Seven pens, seven artists and a century of Japanese craftsmanship: the symbolism, maki-e techniques and anniversary inks behind Pilot’s Seven Gods collection.
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From eBay and Reddit to Japanese auctions and local European marketplaces: where to search, how to compare prices, and what to consider before buying or selling a fountain pen.
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Choosing your first luxury fountain pen can be surprisingly difficult. Here is what I learned from years of collecting, trading, selling, and buying pens.
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Pilot Falcon or Justus 95? I compare their 14K nibs, softness, line variation, balance and ideal use to help you choose.
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I first came across the Cocoon pen by Jan Zander quite a long time ago. Its design and unconventional character immediately caught my attention, and I added it to my wishlist almost instantly. In fact, it was probably the only pen from a lesser-known independent brand that truly stood out to me at the time…
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When I first started using Montblanc pens, the Patron of Art collection felt like an entirely different—and frankly unattainable—league. I was aware of the pens, of course, but I never paid them much attention. I still remember when the edition dedicated to Luciano Pavarotti was released—it caught my eye. At the time, however, the piece..
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When I see “Made in Japan” somewhere, it immediately has my full attention. I love Japanese culture, its people, and of course the products — which are often made in a way that feels very different from what we are used to outside Japan. One of my favourite brands is andliebe, and I would like..
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For a long time, I struggled to find my way to demonstrator pens. At first, they felt cheap to me—almost even a bit tasteless. I’m not sure why I had that reaction. Everything changed with my first demonstrator, the Platinum #3776 Century. The moment I got it, I immediately fell in love with it. I..
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My first ink was not a Montblanc. The first ink I ever bought was either Pelikan Edelstein or Graf von Faber-Castell Cobalt Blue—I’m no longer entirely sure. What I do know is that I was always drawn to pairing an ink with the pen I was using. At first, this was simply about matching brands,..
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If you’ve ever wondered why a Pilot pen can feel completely different from anything else on the market, the answer is here—in the nib. If you are someone who truly writes with your pens—not just collects them—then Pilot is a dream come true. The sheer variety of nibs they offer is remarkable, especially considering they..
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I remember it as if it were yesterday — I was on a trip to Hamburg when I stepped into the High Artistry atelier, where the most expensive pens are crafted entirely by hand. It was the moment I saw pieces from this edition in person for the very first time. The most accessible High..
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As a stationery enthusiast, I had known about paper republic for a long time. Yet, despite several plans to visit their store in Vienna — just about an hour from my home — I had never actually experienced the brand in person. My intention was simple: to have a look, feel the leather, and test..
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I tend to avoid this question deliberately, simply because it’s not how I think about fountain pens. I am far too emotional a writer to make purely rational decisions about which pen to use on any given day. I choose based on feeling and mood. The most important part is that I don’t overthink it…
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I remember a time when I simply didn’t clean my fountain pens at all. I was in high school, using an inexpensive fountain pen with an iridium nib, and over time dried ink gradually built up on it. Eventually, I realized it wasn’t going to resolve itself. As a complete beginner, I didn’t research anything—I..
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What is an icon, or a legend? Montblanc LeGrand 146, or Montblanc 149? The community of Montblanc pen collectors will likely never agree on a single, definitive answer. On one hand, there is the larger model—used in the past and still used today by countless famous personalities. On the other, the smaller 146, introduced later..
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Before anything else, I want to clearly emphasize that grinding or adjusting a fountain pen nib is always done at your own risk. Any modification to the nib can result in partial or complete loss of functionality. Before attempting any work yourself, seriously consider using the services of a professional nibmeister or an official brand..
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Iroshizuku by Pilot is truly a household name in the fountain pen world, and I believe almost every enthusiast is familiar with these inks. I tried my very first Iroshizuku — Ajisai — a long time ago, and my initial experience was actually negative because it feathered heavily on the page. At that time, I..
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I recently met with a local pen collector so we could exchange experiences, show each other the pens in our collections, and try them out in person. When he opened his large pen case filled with an impressive selection of Pilots, one pen immediately caught my eye. It was strikingly elegant, standing out from all..
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Thanks to my friends at Watch de Luxe, who run the Montblanc Boutique in Bratislava, I had the opportunity to test the Montblanc Digital Paper. I’m genuinely grateful to have it for a few days to explore and experience it firsthand. I’d like to share my honest impressions with you — unfiltered, with both praise..
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The new Ambassador line of pencils has arrived, and I’m among the first to experience it in the Pyramid edition. Pencils fascinate me just as much as pens—even if I use them less often, they remain an inseparable part of my life. I’d like to share my impressions and feelings about this new pencil with..
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Perhaps the biggest obstacle when it comes to writing with a fountain pen is the process itself — taking the pen out, unscrewing the cap, and only then beginning to write. I experience this myself. By the time I remove the pen from its case and unscrew the cap, which I then hold awkwardly in..
