My most luxurious pen cost me $33 brand new in box at full retail price. It was a Montblanc 149. Why so cheap? Well I bought it circa 1964. This really shows what has happened to the dollar over the years. I'm now 84 and my body is going the way of the dollar, but the pen is still in prime condition. I had never heard of Montblanc but saw an ad in Esquire magazine stating that the pen was worth the price. How true!
Your $33 in 1964 is equivalent to $330.35 in 2024 - whereas Montblanc's current price for a new 149 is $1,030. So most of the difference is price increases rather than the dollar being worth less.
That is an absolutely amazing story! What a fine pen! Even by the 1980s they had hit the $300 mark. Congratulations on having excellent judgement and taste.
price of gold in 1964 = $35 price now is $2165. That's 68X increase. This is a more realistic measure of inflation. Silver today $25 now versus $1.29 then = 19X Both are well above your 10X. Montblanc price is 31X , which is between these worldwide accepted standards.@@CarzorStelatis
Beautiful story. I bought a MB 149 for the same price $33 USD locally about 2 months ago. The only problem was a broken piston. So I sent it to Montblanc for servicing. Came back as new for $100 USD. Ended up selling it and bought the most comfortable pen I have ever used, a ST Dupont Olympio with red/brown Chinese Lacquer to go with my ST Dupont Ligne2 lighter.
Hello HJ. Another brilliant video. Pens are like our children. You just cannot pick a favorite but it does bring out the finest qualities in each of them. Love the content of your videos. You give us a different perspective over the other channels that I have seen out there. Keep them coming my friend.
Thanks for the amazing content. My first pen was a LAMY. I just purchased a montblanc boheme noire and love it. I can see why this is one of your favorites.
It blows my mind reading how people bought their Montblancs for $30 (I know it was in the 60s and 70s, but still!)! I loved seeing all the closeups of the pens. Makes me want to hold them and try them out!
I bought a Montblanc 149 2 months ago for $33 USD. Broken piston, but with $100 USD, Montblanc Canada brought it back to life with new piston, feed and snowcap!!
Great video as always. To me Montblanc Boheme but in the Platinum Crystal version would be the winner. It's a very special and rare pen. I have it for more that 12 years and is still my favorite
Great video! I think the most interesting of your pens shown here is the Egyptomania. It just has a unique quality to it. The only one of the pens you have in this video that I also have is the Conway Stewart Churchill lever filler. It's my current favourite pen.
i love your collection of pens, Hemingway. Stunning pieces you have! I’m solely a vintage collector. If I had to choose a ‘posh’ looking pen, mine would be my 1930 Sheaffer Oversized Balance. Made of pearl and black colored celluloid, there’s a professionalism about it that I can’t get enough of.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I, too, have become enamored by Montblanc pens. Being in many pen groups I read a lot criticisms of MB…not just about problems but costs. Fortunately, I have not had problems. Vintage or modern. I have a “pre-owned” 146 BB that is so thrilling to use. I wish everyone the Montblanc pleasure.
I love Aurora pens. Their nibs are completely distinctive in the way they feel. I've never had to floss any. You know by Montblanc story, so I won't repeat it. I do have several Sterling Silver pens that I would put on this list. Most any urushi pen belongs here.
Great video! I have to say you have exquisite taste…in writing instruments and your wife! Such a wonderful woman beside the man. She is so thoughtful to choose the most perfect gifts for you. I’m envious of the Egyptomania, for sure and you also make me want to try a MB calligraphy nib. Nice posh pen collection; all keepers! I love that you appreciate what you have and want to give the love and attention they deserve ❤
Nice picks Tim. Your top 5 are your top 5! I may have chosen a few different ones from my collection...but I own all but the Egyptomania and a few others...KOP, Omas 360, Churchill, Cross with Sailor Nib, Pelikan M1000, Visconti Opera Master, Delta, a lovely Waterman, a few Sheaffers, and the elusive Black Pen Society Knights pen for us Knights..... from Franklin Christoph.
I don't have posh pens, living my simple life. Or simpleton's life, depending on who you ask. But I do have a pen with extraordinary powers and abilities. My Monteverde Innova with a medium nib is buttery smooth and comfortable. Yesterday, I discovered if I flip it upside down it is still as smooth as glass and writes a fine but dark line very suitable for crummy paper. With eyes closed I wouldn't think the nib was upside down. If I have nothing left for stationery save a roll of paper towels, my inverted Monteverde will yet prevail. I think, though, your Montblanc pens outclass Monteverde. Nice writing instruments!
Having just invested in a 149 after many decades of owning various fountain pens (Parker, Pelikan, Montblanc 146, Pilot and TWSBI), it’s a design icon, writes brilliantly and, most importantly, makes you feel like a million dollars when you use it. You cannot put a price on that feeling.
I love how you adore upscale fountains pens and it is your signature devotion to high craft pens. I think your wife is a treasure for gifting you such amazing pieces of engineering. Great taste! I, on the other hand, am a fountain pen collector on the more frugal side. I am long retired boomer, and must be the luckiest FP collector of all time. Of my cheapest pens, I’ve had only one set of repeated disappointments of which I shall never repeat…by Staedtler, junk. I think it’s fitting that I can find sow’s ears and make silk purses out of them! lol I’m that old suburbia chick from the 70s, long hair, bell bottoms, that just wants to write, paint and garden. Not fancy, just functional. But I thoroughly enjoy living vicariously through pen connoisseurs such as yourself! Have a great weekend Hem! Edit: I would however love to own a Benu!
I did so love the Montblanc Boheme pen after watching your video, so much so my partner bought me a new, never inked one from Izods. Can’t decide what colour of ink to ink it with. We have several Montblanc pens but this has become a favourite already.
I so enjoyed this video! I love the phrase “posh pen” and I was delighted to see the Conway Stewart Churchill honey noir on the list. Two of my favorite posh pens are Conway Stewart Churchill Heritage pens.
That Egyptomania is beautiful! I haven't seen you talk about Graf von Faber-Castell, they are my favourite pens very similar to MB in that they are first and foremost meant for use but are also impeccable. AFAIK all CC though...
Good video!😊 the MB 149 & the MB BR....the BR for the reasons you stated...just a nifty pen, so neat...the 149 is an understated classy pen, both in its look & performance...thanks!
