Going down the rabbit hole...Starwalker Incoming!

**sov76** · August 21st, 2024, 05:01 PM

First post! Bit of a noob, But I just pulled the trigger on a Starwalker Ballpoint from Jomashop. I had a whole bunch of amazon reward points too and since Joma accepts amazon pay, I got it for very little.

As I wait for it, now I'm already looking for a fountain! And I do like the Starwalker(UltraBlack) and of course, the classic Meisterstuck!

One thing I'm confused about though, and forgive the stupid question, but how do I know which MB FP is cartridge based and which are the ones you have to dip in the inkwell (piston converter?)? I notice one of the Starwalkers says "Piston Converter" so I'm assuming that is not cartridge based? And the ones that don't say Piston Converter are purely cartridge based?

Appreciate any insight on that. Thx all

**Bisquitlips** · August 21st, 2024, 10:01 PM

You are pretty much on it.

Knowledge will come with time and research. For most fountain pens, the function is tied to the model # of the pen.

If you are not sure you can always ask. We are always here to help! 😁😁😁

Congrats on the Starwalker! Don't forget to boost some photos!

**Chrissy** · August 22nd, 2024, 12:20 AM

Originally Posted by sov76

First post! Bit of a noob, But I just pulled the trigger on a Starwalker Ballpoint from Jomashop. I had a whole bunch of amazon reward points too and since Joma accepts amazon pay, I got it for very little.

As I wait for it, now I'm already looking for a fountain! And I do like the Starwalker(UltraBlack) and of course, the classic Meisterstuck!

One thing I'm confused about though, and forgive the stupid question, but how do I know which MB FP is cartridge based and which are the ones you have to dip in the inkwell (piston converter?)? I notice one of the Starwalkers says "Piston Converter" so I'm assuming that is not cartridge based? And the ones that don't say Piston Converter are purely cartridge based?

Appreciate any insight on that. Thx all

Montblanc Meisterstuck pens that are piston based are either 146/Le Grand or 149 sized and include most limited and special editions. They don't unscrew in the middle but have a fixed or non-removable internal piston and a piston knob at the end that turns clockwise and anti clockwise to operate the piston when filling or emptying the pen.

Some people call a fountain pen converter a "piston converter" just because it has an end part that screws and unscrews to get ink into it. That term is incorrect. If it can be pulled out and pushed in it's just a converter. Most pens that fill using cartridges also fill using converters. Some are special sizes for specific pen brands, and some are international sized cartridges and converters that fit several different brands.

Montblanc Meisterstuck Mozart, Starwalker and Boheme pens were designed as cartridge only pens. Some users have managed to find mini converters that fit inside the Starwalker but I would advise caution. Buying any authentic Montblanc Starwalker is always a risky business as it's one of the most faked of all Montblanc pens in any form: ballpoint, fineliner or fountain pen. If I saw a Starwalker advertised with a "piston converter" inside it I would always assume fake until I convinced myself otherwise that it could possibly be a used pen that someone has managed to add a mini converter to. Any Starwalker with a converter that has the words Mont Blanc on there should be avoided.

Be very careful where you source your Starwalker pens from unless you don't mind whether they are authentic or not as long as they write.

Before buying a Starwalker fountain pen check images everywhere and really familiarise yourself with the unusual nib and smooth bulbous feed underneath it. Also, always check the serial number to ensure there are no results for that. There are other clues but they are a good start.

**~JJ** · August 22nd, 2024, 04:57 AM

IIRC, Montblanc's cartridge specs were THE standard adopted as the 'Standard International' cartridge & converter specs.

**sov76** · August 22nd, 2024, 09:27 AM

Thanks everyone so far on the insight!

@ Chrissy - really appreciate the thorough explanation. And I definitely always do my due diligence In terms of buying from reputable sources/sellers. Just to clarify one thing though, the base Starwalker Mont Blanc Fountain Pen is noted on the MB website as "STARWALKER PRECIOUS RESIN FOUNTAIN PEN PISTON CONVERTER"...so they do offer this. Which caused my initial confusion as the others don't say that. So does this mean that pen in particular is a dipping pen and not cartridge based? thx again

**Chrissy** · August 22nd, 2024, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by sov76

Thanks everyone so far on the insight!

@ Chrissy - really appreciate the thorough explanation. And I definitely always do my due diligence In terms of buying from reputable sources/sellers. Just to clarify one thing though, the base Starwalker Mont Blanc Fountain Pen is noted on the MB website as "STARWALKER PRECIOUS RESIN FOUNTAIN PEN PISTON CONVERTER"...so they do offer this. Which caused my initial confusion as the others don't say that. So does this mean that pen in particular is a dipping pen and not cartridge based? thx again

All I know was that it started life as a cartridge based pen. If they added a converter then that was after I knew anything about it. It is not a piston filler in the true Montblanc sense of the words. When people buy pens like this they are known as C/C fillers. That's cartridge/converter. Nothing to do with a piston.

**sov76** · August 22nd, 2024, 11:00 AM

^ got it, thanks again for the insight

**sov76** · August 28th, 2024, 06:23 PM

So I ended up returning the Starwalker BP...and splurged on a new Around the World in 80 Days LeGrand a kind seller here had for sale at a good price.
Figured, why mess around with a ballpoint?! Stick to the classic

This is my first FP so I am excited to get into it! My handwriting, however, is atrocious as I barely handwrite anymore...but looking to change that now.

Unfortunately, the MB Royal Blue ink refill bottle I ordered from amazon had a leak so going to exchange it. So haven't been able to test it out yet. Nevertheless, I'm very happy with the purchase otherwise!

Going to enjoy this one for a while...and maybe my next at some point will be a 149 of sorts.

BTW - I assume since relatively inexpensive ordering MB inks off amazon is legit. The packaging seemed legit and premium etc. Am I wrong to think this?