The Best Starter Fountain Pen!? Pilot Metropolitan - Unbox and Review 

I think the reason you needed to refill it so quickly was just that you squeezed it only once in the ink bottle. For this bladder to fill well from empty, repress with the whole nib under the ink suface, let it suck in ink, press again, repeat until no bubbles come. First time you press the feed gets filled but lots of air is still in the bladder. I believe it's called an aerometric style converter.

idk why but you look like an ancient chaos god who took on a human form on earth to teach humans the ancient art of writing

Last time I set aside my bladder I almost piston my pants! Okay. Bye. Nice pen by the way, Pete.

I find it humorous that a $600 Fountain Pen had more issues laying down lines than its $11 counterpart. Another excellent video. Been having a really awful day and this mellowed me out and helped me relax a bit easier. Thank you.

**turns around in swivel chair** So we meet again... PETERDRAWS

I was just watching your fountain pen videos and started to consider buying myself a fountain pen. And then you post this. You are a psychic. ALSO you have the best intros of all time.

He would be good at tattoos

So what'cha got there is a "torpedo shape" pen. If it was pretty much parallel sides but only rounded at the ends, you'd have a "cigar shape". If the ends were flat, "flat top." The snap cap on that pilot is never going to come loose. The occasional ink starvation is due to the inexpensive "converter" (the little "piston pump" that "converts" a pen from using cartridges to bottled ink) pilot has several kinds of converter, that squeeze-bar one is called an "Aerometric" converter, the Pilot part number is the "CON-20". But they have two piston converters, the Con40 (discontinued) and the CON-50. both of these have little things inside to agitate the ink since these converters are so much wider than the more common "standard international" ones they can develop surface tension inside and the ink won't flow. it's only really common when you're writing or drawing a TON. But a CON-50 converter costs only about $6. The final type pilot makes is the CON-70, which has a really novel vacuum button filler. But it does not fit the metropolitan. The metro only has two "problems." Firstly, the grip section can be too narrow for some people. Second, when you pull the nib and feed out to clean them (make sure there's no cartridge or converter in the pen or it won't come out) when you put them back in, make sure you REALLY push them in hard, or it might "burp" a drop of ink now and then. If you push it in firm enough, it never will do this, however. Overall, this is hands down the best starter pen. It's issue-free, there are NEVER any problems or quality control issues, it can be had in a bunch of colors and patterns, with nibs available in F, M, or a nice crisp stub. I've converted a whole lot of people to fountain pens with the metropolitan. I'm very tempted to mail you a sheaffer snorkel filler I restored. I bet you'd find it amusing to fill. it can fire ink about six feet if you're so inclined. If you keep uploading videos using fountain pens to draw, I'll send it to you along with a fun bottle of ink.

I don’t understand how you make such good abstract art it’s so difficult for me

I didn't think I'd ever get started on fountain pens but your videos keep making me think twice. You've definitely made an impact in my life. And I don't think I'm alone in this regard 🙂

I was SOLD! And then I grimaced and groaned and grumbled when you said how dismally boring it looks. Screw it. I’ll just sit here and drink coffee and do absolutely nothing at all until the universe is finally perfect. Oh, crap! And now you say it feels boring, too. I’m having an existential angst right now.

I love a Pilot Metropolitan. Thanks for sharing your otherworldly art with us.

I never understand what the hell he draws but man it looks damn incredible. It's like some subliminal thing that my brain understands without me even realizing.

He forgot to smell it. 😮

I love the Pilot Metropolitan. I have three of them, and plan to get a couple more! I also swapped out the fine nib in one of them for an extra-fine nib that I got off of a Pilot Penmanship pen. LOVE IT! I almost always carry a Metropolitan, and when I don't, I'm usually carrying another Pilot pen, like one of my Pilot Prera pens.

as much as i love you content and art you doing that face in the first 10 seconds shakes me to my core

I ordered this pen about two weeks ago because of your fountain pen drawings. I love it, it is a very nice starter pen. You can get a piston converter for it for a few extra dollars.

4 Videos in just one week. Peter, i love you. ps, you make the best drawings!

You make the most interesting drawings, so organic. I feel like I could get lost in them. I love my Pilot Metropolitan which arrived last week. I enjoy just writing, although I run out of things to write about and it hadn't occurred to me that a fountain pen I bought for journaling would also make a good drawing pen. Short sighted of me. I'll have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing your art and thoughts with us.

I want that fish :o

I absolutely love this pen. This is one of my first fountain pens. I opted for the piston converter over the bladder. The only thing I would change is the ability to replace nibs. I had to replace mine because it rolled off my desk cap off.

I don't buy cartridges. I use a syringe to pump ink into cartridges. Ingenious eh?

The Pilot Metropolitan was my first fountain pen. It is still one of my favorites.

