Overview: Pilot Custom 823
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2024
- The Pilot Custom 823 fountain pen is worthy of its grail pen label. Brian shares an overview of this gorgeous translucent pen, complete with a 14k gold nib and a vacuum filling system. Watch our Overview video for the full list of specs and features.
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I own two 823’s -a Fine & a Medium nib. Unlike most other Japanese FPs, the 823’s nibs do not follow the usual rule of thumb, rather the nibs run slightly broader on the 823. In other words, the 823’s Medium nib is actually midway btwn a Japanese Medium & a U.S./Euro Broad. Similarly, the Fine nib writes midway btwn a Japanese Fine & a U.S./Euro Medium. If you are in the market for a Custom 823, please try one first or consider ordering a nib one size finer. If you purchase a Medium nib thinking you’ll get the usual Japanese Fine equivalent you may be disappointed. Otherwise, this is an exceptional pen worthy of a lifetime’s enjoyment.
Really helpful -- thanks!
Back when Matt was still making videos, he absolutely raved about the 823. Apparently the pen is an incredibly understated but magnificent writer.
What sized nib? Hard or soft? So would a Broad Soft be more like western flex medium? At the other extreme, the fine or EF must really be like a needle. Your thoughts?
Currently my grail pen is Sailor King of Pens, but Pilot 823 and Visconti Homo Sapiens volcanic are worthy contenders. Actually I like to think about these three as a Trinity instead of one meager grail :)
I’ve missed these video’s soo much!! Brian should do more of these if he has the time:)
This ad / review is spot on. The 823 is close to perfect. Generous, even flow. Smooth as smooth can be (I especially like the M nib). Spacious ink capacity. Easy to fill. I own lots of pens - some “luxury,” some basic. Every time I return to the 823, I’m reminded why I find it so satisfying. Well worth the money.
@@discworldmort Of the Japanese nibs I've tried (including other Pilots), the Custom 823 is the closest to a Western width, at least in my experience. I haven't done systematic comparisons, but here are my impressions: The medium 823 approaches the medium nibs on my Pelikan M800's and Diplomat Excellence A's (steel or gold). Having said this, I've found the 823's medium is narrower than the medium nibs on my Pelikan M600 and M1000. The medium 823 is also comparable to the medium nib on my Lamy 2000 (I don't own a fine Lamy 2000). I do own a fine 823, but I don't use it as frequently as the medium (just personal taste in nibs). The fine 823 feels slightly narrower (or more precise) than the fine nib I have on another M800 (though the two are very close), and is finer than the fine nib on another M1000. Please forgive the rambling impressions. I hope they help.
discworldmort Because it’s been a while since I used the fine nib, my memory of smoothness is hazy. I will try to ink up the fine 823 in the next few days, so that I might give you a more reliable assessment than present memory would provide....
@@discworldmort I inked up my fine 823 and have written with it for a day. Here are my impressions: You won't mistake the fine with a medium nib, in terms of either line width (I can confirm that it's a bit narrower than Pelikan fines) or smoothness (the nature of a fine nib). But I find it a satisfying writer. It provides feedback, but not scratchiness. Predictably, it's smoother on Rhodia paper. It's less smooth (but surprisingly decent) on legal pad and copy paper. I got a moderate amount of feedback on Leuchtturm 1917. Flow is ample and even. I could see using this as a daily writer for multiple purposes. It's predictable and well-behaved - and smoother than some other fine nibs I have used (less smooth than my M1000). Hope this helps.
High Mark, I found your detailed comments on the 823 M vs. F really helpful. Just wondering if you've had any experience with the Pilot Custom 74 and if so, now you would compare the 823 M to the 74 M. I purchased a Custom 74 M recently and found the line width wider than my every day Lamy Al-Star M. The Lamy I can use even on cheap copier paper, whereas the 74 M was both too wide and too wet. Returned it and got a second 74 M which was the exact same. When I tested the Custom 74 F I found it to be a bit too fine and scratchy, so in the 74 I would really want a FM. My impression from looking at the nib comparisons on Goulet and Anderson is that the 823 M looks to be not quite as wide and somewhat drier compared to the 74 M, but there is only so much you can tell online. Any comments you have would be appreciated.
