Cheaper Alternative to Mont Blanc Fountain Pen 2024 that are Beautiful and Well-crafted
Last updated: December 2023
For some people, writing is more of a chore, even if what they have to write is simply a signature.
Such is especially true for entrepreneurs who need to sign stacks of documents from time to time. That said, they need to have a good pen to ensure neat penmanship -- a fountain pen, for instance.
However, a good fountain pen such as the brand Mont Blanc comes with a heavy price tag. But this price can indeed provide you with an excellent product.
Still, if you are not ready to spend much on a Mont Blanc fountain pen, there are cheaper alternatives. Even better, despite the lower price, they come with great features to make your investment worth it.
Why Do We Use a Fountain Pen?
Apart from the thrill that using a pen and ink can bring, there are still a number of reasons why one should use a fountain pen.
1. Fountain pens bring back the good old days
When fountain pens first became popular, the stresses of the digital world still do not exist. Life runs at a slow phase, and exchanging messages occur on pen and paper.
For this reason, this pen is now deemed as the “good old days.” Writing letters back then was relaxing, not like the stress brought by emails and texts.
Additionally, such pens make users feel a sense of history, especially when filling the converter with ink.
2. It is a lifestyle accessory
The days when people see fountain pens as a standard tool for writing are long gone. Right now, the world considers it as a piece of accessory.
Emailing and texting have already become the major methods of communication. For this reason, fountain pens now serve as a lifestyle statement for individuals who want to write traditionally.
For instance, in workplaces, using this writing tool is an indication that you are serious about what you are doing. No CEO would sign using a pilot pen. Rather, they use a fountain pen.
3. Provides a luxurious and sophisticated writing experience
The ink that comes out from a fountain pen effortlessly slides on your paper’s surface.
Such a factor results in elegant and sophisticated strokes without causing too much pressure on the paper. In addition, it adapts to your nib choice and the pen’s angle and holds to provide you with a unique writing style.
4. Fountain pens can last for years
Ballpoint and pilot pens tend to get lost or broken.
This is because a ballpen is inexpensive, thus making them disposable. On the other hand, fountain pens can last for years if you take care of them well.
Moreover, ink cartridges are less expensive, and they come in various colors.
5. They make your penmanship neat
Fountain pens are a little larger than regular pens. For this reason, they require a different way of gripping, which in return makes you write slowly.
Moreover, slower writing means clearer penmanship.
| 6 Mont Blanc Pen Alternatives that are beautiful and well-crafted | Best Price to Get (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Dryden Designs Luxury Fountain Pen with Medium Nib |
$28.95 |
|
Pilot Metropolitan Collection Fountain Pen |
$22.54 |
|
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen |
$16.99 |
|
Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pens |
$12.03 |
|
Koweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen adapted. |
$25.00 |
|
Parker Jotter Fountain Pen |
$16.99 |
6 Less Expensive Mont Blanc Fountain Pen Alternatives
1. Dryden Designs Luxury Fountain Pen with Medium Nib
This fountain pen by Dryden is one of the most popular pens on Amazon right now. With its modest price, this pen can provide great quality. Additionally, it also provides an excellent combination of functionality and style.
The Dryden Designs Luxury Fountain Pen also looks elegant. But what is even better is that its design lets users write continuously without causing hand cramps. The package also comes with two dozen extra cartridges.
Moreover, this classy fountain pen glides smoothly on paper. As a result, it does not cause any blotching, bleeding, or skipping. In terms of the design, it boasts a sophisticated metallic casing with seven different colors to choose from. Of course, Dryden’s signature gold accent is present on the box.
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2. Pilot Metropolitan Collection Fountain Pen
If you are a beginner with fountain pens, one thing worth noting is that they write differently than your regular ballpoint pens. For this reason, it is a good idea to first test out a simple and cheaper model instead of investing in an expensive one. That said, the Pilot Metropolitan is a pen worth checking.
Pilot Metropolitan costs cheaper than other fountain pens. However, it doesn’t disappoint in terms of quality. It feels comfortable to hold and use, thanks to its sleek metal body. It is weighty yet does not feel burdensome to use. Additionally, it comes in various designs and colors, ranging from moderate to funky.
Moreover, you can effortlessly refill this fountain pen. You can use a myriad of colorful pens to achieve the writing effect that you want. If you don’t think you need bottles of ink for this pen, you can instead opt for some ink cartridge refills.
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3. Lamy Safari Fountain Pen
This fountain pen by Lamy is a minimalist model yet one of the most sought-after. Unlike the other pens on this list, this one has a body made of plastic. Despite the material, it still does not feel fragile. The reason is that the body of this pen is made from acrylonitrile styrene. Such is a plastic equipped with excellent resistance to impact.
