Great video! There is also one other advantage to a fountain pen: it is much easier to write most non-latin alphabets with fountain pens. Anyone studying Hindi, Chinese, Arabic or Hebrew would do well to own a fountain pen as it's closer to the movement of the ancient writing brushes that those alphabets were originally designed for.
I was at school in the '70s and our homework had to be written with a fountain pen, or typed. I chose an Italic nib and the result was great, so much so that my homework was held up as an example of what everyone's work should look like. No! For a child who was very shy, to have the spotlight on me like that was mortifying. I still write in Italic script to this day. I'm looking forward to trying the Pilot Metropolitan. Many thanks for a great video.
I have been using a Pilot Metropolitan (F) for 3 years now and I still enjoy it as much as the day I got it. There are 2 minor drawbacks I have found with it. The first is the weight, while it does feel substantial in the hand, I find that long writing sessions lead to hand cramps. The second is if the pen is brand new, the grip is rather slippery. This too leads to hand cramps during long sessions as you clench down on the grip. As I said before, these are minor issues which a short 5 minute break fixes. I would recommend using bottle ink as it's more economical and could be customizable. For example you could choose numerous colours with properties such as water-resistant, UV light resistant or reactive, even colour changing inks. Keeping in mind the more properties an ink has, the harder it is to clean and the higher the chances the converter could be stained.
Fun update for those looking into picking up a Metropolitan here in the future after this video came out and are looking to keep to the (proprietary) ink cartridges as Mr Chap does, Pilot now offers the Iroshizuku line of inks in cartridges. It’s a much more vibrant and varied line of inks and now you can avoid the hassle of ink converters and bottles. Personally, I love that hassle aspect of fountain pens, but I still use and appreciate cartridges.
Enjoyable, as always, and I'm looking forward to other episodes in this series. I have miserable penmanship. With a fountain pen, however, it is less miserable.
Im 67 and in school we ink pens that we dipped into an inkwell at the corner of our desk.. I'm left-handed so there was always the problem with smudging the ink before it dried so this was where blotting paper came in useful. I still have may old dad's Parker pen from the sixties and my own gold Shaffer pen i bought forty years ago.
Hi Ash, I used a Pilot Metropolitan for years until I came across my grandfather's '1948 Parker 51'. After a good cleaning the 51 worked like a charm. A fountain pen gives the writer an opportunity to insert a personal touch by choosing a color that is unique to them, either with an ink cartridge or bottled ink. My color of choice is a subtle Blue/Black. What is your signature color
Good video, Ash... Well done ! By the by, Pilot offer's the "Varsity" ~ a disposable fountain pen (no ink changes required) that writes beautifully for under $5. Been using them for years...
Great video. Ironically, whilst I can't run to a five figure watch I can run to a three figure pen so I adore my Mont Blanc. I feel rather good about myself every time I pick it up...
Another enjoyable, informative presentation. In recent years I have rediscovered fountain pens and a Lamy safari has become a daily go to in accompaniment with the Parker rollerball. I must try the Pilot; stylish but cheap enough to easily replace if lost.
I’m the same as you. My preference are the cheaper fountain pens. Oddly enough I find they tend to be more user friendly then more expensive ones, and of course, if/when there is a pen I just don’t care for, no big deal spending only a couple dollars. (I gift those ones, as I usually don’t like them for personal taste, not bad outcome).
You look absolutely smashing Ash ! I once oned a fountain pen. I really liked it but it would sometimes overload with ink and of course we would have to replace the cartriages every once in a while, overall I loved them.
Love it, great video :) I wish you'd talk about gold nibs fountain pens buy hey ! there's no shame in preferring affordable writing instruments. I started with a Lamy Safari and I still own it ! BTW I waited so long for this vid and I absolutely enjoyed it till the last second
Great review. Will dig out my Pilot Metropolitan. If I recall correct the Pilot Metropolitan sold on my domestic market took standard international (Pelikan?) cartridges.
I find fountain pens very enjoyable to write with and they also improve my hand writing. Sadly any letters I write resemble a spider which has fallen in the ink well and crawled its way across the page.🤣 Good video, I highly recommend the Sheaffer Legacy for the ultimate gentlemanly experience. If not Jin Hao make some lovely looking pens which cost a few pounds yet look/ write a million dollars.
The metropolitan was my first fountain pen. I've bought several others since then, but the metropolitan is still one of my favorites. The best writer that I've tried so far (and I've only tried entry-level pens) is the TWSBI-Eco. I really like the 1.1mm stub nib on the Eco I bought. It's a great writing experience.
TWSBI ECO is considered a level up(?) I suspect there is more care with regards to maintenance. I have a wandering eye for this one also. I like Demonstrators because the pen itself can become the reservoir.
Another great video Ash. I love fountain pens, so this was a very enjoyable video to watch. Have you ever tried a Lamy 2000 with a medium semi hooded nib? I own a number of expensive fan pens that were gifted to me, as well as some lower end pens but I have to say this Lamy is my go to.