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“Hey Filip, which notebook should I buy for my fountain pen?” And honestly—I didn’t have a clear answer. This is the story behind FMP Notebook No.1.
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Not long ago, I had the opportunity to hold a pen released in 2020. It’s still available in Montblanc boutiques, and I honestly don’t understand why – it’s such a unique and beautiful piece. I still remember the day I told myself that one day I would own a pen from the higher-end collection, specifically..
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A friend of mine told me about Waldmann pens a long time ago, and today, I have to start by saying—he was absolutely right. He said that if I was looking for a high-quality pen at a great price, I should check out Waldmann. Sterling silver, gold nibs, and all at a surprisingly affordable price…
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In the world of fine writing instruments, certain fountain pens stand above the rest—not just as tools for writing, but as symbols of craftsmanship, heritage, and timeless elegance. These flagship models represent the pinnacle of what each brand has to offer, combining decades (or even centuries) of expertise, innovative engineering, and artistic design into a..
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Montblanc’s Great Characters collection is a celebration of the minds that shaped history—visionaries, pioneers, and creative geniuses whose impact transcends time. Each pen is not merely an instrument but a meticulously crafted tribute, weaving elements of their achievements into its very design. From the boundless innovation of Leonardo da Vinci to the fearless ambition of..
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Originally, I intended to write about the key differences between an authentic Montblanc Meisterstück pen and a counterfeit one. However, during my search for the best fake Meisterstück pen, I was genuinely surprised. Dubious websites are flooded with new collections and special editions I had never seen before—entire ranges from the Origin collection, Writers Edition,..
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The Montblanc Writers Edition series has been celebrating the world’s greatest literary figures for decades. Each piece in this collection is not just a writing instrument but a work of art that captures the spirit and legacy of the writer it honors. From designs inspired by their works to meticulous craftsmanship, the Writers Edition symbolizes..
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It was the summer of 2024 when I first heard about this pen. Shortly after, a video showcasing a demonstrator model and the option to pre-order emerged. I was absolutely speechless—the new filling mechanism completely caught me off guard. It was something I hadn’t expected, and it left me genuinely amazed. This pen, in every..
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149 fountain pen, a true symbol of elegance and craftsmanship. Renowned for its distinctive design and exceptional writing experience, the Montblanc 149 has become a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts alike. From special collaborations to commemorative editions, the Montblanc 149 has seen numerous transformations. Montblanc 149 special and limited editions Year Name of pen Limitation..
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When you visit a Montblanc boutique and want to buy a pen, you typically consider whether to choose a ballpoint pen, a rollerball, or a fountain pen. If you are someone who wants to truly enjoy the writing experience, you will undoubtedly choose a fountain pen. This choice offers you the most options, as selecting..
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Montblanc, my favorite brand, symbolizes the pinnacle of craftsmanship and luxury in writing instruments. The moment Montblanc Haus was unveiled in 2021, it beckoned me irresistibly. This year, my long-awaited visit materialized, extending beyond the allure of Montblanc Haus to the very birthplace of its pens. My tour, meticulously planned since last year, coincided with..
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For a while, I’ve been meaning to write this blog, but I didn’t have any fake Montblanc pens to examine. When I ordered the Montblanc The Meisterstück Le Petit Prince Doué Classique Ballpoint Pen, I immediately checked if I could find fake versions of it. And, of course, I found them right away. All it..
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When it comes to the realm of Italian fountain pens, the renowned Leonardo brand has always been in my crosshairs, largely thanks to its widespread availability and glowing reviews. While Montegrappa was initially under my consideration, Leonardo ultimately emerged victorious. Having had a delightful experience with the metallic nib of my Faber Castell fountain pen,..
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During a delightful trip to Verona, I stumbled upon the Faber-Castell Ondoro Smoked Oak Fountain Pen, a captivating writing instrument that immediately caught my attention. Eager to explore an affordable option with a stainless steel nib – a departure from my usual gold nibs – I couldn’t resist the allure of this unique pen. My..
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When one is asked to think about the quintessential writing instrument, a pencil is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, not just any pencil will do when you want the perfect blend of luxury, functionality, and design. The Graf von Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil is a product that truly embodies the union of..
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Fountain pens have always been a favorite writing instrument for those who value the elegance, craftsmanship, and unique writing experience they offer. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at two exceptional Montblanc fountain pens: the Montblanc 149 with a curved nib and the Montblanc 149 with a flexible nib. As a fountain..
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My First Porsche Design Tecflex Pen: A Precious Graduation Gift When I graduated from high school at 18, my parents gifted me a beautiful Porsche Design Tecflex pen. It was my first proper pen, and I was thrilled to have such a luxurious writing tool. At first, I found it challenging to get used to..
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