The MB Ernest Hemingway was selling for $300. in the early 1990's. A local department store had one but I didn't have the money. I remember my relatively young self looking at it longingly. I think it sells for over $2000. today.
I was there too! I was in the same situation. I could have stretched and wish I had. Just to have it. The value is secondary. It is a gorgeous pen beside.
Hahaha cool, posh pens!! I'm happy to mention that last Saturday I used 2 of the pens on your list: the HS Bronze Age and the Montblanc 146. The MB wasn't really my thing (it didn't have the calligraphy nib btw), but I also tried a vintage MB from the 70's I think and that was very lovely. And the Bronze Age was lovely too. I had to bring it home with me, and am very happy! Although it feels very posh to own 2 Homo sapiens (the other is a demo stones) 😂 I also liked where you said you're a bit of a Montblanc fan boy :)
I'm sure this week, the Pelikan would be on this list, but I'd be hard pressed to say what it would oust from the Top Five. Ftr, it's no surprise that my favourite from your selection is the pocket pen - the Bohème.
@@HemingwayJones Funnily enough, that album came out the day after I was born! Page was the first guitarist I tried to imitate, though I ended up with more of a Clapton, David Gilmour style. Bron-yr-aur Stomp is one I've always wanted to learn. Keep up the good work--love your channel!
I too am a Montblanc fanboy, I love everything they do, pens, leather goods and watches. They have taken leaps and bounds with their watches. The new color recently introduced for leather goods is absolutely amazing, it is called warm yellow. I think the Duffle 142 and a slingbag are offered in that color, I want both pieces. Hopefully more pieces come along soon in that color. I currently have 4 Montblanc pens, but no fountain pen yet.
I love the Montblanc 149. I do not own one but the aesthetic is such a quintessential fountain pen look. It’s what an excellent fountain pen should aspire to look like! lol. I own a Leonardo Furore Grande with a 14k flex nib. It sits on my leather pen case and it’s truly my go to when I want a luxurious feel. I call it my poor man’s King of Pen. It was by no means cheap, but I feel like the size and writing experience gets me close to what a $1000 pen feels like. Thanks for the video!
Excellent video HJ. I knew you would pick the Egyptomania as your favorite and I agree with your very practical reason. It's unique as compared to the 149. This inspires me to dust off my 149 and use it again after 20 years. Yes I did clean it before putting it away.
How lovely to see the Aurora Optima make an appearance! Mine has arrived, mine is the Viola / purple in and as you say it is expressive and offers that lovely touch of Aurora feedback. Thank you for all the inspiration you bring to the community!
Great video HJ. My top 5 luxurious Fountain pens are as follows: 1.MB 146 w/ Calligraphy Nib, 2. MB Boheme Rouge, 3. Homo Sapien Bronze Age, 4. Conway Stewart Honey Noir, 5. Magna Carta Mag. 600. What can I say, I love flex nibs. See you Tuesday night, and thanks for your list.
Yes -- the first good pen I ever had was a Sailor with a Naginata Togi nib. The smoothness was fabulous. Too bad I didn't have the cash for a King of Pen with such a nib...
Are any piston filler Sailor pens available for the USA market? I've only seen cartridge/converter. I just cannot consider paying the price for a Sailor pen that doesn't have an in-built filling system. If such a pen exists, then I'd be interested.
It's always interesting to see which pens a reviewer I follow loves. There are pens - and then there are pens we love. I have three Bohemes and each one never fails to bring a smile of pleasure to my face and mood. I don't have a Montblanc Egyptomania, but every time I see a review of one, there's something inside of me that just says YES! So does the Montblanc Franz Kafka, that also costs an arm and a leg....some day, I hope[! My other deep love Is a Scribo Feel. The Feel has that uniquely Italian sense of design, shape and color, and writes so well.
Very nice, passionate video indeed! I could have picked a Montblanc Boheme between 1999 and 2006 but I missed the opportunity. Too bad Jim! However, I've an excuse: I had 4 Montbancs149 at that time and 3 of them were NOT writing as they should have. I happened to meet a Montblanc high executive when he visited the town where I was living at that time. The man gladly took the 3 unsatisfying Montblancs to MB Headquarters in Hamburg for inspection. I got them back many months later with absolutely NO IMPROVEMENT whatsoever. The only thing they wrote was: when cleaning your pens, we noticed you haven't used our excellent inks, please do so from now on and you'll be good to go. I was so disappointed that I sold the 3 pens at a very low price. I still have the only 149 which has never let me down. That said, I've always been way more lucky with my 2 Montblancs 146. Have fun & thanks for your great shows!
Lovely, lovely pens! Of yours, to say which I'd love the best is not to say which I might prioritize for acquisition and use! How would I not love a loving gift of a magnificent pen? I might have gone with the Conway Stewart, but the sacs are just to quirky for me. So, Egyptomania, for same reasons as you. Of my own pens, I guess the Yard-O-Led Viceroy Grand Victorian for its magnificent writing, heritage, silver, and craftsmanship. Truly an heirloom of my house now.
I own a MB 149 with the calligraphy (flex) nib. I have the impression the nib is a bit softer than the one on the MB 146 (was able to try out both in the boutique). Nice that you mention also the Aurora: handled that exact same pen two weeks ago, but went for a Scribo instead. Pretty sure I'll revisit the Aurora later on though.
I finally got a MB 149 -but in Rose Gold because I think it is prettier for me as a woman. I did so with some trepidation, as I had heard that some get iffy nibs. Not so. It is truly lovely. I got a Visconti Crystal Dream a couple of years ago, and I struggle with it. I am going to put some Kon Peki in it per your recommendation, and see if I can get it to heal itself. I am in love with my Sailor King of Pen Storm Over the Ocean. I have Aurora Optimas in several colors-I will never give them up, they are workhorses. I really enjoy my Pelikans, M800 in red (I put fabulous red inks in that one) and a M1000 in classic green (where all of my green inks go.). Pens above this level are mostly art works-like the Pilot Namiki Emperor series that I appreciate for the body-but I dont have one because we all need something to yearn for.
