True fountain pen aficionados would not dare consider a Montblanc fountain pen as an ordinary writing instrument. Indeed, they are regarded in such high esteem comparable to that held for works of art.


The Montblanc fountain pen, and in fact, instruments manufactured by Montblanc in general (note that I used the term instrument, rather than simply calling them pens – that should placate the true fans out there) are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans from designs developed by dedicated engineers. Yes, Montblanc instruments go through a design cycle unlike any ordinary writing piece.

It is this approach and the accompanying craftsmanship that sets a Montblanc apart from its peers, and the reason why they are highly sought after by those who want to use the very best that money can buy, and those who collect examples of finely crafted instruments. Montblanc transcends generations and is often passed on as a treasured family heirloom. Often, those Montblancs have quite a story to tell. Perhaps it was used to sign seal a deal that brought the family its riches; perhaps, it was used to sign an agreement to end a war.

Though Montblanc fountain pens conjure images of quills that predated the pen, the Montblanc is truly a modern writing instrument that ensures consistent ink flow. The quill, as one can imagine, is unable to do so, and its user must consistently dip it into ink to maintain its ability to write. For the nostalgic, nothing brings one closer to the age of the quill than the fountain pen; indeed, the delicate sound it makes as it strokes the paper, and the manner in which the ink is flowed onto the paper is about as close as one can get to the quill without actually using one.

Novice users invariably end up wondering if there is a correct way to use an instrument such as the Montblanc, and certainly this is a fair question for Montblanc’s line of fountain pens. Is one supposed to hold the pen so that the metal point through which the ink flows faces up, down or perhaps sideways? Ultimately, through a bit of trial and error, the user will discover that one particular way makes it easier to execute strokes, but that each way has its own unique effect on writing.

Experts assert that the proper way is have the metal side facing upwards, as this helps facilitate smoother strokes. This metal piece called the nib should be situated so that it points up. Admittedly, there are some fountain pens in the market that run counter to this philosophy, but as far as Montblanc goes, nib pointing up is good.

With a Montblanc, a reservoir holds the ink that ultimately flows to the nib of the pen. Gravity plays a major role in the ink flow, and such flow is controlled by capillary action. Strokes with a Montblanc fountain pen will not produce breaks unless the ink flow is interrupted such as when the reservoir is running low. Of course, any writing instrument is only as good as the ink it lays on the paper, and here again the Montblanc shines as it implements only premium ink that is primarily water-based, eschewing chemicals for simple but organic ingredients such as dye and surfactant.

So you pick up a Montblanc fountain pen and you start to use it. What does one do with the cap? Many simply post the cap on to the back of the pen, careful to align the clip so it does not get in the way of your writing hand. The heft of the cap sometimes gives the fountain pen a better balance. Of course, if this does not work for you, simply leave the cap on your desk. On those occasions where you will only be using the fountain pen for a mere moment, such as when you need to sign documents, you may also hold the cap with your non-writing hand, execute your strokes, then replace the cap. Easy enough.

Montblanc fountain pens may be refilled. Unlike the one-use type of fountain pens available in the market, the Montblanc is designed for longevity and also meant to send that certain signal that the stroke of your pen means business. It is designed to be the only fountain pen you will ever need, unless of course you have the urge to collect the various Montblanc fountain pens being offered. A Montblanc fountain pen seeks to be an extension of you, and when properly cared for, it no doubt will serve you well in the years ahead.