@@thomaskuhn6541 Did you ever find the answer to your questions? I find that the 74 M is wider than my Lamy Safari M as well. And, I came to the same conclusion you did using the nib comparisons on Goulet. Therefore, I decided to order the 823 in M. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Thank you, Brian. It is good to see this kind of overview video again.
Have used the exact one for over two years. My absolute favourite regardless of price point.
I have been using FPs long enough (25+ years) to know that there is never one grail pen. İt’s always the next one that catches your eye ;) But I would definitely agree with everything that Brian said about the 823. İt’s a great pen that never disappoints. I don’t think I ever had any problems with mine. And I’ll add that the pen does not dry out! Mine had to sit in a box for nearly a year when I was moving around at some point. I realised I had left it inked when I was finally reunited with most of my pen collection. Fortunately the vac was sealed; but still I was surprised that the pen started writing. I actually finished the ink before I cleaned it. I wouldn’t intentionally do that of course, but the 823 is definitely a true reliable pen that writes beautifully and is very comfortable for long writing sessions
So glad you made this video! The 823 is definitely one of the best pens out there and you usually have to pay much more from other brands for a similar experience. Can't recommend this pen enough!!!
I just love Brian's reviews and tips.. Goulet is a very impressive and inspiring young small business. I've been a fan and customer since 2014.. I enjoy the team there and have always had excellent service and a friendly experience.. love my 823 Amber and will be back for a smoke finish as soon as the budget allows. My two boys are roughly the same age as Brian and Rachel's two kids.. raising them to be thoughtful writers and Goulet fans. Very best!!
Frank from Boulder, Colorado
I own no other Pilot pen, but this one and love it. I enjoy all aspects of it's design, nib, and filling system, making it one of my top 10 pens.
Grail Pen? Not only yes, but hell yes!
I got a big smile when I saw the title of this episode... this is my favorite fountain pen overall with the Pilot Vanishing Point a perfect compliment for short writing needs and the 823 being perfect for longer, more serious writing sessions. As you say, Brian, it is just well made overall, excellent engineering, design and understated elegance in the design. I have a few pens that cost more but none as good as this pen for overall writing quality, smoothness and feel in the hand.
And because of this pen, vacuum fillers are now my preferred filling mechanism. Being able to close off the ink reservoir a great advantage. Where I live (Southern California) outside temperatures can run 100-115F in the summer and occasionally below freezing in the winter so this ensures no leaking or burping when out and about or (God forbid) I forget my pen in my car overnight, no disaster. In addition, the elevation within 1 hour driving from my home can range from sea level to well over 4,000-foot elevations; another chance for leaking that is not an issue with this pen. Also, as you say, for the same reasons, a great travel pen when flying.
I’ve had this one in mind for a while now. Your video overview just made me want it even more 😍
Finally a pen review! I've missed these.
I am thinking very seriously about buying one of these in the smoke color. The nib is probably going to be a medium as I enjoy the smooth writing experience. Looks like a winner, it’s just expensive right now.
I bought the 823 with a fine nib and continually encountered it drying out during lengthy writing (and it wasn’t due to the piston being closed). Based on a comment on another CZcams video, I replaced the feed with a two-slit feed from Flexible Nib Factory and I’ve had no problems since. The fine nib is finer than I prefer and isn’t as smooth as I expected-medium nib next time!
As you said, holy grail pen territory; I have had it for a couple of weeks, and it has already become a favourite. I think pilot launched this model to compete with the likes of Pelikan m800/Montblanc 146, and it definitely doesn't lag behind. It is very, very smooth, so if you like nails this pen is not for you. I love the transparency of the whole barrel. Usually I don't like demonstrators, because they look cheap and undistinguished, but this amber pen manages to keep an elegant and classic look while being completely translucent. I just LOVE it.
Thanks, Brian. This clip was exactly what I needed. I’ve been thinking about this pen a lot but couldn’t make up my mind. It’ll be this year’s Christmas present for myself 😁
It's on my wish list -- looks and sounds like a fantastic pen!
I have one and love it, yes definitely grail worthy!
