Montblanc Meisterstück Sterling Silver Solitaire Barley Fountain Pen Review

[iMaKeUsHoOk]

I couldn't tell, but is there an ink view window in the sterling silver pen as well?

[bsodmike]

@iMaKeUsHoOk Hello, yes, it's just below the section; it's a smaller area in comparison to say a typical 146 but you definitely still get the window.

[fabrimedeiros9888]

Thanks for this great review! I have two MB 146 (Le Grand): a F and a Medium nib. I love both! I think it's the perfect size for my hands. I have a Diplomat 149 (M), which is a great pen, but the size is a little large for my hands. So S/S Solitaire is an wonderful pen, a grail pen, indeed! It's in my must have list. Are you a FPN (Fountain Pen Network) member?

Greetings from Brazil (São Paulo),

Fabricio

[bsodmike]

@fabrimedeiros9888 Hello Fabricio -yes, I go by 'bsodmike' @ TFPN as well, although it has been a long time since I've posted at the forums. I've had so many LeGrand's I've lost track. I think I only personally use one in Plat trim now with an OB nib.

[Suicideispainless47]

you're loaded are'nt you.

[bsodmike]

@Suicideispainless47 I would respond and say that I'm definitely Blessed; as my Mum would say, "Praise the Lord!".

This pen isn't particularly expensive (UK RRP £1,035/=) and many of their POA pens are priced as two to five times as much. What I do like about this pen is that you do not see it that often in the "wild" and it doesn't seem to be as mass produced as their other pieces - for one, most boutiques do not have it in stock and only their flagship ones in big-ticket cities tend to.

[Suicideispainless47]

@bsodmike i LOVE pens. but the most id ever spend on one is like, 400 bucks. at most.

[scotfreak]

oh man, this made my day, ive been waiting for sooo long for a new vid. i really like the new style of video making too man

[bsodmike]

@scotfreak Thanks scott, all the best for the new year as well :)

[bsodmike]

Follow me on Twitter for updates and I'll even respond to questions with advice (if requested :p) ~ "bsodmike" is my handle of course.

Blog: bsodmike.com

[bsodmike]

@spencert94 I picked up a Caran d'Ache LeMan fp a while back; just was not happy with the nib at all. Cost, £250/= odd; just an example that the cost/brand will not always reflect one's experience as a nib is as unique as the writers character ;-)

[tubezoid]

@bsodmike Sorry about your experience with the Leman; I love mine.

[bsodmike]

@tubezoid I had trouble warming up to the pen and ended up giving it away.

[bsodmike]

@spencert94 caveat, I do not mean to say simply because a pen is branded it will write well; particular brands of pens - yes! Old companies who's bread and butter were pens, for example. Visconti, Omas, pelican, Sailor, Parker are among the greats!

[jeezee213]

excellent! cant wait

[mr1uponu]

bsodmike about time ! great vid, i really really enjoy your vids, you have a fantastic collection of M B pens!! happy holidays to you my friend and to every one else! lol

[bsodmike]

@mr1uponu happy holidays to you as well, cheers :)

[joshuastef]

Finally a New Video ive been waiting so long but worth the wait ;)

[SlikkTim]

that MB is straight up pimpin' ! love it

[jeezee213]

great ink, love the pen too, the ornamentation of the star is stunning!

[bsodmike]

@jeezee213 I've been hoarding Racing Green for a while now since MB discontinued it; there seems to be ample supply in Dubai. Have you tried J. Herbin inks? I so need to get my hands on a couple bottles...

Do you want to see the Montblanc Gandhi ink? :)

[jeezee213]

@bsodmike for sure!!!

[bsodmike]

@jeezee213 I'll post a picture soon...

[spencert94]

so are ball point pens typically better writing pens then fountain pens? because I recently bought a sorta cheap $70 broad nib fountain pen that is pretty scratchy and inconsistent, and I have a $2-3 ballpoint pen that has a very thick and continuous line. so i'm wondering do you just have to spend a lot more on a fountain pen to have it write well or maybe i am not writing with it properly or what?

[bsodmike]

@spencert94 Well, with fountain pen the quality of the nib will play a great part in your writing experience. For $70 I'm guessing it has a steel nib? You will usually find gold nibs (14 to 22K) as it is not only a softer metal but it offers great corrosion resistance as most inks are quite acidic.

Then comes the quality of the tipping, and the final grinding of the tip. Other factors include the kind of ink you use, how well the feeder "breaths", and of course the nature of the paper used.

[bsodmike]

@spencert94 All my pens start as soon is the nib hits the paper, as long as I'm diligent enough to keep them filled. Broader the nib, the smoother it'll also feel due to the greater surface area at the tip for ink to flow.

Short answer: yes, I would think so. The higher cost of branded FPs will ensure that the tipping, grinding, and all the important finishing are taken care of - as long as they have quality checked the pen properly.

[jeezee213]

great pen!, Is that MB Bordeau??

[bsodmike]

@jeezee213 Oh yes, good eye xD