Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen Review

[@roderickfemm8799]

This is the 4th of your pen reviews that I have seen, and I really appreciate the style of your reviews: you have edited them to be concise, without ums and ahs and with good useful information; and most of the camera time is spent on the product rather than on your face. No offense, you have a nice face, but that's not why I'm here.

[@thenibsmith]

Thank you for noticing. That was exactly my intent when making these videos.

[@douglasgorney]

Exceptional production value in this video does justice to the pen itself. Kudos!!

[@GlennHigley]

I've yet to buy a Pilot pen at any price that disappointed. I'll be ordering an 823 in that beautiful amber/brown color tonight. Thanks, Dan.

[@batmenbeyont7775]

Glennhkc Hello, I would like to ask how the flex and line variation is on the pen? I really want to order one however I have to pay 65 dollars extra for a flex nib and was wonder of the standard medium nib already have enough flex and smoothness in it? Thank you in advance!

[@mariopellegrino7661]

It's not a flex nib. It's relatively firm with the ability to spread the tines with a bit of pressure, but not comfortably. I'd go with the extra $ to turn it into a flex nib if that's what you're looking for.

[@MisterCross]

Update: I just got mine yesterday. I've been taking it through its paces. I love it so much. Thank you for this video. Especially the part on the vacuum filler. Today will be the true test, a full day of writing, I can't wait.

[@eiruukk]

What nib size did you get?

[@artomelets]

This is the best review I’ve seen on this pen. Thank you.

[@david_r_munson]

Definitely my next pen. I've got a Custom Heritage 92 that's been my workhorse pen for the last three years and it's great, but having nearly double the ink capacity would be handy, among other things. All of my favorite pens now are Pilots, all my others just sit in a drawer now. My daily-carry pen case always has the CH 92, an Elabo (SE nib) and a Murex. I use them all and love them all.

[@paulstevens2839]

I have owned this pen for one year now. Awesome! I like the amber ginger color of this pen. It feels very light. Just the right thickness. You can post this pen very well but it feels better unposted.

[@BEYSeamaster1]

I have 2 WingSungs 699, amber and smoke with M nibs. They are homage to the 823. I have about 150 pens of all brands and prices. The Wingsungs’ quality and nib smoothness and flow out of the box are mind blowing. I can imagine what the 823 would be like if the copies are so good.

[@JtwasLuck]

Definitely going with this. I'm a medical student so I do a LOT of note-taking and need a pen with a huge ink capacity. I'm getting this in a "M" nib however having the option to get this in "SM" would be AMAZING. When I'm at ward, I have to take a lot of information on a lot of patients where I use a clipboard and have to write in much higher angles compared to what is normally required for fountain pens. This is why I think a soft medium nib would be the perfect combination! I'm even considering getting the 743 in "SM" or "SFM"! Although would be really nice to order the nib itself separately even if it costs a fair bit. Amazing review BTW, definitely highlights whats amazing about this pen.

[@atthelord]

Jafar Uddin what did you end up getting? How has your experience been thus far? I’m a Med student too (now a physician, but as you know, studies never stop) I’m considering buying the custom 823 in smoke and M nib.. I normally use a Lamy Safari M .. think it’ll be a good choice?

[@danielsevell5732]

@@atthelord I know that it has been a year since you posted this message, but I am a medical student as well and I use a Lamy safari in fine. It is the perfect pen to use in wards and I vouch for it!

[@johntaylor28]

Thanks. I struggled at first to get to grips with this 823 as one does have to leave the cap unscrewed in order to avoid the feed drying up and this took me some time to get used to. thanks for the info re Custom 843 as that opens up the possibilities for the 823 enormously. A great review.

[@kimsmart263]

Awesome review!! Very informative and interesting part about removing the runner piece so you don’t have to leave the top unscrewed!! Thanks!

