Why are ebonite feeds often considered better than plastic ones? The key is the material itself: plastic feeds are injection molded, meaning they come out as smooth as the mold is. As plastic is non-porous, manufacturers need to employ several techniques that would help break the ink’s surface tension as it passes through a plastic feed for proper flow.

Ebonite, on the other hand, is naturally porous, and is cut into the shape of a feed rather than injection molded. It can also be adjusted through heat setting, depending on the desired ink flow level. All these allow for better ink capillary action, and therefore, a more consistent flow.

This isn’t to say that plastic nibs aren’t good, as manufacturers have long mastered the use of the material that the difference is only noticeable during long writing sessions—but if you’ve never tried a pen with an ebonite feed before, now is a great time to do so. We have for sale a Montblanc 149 with a solid ebonite feed and plastic threads. It carries a 14C-gold bicolor nib (EF) that has a bit of feedback. The pen has general micro scratches but is in good working condition. We’re offering only the pen, no box or papers. 

Length capped: 14.7 cm.
Length uncapped: 13.2 cm.