I love Lamy and usually default to a Safari with broad nib. Although recently I’ve been really enjoying a new addition to my pen collection, a Kaweco Dia2.
I also like less expensive fountain pens, such as the Lamy Safari and Kaweco. My husband loves Stipulas. My most expensive fountain pens are a Monteverde and a Conklin which I bought because I like the stripes and herringbone pattern.
In Europe we learn to write with a fountain pen during the first 5 years of school in order to learn to write nicely.THEN... you start using a regular pen and your writing goes down the drain. Happened to me. I was writing in a way only myself could decipher the words. Since almost 2 years now I own 4 fountain pens. The true way of writing elegantly and gentlemanly. Its all in practice. Very good for starts is Pelikan Up from Pelikan.
It's for starters. Cheap but good way to learn to write with it. Then you can proceed to better ones. Sailor is good and Parker. But cannot afford Mont Blanc.
I have about 2 dozen cartridges left, I had planned on upgrading after depleting. The TWSBI ECO Demonstrator has my eye, but the Metropolitan has been good to me. Cleaning is pretty straight forward. I will always keep a dozen or so cartridges. I love your content and subbed.
Wouldn't say this is a cheap pen because you can get 😉 pens for pounds. Great video 📹 Thing with this it should last a lifetime especially if looked after
Ash if posted to Germany next Summer I would like to send you some of my ballpoints and fountainpens. I will be scaling down in preparation of the moveI think you would enjoy them. Please advise. Regards, Chris Hoyt
I have been trying to email you Ash to no avail. My emails are sent back to me stating your domain can not be found. Do you have an alternate email address? Regards, Chris
Great video!
There is also one other advantage to a fountain pen: it is much easier to write most non-latin alphabets with fountain pens. Anyone studying Hindi, Chinese, Arabic or Hebrew would do well to own a fountain pen as it's closer to the movement of the ancient writing brushes that those alphabets were originally designed for.
I was at school in the '70s and our homework had to be written with a fountain pen, or typed. I chose an Italic nib and the result was great, so much so that my homework was held up as an example of what everyone's work should look like. No! For a child who was very shy, to have the spotlight on me like that was mortifying. I still write in Italic script to this day. I'm looking forward to trying the Pilot Metropolitan. Many thanks for a great video.
I have been using a Pilot Metropolitan (F) for 3 years now and I still enjoy it as much as the day I got it. There are 2 minor drawbacks I have found with it. The first is the weight, while it does feel substantial in the hand, I find that long writing sessions lead to hand cramps. The second is if the pen is brand new, the grip is rather slippery. This too leads to hand cramps during long sessions as you clench down on the grip. As I said before, these are minor issues which a short 5 minute break fixes. I would recommend using bottle ink as it's more economical and could be customizable. For example you could choose numerous colours with properties such as water-resistant, UV light resistant or reactive, even colour changing inks. Keeping in mind the more properties an ink has, the harder it is to clean and the higher the chances the converter could be stained.
This presentation is a 15 minute break from the stresses of the day. Thank you.
My pleasure.
Fun update for those looking into picking up a Metropolitan here in the future after this video came out and are looking to keep to the (proprietary) ink cartridges as Mr Chap does, Pilot now offers the Iroshizuku line of inks in cartridges. It’s a much more vibrant and varied line of inks and now you can avoid the hassle of ink converters and bottles. Personally, I love that hassle aspect of fountain pens, but I still use and appreciate cartridges.
Thanks for the info!
Enjoyable, as always, and I'm looking forward to other episodes in this series. I have miserable penmanship. With a fountain pen, however, it is less miserable.
Im 67 and in school we ink pens that we dipped into an inkwell at the corner of our desk.. I'm left-handed so there was always the problem with smudging the ink before it dried so this was where blotting paper came in useful. I still have may old dad's Parker pen from the sixties and my own gold Shaffer pen i bought forty years ago.
Ok I ordered one. Thanks Ash.
Hope you like it!
Good intro to fountain pens.....but I do love my mont blanc :)
Hi Ash, I used a Pilot Metropolitan for years until I came across my grandfather's '1948 Parker 51'. After a good cleaning the 51 worked like a charm. A fountain pen gives the writer an opportunity to insert a personal touch by choosing a color that is unique to them, either with an ink cartridge or bottled ink. My color of choice is a subtle Blue/Black. What is your signature color
Good video, Ash... Well done ! By the by, Pilot offer's the "Varsity" ~ a disposable fountain pen (no ink changes required) that writes beautifully for under $5. Been using them for years...
check out the videos on how to refill the varsity
Another fantastic video.
Great video. Ironically, whilst I can't run to a five figure watch I can run to a three figure pen so I adore my Mont Blanc. I feel rather good about myself every time I pick it up...
Great video Ash. I was just thinking of starting to use a fountain pin. Thaks for the advice. I used to smoke Robert Burns cigars 🚬. Cheers Ron
Brilliant Ash.