Congratulations on the MB 149! I would love a Rose Gold! Well chosen. The wonderful thing is that if your nib isn’t right, they will tweak it or swap it for free. That is very nice indeed. You have a very nice collection. Well done. Thanks so much for watching.
@@HemingwayJones I find your channel delightful although you are a bit of an enabler….just finished your blue ink video and you reviewed two new-to-me inks that I might need to try!
I honestly feel bad about that. It seems to just come with speaking about these wonderful pens and inks of ours. It’s hard not to be passionate and to have that become contagious! Thanks for watching.
Hey HJ! Just subbed to the channel. I've been going back and watching some of your older videos as well, and was wondering if you are in the fountain pens subreddit. I think a lot of the topics you cover in your videos and lists of pens for different categories (pocket, dark academia, etc.) would be of interest to people there, and could start conversations there that would be of interest to a lot of people. Keep it up!
Another wonderful video. Thanks! I have two Montblancs: a 120 cartridge converter that I bought in a German office supply store in 1978 for maybe $30. Has a double broad oblique slightly bouncy nib. (It just might be my favorite nib. The pen body is slimmer than I have grown to prefer.) Its Macrolon like finish I assume was designed to stand opposite the Lamy 2000. The other is a 147 which is a 146 that uses cartridges only and is called “the traveler.” It comes with a lovely leather case that will hold several cartridges. It has a fine nib. I find myself reaching for these two more than others these days I do have three Pelicans, all 800s. I bought a Jinhao 159 to size compare it felt a little large to me so I bought the 800s instead instead of the 1000. I miss the 1000 huge and wonderful nib. The nibs are a broad, a broad Italic, and a medium. The medium is on one of those limited edition, burnt orange. Anything that reminds of a Mont Blanc Hemingway! These have fallen into disuse. The italic seems a little sharp on the edges. And seems to skip on the upstrokes, but I lately have begun to think it was me rather than the pen, and in the meantime, have just not sent it to a nib Meister. I have two Visconti opera. Masters piston Phil, with the alternative metal nibs, whose name I do not recall it at the moment. They were both worked on before I got them by an Ed Meister. But they are a double broad and a double broad stub. I’m thinking of getting them back into rotation. And surprisingly, a Monteverde in Vincia with a black stub nib. I like the way it looks when I’m riding with it and how it writes. Aren’t Fountain pens wonderful? It was much easier when I had one pen and one ink. Would anybody take me seriously if I wrote with a purple ink?
You need the top Japanese pens in your life. I used to be a Europhile until I tried Namiki, and Nakaya, and Pilot, and Sailor. Much more luxurious and far better writers in my opinion.
I find it hard to define 'posh' in this context, but my two most expensive pens are both Kawecos, but I do have an OMAS in the post (which cost me 100GBP less).
HJ- for e my top 3pen choices are as follows : Mont Blanc 149, the Pelikan M1000, and the modern Parker Duofold Centennial, circa 1996 or so. What do you think about my choices? Wonderful video, as always, HJ.
Hi HJ probably the first time I’ve seen the Egyptomania up close. What’s up with all the scratches? Is it video quality? Bought used? Loving wear a tear? Please let me borrow that Cartier pen 🔥
If you use a pen, you're going to get light surface scratches. I usually don't worry about them. It's silly to buy something and keep it in a box. It has nothing major. There is a big smudge on the barrel and the 4K picks up everything. If you're worries about scratches, you can use Poly Watch on the body and Cape Cod on the gold. It will restore any resin pen to new in 2 minutes.
I like your comment about "us" cleaning our pens too much. As someone who never learned that it was "necessary" to clean fountain pens at all, and didn't, at all, for like 40 years, I have a very relaxed attitude to such compulsive ideas. I must admit though, that when I once removed (pulled) the nibs from a couple of Parkers, they were very 'glued' into position by old ink deposits. I wrapped them in soft copper and very slowly pulled and pulled. And it went well. But people less expert in tinkering than I could easily have ruined it. But no, as long as you use the chemically same kind of ink, (there are 6 different types), there is IMO no reason to clean the pen. It just wears the pen, though occasionally you might, just to avoid parts becoming 'glued' into place. There is also the consideration to avoid any "exchange of fluids" between pens and ink bottles. For that reason I wash parts that need to be dipped, but just water, and I never pump ink back and forth when filling. I know your pens well of course by now. I have some of them. And I note that this video was made before you took delivery of your M1000. 😉 "Luxurious" is a special attribute. I feel it, but I have never thought much about.
You know, there are a few things I would change if I filmed this now. One, as you said, is the M1000. The second is a mystery pen that I will film with soon and you will know which one when the video comes out. The other one, is my poor 3776 that I keep forgetting I own! My Matsu Tora. Poor neglected kitty tiger pen. Thanks!
@@HemingwayJones Oh yes, the poor 3776'es. I have some too, including a celluloid one. That's a tip for me about next pen to ink up, btw. I haven't used it much as it's not quite as well sealed as the more modern 3776, and I also consider it fragile. 'Sealed' is a big issue with me as I'm mainly a practical utility person, not romantic. If I wasn't, I would absolutely love my Noodler Ahabs and Konrads, but as it is they require too much involvement for me, having them for ordinary practical work. I did before I retired. But that involved using them whole days and every day, not leaving them lying on the desk for weeks or months.
That’s a tough one, because they are so different. A Boheme is a pen you get after having a bunch and when you want something different. So it depends where you are with your current pens. If you choose the Visconti, have someone like Brendan Schmidt from Atlas Stationers check the nib first. There are some QC issues. I’d go Visconti first personally. Thanks!
I’m baffled by the love of the writing experience of Mont Blanc fountain pens. I tried the Egytomania, not impressed. I bought 146, unimpressed compared to others in my collection. And most annoying is the build design/quality. The cap wiggles when screwed on and when posted. I know some other brands do this, but none I own. I expect more for the money and for Mont Blanc. I love MB inks. I love my SE MB ballpoints. What fountain pens do I have that I enjoy or treasure more? Caran d’Ache Leman, Pelikan M600 Art, and Waterman Caran At the end readers of this, you do you. If the MBs do it for you, I happy for you. Just wanted to voice of disillusionment.
There should be more polite, but contrary comments. There should be a balance on any pen really. So much accounting for taste. I appreciate your watching and for your comment.