[@buonavitagrace]

I agree wholeheartedly! My favorite all time/daily user. I use a Visconti travel ink pot and I can get at least 90percent capacity of ink fill. Thanks for the great review! Grace

[@tsm9984]

Great review. I ordered mine today to open on Christmas morning! My wife is now off the hook to get me a present. :)

[@ilofc]

Whoa. I haven't watched these reviews in a while and production values have really jumped up. Great review! Love this pen.

[@LorenaDPG]

So beautiful, I like so much the pen presentation introduction and the hand writing style of this review.

[@MisterCross]

Happy New Years! And wow what an amazing fountain pen. This is going right to the top of my list of must buys. I'm loving 2015 already.

[@sombuddhoghosh9103]

I succumbed to temptation, thanks largely to your review. I am looking forward to receiving it in the post, especially because this will be my first translucent pen.

[@SylianKouhai]

Birthday is coming up, I have a feeling this is going to end up being THE pen for me.

[@othellolagunay9104]

That's what we all say 😔

[@steventrosiek2623]

Did you get your pen? I hope someone gifted you with it.

[@vikasbedi82]

I just ordered this pen as a gift to myself for my birthday

[@2727202]

Great review! Finally a good video on the Pilot Custom 823. Happy New Year and keep it up!

[@franzdimson]

Awesome review Dan! This pen has been in my radar for a while now. Thanks for this review Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year! =)

[@santauxia]

What would you recommend? Pilot 823- Platinum President- Platinum 3776-Sailor 1911 Large. Thanks

[@SailingHanu]

Truly, my next pen. Thank you for your excellent presentation!

[@antoniosaiz2102]

Pilot Custom 823 Section and nib are the same that of the Pilot Bamboo, but Bamboo nib are not gold feature; it is rodium feature but is solid gold.

[@kokopeds8588]

am thinking of getting the 3776. might as well save some more for 823. this is really nice

[@doodletime9041]

I really really enjoy your reviews, thank you!!

[@willgordon5737]

Custom 823 in the middle with the other pens looks like a King standing with its advisors..

[@bluejchou4404]

Excellent. Thank you for this detailed review!

[@chelcparr1370]

Great review, Dan. Looks like a fantastic pen. What's the pen holder you're using at 5:39? I've been looking for something to store my pens on my desk and that looks perfect.

[@theambergryphon4266]

4 years ago and still no answer.

[@allydea]

Fantastic presentation!

[@soren123]

Is it possible to fill this pen with a syringe? I am curious because I have a lot of ink samples, and I suspect the nib is too big to suck the ink out of a 2mL sample.

[@pat9577]

Wonderful review. The ink you used is stunning. Would you please provide information about the ink?

[@WilsonGomez]

At $290 is pen is a bargain, you don't need to spend $600+ to join the major leagues.

[@thornupsb550]

Oh man that is a beautiful pen, thanks for the review! Can we request reviews? If so, it'd be really awesome if you could review the Waterman Carène.

[@dr.mindbender6038]

Well… this is just an excellent review. I’d watch with interest if you reviewed the Yellow Pages from 1974.

[@thew60]

I have yet to find a blog or group that does not say that this pen is unmatched in its price range. I have had my eye on the Pelikan M800 but for more than $200 less (with equal quality) this is tough to beat.

[@ytrules35]

Excellent review. This pen is truly a workhorse.

[@jonrabbett7830]

Happy New Year and thanks for the review. Gorgeous pen. I notice another comment comparing to the TWSBI Vac 700 but unless I'm very much mistaken the filler is THE EXACT SAME ONE as in the TWSBI? I've even removed the rubber stopper on my Vac 700 to keep the ink flowing. Don't get me wrong I'm not against sharing parts (the car manufacturers do it so why not the pen guys?) just kind of surprised that the Pilot shares the filler. Do they also supply the special filling bottle? That has to be my fave part of the TWSBI: screw the pen into the bottle, no mess, no fuss.

[@Arrrghzzz]

Iroshizuku tsukushi reminds me of Diamine Oxblood. Monitor calibration of my TFT might be far off, brightness settings surely is.