It’s such a great pen! One of my favorites! It’s such a good writer, and I love the ink volume, it’s allows it to be my ‘take everywhere pen’ with no worries about running out of ink. I don’t have large hands and it’s is a very comfortable fit, posted or unposted.
Just received mine today. Blown away !! 🤩🤩🤩
I own an 823, and Brian did a good job of explaining its features. Because I haven't used my 823 in awhile, I guess I'm going to dig it out of one of my cigar boxes, fill it, & use it again.
I have had this pen for a few years, bought it after much thought, early on in my pen experience, and it is my prize possession. I also feel there is always another pen out there that one would desire even though this satisfies all needs.
This is a grail pen! It was one of mine for a while. But I finally bought my Smoke Broad and I am thrilled with it. Honestly, I think it is a virtually perfect pen. I could use this pen exclusively, if I had to. (But I love celluloid too much!) I held off buying it because I didn't really like the amber color so much. But when the Smoke was released in the US, I was ready. And I am thrilled. Thanks for giving this fantastic pen its own video. It deserves it!
Thanks for the review, after watching your review I decided to purchase this pen I’ve been looking for a quality every day writer
This is my grail pen! I’m so excited to try it out!
Such an awesome pen!!! Thanks for the review!!!
A lovely appreciative and informative review. It is a pen that I have myself and the review makes me think it is time that I used it again. Mine came with a bottle of Pilot black ink and this is what I have stuck with. I have cleaned it out once and recollect that there was a YT post showing how this could be done.Indeed, it may well have been Brian G who had a post on it too. Thanks Bran and best wishes in life and leisure and with the pens.
Hi Brian, thanks for the vid. I am new to this whole game but I did do calligraphy long ago and I am a writer so notebooks and pens are huge for me. I didn't realize Fps were such a thing until I came across your vids and of course we're all so lucky to have you posting so many great ones. So far, less than a year, maybe even less than 6 months into fountain pens, I have 2 pens that are cuts above, and they are the Pilot Vanishing Point stealth matte black finish with a med nib, (I got a second capless VP with fine nib but don't love the fine as much), but truly love the click mechanism. My 3rd pen is the Visconti Rembrandt in Pale Rose. I've gone right past the TWSBI and LAMY under $100 which currently all house my varieties of inks, I keep them all inked, but the really inspiring pens are mentioned. I hope this is enough now, bc I can only write with one pen at a time, and my bank account is empty. LOL
I just got this for my birthday! I love it!!
What a great gift! - Drew
Was set to buy the amber 823 and popped for a Vanishing Point at the last second. Haven't looked back.
You just sold me on this! My next order will be for a Pilot Falcon EF and a Pilot Custom 823 in F. Can not wait for Goulet to ship again. Stay at home, safe and healthy! :-)
Best modern pen i own.
I own this pen and it's everything that Brian says it is. Great workhorse pen!
I have one and it's amazing! Definitely an edc, especially with the Pelikan blue-black. It's always, always in my pocket along with the lamy 2000
I know I really must finally, belatedly buy this classic Pilot pen. I have been putting off buying the 823 for a long time - often buying a great Sailor pen instead every time I think I’m on the verge of getting the 823. 😀 ..Anyway, my current wish list will have the 823 topping it. I especially love the filling system in it. The price too is quite reasonable for a pen that seems to have such a glowing reputation.
That Amber looks stunning!
This is a great pen. There hasn't been too many production pens that have impressed me like the 823
Awesome Review.....what a Great matchup in Ink color for the pen in your video....Stunning....
My grail pens were the MontBlanc Boehme with the blue gem and the Waterman Charleston in the limited edition yellow which were a real sacrifice at the time to afford. I eventually got both and was not disappointed. I liked a lot of other pens since then and some I have acquired, but I haven't really "quested" for one since then, just saved my pennies and was patient and have been pretty lucky! At a certain point , you try new things to experience new and cool pens and colors, but once you have tried enough pens you also begin to know yourself and what you treasure in a writing experience, and it becomes easier to select things that will make you happy and sometimes they are not the most expensive choices, so you can select things you love that are not so unattainable monetarily if you are lucky.
This pen has the smoothest writing nib I have ever experienced. My son has one, and his comment was 'it feels like you are writing on oiled glass'. He's right.