In addition, the Lamy Safari has a triangular grip, allowing users to achieve an ergonomic hold. It has recessed grooves where you can position your finger at a tripod position.
Moreover, when you post the pen’s cap, it provides balance and ease of control. It does not require too much pressure for the ink to flow on the nib. Additionally, this fountain pen has four nib sizes that you can choose from -- fine, extra-fine, medium, and broad. You can even opt for a left-handed nib, one that comes with a slightly oblique tip. Such is perfect for the left-handed users’ hand position.
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4. Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pens
If you are looking for an everyday fountain pen, the Pilot Varsity comes in handy. It even comes at a bargain when you purchase it in packs. A pack of Pilot Varsity includes seven assorted-colored disposable fountain pens. This assortment makes the product a perfect gift idea for students who like to color-code notes and for artists. It is also ideal for children who like to play with pens since it is budget-friendly.
However, this fountain pen bleeds occasionally, according to a few who have tried it. Still, it is a very useful pen at a friendly price, so this occasional bleeding should not pose any issue.
Additionally, the Pilot Varsity requires no maintenance since it is disposable. It also has a visible ink supply that allows you to see when the ink is almost dry. The medium-sized nib is made from precision laser-cut stainless steel. For this reason, the pen strokes are elegant.
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5. Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen
Kaweco released its original pen in 1935 in Germany. The indigenous pen has an octagonal design that the Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen adapted. This compact pen measures 4.2 inches when closed, making it very portable. You can even fit it in your hand, proving that the brand’s slogan, “small in the pocket, great in the hand,” is true.
In addition, you can ease yourself knowing that your fountain pen’s nib has the utmost protection. The reason is that the pen cap tightly screws to the body, protecting the nib and your pocket from any ink stain.
The gold nib has a stainless steel material, while the pen itself is made from sturdy ABS plastic. It also uses the standard international size of ink cartridges. Additionally, this fountain pen comes with a short cartridge filled with blue ink.
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6. Parker Jotter Fountain Pen
There is no denying that Parker is a timeless brand of pen with distinctive design. For this reason, you can ensure that the Parker Jotter Fountain Pen gives the best quality as the most stylish accessory.
This fountain pen adapted the features that the Parker Jotter 1954 has. Featuring a stainless steel barrel, a feather-shaped medium nib, and the brand’s signature arrowhead clip, this pen is one of the most charming fountain pens you can get, and we are suckers for charm. It even comes in a gift box along with a cartridge of water-based blue ink.
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Guide to Alternatives of Mont Blanc Pens
Why are Montblanc fountain pens so expensive?
Montblanc has a long and storied history, crafting pens since 1909 and using the finest materials like water buffalo leather, silver, and 14k gold to create their pieces.
Their craftsmen are highly skilled, using years of combined experience to carefully assemble each piece to meet their stringent standards and ensure a superior product.
Montblanc pens are designed to last a lifetime – or perhaps even longer – and many become family heirlooms passed down through generations. The combination of luxury materials, distinguished craftsmanship, and impressive product longevity is just some of the reasons that Montblanc fountain pens are so expensive.
Are Cheap But Decent Fountain Pens Worth Buying?
What pen is similar to Montblanc?
A pen that offers a similar level of refinement and luxury is the Caran d'Ache 849. This pocket-sized pen is made from durable aluminum and offers a sleek, timeless design.
The Caran d'Ache 849 delivers a reliable writing experience, thanks to its Swiss-made, precision mechanics. It also features a twist-action, retractable tip that retracts and protects the writing tip and ink.
With its classic design and superior components, the Caran d'Ache 849 can be considered a worthy competitor to the Montblanc Meisterstück.
Should I get a fine or medium nib fountain pen?
A fine nib fountain pen produces a thin line that is great for detailed writing, while a medium nib fountain pen produces a thicker line that is ideal for larger handwriting.
Depending on what type of writing you plan on doing, it is important to take this into account when selecting your fountain pen.
A fine nib fountain pen might be best for doing paper work or essays, while a medium nib fountain pen might be best for creating art or taking notes in class.
Ultimately, the choice is yours and both can certainly create a great writing experience.
Alternative to Mont Blanc
There are a few other factors to consider when comparing pens, including the material used, the weight and size of the pen, and the nib.
Some pens that may be comparable to a Montblanc include Namiki Pens (for example, The Imperial), Pelikan Pens (The M200), Kaweco Pens (Classic Sport or Skyline Ciao fountain pen), Sheaffer Pens (Signature Touchpoint or Legacy Penmanship Pointed needled tips models).
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