[@danmagoo]

Great video as always, thanks. Is there a downside or danger to removing that tapered seal at the end of the plunger? I'm not thrilled with the idea of leaving the end slightly unscrewed while using the pen, so if removing that rubber seal will let me keep the end screwed-down, without causing other issues, that seems the way to go..

[@melodychest9020]

"Fountain Pen Geeks - Indulge in the Madness" with that lady whisper voice is just awesome and rings so true! .. hahaha! Great photography and review .. wow! wow! wow! God, please save me from fountain pens! I think I am falling for the 823!

[@JackZimmermann]

Fabulous review! I'm waiting for mine. Whohoo!

[@ashokdad]

Was the wrench in the video from the Vac 700 or TWSBI 580 (maybe they are the same), and does it fit with little or no play? I would like to remove the piston in my 823 to clean out some green ink stains on the threads at the top of the barrel, but I am afraid that I will crack the barrel during removal. Any special steps required?

[@billgans1]

Great video! I just got my 823. I notice that pilot says to only use the 70ml bottle to refill the pen, but I notice that you used a different bottle. Will this work as well with the other Namiki inks in the 30ml and 50ml bottles? Thanks again for a great video!

[@thenibsmith]

You can use any ink from any bottle as long as it’s labeled as “fountain pen ink.”

[@billgans1]

@@thenibsmith Wow! Thanks so much for your quick response.

[@sawekm.2210]

Thx. Great style of writing. How did you get there and where did you start? I'm very impressed. So far I have used the Pelikan M800 M (nib) but I think I prefer the F Pilot. Greetings from Poland.

[@andrewp4805]

where can i get one of those wrenches to remove the piston so i can remove that tiny seal? only thing stopping me from getting this pen is the fact i have to unscrew the piston each time i want to use it

[@zachlevet6242]

Do you keep the front seal off, so you don't have to prime it each use?

[@zachlevet6242]

Thank You!

[@georgechav3011]

Must look at getting a plunger filler, Thanks for the review.

[@narendranramakrishnan9594]

Hi Dan Can the flow issues while flexing on the pilot custom 912 falcon nib be resolved if it is sent to a nib master ? Thank You

[@peterpuleo2904]

Where can I get that red cube you showed toward the end of the video for upright pen storage? I want one.

[@michaeljelliot]

Dan, on an unrelated pen matter could you tell me do you prefer the paragon size or the milord size in Omas? Also would you go with gold or silver trim with the arco design?

[@narendranramakrishnan9594]

Hi Dan which pen will give more flex ? pilot custom heritage 912 or a vintage flex waterman 52 1/2 v? Which do you prefer ? Thank You

[@Afromite]

And this just got added to my list. This is next. I already have the Pilot Custom 74, 91 and 92. Time to get my first vacuum filler.

[@Afromite]

***** Will do. I'm hoping to find it in the clear or smoke and I'll be filling it with my holy grail and the scariest ink on the planet, Noodler's Bay State Blue. I have slowly been testing this ink in my pilot pens and I'm convinced this will do amazing things in the 823 and I'm willing to put my money where my mouth is for this ink and pen combo.

[@Afromite]

***** Great meeting you today. As I mentioned, watching this video to figure out how to fill my new pen. #wishmeluck

[@Jason-Jason]

Excellent review

[@Colombiano671]

If i was to drop this pen on its nib would pilot fix/replace the nib for a price like lamy does with their lamy 2000??

[@forisnakiu]

I recently purchase this fountain pen and I don't know if mine has a problem but this is the second time that after, let say, 10 minutes of writing the pen ink stop the flow. The pen is almost full of waterman ink. 5 minutes later the pen ink is not flowing, so I can`t write.

[@ShadowBoxer]

03:55 - 04:10 Watch this part of the video. He explains that you need to loosen the end cap for the plunger in order to open the seal between the reservoir and feed, so the ink can reach the nib. I hope you’ve already figured this out by now, but this might help others who also did not read the instructions. Take care. Cheers.

