Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our testing and keeps our recommendations honest and independent.
Pilot Metropolitan vs Lamy Safari
Which Beginner Fountain Pen Is Right for You?
Both the Pilot Metropolitan and Lamy Safari are excellent beginner fountain pens, but they serve different user needs. After extensive testing, the choice depends entirely on your specific situation and preferences.
This detailed comparison will help you understand which pen best matches your writing style and goals. Both are exceptional choices with passionate followings, but the right choice depends on your specific needs.
Quick Recommendations by User Type
For Parents Buying for Children
Pilot Metropolitan ($20) - More affordable, virtually unbreakable reliability, works with any grip style
For Serious Students
Lamy Safari ($30) - Triangular grip teaches proper form, durable ABS construction, cartridge convenience
For Working Professionals
Pilot Metropolitan ($20) - Brass construction looks more professional, immediate reliability in meetings
For Complete Skeptics
Pilot Metropolitan ($20) - Works perfectly out-of-box with zero learning curve, proving fountain pens aren't complicated
Why This Comparison Matters
These two pens dominate beginner recommendations because:
- ✓ Proven track records: Millions of satisfied users worldwide
- ✓ Different approaches: Smooth vs. educational, refined vs. robust
- ✓ Price parity: Both under $30, removing cost from the equation
- ✓ Long-term relevance: Both remain useful as skills advance
The choice between them often reveals your fountain pen personality before you even know you have one.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Our 6-Standard Analysis
Pilot Metropolitan ⭐
$25
Overall Score: 4.7/5
Philosophy:
"Give me the best writing experience possible at this price."
Lamy Safari 🎓
$30
Overall Score: 4.3/5
Philosophy:
"Teach me to use fountain pens properly while providing long-term value."
Detailed 6-Standard Analysis
✋ Optimal Grip Comparison
Pilot Metropolitan (4.2/5)
The Metropolitan's grip section represents a fascinating design choice. The smooth plastic grip transitions to the brass barrel with a distinct "step" that either perfectly suits your hand or doesn't. At 24g, it offers substantial feel without fatigue. The circular grip accommodates various hand sizes, though the transition step can cause discomfort for some users during extended writing.
Lamy Safari (3.8/5)
The Safari's molded triangular grip section is polarizing. It either perfectly matches your grip or creates immediate discomfort. For those it suits, it provides excellent guidance for proper fountain pen technique. The ABS plastic construction is virtually indestructible.
Grip Verdict:
Metropolitan for traditional pen users; Safari for those wanting technique guidance.
🎯 Writing Reliability Showdown
Pilot Metropolitan (4.9/5)
This is where the Metropolitan truly shines. Pilot's quality control ensures consistent out-of-box performance. The pen starts reliably even after storage, though not quite to Platinum's level. Ink flow is perfectly calibrated – neither too wet nor too dry – making it forgiving across different papers.
Lamy Safari (4.5/5)
Excellent reliability and durability. The cap sealing is good, though not exceptional. The robust feed rarely has flow issues, and the pen starts consistently. Built to withstand daily use and occasional drops.
Reliability Verdict:
Metropolitan for guaranteed out-of-box perfection; Safari for long-term bombproof durability.
✍️ Nib Performance Analysis
Pilot Metropolitan (4.8/5)
The Metropolitan's steel nib is legendary in the fountain pen community. Described universally as "buttery smooth," it offers minimal feedback while maintaining excellent control. The Fine nib is particularly outstanding, providing consistent line width with minimal pressure variation.
Lamy Safari (4.0/5)
German steel nibs provide more feedback than Japanese alternatives. The writing experience is "pencil-like" with clear tactile response. Lines tend to be broader than equivalent Japanese nib sizes. Quality is consistent across the extensive nib size range.
Nib Verdict:
Metropolitan for smoothness seekers; Safari for technique learners and nib variety.
🔄 Cartridge Compatibility
Pilot Metropolitan (3.8/5)
Uses Pilot's proprietary cartridge system. Includes a squeeze converter (CON-20 or CON-40), though the CON-40 is notoriously problematic with tiny capacity and difficult filling. Many users resort to refilling empty cartridges with syringes.
Lamy Safari (4.8/5)
Uses standard international cartridges, though Lamy's own cartridges are recommended. Excellent converter (Z28) provides reliable bottled ink access. Easy cartridge/converter swapping.
Compatibility Verdict:
Safari wins decisively with international standard and superior converter options.
👥 User Validation
Pilot Metropolitan (5.0/5)
Overwhelming community support. Featured as the #1 recommendation by JetPens, The Pen Addict, and countless Reddit discussions. Multi-year users consistently report satisfaction.
Lamy Safari (4.6/5)
Strong community support, particularly among educators and students. Polarizing grip means devoted fans and definite detractors. Long-term users appreciate the durability.
Validation Verdict:
Metropolitan has broader appeal; Safari creates more passionate advocates among those it suits.