I should add, I really loved the Egyptomania design. Love it. If I had loved the nib as much as I thought I should, I would’ve got it and sold the 146.
Other than learning more about pens, what I am getting about your videos is that it is OK to write slower! I’ve been berating myself about how ugly my penmanship - and mistakes-ridden! - has become over the past decades but now I realize it’s the speed that I’ve been going.
Mine are! I don’t know what you have done with yours. Enjoy what you enjoy and lighten up. Someone liking something is not an affront to you. Maybe journal why this triggers you so much. We all have room to improve ourselves.
That's an interesting video, thanks. Have a few comments, if I may. First off, I don't consider these pens to be luxury ones. All of them are just premium basic pens. Do you truly believe, that a simple black pen is a statement of a good taste? Nowadays, as we hardly ever write, having such basic pens just stopped making sense to me. I do understand, half a century ago those things had a real function. Now a pen is either unique and collectable or utterly pointless.
@@HemingwayJones Hello and thank you for your response. I trust you are doing well. I noticed the tarot cards you displayed and I was curious about them. Specifically, I wanted to know if you display them for their artistic value or if you use them for divination purposes? I appreciate your efforts and your channel; it has been truly inspiring.
@@axistiusorbitor6376 Thanks very much for the kind and encouraging words! I really love Tarot and their designs. My wife is very into them with around 100 decks. I am not into divination. I don’t believe in anything spiritual or beyond the rules of physics, except for my Ghost Cat, but what can I do about that one? For me, Tarot is like the Sting song “Shape of My Heart,” “the sacred geometry of chance.” It’s the idea that in randomness or in providing a framework, you can have very profound insights and excellent conversations. I hope this makes sense.
@@HemingwayJones Thank you so much for your thoughtful response to my curious question that is admittedly off topic from your video. I truly appreciate the time and dedication you put into creating your channel and community, sharing your insights about fountain pens and encouragement to others in life's journey. It has been a joy to watch and connect over our shared interest. Indeed, your Ghost Cat sounds like a unique and special companion that must be a delightful addition to your life's adventures! I appreciate your perspective for generating meaningful conversations within a framework, as you draw parallels to the Sting song "Shape of My Heart." Keep up the fantastic work, and I look forward to more inspiring content from you.
This one I actually saw the same day😮 I thought you had meant a new video with a full review of Kaweco piston filler where we could see writing examples, filling capacity & mechanism etc 🌸
@@HemingwayJones I got dragged into meetings a few minutes after starting it so wanted to say "hi" early :) This video may have moved me more towards looking at more of those "posh" pens. That strange creaking sound is the sound of my mind potentially opening ;)
My most luxurious pen cost me $33 brand new in box at full retail price. It was a Montblanc 149. Why so cheap? Well I bought it circa 1964. This really shows what has happened to the dollar over the years. I'm now 84 and my body is going the way of the dollar, but the pen is still in prime condition. I had never heard of Montblanc but saw an ad in Esquire magazine stating that the pen was worth the price. How true!
Your $33 in 1964 is equivalent to $330.35 in 2024 - whereas Montblanc's current price for a new 149 is $1,030.
So most of the difference is price increases rather than the dollar being worth less.
That is an absolutely amazing story! What a fine pen! Even by the 1980s they had hit the $300 mark. Congratulations on having excellent judgement and taste.
price of gold in 1964 = $35 price now is $2165. That's 68X increase. This is a more realistic measure of inflation. Silver today $25 now versus $1.29 then = 19X Both are well above your 10X. Montblanc price is 31X , which is between these worldwide accepted standards.@@CarzorStelatis
Beautiful story. I bought a MB 149 for the same price $33 USD locally about 2 months ago. The only problem was a broken piston. So I sent it to Montblanc for servicing. Came back as new for $100 USD.
Ended up selling it and bought the most comfortable pen I have ever used, a ST Dupont Olympio with red/brown Chinese Lacquer to go with my ST Dupont Ligne2 lighter.
Hello HJ. Another brilliant video. Pens are like our children. You just cannot pick a favorite but it does bring out the finest qualities in each of them. Love the content of your videos. You give us a different perspective over the other channels that I have seen out there. Keep them coming my friend.
Thank you very much! It is always a pleasure to hear from you.
Thanks for the amazing content. My first pen was a LAMY. I just purchased a montblanc boheme noire and love it. I can see why this is one of your favorites.
Thanks for watching this one!
Love the Egyptomania pen. It is just elegant and has a unique nib.
Thank you so much!
It blows my mind reading how people bought their Montblancs for $30 (I know it was in the 60s and 70s, but still!)! I loved seeing all the closeups of the pens. Makes me want to hold them and try them out!
I know, right?! Mine was $600 for a 149 and I feel good about that!
I bought a Montblanc 149 2 months ago for $33 USD. Broken piston, but with $100 USD, Montblanc Canada brought it back to life with new piston, feed and snowcap!!
$33 can buy almost one ounce of gold ($35/oz) in the 60's. Today 149 price is half an ounce of gold. Actually it has gone cheaper.
Great video as always. To me Montblanc Boheme but in the Platinum Crystal version would be the winner. It's a very special and rare pen. I have it for more that 12 years and is still my favorite
Good choice! Thanks.
Great video! I think the most interesting of your pens shown here is the Egyptomania. It just has a unique quality to it.
The only one of the pens you have in this video that I also have is the Conway Stewart Churchill lever filler. It's my current favourite pen.
Thanks very much, Laura!
i love your collection of pens, Hemingway. Stunning pieces you have! I’m solely a vintage collector. If I had to choose a ‘posh’ looking pen, mine would be my 1930 Sheaffer Oversized Balance. Made of pearl and black colored celluloid, there’s a professionalism about it that I can’t get enough of.
That is an amazing pen. Well chosen! I love vintage pens. So much history.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I, too, have become enamored by Montblanc pens. Being in many pen groups I read a lot criticisms of MB…not just about problems but costs. Fortunately, I have not had problems. Vintage or modern. I have a “pre-owned” 146 BB that is so thrilling to use. I wish everyone the Montblanc pleasure.
Hear, hear! This is why I don’t listen to anyone else! All the best.