[@silas9084]

this pen vs sailor professional gear 21K, med nib. which one would u recommend in terms of smooth writing pleasure. ?

[@hoblywobly]

You never commented on its softness and flexibility. Could you describe it for me? Thanks.

[@SlapShotRegatta22]

Does the 743 also utilize the piston fill mechanism?

[@thenibsmith]

No. The 743 is a c/c filler.

[@caomhan84]

One of the best pens available at any price range. Hands down. Easily stacks up to its more expensive German counterparts.

[@ccozbava6020]

Nib + Feed + Section parts exchanging with custom 743 is possible? Only exchanging nib and feed is bit scary...

[@ccozbava6020]

***** Absence of 823 with FA is sad thing... Well i need to go through with some challenge. Thanks.

[@macfrenzyfrost]

Hi Dave, I have a pilot custom heritage 92 with a M nib that I should have purchase in a F or EF. Can they be ground down to EF/F sorry is this is a super dumb question.

[@macfrenzyfrost]

Awesome. I will visit the website.

[@turalgasimov5557]

Great Presentation! Thanks.

[@monarchy-5623]

Did anyone find Pilot Iroshizukus are really watery and go through cheap papers?

[@SaiZoro]

Fantastic review!!! Absolutely love it. Just curious, how would you compare this with Pilot 74? Both of them are 14k nib, and should write smoothly, but obviously this one is more delicate and twice more expensive.

[@SaiZoro]

***** Thanks man! In term of the writing experience, such as smoothy and especially the flexibility etc, how do you think of them? I thought 74 has a very soft nib compared to most of the pen. Thanks again!!

[@SaiZoro]

***** Great! Thank you so much!! That's very helpful!!! By the way, forgot to say, happy new year!!

[@mariod5760]

whaaat? clips over jeans pocket....huh? who would do such a thing to such a lovely pen?? that was an odd way to highlight the clip on this pen....you redeemed the review by filling with tsukushi (horsetail) ink...exactly the ink I plan to use on my newly acquired 823! Amber pen, "brown" ink.....seems so obvious, Blue?? Have other pens to try the blue in. Thx for the review.

[@dinomite29]

How do you clean it though 🤔

[@anneinauckland2318]

Good point - I can't imagine that would be a quick process! Might be fine as long as you're not frequently changing ink colors.

[@Dzbiq]

Easy, just unscrew plunger mechanism on the back using TWSBI wrench and from that point you have access to the inside of the barrel so you can flush it ;)

[@phina2883]

Pilot custom heritage 92 or 823 if you could only pick one?

[@phina2883]

Thanks for the reply much appreciate it.

[@joevillarreal3378]

Do you know of fake pilot 823 on Amazon? I was considering purchasing one there for considerable savings from one of the Japanese stores because I want the clear or smoke versions.

[@thenibsmith]

+Joe Villarreal No, I don't believe there are fake 823s.

[@kokopeds8588]

love your review

[@MysteriousStranger_007]

Just ordered the pen in black from Japan, after re-watching your review many times. Thanks for the review and my wallet hates you now! :P

[@thenibsmith]

+Louis Chen Sorry about that. Hope you like the pen.

[@MysteriousStranger_007]

Haha no need to be sorry, I like it a lot, but it writes quite dry on low quality paper, maybe I should buy a M as well, mine is with F nib :D

[@mariopellegrino7661]

The medium is very wet. Maybe adjust the tines on the fine. I just ordered it in black from Japan too, and I had the medium in amber for a while now. When I first got the medium, it was dry too till I played with the tines a bit, and now it writes with ease. The fine point might need some adjustment.

