Mont Blanc 145 or Parker Duofold?

[penmainiac]

I am looking into buying and new fp to add to my collection (I only have a waterman phileas and a parker sonnet) but I don’t know to buy a parker duofold or mont blanc classique (145)


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[Chrissy]

The only Parker Duofold that I have is a Centennial. That is a much bigger pen with a bigger nib than the Montblanc 145 and I would rather have that pen than a Montblanc 145. Even if you are considering a Parker Duofold International, then I think that would still get my vote over the 145.

[Barry B. Gabay]

Hello penmainiac,

The two fountain pens you mentioned are completely different in character. Chrissy's advice is worth considering because it addresses pen size and nib size, two important features. I have owned both pens you mention, but have sold the 145. Both are C/c fillers and similar in girth. The far longer International Duofold is comfortable for me posted or without a cap. For me, a 145 needs posting for comfort. You will find far greater nib variety choices for the International Duofold. If the Phileas & Sonnet are comfortable for you, either of these should also be satisfactory. Though I love the modern Duofolds in Centenniel & International sizes, I agree with Chrissy that the 145 is more similar to the pens you now use. Both are readily available in the second hand market.

Good luck,
Barry

[pajaro]

The Duofold is probably a better choice. A more impressive pen. It has a wider choice of nibs, including some interesting italics. It is true that some of the more interesting nibs available with the Duofold are also available for Sonnet. I would think that either the 145 or the Duofold would be fairly easy to sell if you didn't like them. I think Duofold is a better choice. If you want to buy a Montblanc I would suggest a 146, a piston filler. Also easily resold if you hate it.