Montblanc Writing Samples with Regular & Bespoke Nib Fountain Pens

 

kbai.

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Modern Flex Fountain Pen Comparison - Montblanc 149 Calligraphy Flex vs. Aurora 88 Mottishaw Spencerian

Ever since its release, the Montblanc Meisterstück Calligraphy 149 has been pretty exciting for those of us who love flexy writers. We all wanted to know: could Montblanc really get it right? I have used three of these pens: two from personal use and one tester at a Montblanc boutique. That means I have used only three out of however many are out there, so your miles may vary. If you'd like to see the full video, check it out here.

What I wanted to do here was compare the Montblanc Calligraphy nib with an Aurora 88 flex that has a Mottishaw (nibs.com) Spencerian modification on it. Before continuing with handwriting samples, I apologize in advance for my shaky writing. My hand has been unsteady for the last little while and it really shows up in hairlines.

MONTBLANC

• ~ $1000USD⁣ - this is a heck of a purchase. It's a splurge and then some.
• Large, girthy pen⁣. I find it quite thick in my grip so I don't have as much control over this pen as I do over something smaller - like the 146 or the Aurora. However, it is usable, but of all the nib options available on the 149, this one is the hardest for me to control.
• Without pressure, the nib puts down a Western fine⁣. It's not an excessively wet nib but it performs well and ink flow is consistent.
• Fairly smooth writing experience overall⁣. It's quite pleasant as a daily writer even if you choose not to use pressure. In fact, unless you have a particularly heavy hand, it can easy be used for regular writing.
• Moderate pressure gives you up to a double broad line - the softness feels like a super flex⁣ to me.
• It does not offer a whole lot of feedback when you are pushing it too far so you can railroad⁣ and run it dry. It also means it's easier to spring it so it takes some practice to get to know the nib. This is really the case for any pen with a soft nib but pay attention as you are writing and watch the tines. Look for how they're responding and if they're starting to develop a crease or something that indicates the metal is becoming fatigued.
• Snap back is a little slow but as a result, it's fairly easy to achieve smooth lines⁣ (unless you have my shaky hand).
• Line variation is decent but not Copperplate-type variation⁣. The contrast is not super crisp.

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AURORA/MOTTISHAW SPENCERIAN GRIND

John Mottishaw at nibs.com offers a Spencerian modification:

The Spencerian starts from a semi-soft 14k nib and adds additional flex and a regrind to needlepoint to create a specialized writing point used for copperplate calligraphy. 

• $585USD + $130USD for mod (also available on other less expensive pens, or equally expensive pens!)⁣
• Pen size is likely more comfortable for most users⁣. The section is nowhere near as thick as the Montblanc and because the nib is smaller, I can also get closer down, which gives me more control.
• Without pressure, puts down a Western extra extra-fine⁣. It has been reground to be a needlepoint so you're really getting something precise.
• Sharp, crisp writing experience. It nears the realm of feeling scratchy and it requires a light hand.⁣ If you apply too much pressure, the nib can catch and make horrible sounds and do terrible things as you cross the page. Remember: very, very light hand. Never, ever apply pressure on the upstroke or cross stroke. When you apply pressure, make sure it is only on the downstroke and it's best to keep the tines aligned with the angle of your downstroke so the pressure is applied equally to both tines.
• Moderate pressure gives up to a generous broad - a little softer than the Montblanc⁣
• Gives some feedback - nib starts to resist when you're pushing it too far. Ideally, you'd want to stop before this resistance so as to not damage nib⁣. This nib needs to be treated with great care and attention. It's easy to spread the tines too far and even if they don't get sprung, you can inadvertently change the alignment or gap between the tines, which can make it write too wet. Your needlepoint won't be a needlepoint anymore!
• Snap back is fast so it requires careful control to achieve the variation and lines you want⁣. The result is delicious.
• Nice, crisp line variation⁣. The hairlines are exquisite and the contrast is outstanding.

I thoroughly enjoy both of these nibs. For ease of use and forgiveness, the Montblanc nib is a great choice. The major downsides are the price and the size of the pen. The Aurora (or any other option that can take the Spencerian modification) is likely to be a more usable size pen for most writers, it costs less, but it is more delicate and less forgiving. I think it's safe to say the Spencerian modification is for more experienced users. That's not to say a new fountain pen user can't use it; it just must be taken up with great care and attention.

The joys of "modern flex"! The honest truth is nothing compares to a dip nib in terms of flex, versatility, and cost but a flexy nib fountain pen is just so much fun!⁣ A good rule of thumb for flex nibs: never, ever apply pressure on the upstroke or cross stroke. When you apply pressure, make sure it is only on the downstroke and it's best to keep the tines aligned with the angle of your downstroke so the pressure is applied equally to both tines.

Where to buy? I purchased my Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Calligraphy flex pen at Appelboom. The Aurora is on loan from a friend but you can get an appropriate pen for the Spencerian grind by visiting this page and seeing your options. 

I hope this has been helpful! Thank you for reading. If you enjoy and/or appreciate this type of information and you want to lend your support, please do check me out on Patreon! You can support yours truly for as little as $1. You are in no way obligated to do so, of course. I am most grateful for your readership as is.
⁣

Eight Nakayas To Drool Over

I have dreamt of swimming in Nakayas but this is the next best thing - eight Nakayas to enjoy! I hope this video tickles your fancy and remember - 7/8 of these do not belong to me :) I just have really awesome friends who trust me way more than they should. Or they did before I said that. This is just for fun. It's not a review. Just eye candy.

