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Pilot Metropolitan (MR) Fountain Pen Review — Best Beginner Fountain Pen?

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Ask any fountain pen person to recommend a beginner pen, and the Pilot Metropolitan (or Pilot MR, depending on where you are) will come up fast. Under $25, you get a brass body, a smooth steel nib, and a writing experience that feels more expensive than it is. I wanted to see if it still lives up to the reputation in 2026.

Key Features

• Brass Body with Lacquer Finish: Most pens at this price are plastic. The Metropolitan has a solid brass barrel with a painted lacquer finish. It weighs 26 grams, which gives it a satisfying heft. Feels premium in the hand.
• Steel Nib (Fine or Medium): Comes with a stainless steel nib in Fine (F) or Medium (M). The Fine writes around 0.3–0.4 mm. Consistent, crisp, and it works well on modest paper.
• Cartridge/Converter: Uses Pilot proprietary cartridges. Comes with a standard black ink cartridge and a squeeze converter (CON-B) in the box. That converter alone is unusual at this price.
• Retro Pop & Animal Patterns: Two design families. Retro Pop has solid colors with a metallic stripe. Animal has alligator, crocodile, and leopard patterns. Both look good.
• Snap Cap: Snaps on securely with a satisfying click. Posts well on the back of the barrel.

Pros

• Premium feel at a budget price — the brass body makes it feel like a much pricier pen
• Smooth, reliable nib — consistent ink flow, no hard starts or skipping
• Great for beginners — forgiving writing experience that teaches good habits
• Nice design options — Retro Pop and Animal patterns are genuinely attractive
• Comes with a converter — lets you use bottled ink right away
• Durable — the brass body can take a beating in a bag or pocket

Cons

• Proprietary cartridges — not compatible with standard international cartridges
• Heavy for some — 26 grams is heavier than most beginner pens; may cause fatigue in long sessions
• Fine nib is on the finer side — Japanese Fine is finer than Western Fine; some may find it scratchy
• Step between barrel and grip — the transition is noticeable and may bother some
• Limited nib options — only Fine and Medium; no EF, Broad, or stub

Writing Experience

I found the Metropolitan's Fine nib a pleasure to write with. It's smooth with a hint of pleasant feedback. The ink flow is moderate. Not too wet, not too dry. It performs well on a range of papers, from cheap copier paper to premium Tomoe River.

The Medium nib is noticeably smoother and wetter, laying down a line around 0.5 mm. It works well for expressive writing and signatures. But it may bleed or feather on lower-quality paper.

Who Is the Pilot Metropolitan Best For?

• Fountain pen beginners — the single best recommendation for someone trying fountain pens for the first time
• Students — durable, reliable, and affordable enough to replace if lost
• Everyday writers — the brass body and smooth nib make it a joy for daily use
• Collectors — the patterns and colors are fun to collect
• Anyone who wants a cheap EDC fountain pen — at $20, you won't cry if it gets damaged

Price & Where to Buy

• Pilot Metropolitan (standard): $15–$20
• Pilot Metro MR Retro Pop: $20–$28
• Pilot Metro MR Animal: $18–$25
• Pilot CON-40 Converter: $5–$8

Available on Amazon and at most fountain pen retailers.