A converter will open up your options, and be less wasteful in the long run. My ink supply is frankly too big for my meager writing habits, and as such I haven't allowed myself to buy any more for going on four years. So, formulations may have changed since I bought them, but out of what I have, the following strike me as both well behaved and classy like your Metropolitan: ->I'm linking to jetpens just because it is convenient for me. Shop wherever.<- - J. Herbin Perle Noire - Waterman Purple - Lamy Blue-Black {in bottle!} I also like the old formulations of Mont Blanc ink, but I haven't tried the new stuff. The Lamy Blue-Black is an iron gall, so be sure to flush it regularly if you pick it up. Goes on blueish, but becomes gray over time as it bonds with the paper. The stuff in the cartridges is different. Pilot Iroshizuku is also amazing stuff, but it is expensive. If I had to single out a favorite from the above, it'd be the Waterman Purple. If you are ever near a well stocked pen shop, it is a lot of fun to go in and look at ink. I highly recommend it. Do have any ink suggestions? I'm using IC-100, and not loving it. Do you use a converter, or cartridges?