Buzz
Fountain pens provide a unique writing experience, and while they can be costly, you don't have to spend a lot to own one. For less than $25, you can get a refillable pen that’s perfect for art, journaling, or note-taking with flair. Let’s take a look at two of the top budget-friendly options available.
The Challengers
$25 might not seem like a “budget” price, especially when a pack of pens from the grocery store only costs a few dollars, but considering that premium pens—both fountain and gel—can easily cost much more, these are pretty good value. Here are the contenders:
Lamy Safari: One of the top budget pens, the Lamy Safari is highly regarded and has become a favorite for many. It’s often the entry point into the world of high-end, fun-to-write-with pens. The design features a solid ABS plastic body with a timeless, modern metal clip, which hasn’t changed in years. The Safari uses refillable cartridges by default, but you can also buy a converter to use bottled ink. The nibs are interchangeable, allowing you to switch to a thicker or thinner one based on your preference or if the nib wears out. Plus, it’s available in a variety of colors to match your style. You can get it for around $23 on Amazon, with the color options typically costing a little less.
Pilot Metropolitan: If you’re looking for the best value in fountain pens, the Pilot Metropolitan is a great choice. Known as the MR in Europe, the Metropolitan is offered in both the “Metropolitan” collection and the “Animal” collection, which features pens with animal prints or textures. It comes with fine Japanese nibs, ideal for beginners who want a pen similar to the ones they’re used to. If you prefer a wider nib, you can swap it with others from the Pilot fountain line. It also includes a converter to use bottled ink instead of cartridges. The price is around $17 on Amazon, though it can sometimes be found for less elsewhere. For the record, I’ve seen these pens go as low as $13.
For those who enjoy jotting down notes by hand, journaling their thoughts, or simply working with paper, a good fountain pen brings an added sense of sophistication and personal touch to handwritten letters, birthday greetings, or anything you put to paper. If you’re the type who’s happy with the “free pen I got at work,” this face-off might not be for you.
Comfort and Ink Performance
One of the standout features of the Lamy Safari is its uniquely shaped grip. While it may feel awkward at first, once you get accustomed to it, the design helps position your hand in the optimal writing posture for using the fountain nib. As a left-handed writer, I’ve found this to be especially true. It can feel uncomfortable at first, but you quickly adjust, and the results are worth it. The ink flows effortlessly, and there’s even a handy ink window so you can monitor how much ink remains before needing a refill or a new cartridge. If you want to use bottled ink with the Safari, however, you’ll need to purchase a converter, which adds a small extra cost, even though the Safari is already the pricier pen in this comparison.
In comparison, the Pilot Metropolitan has a more straightforward, traditional look and feels like a typical pen. It doesn’t have the flashiness or unique style of the Safari, which is both a positive and a negative in my opinion. While it lacks an eye-catching design, that also means it’s less likely to be mistaken for a fancy, expensive fountain pen that might mysteriously disappear (looking at you, pen thieves). It’s affordably priced, so you’re getting exactly what you pay for, but don’t mistake that for poor quality. The Metropolitan uses Pilot’s exclusive cartridges but comes with a converter that allows you to use bottled ink right out of the box—no need for additional purchases.
Despite differences in grip and design, both the Safari and the Metropolitan offer smooth writing experiences and are fun to use. The Japanese nibs on the Metropolitan cater to those who prefer thinner, more precise strokes, while the Safari comes with a medium-thick nib that delivers a fuller line. If you’re new to fountain pens, the Metropolitan might be a little easier to handle and get used to. Personally, I favor the heavier feel of the Safari, but your decision may vary. If you’re accustomed to writing with a heavier pen (like a 0.5mm or higher), you’ll likely appreciate the Metropolitan. However, if you lean toward finer, lighter lines (0.7mm or lower), the Safari might suit your style better. Both pens offer easy nib and cartridge replacements, and you can find nibs with varying thicknesses for either pen.
Refill Options and Costs
If you’re looking to alter your writing style, both the Pilot Metropolitan and the Lamy Safari allow you to refill them with different inks and nibs to some extent. The Metropolitan can be used with Pilot’s proprietary ink, but with a converter, it also works with any bottled ink, giving you more variety in ink choices regarding color, type, and quality. Similarly, the Metropolitan is compatible with nibs from other Pilot pens, such as the Pilot Penmanship and Pilot Plumix. You can find more about the full range of compatible inks and nibs at JetPens. Refill cartridges for the Pilot Namiki series typically cost around $4 for a 12-pack, and the original Pilot line cartridges are about $3 for a 5-pack.
The Lamy Safari, when equipped with a converter, offers the same flexibility in ink refills. But when it comes to nibs, you’ll find far more choices, with various nib weights, including those designed for calligraphy or fine and broad writing. The full collection of nibs can be explored at JetPens. Regarding refills, you can grab a five-pack of Safari refills for around $4, and if you search carefully, you might even find third-party refills.
Ultimately, the costs of refilling both pens will be quite similar, but there is a notable trend. The Safari offers more options for customization and flexibility, though it comes with a higher price tag. On the other hand, the Metropolitan has fewer customization choices regarding nibs, but the ink refills are more affordable. Plus, since the Metropolitan includes a refill converter, you can use bottled ink, which ultimately saves money compared to pre-packaged cartridges—especially when considering Pilot’s proprietary cartridges.
The Final Decision: The Pilot is More Affordable, but You’ll Soon Grow Fond of the Lamy
In the end, whether you're a first-time fountain pen user or an avid fan of your favorite pen, either of these options will serve you well. The Metropolitan is an affordable, reliable travel companion that you might feel disappointed to lose, but it's not the end of the world. The Safari, however, is an absolute joy to write with, looks stylish, and opens up a world full of unique and interesting writing tools. If you're ready to discover a new love for exquisite, luxurious pens, the Safari is the perfect starting point.
Undoubtedly, the Metropolitan stands as your long-term, cost-effective choice. The inclusion of a refill converter allows you to continue using it with your favorite ink, even after you've 'graduated' to more expensive pens. No need to spend a fortune on ink refills or settle for inks you don't particularly like. Meanwhile, if you're ready to dive into a more customizable writing experience, the Safari offers numerous nibs, ink colors, and modifications. It's the ultimate pen for those seeking a long-term investment or the freedom to customize your pen to match your unique style.
For newcomers to fountain pens, both options are budget-friendly, and you'll likely be happy with the included cartridges and nibs. Pick the one that resonates with you the most. Personally, I would go for the Lamy Safari—its extensive customization options have helped me as I learned more about fountain pens and expanded my collection beyond those basic department store rollerballs (which I still hold onto in case someone needs to borrow one). That said, I never leave home without packing a Metropolitan just in case I forget it somewhere.
Photos by yoppy, Dllu, M Dreibelbis, and John Morgan.
