Pilot Custom 912 Fountain Pen with Falcon Nib--Putting in an Ebonite Feed

[@technologicalsingularity1788]

I was not the only one who think your voice is soothing.

[@Inazarab]

Just putting it out there because I've seen some misunderstandings in the comments. Counterintuitively even though the 823 FA nib is larger it's actually stiffer than the smaller number 912 FA nib. So if you're looking for the flexiest option, the cheaper 912 is actually a better choice. Also, flexible nib factory also offers housings in addition to ebonite feeds for pens that accept Jowo or Bock nibs. I got the Jowo housing and put it in my 912 FA nib in an Opus 88, and it works amazingly. So for the price of an 823, you can get a 912 (which has a flexier nib), an ebonite feed, and housing to put in any pen you want. For me, that makes a lot more sense.

[@mrmf4712]

How can someone put housing into the nib? "I got the Jowo housing and put it in my 912 FA nib". Seriously?

[@Inazarab]

@@mrmf4712 Flexible nib factory sells the parts.

[@Inazarab]

@@mrmf4712 Yep go to flexible nib factory

[@yuklimka7251]

@@mrmf4712 You put the nib and feed into the Jowo housing, then screw the now-Jowo section compatible nib unit into a Jowo pen, like the Opus 88, and put the Pilot pen body and cap in the original box for safe keeping in case you ever want to sell it as configured by Pilot. While you're at it, hang on to the cardboard sleeve, the use and care guide and the tab. ETA: Just in case you're not familiar with Opus 88: They're Japanese eyedropper pens with large ink capacity that won't run out of ink after a few lines when doing flex writing. Ease of cleaning is another consideration. And if you get a demonstrator version, you'll see the ink sloshing around. I hope that clarifies things for you. =^_^=

[@FountainPenWorld-z4i]

Just found your video and was happy to see that the wider slot replacement Ebonite feeder works so well. Good to know. What bothers me is not just with Pilot, but with all the brands that offer expensive pens that come with flex/ultraflex nibs and yet are sold with standard feeders and are unable to deliver a higher volume of ink required for flex nibs. And I don't care if they were originally made for Asian markets. Once they are offered in western markets, the pens should be improved so that western cursive can be written flawlessly. The small extra cost for an Ebonite feeder designed for flex nibs is unlikely to bankrupt them. Just my 2 cents...

[@stellawu1567]

Wow what a coincidence!! I just received the feed from Flexible Nib Factory today and wanted to look for a tutorial, and here is your video!!!

[@bunroku_channel]

I like your voice. Pilot pen is great.

[@unaluz-jones3066]

Really nice, informative video. You have a pleasant voice and I really like SEEING the pen write. Drives me nuts when people TALK about pens and don't demonstrate it or talk about the writing experience.

[@yuklimka7251]

I bought a 743 with the intention of getting a 2-slit Ebonite feed and do a nib swap with my 823 , but I'll need to spend some time with both pens before I commit to this. The 823 writes like it's skating across the page. I can see how some people feel that makes the pen hard to control, but it works for me. I re-watched your video because I was trying to figure out if the feed is keyed.

[@geslinam9703]

I love the 743 FA. Mine is pretty wet, and I’ve had no issues with the pen at all, it writes perfect. My 823 is a fine, I think it’s a little dry, but changing out the feed in that one scares me a little!

[@Shak-MD]

Great video. I tried the feed with Diamine ancient copper, was disappointed. I tried it next with Kon-Peki----absolutely amazing! No railroading at all, and I pushed it!

[@arlenealennox3136]

Very interesting. I had heard about doing that. I have that pen, and I got it for variable line for drawing drawing more than fancy writing. So far I am ok with the present feed but it is good to know I could switch it out and have this video to walk me through it.

[@susansytsma9787]

Wonderful, helpful video! My 912 will be here soon and I appreciate this information in case I need to switch the feed.

[@CraftingVicky]

Loved seeing you adjust the feed! I don't think I would be brave enough!

[@unaluz-jones3066]

I am getting my 912 FA in the mail tomorrow and on Monday - the 2 slit replacement ebonite feed in black AND >>SPLURGE ALERT

[@MysteryArts]

I love those red ebonite feeds! Enjoy!

