Fountain pens · owner-verdict comparison

Lamy Safari vs Pilot Metropolitan: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 69% of 386 Lamy Safari owners recommend it, vs 70% of 446 for the Pilot Metropolitan.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Lamy Safari

69%of 386 owners recommend

69% recommend · 10% neutral · 21% don't

Owners praise

Excellent value, quality writer for the price
Smooth, reliable nib that rarely skips
Durable, near-indestructible workhorse that lasts decades

Owners complain about

Nib quality is inconsistent, dry or scratchy
Triangular grip section uncomfortable for many

Full owner report →

Pilot Metropolitan

70%of 446 owners recommend

70% recommend · 13% neutral · 17% don't

Owners praise

Smooth, buttery nib that glides across the page
Exceptional value; writes like pens many times the price
Durable all-metal body holds up for years of daily use

Owners complain about

Sharp step-down from barrel to grip makes it uncomfortable to hold
Scratchy nib, especially the fine and extra-fine versions

Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Lamy Safari if

✓Beginners buying their first fountain pen
✓Daily writers and journalers wanting a reliable workhorse
✓Pocket-carry and rough-use owners needing near-indestructible durability
✓Tinkerers who like quick, easy nib swapping

Skip it if

Writers who dislike the molded triangular grip
People wanting large ink capacity between refills

Get the Pilot Metropolitan if

✓Beginners wanting a reliable first fountain pen under $20
✓Everyday work, journaling and note-taking
✓Buyers who value a durable, weighty metal body
✓Medium-nib writers who like a smooth line

Skip it if

Anyone bothered by the sharp step down to the grip
Fine and extra-fine seekers, often called scratchy or dry

What Lamy Safari owners say

“Nothing has changed which speaks for its quality.”
— @SaraX2024 on YouTube

“I think the thing is built like a tank.”
— @AndreasPinkert on YouTube

“they would always bust ink everywhere in my pockets or worse your school bag”
— @philipwillingham5950 on YouTube

What Pilot Metropolitan owners say

“I love my Pilot Metropolitan.”
— @hariwebbyin152 on YouTube

“The Pilot Metropolitan was my gateway pen. Now I'm a full-fledged addict with a loooong wishlist of pens, inks, and notebooks.”
— @polynikes5631 on YouTube

“One of the things that bugs me about my Metro is how it always wants to throw itself onto the floor. The damn thing is determined to destroy itself.”
— @evilcritter on YouTube

Lamy Safari vs Pilot Metropolitan: frequently asked questions

Is the Lamy Safari or the Pilot Metropolitan better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 69% of 386 Lamy Safari owners recommend it, vs 70% of 446 for the Pilot Metropolitan.

Who should get the Lamy Safari?

Owners point the Lamy Safari at beginners buying their first fountain pen, and daily writers and journalers wanting a reliable workhorse.

Who should get the Pilot Metropolitan?

Owners point the Pilot Metropolitan at beginners wanting a reliable first fountain pen under $20, and everyday work, journaling and note-taking.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Lamy Safari is nib quality is inconsistent, dry or scratchy. For the Pilot Metropolitan, it's sharp step-down from barrel to grip makes it uncomfortable to hold.