Metal-Body ClassicsPilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen
- Smooth writing experience
- Durable brass construction
- Great beginner value
Metal-Body ClassicsPlatinum
The Platinum Plaisir remains one of the best entry-level fountain pens on the market thanks to its ingenious slip-seal cap and dependable stainless steel nib.
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The Platinum Plaisir remains one of the best entry-level fountain pens on the market thanks to its ingenious slip-seal cap and dependable stainless steel nib. While the plastic accents and cartridge system are minor drawbacks, the smooth writing experience and low price make it an excellent choice for beginners and pen enthusiasts alike.
| Nib Material | Stainless steel |
|---|---|
| Nib Sizes | Fine, Medium, Broad |
| Filling System | Cartridge/Converter |
| Weight | 21 g |
| Length | 143 mm |
Build notes
What we liked
What could be better
The Platinum Plaisir stands as one of the most celebrated entry points into the world of fountain pens, and it earns that reputation through a combination of thoughtful engineering and everyday practicality. Its body is crafted from lightweight aluminum, giving it a substantial yet comfortable feel in the hand without the heft that can cause fatigue during long writing sessions. The pen's slim, cylindrical silhouette is finished in a range of vibrant lacquer colors, from deep blues to warm reds, each accented with silver-tone trim that includes a clip, cap band, and section threads, lending the piece a polished, professional appearance suitable for both the office and personal journaling.
At the heart of the Plaisir's enduring appeal is Platinum's proprietary slip-and-seal cap mechanism, a feature that prevents the pen from drying out even after months of inactivity. This ingenious internal cap design creates an airtight seal around the nib, meaning writers can leave the pen unused for as long as a year and still expect it to write smoothly on the first stroke, a rarity among pens in its price category. The stainless steel nib, available in fine and medium widths, is surprisingly smooth and consistent, offering the kind of controlled ink flow and gentle flex that both beginners and experienced calligraphers appreciate when working with Platinum's proprietary cartridges or an optional converter for bottled ink.
Beyond its technical merits, the Plaisir has become something of a gateway pen for those discovering the joys of fountain pen writing, prized for delivering a genuinely satisfying writing experience without demanding a significant investment. Its balanced weight distribution, secure snap-cap closure, and reliable ink delivery make it equally suited to quick notes, extended letter writing, or practicing pointed-pen calligraphy techniques. Collectors and everyday users alike return to the Plaisir not only for its dependable performance but also for the way it captures the essence of what a fountain pen should be: elegant, functional, and endlessly ready to write.
Short notes from owners, lightly edited for length.
Perfect starter pen
I left this pen capped for six months and it wrote perfectly the moment I picked it back up. The medium nib is smooth and consistent.
Great value, minor nitpicks
Writes beautifully for the price, but the clip feels a bit cheap. Still, the ink retention feature is a game changer for occasional writers.
Ideal for beginners
Bought this as my first fountain pen and I'm impressed. Lightweight, smooth, and the color options are fantastic. Highly recommend the fine nib.