[@frankbruno7122]

Nicely done.. good balance of showing us and talking through it.. Frank from Boulder, Colorado

[@rachelfrombefore]

Oh how cool! Reminds me of how my vintage flex pens write. I’ve been considering the FA nib since it’ll offer flexibility without the pain of cleaning vintage pens lol. I’m waiting on pensachi to restock the 823 with the FA nib. The ebonite feed is a must with flex!

[@TheMiraclePens]

I was waiting for a 823 FA restock at the retailer in Japan but I wonder if they ever come back. I love my vintage flex but I’m concluding it’s too finicky and precious for everyday use... I tried 912 but the body felt light and cheap, compared to 823 anyway. I do want to give the fa nib another try at some point, in a desperate search for low maintenance gold flex.

[@jomison2404]

@@TheMiraclePens for me the 912 was too small so I have my fa nib in an opus 88

[@TheMiraclePens]

@@jomison2404 Oh I didn't know you could do that! Which Opus 88 models fit the nib? I don't have any Opus 88 pen but their Demonstrator (the colorful one) has been on my wishlist.

[@Inazarab]

Counterintuitively even though the 823 FA nib is a larger number 15 nib the 823 FA nib is actually stiffer than the smaller number 10 912 FA nib so if you're looking for flex the 912 FA is actually the better option.

[@PensandPaint]

Nice pen and ink combo. I actually like FA nib - must put on wish list. Thanks for sharing.

[@deniseplasse5126]

😂 I actually jumped when the ink shot out of the pen!

[@blowingzen]

thanks for the video, i got the same pen, i might consider this modification.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I just purchased this pen and the three slit ebonite feed from the nib factory as well! Can’t wait to switch out the feed when they get here.

[@MysteryArts]

It’s a great pen and nib-enjoy! That three slit feed is going to be super wet, so I would recommend a drier ink with that one.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

@@MysteryArts I didn’t realize that when I bought it. The website doesn’t really give much information, but I’ll use sailor and Edelstein inks and those are pretty dry;)

[@jimblackie5476]

Thank you! Just swapped feed with great results!

[@MysteryArts]

Great!

[@tracy2468]

Wow you did that so cleanly! I would have had ink everywhere.

[@ichirofakename]

Excellent, informative review, thanks. Now I need this pen. And feed. On Amazon just now, I see FA nibs in the 742 and 743, as well as 912. Are you aware of any performance differences between these three?

[@MysteryArts]

I have the 912 which I think has the same size nib as the 742. The 742 has rounded pen ends instead of flat ends like the 912 (kind of like the design difference between a 1911 and pro gear on Sailors). I think that the 743 has a larger nib (the same size as the 823 I believe) and is therefore probably more expensive. I have heard that the larger FA nib performs a little better, but I don't have any personal experience with that one. I'm pretty sure that you can get an ebonite feed for both the smaller and larger sizes FA nib--just make sure you get the right one for your model.

[@ichirofakename]

@@MysteryArts thanks

[@Inazarab]

Counterintuitively even though the 823 FA nib is larger it's actually stiffer than the smaller number 912 FA nib. So if you're looking for the flexiest option, the cheaper 912 is actually a better choice. Also, flexible nib factory also offers housings in addition to ebonite feeds for pens that accept Jowo or Bock nibs. I got the Jowo housing and put it in my 912 FA nib in an Opus 88, and it works amazingly. So for the price of an 823, you can get a 912 (which has a flexier nib), an ebonite feed, and housing to put in any pen you want. For me, that makes a lot more sense.

[@ichirofakename]

I ended up getting a 743 (FA) + ebonite feed. I was disappointed in its flexing, but since than have mostly lost interest in flex altogether, and find using the pen normally, it is a fabulous pen. No regrets.

[@MrG0CE]

2 THINGS: 1: THE MOST FLEXIBLE NIB IS THE SS AND 14K ULTRAFLEX FROM FPR. 2: UR NEW FEED SUPPLIES A LOT OF INK TO UR NIB, BUT NOW THE PROBLEM IS THE CONVERTER CAN'T KEEP UP WITH THE FEED FLOW. SO IF U GOT SOME MONEY U CAN BUY THE PILOT CUSTOM HERITAGE 92 WHICH IS A PISTON FILLER AND PUT THIS NIB AND FEED THERE ;)

[@MysteryArts]

I’ve actually moved this nib and feed to a dropper fill opus 88 with an adapter-it works much better there and I think you’ve explained why.

[@adrianm3718]

@@MysteryArts Hello, is there a way to put a Jowo #6 size into this Pilot 912 body ?

