My First Fountain Pen: the Pilot Metropolitan

My first fountain pen was a gift from my husband. It's the Pilot Metropolitan Retro Pop in purple with the fine nib. He and I had a long distance relationship for years while we lived in different countries. Letter writing is how we grew and deepened our relationship over that separation. I couldn't tell you how many love letters I've written to him with that pen over the years.

My pen collection has ballooned since quarantine started, but I always find myself comparing every new pen to my Metropolitan. I'm sure part of the reason for this is because it was my first and only pen for so long. But the other reason is because it's such a great pen. I've never had any problems with it. It writes beautifully, doesn't leak, skip, clog, or act up in any way. It's a smooth writer without being picky about the inks I use. It just works every time, as I believe all pens should.

It feels silly to buy more than one of the same pen when there are so many pens out there I've yet to try. But I'm adding the gold zig zag Metropolitan to my wish list anyway. That's how much I love them.

If you're looking for a great first fountain pen, I couldn't recommend the Metropolitan more highly. It sells for $29.99 on the Pilot website, but you can find it cheaper from your favorite online sellers, and even in some brick and mortar office supply stores.

BUT... If you buy them from an online pen shop, many of them will throw in a Pilot con-40 converter for only a few dollars more. Definitely take that option if you don't want to refill the cartridge with a syringe.