The Pilot Custom 823 fountain pen gift set comes with a Pilot Gift Box, a Use and Care Guide and a 70 ml Pilot fountain pen ink in black colour. Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen is one of Pilot’s flagship fountain pens. This pen combines classic styling with a touch of modernity. The amber body colour and gold trim are part of the classic look and the transparent demonstrator creates a feeling of modernity. It also features a 14k gold nib and an innovative vacuum filling system. Thanks to the vacuum filling system, the Custom 823 holds more ink than the standard cartridge and is a breeze to fill. Simply unscrew and pull out the plunger, dip the nib up to the neck in your ink and depress the plunger. The ink is drawn up into the pen under vacuum pressure as you push the plunger into the pen body. To keep the ink where it should be, the pen has a built-in valve. When the plunger knob is fully tightened, it seals off the ink reservoir. This means that in order to write, you need to loosen the plunger knob to allow ink to flow to the nib. The knob only needs to come out 2 mm from the body. The pen is slightly longer than most fountain pens, making it comfortable in the hand uncapped. The body is remarkably well-balanced no matter when it is capped or not capped. *Please do not try to unscrew the grip section. It is not meant to unscrew and may crack.
The Pilot Custom 823 fountain pen gift set comes with a Pilot Gift Box, a Use and Care Guide and a 70 ml Pilot fountain pen ink in black colour. Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen is one of Pilot’s flagship fountain pens. This pen combines classic styling with a touch of modernity. The amber body colour and gold trim are part of the classic look and the transparent demonstrator creates a feeling of modernity. It also features a 14k gold nib and an innovative vacuum filling system. Thanks to the vacuum filling system, the Custom 823 holds more ink than the standard cartridge and is a breeze to fill. Simply unscrew and pull out the plunger, dip the nib up to the neck in your ink and depress the plunger. The ink is drawn up into the pen under vacuum pressure as you push the plunger into the pen body. To keep the ink where it should be, the pen has a built-in valve. When the plunger knob is fully tightened, it seals off the ink reservoir. This means that in order to write, you need to loosen the plunger knob to allow ink to flow to the nib. The knob only needs to come out 2 mm from the body. The pen is slightly longer than most fountain pens, making it comfortable in the hand uncapped. The body is remarkably well-balanced no matter when it is capped or not capped. *Please do not try to unscrew the grip section. It is not meant to unscrew and may crack.
in 15 offers
last seen 11 Oct 2026
The lowest price we last saw for Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen - Black - Fine Nib was $348.00 at ink’d Pens, compared across 13 retailers (last seen 11 Oct 2026). Prices may have changed since.
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen - Black - Fine Nib
The Pilot Custom 823 fountain pen gift set comes with a Pilot Gift Box, a Use and Care Guide and a 70 ml Pilot fountain pen ink in black colour. Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen is one of Pilot’s flagship fountain pens. This pen combines classic styling with a touch of modernity. The amber body colour and gold trim are part of the classic look and the transparent demonstrator creates a feeling of modernity. It also features a 14k gold nib and an innovative vacuum filling system. Thanks to the vacuum filling system, the Custom 823 holds more ink than the standard cartridge and is a breeze to fill. Simply unscrew and pull out the plunger, dip the nib up to the neck in your ink and depress the plunger. The ink is drawn up into the pen under vacuum pressure as you push the plunger into the pen body. To keep the ink where it should be, the pen has a built-in valve. When the plunger knob is fully tightened, it seals off the ink reservoir. This means that in order to write, you need to loosen the plunger knob to allow ink to flow to the nib. The knob only needs to come out 2 mm from the body. The pen is slightly longer than most fountain pens, making it comfortable in the hand uncapped. The body is remarkably well-balanced no matter when it is capped or not capped. *Please do not try to unscrew the grip section. It is not meant to unscrew and may crack.
The Pilot Custom 823 fountain pen gift set comes with a Pilot Gift Box, a Use and Care Guide and a 70 ml Pilot fountain pen ink in black colour. Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen is one of Pilot’s flagship fountain pens. This pen combines classic styling with a touch of modernity. The amber body colour and gold trim are part of the classic look and the transparent demonstrator creates a feeling of modernity. It also features a 14k gold nib and an innovative vacuum filling system. Thanks to the vacuum filling system, the Custom 823 holds more ink than the standard cartridge and is a breeze to fill. Simply unscrew and pull out the plunger, dip the nib up to the neck in your ink and depress the plunger. The ink is drawn up into the pen under vacuum pressure as you push the plunger into the pen body. To keep the ink where it should be, the pen has a built-in valve. When the plunger knob is fully tightened, it seals off the ink reservoir. This means that in order to write, you need to loosen the plunger knob to allow ink to flow to the nib. The knob only needs to come out 2 mm from the body. The pen is slightly longer than most fountain pens, making it comfortable in the hand uncapped. The body is remarkably well-balanced no matter when it is capped or not capped. *Please do not try to unscrew the grip section. It is not meant to unscrew and may crack.