I love Aurora pens. Their nibs are completely distinctive in the way they feel. I've never had to floss any. You know by Montblanc story, so I won't repeat it. I do have several Sterling Silver pens that I would put on this list. Most any urushi pen belongs here.
You know, I haven’t caught the Urushi bug… yet!
Great video! I have to say you have exquisite taste…in writing instruments and your wife! Such a wonderful woman beside the man. She is so thoughtful to choose the most perfect gifts for you. I’m envious of the Egyptomania, for sure and you also make me want to try a MB calligraphy nib. Nice posh pen collection; all keepers! I love that you appreciate what you have and want to give the love and attention they deserve ❤
Thanks so much for the kind words and for being here.
Nice picks Tim. Your top 5 are your top 5! I may have chosen a few different ones from my collection...but I own all but the Egyptomania and a few others...KOP, Omas 360, Churchill, Cross with Sailor Nib, Pelikan M1000, Visconti Opera Master, Delta, a lovely Waterman, a few Sheaffers, and the elusive Black Pen Society Knights pen for us Knights..... from Franklin Christoph.
Hello My Friend! Thanks for watching. That is an excellent list and I would expect nothing less.
I don't have posh pens, living my simple life. Or simpleton's life, depending on who you ask.
But I do have a pen with extraordinary powers and abilities. My Monteverde Innova with a medium nib is buttery smooth and comfortable. Yesterday, I discovered if I flip it upside down it is still as smooth as glass and writes a fine but dark line very suitable for crummy paper. With eyes closed I wouldn't think the nib was upside down.
If I have nothing left for stationery save a roll of paper towels, my inverted Monteverde will yet prevail.
I think, though, your Montblanc pens outclass Monteverde. Nice writing instruments!
I don’t know about that. It’s all about what you love and what works for you. Thanks My Friend.
Although I do not own one, I would have to choose the Egyptomania as my favorite, simply based on the design. I liked the acoustic outro to the video.
Thanks very much! (I need to watch this again! I made this a while ago!)
Having just invested in a 149 after many decades of owning various fountain pens (Parker, Pelikan, Montblanc 146, Pilot and TWSBI), it’s a design icon, writes brilliantly and, most importantly, makes you feel like a million dollars when you use it. You cannot put a price on that feeling.
That is wonderful! I love hearing about people forming a great connection with a pen. Excellent. thanks for watching.
Broken record, here, but each episode is better than its predecessor. Great work, T-man.
Thanks so much, My Brother!
I love how you adore upscale fountains pens and it is your signature devotion to high craft pens. I think your wife is a treasure for gifting you such amazing pieces of engineering. Great taste! I, on the other hand, am a fountain pen collector on the more frugal side. I am long retired boomer, and must be the luckiest FP collector of all time. Of my cheapest pens, I’ve had only one set of repeated disappointments of which I shall never repeat…by Staedtler, junk. I think it’s fitting that I can find sow’s ears and make silk purses out of them! lol I’m that old suburbia chick from the 70s, long hair, bell bottoms, that just wants to write, paint and garden. Not fancy, just functional. But I thoroughly enjoy living vicariously through pen connoisseurs such as yourself! Have a great weekend Hem! Edit: I would however love to own a Benu!
Thanks so much, Lori! I think you sound very sensible, creative, expressive, and inspired. I am glad you are here.
@@HemingwayJones And you are a lovely gentleman and a scholar!
As always, too kind.
Of those five (seven?) bougie pens I would choose the Egyptomania as well. Nice video!
Thanks so much! It is.
I did so love the Montblanc Boheme pen after watching your video, so much so my partner bought me a new, never inked one from Izods. Can’t decide what colour of ink to ink it with. We have several Montblanc pens but this has become a favourite already.
Congratulations Isabel! That is a wonderful new pen! 👏
I so enjoyed this video! I love the phrase “posh pen” and I was delighted to see the Conway Stewart Churchill honey noir on the list. Two of my favorite posh pens are Conway Stewart Churchill Heritage pens.
Thank you very much and thanks for watching!
The CS is still so epic.
Hi HJ! A good line up of poshy pens! Good guitar licks at the end too! Wonderful!
Thanks so much for watching the whole thing!
That Egyptomania is beautiful! I haven't seen you talk about Graf von Faber-Castell, they are my favourite pens very similar to MB in that they are first and foremost meant for use but are also impeccable. AFAIK all CC though...
That's because I don't have one! Thanks!
@@HemingwayJones You may want to remedy that, they are superb.
Good video!😊 the MB 149 & the MB BR....the BR for the reasons you stated...just a nifty pen, so neat...the 149 is an understated classy pen, both in its look & performance...thanks!
Thank you and thanks for watching!
@@HemingwayJonesyou are most welcome!
The MB Ernest Hemingway was selling for $300. in the early 1990's. A local department store had one but I didn't have the money. I remember my relatively young self looking at it longingly. I think it sells for over $2000. today.
I was there too! I was in the same situation. I could have stretched and wish I had. Just to have it. The value is secondary. It is a gorgeous pen beside.
Posh indeed. Those Montblancs are so nice, I do not have anything close to that level. Love the guitar at the end!
Thank you!
Hahaha cool, posh pens!! I'm happy to mention that last Saturday I used 2 of the pens on your list: the HS Bronze Age and the Montblanc 146. The MB wasn't really my thing (it didn't have the calligraphy nib btw), but I also tried a vintage MB from the 70's I think and that was very lovely.
And the Bronze Age was lovely too. I had to bring it home with me, and am very happy! Although it feels very posh to own 2 Homo sapiens (the other is a demo stones) 😂
I also liked where you said you're a bit of a Montblanc fan boy :)
Thanks very much! I definitely admit to what I like! Thanks for watching.
My Luxury brand of choice has been Montegrappa. I love their materials and their pens are weighty and have amazing fit and finish.
I have yet to try one but I am looking forward to it. Thanks for being here.
I'm sure this week, the Pelikan would be on this list, but I'd be hard pressed to say what it would oust from the Top Five. Ftr, it's no surprise that my favourite from your selection is the pocket pen - the Bohème.
Most certainly!
Hearing Zeppelin's Over the Hills and Far Away at the end was an awesome surprise! Nicely played!