[@MysteriousStranger_007]

Mario Pellegrino Hi, how did you adjust your nib? :)

[@mariopellegrino7661]

Louis Chen You use a loupe to see the point with, and then you use a your thumb to push one tine upward, and then the other, and making sure they're aligned in the end. By pushing them upward, you're pushing the two tines apart and are creating a wider channel for the ink to flow. Be careful though because you can go in excess and either spring the nib or get the tines so far apart that the ink doesn't make it all the way to the end. Alternatively, you can face the feed away from you and pull back on the both shoulders at the same time. Another technique involves putting a brass sheet into the tines and gently rocking it left and right to spread the tines. There are a number of techniques, some can be demonstrated on KZbin if you search around.

[@andyg629]

Question: should I buy this or a Sailor 1911L????????????

[@charlesearle8414]

I'd go with the 823. The Sailor is still an awesome pen, but it doesn't have as nice a filling system.

[@hpwan2]

had this pen for a month and there developed a fine crack on edge of the cap. this seems to be a problem on these transparent materials.

[@hpwan2]

+Nibsmith I bought the pen from ebay, seller is in Japan, so I have to contact Pilot Australia. After sending the pen to their office, they told me I have 2 options: 1) pay $100, this would cover the purchase of another cap from Pilot Japan plus shipping; 2) they will send the pen back to me, and life carries on. and I went for option 2... before I contact Pilot, I also checked FPN and realised that some other users are having the similar issues too.

[@antonc108]

+李德胜 $100 for the cap that was probably their fault? Up theirs!

[@antonc108]

+李德胜 Could it be caused by posting it too tightly?

[@hpwan2]

+antonc108 well... I don't think so, as I never post cap on any of my fountain pens while writing. When close the cap, the force i applied on the Pilot is exactly the same as that i applied on my 146s.. 146 never had any issue and they are 20-30 years old.

[@hpwan2]

+antonc108 I would say that the customer service for Pilot in Australia isn't good. I checked their website, to me, they are more like a wholesaler of office stationaries, don't really bother about fountain pens.

[@TheHumbleSpoon]

I'm struggling over this and the Justus 95! Which one do you think would be more worth the money, if I can nab each of them at 200$?

[@TheHumbleSpoon]

***** Which do you think would be more comfortable to write with for long sessions?

[@ser69rom]

Jordan Grant for all I have read I think 823 is the better option

[@shigekazunagase]

nice review!

[@antonc108]

What a nice pen!

[@BriantehBoss21]

What color ink is used in this video?

[@breadyegg]

clues in the video @ 2:30 and 5:54 pilot iroshizuku tsukushi ink

[@sithu2764]

it pen myanmar buy?

[@walkbassman45]

My next pen.

[@steven9608]

Hi, buddy. Thank you so much for the video. I love the pen but it has one problem bothering me. If I use it to keep write for a long time, it drys and the ink will be hard to come out from the nib. I remembered there was a note saying that unscrewing the seal every time before using. but I couldn't understand the reason of it. You mentioned the front tapered seal and it can be removed. This is actually my very first time to deal with this kind of filling system. Should I remove it? if I do that, will it solve the drying out problem? btw, what's disadvantage or risk of removing it? why did pilot design it in this way in the first place? I have seen tons of videos and you are the only one mentioning the seal. Could you please help me with that? Thank you so much.

[@steven9608]

+Nibsmith Thanks buddy. I've removed it and it works good now. Btw will you the custom 845 review?

[@AnonZero0]

*Thank you!*

[@coldstreamer]

I just bought a Pilot Custom 823 with a fine nib, but I find it very scratchy. I don't know what's the problem because it shouldn't be this way. It produces very fine lines but just not comfortable to write with. What shall I do??

[@coldstreamer]

***** Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I will contact my retailer first, since I am in Hong Kong, I don't know if you accept international service.

[@atosov]

Partly under the influence of this review, I have bought one of these and am very well pleased with it. I hesitated for a long time over the choice of nib, as my preference is for a medium point, but your observation that the nib points run small on this as on other Japanese-made pens made me consider getting a broad point. (I was buying from an on-line vendor, so could not try out nibs. I had used a specimen of this pen before, but it had a specially ground nib.) In the end, I chose the medium. It was the right choice for me. It is much closer to a common US- or European-made M than to a B, I would say--in contrast to the nib on my Pilot Metropolitan, say, which is labeled M but which is decidedly an F by Western standards.

