This is going to be a tough sell to you peoples…

A few months back, I spent more on a pen than I was currently spending on rent, and at the time, my car.  I went out and bought a genuine Mont Blanc to add to my collection of deadly business utensils.    

Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc makes very sexy products - period.  In my humble opinion, they are one of the best ‘Guy Brands’ around, and produce gorgeous products - products that are way overpriced, but you absolutely lust after.    The little white snowcap adds a sense of class and dignity to their broad product line.  Leather, pens, watches - whatever.  Plus, rich people like that shit and damnit I’m going to be rich someday.  (While I was buying my pen, I was standing next to an unamed ball-player from Detroit, and his extremely gorgeous lady-friend.)

What the Hell Was I Thinking
Why would you buy such an expensive version of an item that is literally more abundant than pennies?  I don’t know, why not?  It’s a very sexy pen and it makes me feel good to have, so there.  (I’m totally drunk with adoration of a writing object.)  Plus, I look at it as many would do a puppy.  It’s a responsibility thing.  If I can take care of a $400 pen at this age, score some points for me.  I suppose I could also try to spin the stats as well, saying a couple hundo is nothing for a pen I’ll carry with me year-round for the next 10+ years.  (Literally, the Mont Blanc salesman was using a Mont Blanc his dad gave him 40 years ago.) 

Design & Form
The pen itself has some good weight to it, feels great in your hand, and is wonderfully designed.  (I haven’t seen it in knock-off form yet, nor have I seen similar versions from any Bic, Pilot or the like.  Not even on eBay China!)  It’s very durable, came with several cases and the ink cartridges last forever.  The snowcap on top brings the whole form factor together, and the clip is very, very strong and virtually will not bend or mis-shape.      

Image & Respect
There’s only been a handful of people who have vocally recognize/praised the pen, but mostly they’ve been the right kind of people.  (It’s like the watch thing, most people won’t care or notice, however the ones that do will usually be those that can make something happen for you.)  Clients, Bosses, Execs. etc.  Additionally, much like the watch thing, it creates that connection between you - and gives you a chance to fire off your Jedi schmoozing skills on the topic of fine pens. 

The Downside
My one setback/downside is - it doesn’t really improve my handwriting at all.  My jabbings and scratchings at paper still look like they came from a three year old.  However, the Mont Blanc has motivated me to undertake handwriting lessons to improve my skills.  (A’La the internet.) 

Final Word & Reco
Lastly, make sure you purchase from an actual Mont Blanc dealer.  Stop by the Forums if you’re in Vegas and see Dave.  He took great care of me, and was a hell of a guy.  Included some Mont Blanc schwag as well!