I refill the cartridges with an ink syringe. Been using the same little plastic cartridge for a year now!!

snap caps may loosen over time while twist caps don't. that's why a lot of more expensive fountain pens have twist caps. so you could pass it on to your grandchildren and it would still be as good as the day you bought it.

Peter, you truly are an inspiration to me and so many others. I invested in a glass dip pen and some inks today. Can’t wait to start doodling with it! Cheers my dude!

I really like these anatomy-esque drawings, they remind me of medical sketches from the 1800's

That's nice fish pen case you have there.

I believe that 40% of the appeal of fountain pens is the ability to put in all different kinds and colors of ink (Just not calligraphy ink)

haha I enjoyed your stream of consciousness style review. Thanks for showing the pen in action for drawing! Excited to get the pen and test out some sketches :)

Random idea: Buy a cheap pen, then as the first mark you make with the pen, do a one line drawing where you never lift the tip, then never use the pen again. Single line pen.

Hi Peter, good to see the face behind the drawings. What you could do is use the cartridge and when the ink runs out. Just get a syringe with a blunt needle and refill cartridge (after you've cleaned out the cartridge) and you are good to go.

I have no intention of ever using a fountain pen, I just think these videos are really satisfying and calm. So thanks for that dude.

This is my first fountain pen, I have had it for about four months or so. I love it! I know you can purchase a piston filling converter for it too, but the bladder converter has been working well for me. Its easy to take apart and clean too which is a bonus.

His drawings are so abstract and cool... I like it!!!

Quote Peter 11:20: "It doesn't have that je ne sais quoi... I don't know what I'm saying"

peter: says the pen is boring, then proceeds to say it looks like a spaceship being warped through the space time continuum

The intro made me laugh. Thank you.

Never thought I’d be watching a pen review yet here I am and 3am watching it

It is currently 5:28 am and I'm binge watching your channel. I love it! The drawings are really nice and satisfying. I may be thinking of getting a fountain pen when I get older. Definitely an inspiration to me and others!

Thank you Peter for this video!! I received my first fountain pen a few days ago, a Pilot Metro as well. I’d even bought a Waterman ink like you (but in the tender purple shade). I had the same issue as you but seeing as I am new to fountain pens, I was worried it was just because I’m not doing something right. Additionally, there are other shades/patterns for this pen, for a few extra bucks. Worth it addition, in my opinion!

I've had a pretty busy this summer, so I haven't been able to watch your quality videos recently. This is the first video I've watched in over 2 months!! I missed your videos!! Also, that fish pen holder freaked me out at first. I love it.

All your drawings are satisfying to watch, you really bring a page to life with just a little ink.

Love that Shining look in the beginning of the video..........

best opening ive ever seen

I’m literally obsessed with this fountain pen. I cheeped out on my first fountain pen, at 15 dollars…. The ink was just bleeding out. But this pen is by far amazing and affordable at 20 dollars now. Also quick note, it takes very little time to saturate maybe 5-10 min

The things it I have no idea what are you drawing but I think it looks AWESOME!!!

Love your videos, man! You drive me crazy - in a good way. Your voice is so chilled, and while you just seem to wave your hand around, magic art appears across the page! Excellent...

This man is over here talking about pens... damn pens and got me to watch the entire video

I have the Pilot Cocoon (said to be the Japanese version of the Pilot Metropolitan) and it writes very nicely. It doesn’t come with the fancy box and cartridge but that’s ok. It was really satisfying to watch you make your artwork with the pen identical to what I have on my desk! Thanks for another amazing video, Peter!!

I see this vid in my recommended ive never seen this channel before I tap the screen to play it it begins to play i scream "SHIT" and throw my phone THIS IS THE TYPE OF CHANNEL IM LOOKING FOR INSTANT SUBSCRIBE

6 months ago I purchased the"pilot" (x-cellent pen). I know have the Jinhao x450,x750,2-159's,911,and the dragon. Also, the Wing Sung 6359. :) I bought these direct from China. So...long shipping but no pen cost over $4 ! I bought several inks and would recommend Noodlers Air-Corps,blue/ black. It's actually a beautiful dark green. But more important, it drys almost instantly! btw that device is called a "converter", for filling the ink.

"I don't know what I'm drawing, but it's going well." 😂😂😂

Be aware if you buy this, there is a few versions where the nib tips. I've purchased the stub nib, which was nowhere near as fine as I'd have liked. Still very good flow, would be great for journaling and even blocking in black areas in drawings.

Wow. What a beautiful gift you have to be able to draw like that. I just bought 2. One Marigold color and the other Green Apple 🍏 Lol. Thanks.

I was inspired to get a fountain pen recently from Peter and was not disappointed. I love these videos. Also the Twsbi eco is a great starting pen.