[@atosov]

Arsbajt Tosov On further consideration, I take back what I said. I think that the "M" nib actually is closer to a Western "F" than to a Western "M"; it just seemed closer to an M because the pen is a rather wet writer. So the *line* that one gets is closer to what one would get from most Western M's, but the point itself is closer to an F in size.

[@wensenyap8950]

pilot custom 743 and pilot custom 823 which one better?

[@zeekielgaming5278]

Does it really need to be super expensive. :l

[@diogeneslantern18]

Zeekiel Gaming for its price you get unrivalled value for money. If it's too expensive however I'd recommend a platinum 3776

[@donhall06]

This does look quite cool, and pretty good for the cash. But if I'm honest, I don't understand why you would buy a $200 pen, when you could get a pack of about 10 pens for a few dollars. Thats my personal opinion, but these look cool :)

[@donhall06]

***** I might check it out, thanks!

[@Glassjaw003]

King Arse Sergeant Psycho There is a large community of fountain pen users. We generally use them because it is a much more enjoyable experience writing with a fountain pen then writing with a cheap ballpoint pen. You tend to think more about what you are writing because pen to paper feels better. And because you have to be more specific with how the nib (writing end) makes contact with the paper. Because you think more about writing, many people see an improvement in their handwriting. Combine those qualities with a huge variety of ink selection and it tends to make sense. It can be more expensive than cheapo bics, but it does not have to be. Buy a $15 dollar pen and a $10 bottle of ink and you can have something that will outlast many bags of bics. Although, the savings come with time. It becomes more expensive when you want to have a collection of 20 bottles+ of ink (all with various properties such as shading and sheen) and many pens (some as low as $5 and some as high as $500+). For many of us, it becomes a hobby. Not something to necessarily indulge in though (as in may seem, with gold nibs and such). Compared with other common hobbies, it really is not all that expensive. A smoker or a drinker could spend a whole lot more, and those are not usually even hobbies.

[@donhall06]

Glassjaw003 I actually got a £15 fountain pen the other day, and I can definitely see what you mean. My handwriting looks alot better.

[@Glassjaw003]

King Arse Sergeant Psycho I am glad. It is not the pen itself, but rather your increased focus because of the pen. This is definitely a hobby that can build open itself, but it does not have to be.

[@maurolimaok]

Nice channel!

[@ないとうたつみ]

あめりかじんの、823レビュー。

[@Ben-oi4gs]

👍

[@OceanyangTW]

seems like ODM from TWSBI

[@thenibsmith]

TWSBI copied Pilot's design.

[@OceanyangTW]

i dont think so, the first one using this way is sheaffer pen

[@thenibsmith]

You're correct. But the design of the of the individual components are very different between the Pilot and the Sheaffer even though they function similarly. I was referring to the design similarities of the components between TWSBI and Pilot.

[@OceanyangTW]

yeah , it is possible, but TWSBI is very famous corp in Taiwan & china, and many japan pens oem in taiwan, hard to image TWSBI dares to copy pilot component never mind it , if let me choose, i still buy pilot one, the shape is prettier than TWSBI

[@shuni4228]

The first pen installed vacuum filling system is ONOTO, a brand of De La Rue. It still exists in 1906. I know Pilot has already introduced the system since 1933, and Sheaffer introduced 1935 (perhaps before). And, probably you don't know, TWSBI is famous for copying other competition designed system... Of course it has no problem with law and some of them are designed by TWSBI actually.

[@chengboli1462]

Dan, just give this a thought: try making an ASMR video related to fountain pens

[@virajbhoite7826]

Not recommended to keep the pen in pocket of trouser. Chances of breaking the pen