I’m a big fan of this channel.
Bring back penmanship
Great review!
Another enjoyable, informative presentation. In recent years I have rediscovered fountain pens and a Lamy safari has become a daily go to in accompaniment with the Parker rollerball. I must try the Pilot; stylish but cheap enough to easily replace if lost.
I’m the same as you. My preference are the cheaper fountain pens. Oddly enough I find they tend to be more user friendly then more expensive ones, and of course, if/when there is a pen I just don’t care for, no big deal spending only a couple dollars. (I gift those ones, as I usually don’t like them for personal taste, not bad outcome).
Delightful article, Ash. I have a Lamy (as we have previously discussed) but I quite fancy a Pilot now!
I have reviews on a Lamy and a Pelikan coming up in the weeks ahead.
You look absolutely smashing Ash ! I once oned a fountain pen. I really liked it but it would sometimes overload with ink and of course we would have to replace the cartriages every once in a while, overall I loved them.
Love it, great video :) I wish you'd talk about gold nibs fountain pens buy hey ! there's no shame in preferring affordable writing instruments. I started with a Lamy Safari and I still own it ! BTW I waited so long for this vid and I absolutely enjoyed it till the last second
Great review. Will dig out my Pilot Metropolitan. If I recall correct the Pilot Metropolitan sold on my domestic market took standard international (Pelikan?) cartridges.
I find fountain pens very enjoyable to write with and they also improve my hand writing. Sadly any letters I write resemble a spider which has fallen in the ink well and crawled its way across the page.🤣 Good video, I highly recommend the Sheaffer Legacy for the ultimate gentlemanly experience. If not Jin Hao make some lovely looking pens which cost a few pounds yet look/ write a million dollars.
The metropolitan was my first fountain pen. I've bought several others since then, but the metropolitan is still one of my favorites. The best writer that I've tried so far (and I've only tried entry-level pens) is the TWSBI-Eco. I really like the 1.1mm stub nib on the Eco I bought. It's a great writing experience.
I've just ordered one of the new TWSBI Swipes. A modest price and it seems to have been well received.
TWSBI ECO is considered a level up(?) I suspect there is more care with regards to maintenance. I have a wandering eye for this one also. I like Demonstrators because the pen itself can become the reservoir.
Another great video Ash. I love fountain pens, so this was a very enjoyable video to watch. Have you ever tried a Lamy 2000 with a medium semi hooded nib? I own a number of expensive fan pens that were gifted to me, as well as some lower end pens but I have to say this Lamy is my go to.
I love Lamy and usually default to a Safari with broad nib. Although recently I’ve been really enjoying a new addition to my pen collection, a Kaweco Dia2.
I also like less expensive fountain pens, such as the Lamy Safari and Kaweco. My husband loves Stipulas. My most expensive fountain pens are a Monteverde and a Conklin which I bought because I like the stripes and herringbone pattern.
In Europe we learn to write with a fountain pen during the first 5 years of school in order to learn to write nicely.THEN... you start using a regular pen and your writing goes down the drain. Happened to me. I was writing in a way only myself could decipher the words. Since almost 2 years now I own 4 fountain pens. The true way of writing elegantly and gentlemanly. Its all in practice. Very good for starts is Pelikan Up from Pelikan.
I would be interested in trying a Pelikan Up. I've just purchased a TWSBI Swipe, its a real beauty and works very well.
It's for starters. Cheap but good way to learn to write with it. Then you can proceed to better ones. Sailor is good and Parker. But cannot afford Mont Blanc.
I got two metropolitans, lizard and crocodile versions...one for blue and another for black ink..
I have about 2 dozen cartridges left, I had planned on upgrading after depleting. The TWSBI ECO Demonstrator has my eye, but the Metropolitan has been good to me. Cleaning is pretty straight forward. I will always keep a dozen or so cartridges. I love your content and subbed.
Get a syringe… you can refill cartridges yourself 🤗
Wouldn't say this is a cheap pen because you can get 😉 pens for pounds. Great video 📹
Thing with this it should last a lifetime especially if looked after
I totally agree!
"You can have somewhat more garish colors..." 😂
I expected any second for a deer or a bear to come through the brush.
Fountain Pens are very expressive of your hand and personalize your correspondence. I prefer Waterman pens.
Another Gentleman's essential
Nice jacket…where is it from?
Marks & Spencer (2018 summer collection - purchased in 2019 for £30)
Goes well with the Rootbeer..
Ash if posted to Germany next Summer I would like to send you some of my ballpoints and fountainpens. I will be scaling down in preparation of the moveI think you would enjoy them. Please advise.
Regards,
Chris Hoyt
That would be very generous sir. Perhaps I could use them for the basis of a review video.
I have been trying to email you Ash to no avail. My emails are sent back to me stating your domain can not be found.
Do you have an alternate email address?
Regards,
Chris
@@chrishoyt4724 try my personal email: ashjones36@hotmail.com
Another review of the Pilot Metrosexual. Yay.