Ron Shaw oooooooo I’m gonna get one!!!
What nib do you have on it? I can't decide between F and M.
@@Lumpy_Peter I usually prefer wider nibs. I would go with the medium. I like wet juicy lines that really highlight the ink.
@@ronshaw80 I was wondering what size nib did your son have, that it is so smooth.
I know I prefer very fine nibs (I use EF nibs on my Kawecos and wouldn't mind if they were even finer), but I feel like PC 823 is most celebrated for its smoothness. I am afraid that this smoothness will not be present in nib sizes F and thinner.
@@Lumpy_Peter My son prefers finer nibs also. I don't remember off hand what he has on his 823, but I would not be surprised if it was a fine.
The best pen I've ever spent money on period
I went to the Fountain Pen Hospital to write with the 823. I love it so I am saving to buy one. I am also new to fountain pens, so by the time I have the money to buy one, I will have been writing with fountain pens for a while. My problem is finding a nib size that I like. Great informational video.
After seeing several reviews, one by Brian I recently got the 823 in amber. Paired it with pilot iroshizuku tsukushi ink. A great pen.
Can’t wait to get it
I maybe an odd man out. I tried this pen in a pen exhibition in Mumbai, India. I loved it though, but I somehow still have loyalty to Airmail Wality 69T as a workhorse pen. It probably a $8 pen but with amazing ink capacity. I ended up buying a E95s for important meetings and conferences but still use my Wality Pen as my everyday pen.
I like that you did this overview video, and hope that you do more for pens in this price range. I assume these pens are affordable enough that they'll get a lot of interest (well, _I'm_ interested in this price range), yet expensive enough that people want to know more about them before taking the plunge. I also like that your overview was practical hands-on stuff. There are plenty of touchy-feely videos for this pen already.
This pen isn't for me because of an issue you mentioned: not great for sampling ink. I like to change colors on just about every re-fill. But this is a fantastic pen: I borrowed a friend's for a week, loved how it felt, and based on that I bought the Custom 743 which is basically exactly the same ergonomics & nib but takes cartridge/converter.
823 is the angel number. Blessid be your writing
OK. Your review prompted me to buy a Pilot Custom 823 (shocking, huh?) and I love it! Being left-handed, I sometimes smear ink if I'm not careful and if a pen writes too wet. This is most definitely not the case with the 823. It delivers just the right amount of ink and writes easily. I can even use it when journaling without the ink bleeding through the page. This will definitely be my daily writer!
The best pen I have. I love it.
The finest writer I currently have. Even after some time of non use it always starts up, never had a hard start.
Grail Worthy? Oh, yes. For me it was! It took me a long time to "agree" to the price tag, but it really is one of my top two pens. (My other "grail" pen was a Pelikan Souverän M800 in Renaissance Brown with a broad nib.) My 823 is the amber version with an absolutely perfect broad nib that writes better than I could have imagined. Thanks for posting the video, Brian. Sorry it took me a couple of months to watch it!
Nice video. I’m happy owner of this pen. I can confirm it’s a real workhorse and the nib is wonderful. Ink capacity is enormous compared with standard cartridges/converter pens. This is an absolute must have pen IMHO
Definitely on my wishlist, both the amber and the smoke. My first grail pen will be the Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age... but this one might be the second I'll be getting.
This has been a grail pen for me for many years and one day I will get it. Fingers crossed. Def. amber, fine nib so I can write for days lol
Love this pen... Which is why I have two.
Thanks for the VERY informative video. My compliments to your videographer. That said, this pen piqued my interest because of it's filling mechanism. My "Grail" pen is an antique Onoto 4601, which has the same vacuum filling mechanism. Onoto pioneered the vac fill, to the best of my knowledge. Be well, be safe.
Excellent review. Great grail-worthy pen at a relatively affordable price
Just received this for Christmas-it was ordered through Goulet Pens. Outstanding pen and stellar service. Brian’s review is spot on. This video sealed the deal on making it my “grail pen,” and I’m very pleased to have it. My previous EDC pen was the all brass Kaweco sport with Noodler’s Baystate Blue. A great pen, but this is next-level entirely.
