Last week I shamelessly copied Ana and played around with my Pilot Metropolitans. I had to say it was a fabulous week. This past weekend I traveled to Houston on business and brought my trusty Metros with me. I took notes all weekend and then came home and updated my journal.
In short – that Green Marble is definitely back in rotation and will be getting filled on the regular. The Purple Ellipse will sadly probably go back into the pen case because that nib is just a little too fine for my liking these days.
But I had a great week and they performed perfectly for me. No messes after flying, no hard starts at all. And I was charmed when I pulled it out in one booth and the rep (a fountain pen lover herself) exclaimed “oooooo a real pen!” I shared the blog with her of course!
I’m a real fan of this challenge, and also reminding myself that while more expensive pens are definitely appealing, the less expensive starter pens are worth keeping in rotation as well!
Did you go to Dromgooles?
Alas I did not. I had one free afternoon and went to NASA instead! But there’s always next time!
Glad you had a great trip. Please tell us what that apple green in is.
The ink? Pilot Iroshizuku Chiku-Rin – https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Iroshizuku-Chiku-rin-Ink-Bamboo-Forest-50-ml-Bottle
I have the same beautiful green Metropolitan, and its lovely purple sibling! They truly are among my favorite pens. Right now they’re filled with Iroshizuku shin-kai, bought at Hands in Tokyo where I spent a blissful hour drooling over inks! Also picked up a sweet little Pilot Lightive, with a stainless steel Japanese fine nib, and navy blue plastic body. Cheaper in Japan than the Metropolitan, not sure if it’s available here, but I enjoy it. It’s filled with Iroshizuku Murakami, a lovely violet ink. While I have more expensive pens, I often keep these inked up for my daily journal!
I agree with everything you said. I just wish Pilot’s pens did a better job of sealing when capped to avoid ink evaporation. I keep too many pens inked and I prioritize those that seal well.