4 years later and here I am nostalgic about Peter's Godly hair.

Pens now the same price but the converter is no longer included. Well looks like Im definitely getting the kaweco

"I don't know what I'm drawing, but it's going well."

Not sure what the fuck you drew but I really like it for some reason. Its chaotically gorgeous and id love to see fairy tale adaptations in your style or something like that.. 😍

That’s the pen I use for work! 😃

I had a fountain pen a while ago but I left it in a classroom at my old school and someone took it, but I just got a new one so hopefully it works

I have a couple of these, but just don't like them. I tried to get them to like and use them, but they just don't do it for me. The section is too thin, the nib is not great, and has drying out issues. Having said that, themetrplitan I just an adequate pen, and I suppose it is a good starter.

What's a good black ink? There are so many, I don't want anything too fancy, just a solid, cheapish (but good quality) ink.

This is great, I love listening/watching these ASMR grade drawing/art supply reviews.

Pilot Metropolitan has a converter so it does work with bottled inks. I like pistons too;)

peter: shape is boring also peter: shape is a spaceship getting warped by space time I loved your review and description! ordered 1 of these puppies the other day and can't wait for it to get here. also agreement on the shout out to the pilot g-2 lol had one right next to me when he said that those pens RULE

I'm sure someone has mentioned this, but there is also the Pilot Con-40 converter if you don't like refilling the cartridge or the squeeze converter it comes with.

i have 3 metros and satisfying with it. I just buy 10 ml bottle with needle tip to (safely carrying ink and refill the cartidge without messy) and a pack of cartridges (to replace if the current cartridge break) because I really don't like the idea black bladder.

Haha! No way, i have the same fish pencil case! Not sure where it swam off to though, haven't seen it in a while

I bought my first fountain pen. I'm just doodling away and writing with whatever cursive letters I know heheheheh... and watching your video is so fun.. I would love to try this pen one day.

Great pen, very reliable. It is a bit small for my hand. I damaged my nib slightly, but managed to grind it into a fine italic.

My pilot metropolitan is by far my favorite fountain pen I own

I own one, had it of about a year and a half, still use it, it's nice.

Lol you're in now. I carried a metro and a kaweco for a couple years before buying more pens so that I'd know I'd really use them before spending a lot.

I have been thinking about getting one for months all because of you! This just kinda pushed it over the edge- so getting one soon.

I've got that one. Genuinely love it

I love the Metropolitan. I also love the bladder converter. I have four of them.

My first fountain pen was the Pilot Plumix italic nib. It's pretty boss. Not the nicest looking thing in the world, but it never clogs up, it's easy to clean (you can go months without bothering) Can leave it uncapped for a day and come back to it and the ink will start flowing pretty damn quick. I believe the nib is also interchangeable with the Pilot Metropolitan, though it's been a while since I looked into it XD It's also hella durable, very low maintenance and easy to use. Perfect for beginners that want to get a feeling for fountain pens. In my experience, Pilot is a good brand!!! They're inexpensive but have high quality results. The only thing wrong with the first pen was that I lost it and had to buy another one XD

Didn't know what to expect from you, but I liked your video, I'll poke around some more

Love how goofy he is in the intro

Your sweater looks like a Woolly Pully. Brings me bacj to my time in the Marines

This was the first fountain pen I got

I'm gonna buy a fountain pen now thanks peter

I adore how wild your hair is, it’s got its own personality.

So many uploads in a short amount of time! Dr. Peter is spoiling us!

Haha, the first fountain pen I bought I didn't have the right ink for and indeed I had to order ink and wait a few days before I could use the pen. Enjoyed the review, I'm definitely more interested in this pen. I personally think it looks good! Sleek comes to mind.

Um, this guys a weirdo, but... I cant stop watching.. it's a good kind of weird..

With the invention of a nib pen, people called it a fountain pen because you no longer had to dip, it just came out as if had a fountain of ink as its source within the pen, hence the expression, "fountain pen".

WILL PILOT Namiki IC50 Fountain Pen Ink Cartridges vs IC100 ....will both work in a pilot fountain OR is the IC 50 strickly for retractable pilot pens? Thanks

I was actually looking to buy this exact pen but was wondering about how it refills and writes. Useful vid for me.

😂 you crack me up, thanks for the review!!!

Peter is the definition of vibin

I dont know why but im so obsessed with your drawings

I bought the piston converter for mine and it's awesome. I much prefer it to the squeeze converter.

So this is what Smeagol has grown up to be - an artist with his precious art.

He's starting to look more and more like an ancient hermit with cursed knowledge.

Been interested in getting a fountain pen for writing! This is definitely a contender. Thanks for the video peter!

Hey when's the next sketchbook tour coming out?

This dude is such a goob, I love him.