Thank you! I appreciate that!
@@HemingwayJones Funnily enough, that album came out the day after I was born! Page was the first guitarist I tried to imitate, though I ended up with more of a Clapton, David Gilmour style. Bron-yr-aur Stomp is one I've always wanted to learn. Keep up the good work--love your channel!
@@alexbrendan7181 Thanks so much! I appreciate it.
I too am a Montblanc fanboy, I love everything they do, pens, leather goods and watches. They have taken leaps and bounds with their watches. The new color recently introduced for leather goods is absolutely amazing, it is called warm yellow. I think the Duffle 142 and a slingbag are offered in that color, I want both pieces. Hopefully more pieces come along soon in that color. I currently have 4 Montblanc pens, but no fountain pen yet.
Thanks very much for watching. I have something coming to the Channel in early April on this that is EPIC! Stay tuned and thanks!
I love the Montblanc 149. I do not own one but the aesthetic is such a quintessential fountain pen look. It’s what an excellent fountain pen should aspire to look like! lol. I own a Leonardo Furore Grande with a 14k flex nib. It sits on my leather pen case and it’s truly my go to when I want a luxurious feel. I call it my poor man’s King of Pen. It was by no means cheap, but I feel like the size and writing experience gets me close to what a $1000 pen feels like. Thanks for the video!
They are all too beautiful. I just can't choose between them. Another great video!
Thank you very much and thanks for watching!
Excellent video HJ. I knew you would pick the Egyptomania as your favorite and I agree with your very practical reason. It's unique as compared to the 149. This inspires me to dust off my 149 and use it again after 20 years. Yes I did clean it before putting it away.
Gino, My Man, let’s get that 149 inked and writing! Thanks for the comment.
oooh love these
i enjoyed watching your special collection 🌼
Thank you! Thanks for being here.
How lovely to see the Aurora Optima make an appearance! Mine has arrived, mine is the Viola / purple in and as you say it is expressive and offers that lovely touch of Aurora feedback. Thank you for all the inspiration you bring to the community!
Thank you for the kind words!
Great video HJ. My top 5 luxurious Fountain pens are as follows: 1.MB 146 w/ Calligraphy Nib, 2. MB Boheme Rouge, 3. Homo Sapien Bronze Age, 4. Conway Stewart Honey Noir, 5. Magna Carta Mag. 600. What can I say, I love flex nibs. See you Tuesday night, and thanks for your list.
That's a great list, My Friend! Speak soon!
Live the Boheme.
Now you need to try a Sailor with a 21K nib.
Yes -- the first good pen I ever had was a Sailor with a Naginata Togi nib. The smoothness was fabulous. Too bad I didn't have the cash for a King of Pen with such a nib...
He needs a Namiki Emperor, Royale, or a Pilot Custom Urushi.
Are any piston filler Sailor pens available for the USA market? I've only seen cartridge/converter. I just cannot consider paying the price for a Sailor pen that doesn't have an in-built filling system. If such a pen exists, then I'd be interested.
@@LauraKnotek the Sailor Pro Gear Realo is the only one that I know of.
I do have one and almost never use it. I should work it onto the program. I always feel bad that I don’t use it much.
It's always interesting to see which pens a reviewer I follow loves. There are pens - and then there are pens we love. I have three Bohemes and each one never fails to bring a smile of pleasure to my face and mood. I don't have a Montblanc Egyptomania, but every time I see a review of one, there's something inside of me that just says YES! So does the Montblanc Franz Kafka, that also costs an arm and a leg....some day, I hope[! My other deep love Is a Scribo Feel. The Feel has that uniquely Italian sense of design, shape and color, and writes so well.
Scribo is very temping! Very nice. Thanks for watching.
I love mine Montblanc Meisterstuck 149 M nib, great expresivity and great flow, my workhorse when i sketch
Beautiful! Excellent choice.
Very nice, passionate video indeed! I could have picked a Montblanc Boheme between 1999 and 2006 but I missed the opportunity. Too bad Jim! However, I've an excuse: I had 4 Montbancs149 at that time and 3 of them were NOT writing as they should have. I happened to meet a Montblanc high executive when he visited the town where I was living at that time. The man gladly took the 3 unsatisfying Montblancs to MB Headquarters in Hamburg for inspection. I got them back many months later with absolutely NO IMPROVEMENT whatsoever. The only thing they wrote was: when cleaning your pens, we noticed you haven't used our excellent inks, please do so from now on and you'll be good to go. I was so disappointed that I sold the 3 pens at a very low price. I still have the only 149 which has never let me down. That said, I've always been way more lucky with my 2 Montblancs 146. Have fun & thanks for your great shows!
For me the Egyptomania and the 149 for sure
Hear, hear! Thanks Brother!
Lovely, lovely pens! Of yours, to say which I'd love the best is not to say which I might prioritize for acquisition and use! How would I not love a loving gift of a magnificent pen? I might have gone with the Conway Stewart, but the sacs are just to quirky for me. So, Egyptomania, for same reasons as you. Of my own pens, I guess the Yard-O-Led Viceroy Grand Victorian for its magnificent writing, heritage, silver, and craftsmanship. Truly an heirloom of my house now.
You have wonderful pens, My Friend. Thanks for watching.
Although I am skittish about piston fillers, these are fabulous pens !
Thank you!
Hello. My Montblanc 149 and my P.C 823 are my babies, they will never leave me.💖🦘 Cheers from Australia.🤗
Excellent pens! Thank you!
I own a MB 149 with the calligraphy (flex) nib. I have the impression the nib is a bit softer than the one on the MB 146 (was able to try out both in the boutique). Nice that you mention also the Aurora: handled that exact same pen two weeks ago, but went for a Scribo instead. Pretty sure I'll revisit the Aurora later on though.
I think I’d like to try a Scribo soon. The 149 may give you more leverage.
