A nib swap is unproblematic at Montblanc and is carried out by the maker via the specialist dealer; on new pens (e.g. within four weeks of purchase) it is done free of charge; afterwards it costs around 50 euros. Buying a single replacement nib is rarely worthwhile, since it is partly more expensive than a used complete pen. Since Montblanc nibs are handcrafted, individual examples can vary slightly in writing behaviour; significant differences only emerge through longer use and breaking in. When buying second-hand, especially via eBay, watch for counterfeits; stolen pens can be retained on repair. The matching nib width is best determined in a boutique through trial writing of all widths.