💰 Value Proposition
Pilot Metropolitan (5.0/5)
At $25, it delivers quality that rivals pens costing twice as much. The brass construction and premium nib performance make this exceptional value.
Lamy Safari (4.2/5)
Fair value for the build quality and educational design, though some find it expensive for a plastic pen.
Total Cost Analysis:
- • Metropolitan + better ink experience: $25 + $0 (adequate as-is)
- • Safari + Z28 converter: $30 + $6 = $36 (superior system)
The Philosophy Divide: Which Pen Matches Your Approach?
Choose Pilot Metropolitan If You:
- • Prioritize immediate satisfaction over learning curve
- • Want smooth writing above all else
- • Prefer traditional pen design and feel
- • Like substantial weight and premium appearance
- • Want proven, universal appeal
- • Are satisfied with adequate ink system
Choose Lamy Safari If You:
- • Want to learn proper fountain pen technique
- • Enjoy tactile feedback in your writing tools
- • Plan to experiment with different nib sizes
- • Prefer lightweight pens for extended writing
- • Value durability and abuse resistance
- • Want the best possible ink system (with Z28)
Real-World Usage Scenarios
College Student
- Metropolitan: Better for rapid note-taking with its smooth nib
- Safari: Better for learning proper technique and surviving backpack abuse
- Winner: Depends on note-taking style vs. durability priorities
Office Professional
- Metropolitan: More professional appearance and smooth signing
- Safari: Distinctive design and better grip for long writing sessions
- Winner: Metropolitan for appearance, Safari for comfort
New Fountain Pen User
- Metropolitan: Immediate satisfaction with smooth writing
- Safari: Better foundation for long-term fountain pen skills
- Winner: Safari for commitment to learning, Metropolitan for instant gratification
Gift for Someone Else
- Metropolitan: Safer choice with broader appeal
- Safari: Better if recipient is committed to learning
- Winner: Metropolitan for unknown preferences
The Community Split: What Other Users Say
Metropolitan Advocates:
"The Metropolitan is proof that excellent doesn't require expensive. Five years later, I still reach for mine regularly."
"After trying dozens of pens, the Metropolitan remains my daily driver. Sometimes simple excellence beats complicated features."
"Perfect first pen. Smooth enough to love fountain pens immediately, reliable enough to trust completely."
Safari Supporters:
"The Safari taught me how to hold a fountain pen properly. Now every pen feels better because of those lessons."
"Most durable pen I own. Survived four years of college abuse and still writes perfectly."
"The grip controversy is overblown. If it fits your hand, it's the most comfortable pen you'll ever use."
The Definitive Decision Framework
Start Here: Answer These Questions
Do you prefer smooth or tactile writing instruments?
Smooth → Metropolitan | Tactile → Safari
Are you committed to learning fountain pen technique?
Yes → Safari | Just want to write → Metropolitan
Will you experiment with different inks extensively?
Yes → Safari (better ink system) | Basic use is fine → Metropolitan
Do you prefer substantial or lightweight pens?
Substantial → Metropolitan | Lightweight → Safari
Are you buying for yourself or as a gift?
Yourself → Either based on preferences | Gift → Metropolitan (safer choice)
Our Final Recommendation
For Most Beginners: Start with the Pilot Metropolitan
The Metropolitan offers the safest path to fountain pen satisfaction. Its universal appeal, smooth writing, and immediate satisfaction make it the wisest choice for most beginners. The risk of disappointment is minimal, and the writing quality is exceptional.
Get the Pilot Metropolitan →For Committed Learners: Choose the Lamy Safari
If you're genuinely committed to learning fountain pen technique and building long-term skills, the Safari provides superior foundation. The grip guidance, nib variety, and superior ink system create more growth potential.
Get the Lamy Safari →The Truth About This Choice:
Most fountain pen enthusiasts eventually own both. The Metropolitan and Safari serve different purposes and complement each other beautifully. If budget allows, consider both – they're different enough to justify dual ownership.
Conclusion: Two Paths to Fountain Pen Excellence
The Metropolitan vs. Safari decision reveals that excellent can have multiple definitions. The Metropolitan defines excellence as immediate satisfaction and smooth performance. The Safari defines excellence as proper technique and long-term skill building.
Both approaches succeed brilliantly.
The Metropolitan creates fountain pen users who appreciate smooth, reliable writing instruments. The Safari creates fountain pen users who understand technique and appreciate writing nuance.
Choose based on your personality:
- Immediate gratification seekers: Metropolitan
- Patient skill builders: Safari
- Universal appeal prioritizers: Metropolitan
- Unique experience seekers: Safari
Either choice begins an excellent fountain pen journey. The "wrong" choice doesn't exist – only different paths to the same destination: a lifetime appreciation for quality writing instruments.
Our Scores
⭐ Pilot Metropolitan
4.7/5
🎓 Lamy Safari
4.3/5
Both highly recommended for different user types
Last updated: August 2025. Extensive side-by-side testing using our standardized 6-point evaluation system.