@TheGouletPenCompany Can you tell me what the orange-colored ink is that Brian used in this video? Thanks!!
what nib did you go for? and how did it compare to others? cheers
Love my 823.
You know that feeling when you want to get something so badly after hearing its features but are a broke student and can't? That's the feeling I got watching this. The pen looks great (and just my type) and seeing others' comments I think it'd be a worthwhile investment. If only I could.
Yeah, definitely a pen worth waiting for and saving towards. It's hard though! So many new pens coming out, but this is a worthy 'grail' pen for sure. - Colin
The 823 and M1000 both feel like a perfect balance of luxury and practicality to me. Definitely hoping to own both at some point.
I own the smoke version which I personally bought in Japan. When it comes to writing alone, I prefer this pen over my Pelikan m800 and MB 146. I like it so much, I am considering getting the amber in a different nib size. Fantastic pen indeed.
I can only wish the smoke was available in the US when I got mine, but I wouldn’t trade off my amber. This is a great pen with a perfect nib.
The 823 is a fantastic pen. This pen is my daily carry (amber version w/M nib) and gets used for everything and the volume of ink it holds comes in handy. It would be nice to be able to purchase the clear body version in the U.S.
A very desirable piston filler with a great nib. I also love that bottle, what's not to like about this package.
Just bought the 823 this past weekend without even reviewing it first. Loved the feel in the store (Fahrney's DC). Sadly, I did not know that the fill cap had to be opened to continue the feed of ink. So, when it stopped flowing, I had a small freak out. LOL. All good now.
Thanks for an excellent review! I agree the 823 is an excellent pen, but let's not forget Pilot's other great 74 and 92 pens, both of which are also excellent. I carry my 823 whenever I travel for a walk, a trip or similar in the pocket of my rucksack. The huge ink capacity is a wonderful feature, but it is not so easy to clean so I always have mine (an Amber version) filled with Pelikan Edelstein Smoky Quartz. My only slight criticism of the pen is that the ink can go dry while writing and turning the knob on the end to let ink resupply down at the writing end does not always work reliably. Most of the time it does, though. Although it is a great travelling and daily writer, IMHO the Pelikan 800 series is better, more reliable, aesthetically more pleasing and interesting. So if I had to choose between the Pilot 823 and a Pelikan 800 I would definitely always choose the Pelikans.
I like how you repeat the part about the cap not flinging off the back of the pen.
This is my current grail pen!
A very comprehensive review, one day I will try one, I'm a great fan of Japanese pens. If I had X amount of money my HG pen would be the Montblanc Hemingway. But, a friend gifted me his grandfather's MB 149, I have a MB 320 which writes like a baby's finger on silk, so can't complain.
I do consider it a grail pen. The amber is very beautiful but in blue it's another level... It do look understated but only in the smokie version in comparison of the other colors it's quite the look 🤩👍. After I get my lamy 2000 medium this is one of my next grial pens (the other one is the visconti homo sapiens). Nice video.
I'm thinking of getting either the Pilot 823 or the Pelikan M800. I have a Mont Blanc 149, which writes beautifully smooth, and I love. I have heard that the 823 is difficult to clean but the nib sounds to be wonderful smooth. Is the Pelikan nib comparable? if it is I'm inclined to get that rather than the 823, given its cleaning issues. Thank you
I have owned this pen for almost two years and it is amazing. Among my two best writers (the other being the Visconti Homo Sapiens) it is a joy to write with and i smile every time i open it up and it starts to write flawlessly. Buy this pen - you will not be disappointed.
How far do you open the filler knob when writing for long periods? Do you open it just enough so the rubber stopper is not touching the ink chamber opening or just unscrew the knob a few times (and the stopper is still in contact with the ink chamber opening)?
My grail pen is my 1946 Parker 51. But, I have thought about this one from time to time lol
thank you for this informative video. I hear you when you said to stick to one ink because of the vaccium filling system. Let's say one day we want to switch ink, how do we clean it?
This was my grail pen until I decided to buy the Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age. It is still my favorite pen (I've only had the Bronze Age for a few days). You were absolutely correct on everything you said in this video. The pen is perfection AND it is Neil Gaiman's EDC. He says he can get 500-700 book signatures per fill. He also writes his books out in longhand with the 823 before inputting it into a computer for editing. I have the smoke in fine and am thinking about getting the Amber in broad and having a nibsmith grind it into a cursive italic. Thanks for the video Brian!