The all-time low we recorded was $348.00 on 30 Sept 2025.
Prices last updated 11 Oct 2026.
Last updated at 11/10/2026 23:01:50
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen - Black
Free delivery
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen Gift Set - Black - 14k Gold, Fine Nib
Free delivery between 16–26 Oct
Pilot - Fountain Pen - Custom 823 - Black, (F) Fine
Free delivery between Tue – Thu
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen Black Barrel Fine Nib Black Ink
Pilot Custom 823 Black Fountain Pen Fine
Free delivery between 16–20 Oct
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen and Ink Gift Set - Smoke Fine
Delivery between 19–21 Oct $9.95
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen and Ink Gift Set - Smoke Fine
Free delivery between 16–26 Oct
Pilot Custom 823 Black Barrel Fountain Pen F
Delivery between 15–23 Oct $15
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen Black Barrel 14K Gold Fine Nib
Free delivery between 14–23 Oct
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen Black Barrel 14K Gold Fine Nib
Delivery $22
originally posted on gouletpens.com
Finally inked it up to make writing samples for a custom grind. The nib is bigger than I prefer but that was to give the nib grinder enough tipping material. Wrote very nice but big nibs are not my cup of tea. My handwriting is small even though my hand are large. The pen. Absolutely beautiful. The nib too. Only downfall is that Pilot discourages dissasssembly. See it done on YouTube all the time but those videos are older ones. Heard they glue them together now and there is something on a couple of threads and I do not have the courage to fine out. Cleaning is still easy enough but not being able to remove the plunger makes drying the barrel above the plunger next to impossible. Maybe the nib meister can tell if it will come loose. Could have returned it but it is ... MoreFinally inked it up to make writing samples for a custom grind. The nib is bigger than I prefer but that was to give the nib grinder enough tipping material. Wrote very nice but big nibs are not my cup of tea. My handwriting is small even though my hand are large. The pen. Absolutely beautiful. The nib too. Only downfall is that Pilot discourages dissasssembly. See it done on YouTube all the time but those videos are older ones. Heard they glue them together now and there is something on a couple of threads and I do not have the courage to fine out. Cleaning is still easy enough but not being able to remove the plunger makes drying the barrel above the plunger next to impossible. Maybe the nib meister can tell if it will come loose. Could have returned it but it is worth keeping. Pet peeve with Pilot. If you purchase a pen and is damaged out of the box a warranty is great. If there is nothing wrong with the pen the warranty is probably not worth anything because if it's damaged by owner it's not valid anymore. Pet peeve #2 I buy it I own it, I should be able to disassemble as I see fit because it's now mine. #3 the piece screwed into the barrel that guides the vacuum rod should be made with a quality metal like another well known company does and supplies the tool to do it with. Putting glue on those threads is a slap in the fade to the people buying them. I think Pilot forgot they just make them. We own them and they should be user friendly. It's a black eye on Pilot, and an insult on us the consumers. Had to get that off my chest.
originally posted on gouletpens.com
I bought this pen to write with on a daily basis, and it has never failed me. Its massive ink capacity means that I only need to refill it once a week - and I am a college student who writes at least 20 pages of notes a week, and letters to my friend in another state, and random writing for my own tranquility. The broad nib is beautiful, its lines are thick and elegant, it emits ink at the right flow so that it never seems to run dry while in use (unless my posture be wrong). The vacuum filling mechanism has spoiled me for cartridges or pistons, and I fear I may never be satisfied with another pen. Sadly, due to an accident of my own doing, there developed in the barrel a small crack, no more than 1mm, that leaks ink very slowly when the piston is loosened to allow ... MoreI bought this pen to write with on a daily basis, and it has never failed me. Its massive ink capacity means that I only need to refill it once a week - and I am a college student who writes at least 20 pages of notes a week, and letters to my friend in another state, and random writing for my own tranquility. The broad nib is beautiful, its lines are thick and elegant, it emits ink at the right flow so that it never seems to run dry while in use (unless my posture be wrong). The vacuum filling mechanism has spoiled me for cartridges or pistons, and I fear I may never be satisfied with another pen. Sadly, due to an accident of my own doing, there developed in the barrel a small crack, no more than 1mm, that leaks ink very slowly when the piston is loosened to allow for wetter ink flow. Despite this, the pen is exceptionally well-made, and so long as one is more competent than I, there should never be any problems whatsoever. Even despite the recent crack and leak issue, I plan immediately to buy exactly the same pen again. I just can't go without the Custom 823. It is the best pen on the market; as far as I am concerned, for any purpose but gaudy ostentation, there will never be a better gold-nib pen.
