Part 5: The Pilot Metropolitan (in general)
These pens are great. They're better than a lot of pens that cost twice as much. In fact, depending on where you live, they may be sold under a different model name for twice as much. They come with a converter, look great and are simple to use. Along with the Lamy Safari, these are true "work-horse" pens. Try writing with them posted and not posted. Find what works for you. If you've never tried them before, get one with a medium nib and one with a fine. You can swap the nibs between the bodies, so don't worry about if you can't find the right combo for one pen. Mix and match. In fact, you can even swap in the nibs that come with the: Plumix (italic); 78g (F, M, the B is a stub) - 78g is discontinued but readily available online, still; Prera - I think (although if you're getting a Prera, you're probably not checking out the Metropolitans); Penmanship (want a super EF nib? that's how you get one). Except for the Prera, you can find the other pens for about $10-$15/each. That's about the same price as a spare Lamy nib.
Not sure why but to me, these nibs seem to write a finer line than other Japanese nibs - even from Pilot.
While the drop is still open, I will post a pic with examples of my Metropolitans with different nibs. (UPDATE: Pic uploaded to separate post on next page of discussion.)
If you're new to fountain pens and want a great starter pen, you can't go wrong with these. If you know someone who is knew to fountain pens and wants a solid pen, get in on this drop: one for them and one for you. They are solid, work-horse pens that are durable and easy to maintain. There are plenty of pens out there that are twice the price or more that aren't as "nice" as these. And if you're not thrilled, give them as a gift to someone else.
Hope this helps those making up their minds.
Cheers.
As usual, this post is periodically edited for typos, grammar and clarity. Significant changes are noted as such. Affiliations, if applicable, are clearly indicated. In this case, I have none.
These pens are great. They're better than a lot of pens that cost twice as much. In fact, depending on where you live, they may be sold under a different model name for twice as much. They come with a converter, look great and are simple to use. Along with the Lamy Safari, these are true "work-horse" pens. Try writing with them posted and not posted. Find what works for you. If you've never tried them before, get one with a medium nib and one with a fine. You can swap the nibs between the bodies, so don't worry about if you can't find the right combo for one pen. Mix and match. In fact, you can even swap in the nibs that come with the: Plumix (italic); 78g (F, M, the B is a stub) - 78g is discontinued but readily available online, still; Prera - I think (although if you're getting a Prera, you're probably not checking out the Metropolitans); Penmanship (want a super EF nib? that's how you get one). Except for the Prera, you can find the other pens for about $10-$15/each. That's about the same price as a spare Lamy nib.
Not sure why but to me, these nibs seem to write a finer line than other Japanese nibs - even from Pilot.
While the drop is still open, I will post a pic with examples of my Metropolitans with different nibs. (UPDATE: Pic uploaded to separate post on next page of discussion.)
If you're new to fountain pens and want a great starter pen, you can't go wrong with these. If you know someone who is knew to fountain pens and wants a solid pen, get in on this drop: one for them and one for you. They are solid, work-horse pens that are durable and easy to maintain. There are plenty of pens out there that are twice the price or more that aren't as "nice" as these. And if you're not thrilled, give them as a gift to someone else.
Hope this helps those making up their minds.
Cheers.
As usual, this post is periodically edited for typos, grammar and clarity. Significant changes are noted as such. Affiliations, if applicable, are clearly indicated. In this case, I have none.