Writing Instruments Craftsmanship
At the dawn of the 20th century, German technician August
Eberstein teamed up with Hamburg entrepreneurs Alfred Nehemias and Claus
Johannes Voss to create a line of writing instruments with non-leaking
technology. This pioneering vision would change the course of writing history.
The first Montblanc writing instrument, introduced in 1909,
eliminated the risk of ink stains. As a result, it was given the sobriquet
“Rouge et Noir”, referring to the safest way of playing roulette: betting on
both red and black at the same time. A year later, inspired by the highest peak
in European Alps and symbolising the founders‘ vision of excellence and pursuit
of innovation, Montblanc was chosen for the company‘s name. The six-point white
star, representing the six snow-covered glaciers of the majestic mountain,
became the company‘s emblem and has featured on every Montblanc writing instrument
ever since.
Pushing the Limits
At the heart of our Manufacture in Hamburg lies the Artisan
Atelier, where, in the hands of our master goldsmiths and stone setters, a
writing instrument becomes a work of art. Here, specially trained artisans
combine traditional craftsmanship and modern production techniques to produce
the soul of every Montblanc fountain pen: the nib.
Countless meticulous steps are involved in the process,
using rare materials from platinum and solid gold to unique wood and precious
stones to realise limited editions such as Patron of Art, Writers Edition,
Great Characters, or the High Artistry collection.
A Path to Perfection
It takes 35 skilled steps to craft a nib and an additional
70 steps to assemble and test a Montblanc fountain pen until it is deemed ready
to become yours. Each Montblanc nib is hand-crafted from either 14K or 18K
gold. Under the pressure of up to 18 tons, the nib’s silhouette is stamped out
and then carefully pressed into shape. Next, Montblanc artisans accurately
grind the exceptionally hard iridium tip by hand until it is the perfect width
and size. After the final assembly and setting, every nib must pass a thorough
writing test to ensure it delivers the ultimate writing experience. In addition
to how the instrument feels writing, a good ear plays a vital role in the
rigorous quality test: the in-house trained nib grinder listens attentively to
the sound each nib makes as it glides over the paper. Only nibs that do not
scratch or snag, and generate a continuous sound, will pass the special
inspection.
Choosing the right nib to match a personal writing style
will allow you to write effortlessly. The current assortment enables different
styles of writing and artistic expression by offering a selection of eight
different nib widths and the innovative flexible nib, part of the 2019 calligraphy
programme. Additionally, our artisans create special made-to-order nibs for a
personal and exclusive writing experience.
Find out more about our nib services.
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