I finally got a MB 149 -but in Rose Gold because I think it is prettier for me as a woman. I did so with some trepidation, as I had heard that some get iffy nibs. Not so. It is truly lovely. I got a Visconti Crystal Dream a couple of years ago, and I struggle with it. I am going to put some Kon Peki in it per your recommendation, and see if I can get it to heal itself. I am in love with my Sailor King of Pen Storm Over the Ocean. I have Aurora Optimas in several colors-I will never give them up, they are workhorses. I really enjoy my Pelikans, M800 in red (I put fabulous red inks in that one) and a M1000 in classic green (where all of my green inks go.). Pens above this level are mostly art works-like the Pilot Namiki Emperor series that I appreciate for the body-but I dont have one because we all need something to yearn for.
Congratulations on the MB 149! I would love a Rose Gold! Well chosen. The wonderful thing is that if your nib isn’t right, they will tweak it or swap it for free. That is very nice indeed. You have a very nice collection. Well done. Thanks so much for watching.
@@HemingwayJones I find your channel delightful although you are a bit of an enabler….just finished your blue ink video and you reviewed two new-to-me inks that I might need to try!
I honestly feel bad about that. It seems to just come with speaking about these wonderful pens and inks of ours. It’s hard not to be passionate and to have that become contagious! Thanks for watching.
Thanks, HJ. If I had the money to buy any of those choices, I would buy the Egyptomania.
That is a wise choice.
Your MB collection is outstanding.
Thank you!
No Pelikan 800? My tortoise stripe with a custom cursive italic nib is my number one, even over my MB 149 and 146.✒️🖋️
I didn't have one when I filmed. I have an M1000 now. It may have made the list. Maybe next time.
HJ, have you ever seen Peter Greenaway’s movies? Your videos kind of remind me of them. You put so much in the scene to look at. I love it!
I have not. I’ll have to seek him out. Thanks.
Hey HJ! Just subbed to the channel. I've been going back and watching some of your older videos as well, and was wondering if you are in the fountain pens subreddit. I think a lot of the topics you cover in your videos and lists of pens for different categories (pocket, dark academia, etc.) would be of interest to people there, and could start conversations there that would be of interest to a lot of people.
Keep it up!
Thank you and welcome. I am happy to have you here. Thanks for watching. I’ll have to admit, I don’t know what subreddit is!
Another wonderful video. Thanks! I have two Montblancs: a 120 cartridge converter that I bought in a German office supply store in 1978 for maybe $30. Has a double broad oblique slightly bouncy nib. (It just might be my favorite nib. The pen body is slimmer than I have grown to prefer.) Its Macrolon like finish I assume was designed to stand opposite the Lamy 2000. The other is a 147 which is a 146 that uses cartridges only and is called “the traveler.” It comes with a lovely leather case that will hold several cartridges. It has a fine nib. I find myself reaching for these two more than others these days I do have three Pelicans, all 800s. I bought a Jinhao 159 to size compare it felt a little large to me so I bought the 800s instead instead of the 1000. I miss the 1000 huge and wonderful nib. The nibs are a broad, a broad Italic, and a medium. The medium is on one of those limited edition, burnt orange. Anything that reminds of a Mont Blanc Hemingway! These have fallen into disuse. The italic seems a little sharp on the edges. And seems to skip on the upstrokes, but I lately have begun to think it was me rather than the pen, and in the meantime, have just not sent it to a nib Meister. I have two Visconti opera. Masters piston Phil, with the alternative metal nibs, whose name I do not recall it at the moment. They were both worked on before I got them by an Ed Meister. But they are a double broad and a double broad stub. I’m thinking of getting them back into rotation.
And surprisingly, a Monteverde in Vincia with a black stub nib. I like the way it looks when I’m riding with it and how it writes. Aren’t Fountain pens wonderful? It was much easier when I had one pen and one ink. Would anybody take me seriously if I wrote with a purple ink?
You need the top Japanese pens in your life. I used to be a Europhile until I tried Namiki, and Nakaya, and Pilot, and Sailor. Much more luxurious and far better writers in my opinion.
I like Pilot, but I don’t have anything grand. Sailor is not my cup of tea. I only have a 1911L. It doesn’t inspire me but it is excellent.
I agree with your winning choice. Great video as per HJ.
Awesome! Thank you!
I find it hard to define 'posh' in this context, but my two most expensive pens are both Kawecos, but I do have an OMAS in the post (which cost me 100GBP less).
I love that Omas. Lovely.
All are great pens, but my favorite is the last one since I have its clone - Majohn X1 - which I love !!
Awesome! Thanks very much!
HJ- for e my top 3pen choices are as follows : Mont Blanc 149, the Pelikan M1000, and the modern Parker Duofold Centennial, circa 1996 or so. What do you think about my choices?
Wonderful video, as always, HJ.
Good choices!
Please tell me you fill that Cartier with Oxblood.
Not always but usually I do. Sometimes Chianti Rosso and sometimes blue.
Another great video,mind would be the Aurora optimum.,frank in Oswego,ill
Great suggestion!
Thanks,today Sheaffer targa 14kt 23kt plated
Hi HJ probably the first time I’ve seen the Egyptomania up close. What’s up with all the scratches? Is it video quality? Bought used? Loving wear a tear? Please let me borrow that Cartier pen 🔥
If you use a pen, you're going to get light surface scratches. I usually don't worry about them. It's silly to buy something and keep it in a box. It has nothing major. There is a big smudge on the barrel and the 4K picks up everything.
If you're worries about scratches, you can use Poly Watch on the body and Cape Cod on the gold. It will restore any resin pen to new in 2 minutes.
I like your comment about "us" cleaning our pens too much. As someone who never learned that it was "necessary" to clean fountain pens at all, and didn't, at all, for like 40 years, I have a very relaxed attitude to such compulsive ideas. I must admit though, that when I once removed (pulled) the nibs from a couple of Parkers, they were very 'glued' into position by old ink deposits. I wrapped them in soft copper and very slowly pulled and pulled. And it went well. But people less expert in tinkering than I could easily have ruined it. But no, as long as you use the chemically same kind of ink, (there are 6 different types), there is IMO no reason to clean the pen. It just wears the pen, though occasionally you might, just to avoid parts becoming 'glued' into place. There is also the consideration to avoid any "exchange of fluids" between pens and ink bottles. For that reason I wash parts that need to be dipped, but just water, and I never pump ink back and forth when filling.
I know your pens well of course by now. I have some of them. And I note that this video was made before you took delivery of your M1000. 😉
"Luxurious" is a special attribute. I feel it, but I have never thought much about.