[@MysteryArts]

@@adrianm3718 I don’t think so unless you can find someone that will make that adapter.

[@kinguccio668]

Brava, il video è fatto molto bene!

[@x-ballpointuser3686]

Unfortunately it is very true that Pilot meant what they said when they said it best working with their own ink. That could be the very problem. Also a trick I’ve learned with the converter is to press the button slowly but surely until the feed is filled with ink (priming the feed) so it’s saturated and let it sit for a couple of seconds. Of course I’m sure you know this already being I’m late watching this.

[@mlkrborn]

Good suggestion

[@thuntz29]

How do you feel the resin of this pen? Is it as sturdy as the 823? I’m considering getting one.

[@MysteryArts]

It’s a solid pen. It’s hard to compare to the 823 because it has a completely different feel, but I do think it’s pretty sturdy. The nib is really the reason to get this one though.

[@bestthingeverbyjenn]

After using this for awhile, do you feel the ebonite feed keeps up better than the original feed? Or does it still skip like the last bits of the video? Thanks for the review!

[@MysteryArts]

It definitely keeps up. Sometime I think it is a little too wet.

[@mrmf4712]

She said "definitely" three times in the video while nib was skipping like hell. So yeah "definitely"

[@jomison2404]

Have you heard an click at all when you put the feed back in the pen? There’s no orientation but if I move it around and keep taking it out and putting it back in in certain spots it’ll make a click noise as if that’s how it’s supposed to sit

[@MysteryArts]

I have not noticed a click and I'm not aware of a particular orientation that is required. I think as long as it fits all the way in, you should be good. I haven't experienced any leaking.

[@freddavey7461]

Do you know if all Pilot Custom 912 come with the sticker on the barrel with the nib that comes with it when purchased new? I ask because I've seen that sticker on every review and unboxing, but the new Pilot Custom 912 with the Waverly nib did not come with a.WA sticker on the barrel. It looks new, but worried that they sent !e a returned pen. I purchased this from a reputable store and not Amazon. Nice review by the way, thanks.

[@MysteryArts]

I’m not sure if all Custom 912s come with a label sticker. If your Waverly nib works well, I wouldn’t worry about it too much.

[@jomison2404]

Should’ve had a sticker but still could be new just sticker was taken off especially if it was at a store that other people could handle it every time I’m at the art store I always see products where someone half opened it so I wouldn’t put it past people to rip a sticker off

[@khk5723]

Actually, you don't really have to change to an ebonite feed. I use Pilot propietary inks, either the Iroshizukus or the affordable Pilot black ink and the pen writes well and wet without any skippings. Other ink brands don't work well with the Falcon, especially those that are heavily pigmented. Nevertheless, good review and happy writing!

[@Inazarab]

That is not universally true I've had ink starvation using Iroshizuku inks. And very few inks use pigments, so heavy pigmentation is essentially a non-issue. While the wetness of an ink can play a role in this case the speed of your hand plays a larger roll. At least in my experience.

[@MummyBrown]

I am not a fan of either of those basic colored inks either of those two brands have to offer. This is def a great fix for those of us that have a multitude of ink brands to use and don’t want to be limited to those two particular choices. As she pointed out in the beginning of the video, this is a fix that worked for her because she didn’t want the limitations. That said, this isn’t necessary but a preference.

[@MrAndrew1953]

I'm sure that by doing this you would be voiding your warranty with Pilot.

[@MysteryArts]

You’re probably right, but I have never utilized any pen’s warranty.

[@milchpuder]

The No.10 feed has a plastic/rubber washer at the feeder tube end of the feed. I noticed it wasn't removed and placed on the FNF ebonite feed. I wonder if you've tried moving the washer over to the FNF ebonite feed and whether that affects the writing performance? I recently swapped the a No.15 plastic feed for a 2 slit FNF ebonite feed and it was recommended that the rubber washer is swapped over to the ebonite feed too. Thanks for sharing. EDIT: here is the link to the Installation Instructions on the FNF page: flexiblenib.com/store/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/743FA_Ebonite_21Aug2018_01.pdf

[@MysteryArts]

Thanks, I’ll check it out. I’ve since moved this nib to an Opus 88, which does have a rubber washer-this probably explains why it writes better on the Opus 88.

[@mrmf4712]

Man, she's had no idea what she was doing there. It is clearly visible in the video.