My favorite
Just got mine a few days back. Caused a lot of likes on my post in the Goulet Nation. It is a GREAT writer and the Amber is so much better in person. (I feel like the pictures never do the Amber justice).
The feed on this thing is great, it's really consistent and maximizes shading, however after writing for a while I get some minor hard starting which I think has to deal with being too smooth and maybe has a bit of babies bottom. But I pretty much only write on smooth tomoe river paper
Funny you should ask: I do think this is “grail” material and for my birthday I want to get one of my (so far) two grails: the 823 or the Lamy 2000. Would you say they’re comparable, or not at all?
This is up there for me, along with the Pelikan M800 and a couple others... I'm really close getting one of them but it's so hard to decide!
I just got one and its a great pen, but in my opinion not close to the Pelikan 800s. I have three and they are the best by far. However they cost a lot more. But if you are a pen person, the 823 is worth having.
This would definitely be a Grail pen, I hope to own one someday.
That’s a worthwhile grail pen for sure -Brian G
How far do you suggest the back cap needs to be backed off to allow ink flow?
Recently I bought a Custom 743 Falcon nib. It’s wonderful too. I’ m considering to switch nibs from 823 fine to 743 falcon to have the gorgeous ink capacity of 823 and the softness of Falcon nib.
I’m still a little bit in doubt about switching because I’m not so confident with falcon nib and I feel I need some more training. What do you think about my idea? Anyone still did the same? How’s your experience?
Can we get a proper overview of the Lamy 2000?
PILOT’s Custom Heritage 92 is my preferred daily writer in the >$100 category. I prefer the fine-medium nib (available via order from Japan) because Pilot’s 14k nib is actually *broader* than a European nib in my experience. I mention this because it appears the Custom 823 uses the same nib as the Custom Heritage 92 (and the Custom 74). Grail pen is my Visconti Homo Sapiens Dark Age, but the CH 92 is a better daily writer. I also fully disassemble my CH 92 for cleaning - just like a TWSBI Eco (which, incidentally, is my favorite daily writer
Just wow
Which Ink are you using ? Looks great.
Have a number of mid level gold nib Japanese pens and a very few French & Germans. They all do yeoman-like duty and I enjoy them all. I’m also a modest Lamy Safari/Al Sport/LX collector as I like the concept and yes, even the execution. But I admit to yearning after the Custom 823 deeply. The look is ideal to me and it’s reputation for out of the box perfection, being universal, is convincing. I wish it was available in more nib sizes like the 912. But it is what it is. Grail? Most likely.
How does it's size and writing experience compare to the Sailor 1911S ? Is it possible to syringe fill it ? Is the feed the same as the Pilot Prera ?
This pen glides like a virtuoso ballerina over a frozen lake in the midst of winter.
Brian--It's definitely a grail pen for me. Since I don't know if I'll ever get a Homo Sapiens, your video convinced me that the 823 should be my next major pen purchase 😄
RitChy Allas So true. Good luck.
I own both. The 823 is far more usable, however i much prefer the feel of the homo sapien in bronze. This is so much so that i want to get my homo ground into the same size roughly as my 823. The ef homo nib is more like a japanese broad. The fine 823 is akin to my safari z50 ef.
Is this a soft nib? Is it flexible? Thank you
My Grail pen list would be the Pilot custom 823, Pelikan M800, and the Visconti Homo Sapien!
Awesome pen. One of my favorite daily writers. Brian mentioned cleaning being a bit difficult, but if you are willing to do some disassembly it’s not hard at all. Pilot says not to remove the nib but I’ve found it pretty simple to remove and put back. Doing so makes cleaning it out very easy. You can also remove the plunger with a TWSBI wrench if you have one. Honestly I find it easier to take apart and put back together than the TWSBIs.
@briangoulet : How would you compare this to the Custom 74, since that is one of your favourite Pilot pens? Apart from the price point and vac filling system, where this is clearly the more premium pen.
The writing experience will feel similar between the pens, but the filling system and packaging with the free ink sets the 823 apart. -Lydia