Explore Nakaya at Nibs
Dorsal Fin 2 - Ishime Kanshitsu Silver
Decapod Writer - Kuro-tamenuri
Decapod Twist Writer - Kuro-tamenuri
Portable Cigar - Milky Way Raden
Long Cigar - Blue Dragon
Portable Writer - Ao-tamenuri
Portable Writer - Black
Portable Cigar 17mm - Shu Unpolished

Serious Nibbage from Regalia Writing Labs - Flex, Broad, Wet Nibs

Thanks SO MUCH to Regalia Writing Labs for sending these for me to check out. I am a big fan of big, wacky nibs and these are the newest, COOLEST things out there. Please give Ralph a visit on Instagram and drop some love if you like this sort of thing! Check out Ralph's Instagram and website if you're interested in purchasing, or contact him there.

TRILOGY MEDIUM

TRILOGY BROAD

SEQUEL

SYMPHONY

SEMIFLEX

Review: Franklin-Christoph Model 31 Omnis Purpurae Fountain Pen 18kt Gold Nib @1901FC

Thanks to Franklin-Christoph for sending this beautiful purple pen for a review! It's also equipped with a delicious nib!

ABOUT

Body material: Acrylic resin
Trim: Metal
Nib material: #6 14kt gold (Steel also available)
Filling System: Standard international cartridge/converter, eyedropper-capable
Cap: Threaded
Posts: Yes, friction
Length (capped): 140.9 mm/5.5"
Length (uncapped): 129.7 mm/5.1"
Length (posted): 172.0 mm/6.75"
Length (section): 25.4 mm/1.0"
Diameter (barrel): 13.2 - 14.0 mm/0.52" - 0.56"
Diameter (section): 11.0 - 11.2 mm/0.43" - 0.44"
Weight (all): 26 g
Weight (cap): 10 g
Weight (body): 16 g
Price: ~$255.00USD with gold nib upgrade and no customization
Where to buy: Franklin-Christoph

PACKAGING

Thumbs up. I really like Franklin-Christoph's packaging. I hate having a bunch of pen boxes, even the gorgeous, really interesting ones. I just don't have space or interest in keeping them. This Model 66 Stabilis came in a black leather, zippered pouch with a soft suede-like interior. The pouch and pen were delivered in a simple, light, recyclable white cardboard sleeve. Not only is it less wasteful than a larger clamshell box, it also weighs less (for shipping). The zippered pouch is something that can be used as a pen (or pencil) pouch, or it can be used to lend a friend a pen... it has more than one use!

APPEARANCE

The Model 31 is a round pen with a beveled top and bottom. The finial is engraved with the Franklin-Christoph logo. This Model 31 has a clip attached to a small metal tab through the cap. The seam between the top of the cap and the cap body is visible, but it is smooth.The cap end tapers towards the barrel and connects smoothly. I like the smooth, curvy appearance of the pen. The cap is engraved with Franklin-Christoph 31. I like this because I will always know what the model is! Sometimes you can forget or get things mixed up.

Uncapped, the pen is pretty cute. The section is smooth, round, and slightly pinched. The cap threads are at the back of the section instead of the front, like what you find on the Model 66. There are three grooved rings on the barrel. This pen is the Purpurae - a gorgeous purple that I love. It's a stunning pearlescent color with veins of darker purple swirled through it. It isn't a bright, in-your-face purple. It's a little dark and mysterious. Gorgeous, great design.

NIB & PERFORMANCE

The nib is a 14kt gold double-broad. The #6 nib is slightly recessed in the section so it's partially covered. The nib unit can be unscrewed. The nib is a smooth, wet, pleasant writer. It is on the sift side, yielding as you write to offer a little line variation. The nib and feed perform well during long and fast writing sessions, so long as no pressure is applied. I love Franklin-Christoph nibs. They're always well-tuned and adjusted for my preferences. The steel nib is always great but the gold nibs have a softer touch that I love. This nib is set up for modification, which they offer in-house. I'm thinking a crisp cursive-italic! Yummy.

The standard international cartridge/converter set up works great. Easy to fill, empty, clean, and maintain. It can be turned into an eyedropper with just a bit of silicone grease on the threads.

IN HAND

The clip is nice and springy - easy to operate one-handed. It slides on and off pockets, pouches, and pages easily. The section is super comfortable - smooth, warm, not slippery. The cap threads are not sharp. I love the section design. It's really nice in hand and works well for me.

Unposted, the pen is a comfortable length and it is well-balanced. The cap can be posted snugly and securely by friction. Although the cap posts, I find the pen too long for comfortable use. It is not top heavy though, so if you must post and the length works for you, then it's great. I like it unposted.

One thing I dislike is there is a gap between the inner edge of the section and the nib. If you dip this into a bottle of ink to fill, it's messy if you forget to clean that gap. It can be avoided if you fill the converter directly or eyedropper the pen. It's not a deal breaker, but it's good to be aware of it to avoid an inky mess.

Top to bottom: Franklin-Christoph Model 31, Franklin-Christoph Model 20, Franklin-Christoph Model 66 Stabilis, Lamy Safari. 

PROS & CONS

OVERALL

I am a big fan of Franklin-Christoph pens, even though I am trying to present you an unbiased review. I have met the fine folks who run the company and they are delightful, and that helps in building brand loyalty. I also love their pens - they are very comfortable, attractive, and the selection of nibs and nib modifications really works for me. I love the SIG and Masuyama grinds - they are all fun and I think fairly priced. They're not inexpensive pens and nib combinations, but you'll get a lifetime of enjoyment out of them. They also back their products with a lifetime warranty.

The Model 31 is quite comfortable. I think I would get it without a clip because I like the seamless look. You get a leather sleeve, minimal, low-waste packaging, and that lifetime warranty, not to mention a selection of nibs. The most fun thing is to get yourself to a pen show that Franklin-Christoph attends because they bring a slew of prototypes that are irresistible. So much fun, highly recommended!




I received this item free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion.