LAMY safari vs Pilot Metropolitan (2026): Which First Fountain Pen to Buy
Grip, body, nib, what is in the box and which converter each pen needs, compared from the Amazon.com listings so you can pick your first fountain pen.
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Short answer: get the LAMY safari if you want a shaped grip, a window that shows your ink level and a cartridge in the box. Get the Pilot Metropolitan if you would rather hold a classic brass barrel with stainless accents and a fine nib.
That is the lamy safari vs pilot metropolitan decision in two sentences. The rest of this page backs it up with what each Amazon.com listing actually says, what you need for bottled ink, and three alternatives if neither fits. For a wider field of starter pens, see our beginner fountain pens guide.
The two pens
1. LAMY safari (F nib)
Best for: Students and everyday note-takers who want the pen to guide their grip and show the ink level.
The safari pairs a polished steel F nib with ergonomically shaped grip surfaces, which LAMY says are made for long, fatigue-free writing. The body is durable ASA plastic with a self-springing clip, and it comes in many colors. A small viewing window in the grip shows whether there is enough ink left in the cartridge or converter.
LAMY includes one blue erasable LAMY T 10 cartridge, so the pen writes out of the box. The LAMY Z 28 converter is an optional extra for bottled ink. LAMY says the safari suits pupils from 3rd grade up, teens and adults, at school, university or the office.
✓ What we like
- Ink viewing window in the grip
- Shaped grip surfaces for longer writing sessions
- Blue LAMY T 10 cartridge included
- Interchangeable nib widths, which LAMY says work even for left-handers
- Clear route to bottled ink with the Z 28 converter
! Keep in mind
- The listing title says Right-Handed, so check the nib option before ordering for a left-handed writer
- The molded grip sets your finger position, which some hands dislike
- The body is plastic, not metal
Skip it if: You want a plain round barrel you can hold any way you like.
🛒 Check price on Amazon↗ Opens Amazon.com · affiliate link, no extra cost to you2. Pilot Metropolitan (Fine nib)
Best for: Writers who want a classic metal pen in a simple, traditional shape.
The Metropolitan is part of Pilot’s Metropolitan Collection signature line. This listing (model 91111) has a black brass barrel with stainless accents, a fine nib and black ink, in what Pilot calls a classic design. A brass barrel gives a more substantial, metal feel than a plastic pen.
The listing is short. It does not state the fill system, what comes in the box or the weight, so read the current listing before you buy if you need to know whether a converter or cartridges are included.
✓ What we like
- Brass barrel with stainless accents
- Fine nib for everyday handwriting
- Simple, classic look that suits an office desk
! Keep in mind
- Box contents and fill system are not stated on the listing
- The listing does not mention an ink window
- No weight figure on the listing, so you cannot compare heft on paper
Skip it if: You want to see your ink level at a glance or need everything confirmed in the box.
🛒 Check price on Amazon↗ Opens Amazon.com · affiliate link, no extra cost to youThe converter question
Both pens start with cartridges or can be set up for bottled ink. A converter is the part that lets you draw ink from a bottle. Not sure you need one yet? Our fountain pen converter vs cartridge guide explains when each makes sense.
LAMY Z 28 converter
Best for: safari owners who want to try bottled ink.
The Z 28 is a piston operated converter that replaces the T 10 cartridge. The listing names the AL-star, joy, safari and vista, and the title also lists the Abc, Lx, nexx and nexx M.
✓ What we like
- Made for the safari and AL-star
- Piston operated, so filling from a bottle is simple
! Keep in mind
- LAMY pens only
- Sold separately from the pen
Skip it if: You are happy using cartridges.
🛒 Check price on Amazon↗ Opens Amazon.com · affiliate link, no extra cost to youPilot CON-40 converter
Best for: Pilot pen owners who want bottled ink.
The CON-40 is a screw type converter that holds 0.4ml of ink. Its listing says it is for single-cartridge fountain pens from Pilot (Namiki). The Metropolitan listing does not name a converter, so confirm on the pen listing which one it takes.
✓ What we like
- Pilot’s own converter for its cartridge pens
- Screw type with a stated 0.4ml capacity
! Keep in mind
- Fit with the Metropolitan is not stated on the pen listing
- Small capacity means more frequent refills than a piston pen
Skip it if: You do not use Pilot pens.
