do you know about Pelikan Jazz, Twist, and Pina Colada? They are all less than $20 pens. I’ve shared the Twist and Jazz on my channel some time ago.
@@MarcellHobbs I do I was just harassing Mona! Next she will be pulling out Namiki...Marcy! ☺️
@@tbayless8324😂😊🖋️♥️
@@tbayless8324 of course! I love the entry level pens because they’re easy to toss into a bag and dare I say - even let someone else use! I would not do that with my higher end pens. Too scared of losing them
@@KitchenCounterCrafts I was being a smart alleck. I have enough cheap pens to choke on..LOL!!! Thanks!!! But go ahead if you want.
For me it's Pelikan without any doubt. They are also ~40% cheaper.
Pelikan are quite lovely and so highly collectible. I love it when you have a pen and it goes up in value!
Which Bird do you have? Nib? What do you love most about it? 😍
Both not or..... 😉
@@gesa5187 or maybe both??? 😆
Do you have either pen?
Great comparison. I’ve never desired either pen. While I have over 10 in my Pelikan family (I need to inventory) I’ve never wanted an m600, 800, or 1000. I love the size in hand of the m200 and 400 series. I’ve never wanted Sailor King of Pens or Leonardo MZ Grande. Your video has shown me that I am within my current comfort zone with pen sizes. Thanks for sharing detail about the firmness differences of each nib. I’ve always thought my Pelikan EF, F, M, and B nibs were the smoothest writers.
@@MarcellHobbs Thank you for the kind words, Marcy! I have a Pelikan Twist, Jazz (entry ) and a M400. The M 400 is small but I have small hands, so it works for me. I’m smitten by the looks of the pinstripes! The classic look is very appealing but then I wonder- wouldn’t I rather write with my Parker? The vintage pens have a charm of their own.
I’m intrigued by the Sailor King of Prns but not the price- honestly, I’d rather get another Montblanc!
Very well-done. For the record, both MB and Pelikan have always been notorious for the QC issues and inconsistencies with their (gold) nibs.
I’ve been lucky with my MB 220, 145, 146 and 149. All write splendidly without issues. Though one had the annoying baby’s bottom that needed fixing.
I own the Pelikan M200 and the M600. And I’ve held and tried the M600, 800 and 1000 at pen shows in the past. Pelikans look and feel really nice. Good size and weight. No complaints. The color finishes options are not so exciting, but no big deal. The piston system (along with Aurora’s) is one of the smoothest you’d find.
However, the gold nibs are just not my thing. I like and use both hard and soft nibs. But Pelikan 14k/18k nibs have an awfully squishy softness to them that I just don’t like. Sometimes they are the opposite, i.e. stiff. They are also invariably overly wet writers with the designated nib size points weirdly out of whack, e.g. an F writing like a fat medium or broad line. Baby’s bottom issues are common and other inconsistencies make Pelikan pens quite a pain. And they are premium priced pens, too. For that money, I’d take an Aurora every day of the year.
I like my two Pelikans, but I won’t get any more.
Of the two you compared here, the MB 146 wins, on my card.