You know, there are a few things I would change if I filmed this now. One, as you said, is the M1000. The second is a mystery pen that I will film with soon and you will know which one when the video comes out. The other one, is my poor 3776 that I keep forgetting I own! My Matsu Tora. Poor neglected kitty tiger pen. Thanks!
@@HemingwayJones Oh yes, the poor 3776'es. I have some too, including a celluloid one. That's a tip for me about next pen to ink up, btw. I haven't used it much as it's not quite as well sealed as the more modern 3776, and I also consider it fragile. 'Sealed' is a big issue with me as I'm mainly a practical utility person, not romantic.
If I wasn't, I would absolutely love my Noodler Ahabs and Konrads, but as it is they require too much involvement for me, having them for ordinary practical work. I did before I retired. But that involved using them whole days and every day, not leaving them lying on the desk for weeks or months.
That makes sense. The 3776 I have stays inky for a long time. It’s an interesting pen, but I rarely use it because it’s a lot of gold. @@Vermiliontea
Which one should i buy, Visconti hs or montblanc boheme?
That’s a tough one, because they are so different. A Boheme is a pen you get after having a bunch and when you want something different. So it depends where you are with your current pens. If you choose the Visconti, have someone like Brendan Schmidt from Atlas Stationers check the nib first. There are some QC issues. I’d go Visconti first personally. Thanks!
No Pelikan M1000? Why not?
Simple. I don’t own one then.
President Kennedy carried a MB 149 but used it only for his signatures, or so I once read.
I have a mention of this coming up soon!
I’m baffled by the love of the writing experience of Mont Blanc fountain pens. I tried the Egytomania, not impressed. I bought 146, unimpressed compared to others in my collection. And most annoying is the build design/quality. The cap wiggles when screwed on and when posted. I know some other brands do this, but none I own. I expect more for the money and for Mont Blanc. I love MB inks. I love my SE MB ballpoints.
What fountain pens do I have that I enjoy or treasure more? Caran d’Ache Leman, Pelikan M600 Art, and Waterman Caran
At the end readers of this, you do you. If the MBs do it for you, I happy for you. Just wanted to voice of disillusionment.
There should be more polite, but contrary comments. There should be a balance on any pen really. So much accounting for taste. I appreciate your watching and for your comment.
I should add, I really loved the Egyptomania design. Love it. If I had loved the nib as much as I thought I should, I would’ve got it and sold the 146.
I’m wondering if you had a bad one or something, but then, we all like different nib qualities. Take care..
Other than learning more about pens, what I am getting about your videos is that it is OK to write slower! I’ve been berating myself about how ugly my penmanship - and mistakes-ridden! - has become over the past decades but now I realize it’s the speed that I’ve been going.
I write so much neater when I write slowly. Thanks!
Apparently, people are happy believing Montblancs are flawless… Well, it's up to you guys, no gatekeepers here either!
Mine are! I don’t know what you have done with yours. Enjoy what you enjoy and lighten up. Someone liking something is not an affront to you. Maybe journal why this triggers you so much. We all have room to improve ourselves.
That's an interesting video, thanks.
Have a few comments, if I may. First off, I don't consider these pens to be luxury ones. All of them are just premium basic pens.
Do you truly believe, that a simple black pen is a statement of a good taste?
Nowadays, as we hardly ever write, having such basic pens just stopped making sense to me. I do understand, half a century ago those things had a real function. Now a pen is either unique and collectable or utterly pointless.
If a pen writes, it has a point.
Good day Hemmingway, at timestamp 4:30 you display tarot cards. Why is that?
Hello and thanks for watching. Why not show them?
@@HemingwayJones Hello and thank you for your response. I trust you are doing well. I noticed the tarot cards you displayed and I was curious about them. Specifically, I wanted to know if you display them for their artistic value or if you use them for divination purposes? I appreciate your efforts and your channel; it has been truly inspiring.
@@axistiusorbitor6376 Thanks very much for the kind and encouraging words! I really love Tarot and their designs. My wife is very into them with around 100 decks. I am not into divination. I don’t believe in anything spiritual or beyond the rules of physics, except for my Ghost Cat, but what can I do about that one?
For me, Tarot is like the Sting song “Shape of My Heart,” “the sacred geometry of chance.” It’s the idea that in randomness or in providing a framework, you can have very profound insights and excellent conversations. I hope this makes sense.
@@HemingwayJones Thank you so much for your thoughtful response to my curious question that is admittedly off topic from your video. I truly appreciate the time and dedication you put into creating your channel and community, sharing your insights about fountain pens and encouragement to others in life's journey. It has been a joy to watch and connect over our shared interest. Indeed, your Ghost Cat sounds like a unique and special companion that must be a delightful addition to your life's adventures!
I appreciate your perspective for generating meaningful conversations within a framework, as you draw parallels to the Sting song "Shape of My Heart."
Keep up the fantastic work, and I look forward to more inspiring content from you.
Thanks very much! I am sure we will be chatting again.
Where is his accent from?
Whose?
Yours, that of our esteemed presenter. It's almost like Chicago but a bit different.
Gotcha. Hello. Boston via Philadelphia and throw in an English wife. Thanks for watching.
Could you please talk a little about new Kaweco Piston filler 🙏
I just did in my LIVE show. I hope to get be soon.
@@HemingwayJones Oh, I missed that one then 😢
What's the thumbnail for that particular one 🤗
Sure, this LIVE Stream czcams.com/users/lives88vRdk9r9s@@Luuka11
@@HemingwayJones 🙏🌸
This one I actually saw the same day😮
I thought you had meant a new video with a full review of Kaweco piston filler where we could see writing examples, filling capacity & mechanism etc 🌸
There is really nothing to compare to my Montblancs.... In my Humble Opinion...... When are you going to talk about Guitar collections? 😎
I don’t know. If you go to my early early videos, before I actually started this Channel, there are a couple of guitar videos there. All the best!
Second!
Hello My Friend!
@@HemingwayJones I got dragged into meetings a few minutes after starting it so wanted to say "hi" early :)
This video may have moved me more towards looking at more of those "posh" pens.
That strange creaking sound is the sound of my mind potentially opening ;)