🛒 Check price on Amazon↗ Opens Amazon.com · affiliate link, no extra cost to youWhy the safari edges out the Metropolitan for most first-timers
Three facts decide it. First, the viewing window: a beginner can see the ink running low instead of finding out mid-sentence. Second, the shaped grip, which nudges new users into a steady hold. Third, certainty about what you get: the safari listing confirms a T 10 cartridge in the box and names the Z 28 as its converter, while the Metropolitan listing leaves both questions open.
LAMY also says the safari nib widths are interchangeable, so the pen can change with your handwriting.
The Metropolitan is the better pick when the feel of the pen matters most. If you like a brass barrel with stainless accents and a classic shape without molded finger areas, it is the more traditional choice.
LAMY safari vs Pilot Metropolitan: side by side
| Pen or accessory | Body | Nib (per listing) | Included per listing | Converter route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAMY safari | ASA plastic | Polished steel F | LAMY T 10 blue cartridge | LAMY Z 28 |
| Pilot Metropolitan | Brass with stainless accents | Fine | Not stated | Pilot CON-40 (confirm fit) |
| Pilot Kakuno | Clear hexagonal barrel | EF 0.3mm, smiley face | Not stated on the listing | Pilot converter |
| LAMY AL-star | Aluminum, transparent grip | F | LAMY T 10 blue cartridge | LAMY Z 28 |
| TWSBI ECO | Clear demonstrator | F | Not stated | Built-in piston |
A few rows need context. The safari has an ink window and shaped grip surfaces; the Metropolitan listing mentions neither. On handedness, the safari title says Right-Handed, while LAMY says its nib widths are interchangeable, even for left-handers. The Metropolitan listing says nothing about handedness.
How to choose
- Grip: a guided, shaped grip points to the safari. A plain barrel you can hold your own way points to the Metropolitan.
- Ink level: if you want to see it without opening the pen, the safari’s window settles it.
- Cartridges or bottles: both brands sell a converter. LAMY clearly names the Z 28 for the safari; for Pilot, check the pen listing before buying the CON-40.
- Left-handed writers: the safari listing is labeled right-handed, but LAMY says nib widths can be swapped. Quick-drying ink and a fine nib also help.
- Where you write: LAMY pitches the safari for school, university and office use. The Metropolitan’s classic look suits an office desk.
Alternatives
Lower-cost or simpler option: The Pilot Kakuno has a smiley face on the nib that shows the right writing position and a hexagonal barrel that is easy to hold. This listing has a clear barrel and an extra fine 0.3mm nib.
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Upgrade option: The LAMY AL-star keeps the safari’s shaped grip and ink window in a durable aluminum body with a transparent grip. It also includes a T 10 cartridge and takes the Z 28 converter.
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Different need: The TWSBI ECO is a piston filler, so it draws bottled ink without a separate converter. It has a clear demonstrator body, an inner cap that seals when capped, and nib choices from EF to stub 1.1.
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FAQ
Is the LAMY safari or Pilot Metropolitan better for beginners?
For most beginners, the safari, because its listing confirms an ink window, a shaped grip and a cartridge in the box. The Metropolitan suits someone who prefers a classic brass barrel and does not need those features.
Does the LAMY safari come with ink?
Yes. The listing says it includes a blue erasable LAMY T 10 cartridge. For bottled ink, add the LAMY Z 28 converter.
Does the Pilot Metropolitan come with a converter?
The listing does not say. It does not state the box contents or the fill system, so check the current listing or plan to buy a Pilot converter separately after confirming which one fits.
Which converter fits the LAMY safari?
The LAMY Z 28. Its listing names the safari, AL-star, joy and vista, and it replaces the T 10 cartridge.
Is the LAMY safari good for left-handed writers?
It can be. This listing is labeled right-handed, but LAMY says the nib widths are interchangeable, even for left-handers. A fine nib and quick-drying ink also reduce smudging.
Is a fine nib a good first choice?
For most everyday handwriting, yes. Both pens on this page are fine nib listings, which keep lines thin on ordinary paper. If you write large or want a bolder line, a medium nib is the usual next step.
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