The Pilot Metropolitan has been the most consistently recommended beginner fountain pen in the world since its release in 2012. At well under £35, it offers a smooth steel nib, a solid brass body, and a writing experience that would be impressive at twice the price. This guide explains why it holds that position and helps you choose the right variant.
What makes the Metropolitan special
Three things. The nib: Pilot makes their nibs in-house, and the Metropolitan's steel nib is one of the smoothest production nibs at any price point. The body: brass rather than the plastic used in most budget pens, giving it a substantial, premium feel without excess weight. The value: it comes with both a cartridge and a CON-B squeeze converter in the box — most pens at this price include one, not both. It's ready to use in either format, immediately, out of the box.
The nib options
Fine (F): The most popular size. Produces a clean, precise line suitable for most handwriting. The right choice if you're unsure, or if your handwriting is average to small. Remember Pilot uses Japanese sizing — a Pilot Fine writes similarly to a Western Extra Fine.
Medium (M): Wetter and more expressive than the Fine, showing ink shading and character more dramatically. Better for writers with larger handwriting or those who want to see what fountain pen inks are capable of. A slight springiness under the fingers is noticeable and pleasant.
Italic (M): Available on selected colour variants. Produces mild line variation — broader downstrokes, thinner cross-strokes — giving handwriting a calligraphic quality without requiring strict pen angle. More interesting for everyday writing than the round nibs.
Collections and colours
Standard Collection: Professional black, silver, and gold finishes. The black is also available with an italic nib. These are the understated, boardroom-appropriate versions.
Animal Collection: Barrel colours paired with embossed animal-skin-pattern accents — Violet Leopard, Taupe Lizard, Silver Python, Black Crocodile, White Tiger. The same excellent pen in more characterful packaging.
Retro Pop Collection: Vivid colours and bold patterns — Red Wave, Orange Flower, Green Marble, Turquoise Dots, Purple Ellipse, Grey Houndstooth. Each available with an italic nib. The most visually distinctive group and a good choice for writers who want a pen that reflects their personality.
Filling the Metropolitan
The Metropolitan uses Pilot's proprietary cartridge and converter system. The included CON-B squeeze converter allows you to fill from any bottled ink. Pilot also makes the CON-40 piston converter (sold separately), which draws ink more smoothly and with slightly larger capacity than the squeeze converter. Both are compatible.
Because Pilot's system is proprietary, you need Pilot cartridges or Pilot converters — other brands won't fit. The range of Pilot cartridge colours is limited; for full colour choice, the converter and a bottle of ink (Pilot Iroshizuku, or any other bottled fountain pen ink in a glass vessel) is the recommended approach.
The Metropolitan family
Beyond the fountain pen, Pilot makes Metropolitan gel pens and mechanical pencils in matching designs. The gel pen uses the same smooth G2 refill as the famous Pilot G2; the mechanical pencil uses 0.5mm lead with premium HB Pilot Neox graphite. Both share the Metropolitan's brass body and matte finish. A matching set of fountain pen, gel pen, and mechanical pencil makes a handsome desk collection.
Metropolitan vs LAMY Safari
The two most recommended starter fountain pens. The Safari is slightly larger, has a triangular grip for ergonomic guidance, uses swappable nibs in more sizes, and accepts standard international cartridges (more brand variety). The Metropolitan has a more premium feel thanks to its brass body, is more compact and pocket-friendly, and is widely considered to have a smoother out-of-the-box nib. Both are excellent. Writers who want ergonomic guidance toward correct grip often prefer the Safari; writers who want the best writing feel for the money often prefer the Metropolitan.
Caring for the Metropolitan
Clean the Metropolitan every four to eight weeks with clean running water. The converter should be flushed thoroughly before changing ink colours. The brass body develops a subtle patina with handling — some consider this part of the pen's character. The snap-on cap is convenient but less airtight than screw caps; the nib will dry out within a day or two if left uncapped, so keep it capped when not in use.
Browse the full Pilot Metropolitan range at The Journal Shop, including all three collections in Fine, Medium, and Italic nibs.
