Keeping it old school
Testing out the Pilot MR Metropolitan fountain pen
The pleasure (or task) of writing
The letter f almost brought tears to my eyes in the first grade. I couldn’t get that loop to tie together my miniscule cursive antagonist. It was the toughest challenge in my young life up to that point. One thing I learned immediately though, was that the right pen can make the art of writing an enjoyable pleasure, or a task and a challenge.
I prefer pens with medium tips, the ones that allow the ink to juice out, plus it expedites one of my little pleasures in life: I do enjoy using a pen to its bitter end, wringing every drop of ink; it gives the pen a noble purpose, and me, satisfaction. I’ve even thanked a few of my favorites before parting ways and tossing them in the recycle bin. With that said, I’m also a fan of fountain pens and want to have a few that I can take to my grave, or pass down to my heirs.
The Pilot MR Metropolitan with Alligator Animal Print
The Pilot Metropolitan was introduced in 2012 as an entry level option. It’s become very popular and for good reason, the most obvious being that it starts under $20. There are many variants, including the three original classics in Matte Black, Silver and Gold. Newer variants include the Animal Prints collection, simulating the skins and hides of various creatures, and a Retro Pop collection in many vibrant colors and motifs of the late 1960s and 1970s. I ordered the crocodile print for the cool factor and chose the fine tip for a change, and out of curiosity. To test it, I used a 1/32nd inch cardstock from American Greetings.
The Presentation
The pen comes in a metallic case with thick foam molding, it includes an ink cartridge and a plate press converter to use an ink reservoir. It’s a nice package considering the price tag, my only grievance is that the window on the case is made of flimsy plastic, and it came scratched out of the box. If you’re going make an impression, small details matters.
Quality and feel
The body is made of copper, and with the elegant smooth black matte finish the combination collaborates to give it heft and elegance. When you cover the nib with the cap, a smooth click it provides the feedback that it’s properly in place; it’s a satisfying click. The ink cartridges are easy to install. Just pop them in, screw the barrel in and start writing.
The section (where you place your fingertips) is made of smooth plastic, and somewhat slipery, not the best if you have say, sweaty hands. The nib favors vertical strokes, as some horizontal lines don’t deliver the ink as good and gaps appear. However, with the right paper it produces crispy lines, and the nib scratches at the notepad — you feel and hear the words you write.
Best uses
The Pilot Metropolitan is best for everyday use, I was looking for a workhorse that I can scratch and add battle dents to with time and use. But considering the feel of the aforementioned section, I can foresee fatigue setting in on my fingertips during writing marathons, and writing afterall should be a pleasure, not a burden.
Conclusion
As a starter fountain pen, the Pilot Metropolitan is a great deal but I’ve decided to look for another workhorse, I’m also not too fond of the animal print either, it subtracts elengance from the matte finish, and doesn’t add anything more than being an amusing quirk. The fine tip is also too thin for me, I wanted something between medium and fine, if there is such a thing. All things considered, therefore, I give this pen a rating of 7/10.
— Rogue Script
