Is this $35 pen really better than a Montblanc?

When it comes to beautiful pens, few are more iconic than the Montblanc Meisterstück. The pen celebrated its 100th birthday in 2024, and is synonymous with luxury craftsmanship and reliability. With a starting price of around $450, it isn't cheap. But what if you could enjoy a similar experience for less than tenth of the price?

Scriveiner pens have been bestsellers on Amazon for a while now. Designed in London and running on a German-made Schmidt ink system, these fountain pens have are mainstays at the top of the ballpoint pens category.

• Get the Scriveiner Ballpoint Pen for $35 at Amazon

But perhaps the most notable thing here is how many of the customers reviews compare the pen with Montblanc's. "It looks every bit is nice as the finer pens like Montblanc, without the price tag." one reviewer says. Another adds, "I have a very expensive Montblanc, this is nicer and writes just as good."

Now, whether a $35 pen can 'write just as good' as a $450 Meisterstück is a question we'll have to leave to those who've tried both. But at $35, one is a lot easier to try than the other.

Scriveiner Ballpoint Pen

A statement piece built for everyday use. Finished by hand, the pen has a luxurious weight, a sleek solid brass body and a beautiful lacquer colour, with exceptional writing comfort. It runs on a German-made Schmidt ink system with quick-drying, oil-based ink that writes on any surface, with a precise, effortless flow that rivals pens costing many times more. Designed in London and inspected twice before packing, each pen arrives in an elegant black gift box with a spare refill, microfibre cloth and a care card.