originally posted on penboutique.com
The Pilot Custom 823 clear is a work of art. It’s not only aesthetically beautiful but it also writes like a dream. I purchased the fine nib which is very fine, has a little bit of feedback but is overall smooth. I bought this pen for my husband and he just loves it. It’s a nice size pen and one which I thought would be too big for my small hands (which is why I bought it for my husband and not myself) but it’s actually a really great size. He likes larger pens and finds it very comfortable to use. I like smaller pens yet I also find it comfortable to use. I love the clear “color” and being able to see the ink in all its glory. I can definitely see an 823 for myself in the future. Also love that it comes with a large bottle of Pilot ink. As far as getting it from ... MoreThe Pilot Custom 823 clear is a work of art. It’s not only aesthetically beautiful but it also writes like a dream. I purchased the fine nib which is very fine, has a little bit of feedback but is overall smooth. I bought this pen for my husband and he just loves it. It’s a nice size pen and one which I thought would be too big for my small hands (which is why I bought it for my husband and not myself) but it’s actually a really great size. He likes larger pens and finds it very comfortable to use. I like smaller pens yet I also find it comfortable to use. I love the clear “color” and being able to see the ink in all its glory. I can definitely see an 823 for myself in the future. Also love that it comes with a large bottle of Pilot ink. As far as getting it from Ben Boutique, I’m so happy I went with them. The shipping was lightning fast, packaging was great and it included a free gift which was so appreciated. Highly recommend both the pen and Pen Boutique.
| Subtype | Fountain Pen |
| Type | Pen |
| Ink Color | Black |
| Ink Type | Fountain Pen Ink |
| Refillable | Yes |
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen - Black
Free delivery
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen Gift Set - Black - 14k Gold, Fine Nib
Free delivery between 16–26 Oct
Pilot - Fountain Pen - Custom 823 - Black, (F) Fine
Free delivery between Tue – Thu
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen Black Barrel Fine Nib Black Ink
Pilot Custom 823 Black Fountain Pen Fine
Free delivery between 16–20 Oct
Finally inked it up to make writing samples for a custom grind. The nib is bigger than I prefer but that was to give the nib grinder enough tipping material. Wrote very nice but big nibs are not my cup of tea. My handwriting is small even though my hand are large. The pen. Absolutely beautiful. The nib too. Only downfall is that Pilot discourages dissasssembly. See it done on YouTube all the time but those videos are older ones. Heard they glue them together now and there is something on a couple of threads and I do not have the courage to fine out. Cleaning is still easy enough but not being able to remove the plunger makes drying the barrel above the plunger next to impossible. Maybe the nib meister can tell if it will come loose. Could have returned it but it is ... MoreFinally inked it up to make writing samples for a custom grind. The nib is bigger than I prefer but that was to give the nib grinder enough tipping material. Wrote very nice but big nibs are not my cup of tea. My handwriting is small even though my hand are large. The pen. Absolutely beautiful. The nib too. Only downfall is that Pilot discourages dissasssembly. See it done on YouTube all the time but those videos are older ones. Heard they glue them together now and there is something on a couple of threads and I do not have the courage to fine out. Cleaning is still easy enough but not being able to remove the plunger makes drying the barrel above the plunger next to impossible. Maybe the nib meister can tell if it will come loose. Could have returned it but it is worth keeping. Pet peeve with Pilot. If you purchase a pen and is damaged out of the box a warranty is great. If there is nothing wrong with the pen the warranty is probably not worth anything because if it's damaged by owner it's not valid anymore. Pet peeve #2 I buy it I own it, I should be able to disassemble as I see fit because it's now mine. #3 the piece screwed into the barrel that guides the vacuum rod should be made with a quality metal like another well known company does and supplies the tool to do it with. Putting glue on those threads is a slap in the fade to the people buying them. I think Pilot forgot they just make them. We own them and they should be user friendly. It's a black eye on Pilot, and an insult on us the consumers. Had to get that off my chest.
I bought this pen to write with on a daily basis, and it has never failed me. Its massive ink capacity means that I only need to refill it once a week - and I am a college student who writes at least 20 pages of notes a week, and letters to my friend in another state, and random writing for my own tranquility. The broad nib is beautiful, its lines are thick and elegant, it emits ink at the right flow so that it never seems to run dry while in use (unless my posture be wrong). The vacuum filling mechanism has spoiled me for cartridges or pistons, and I fear I may never be satisfied with another pen. Sadly, due to an accident of my own doing, there developed in the barrel a small crack, no more than 1mm, that leaks ink very slowly when the piston is loosened to allow ... MoreI bought this pen to write with on a daily basis, and it has never failed me. Its massive ink capacity means that I only need to refill it once a week - and I am a college student who writes at least 20 pages of notes a week, and letters to my friend in another state, and random writing for my own tranquility. The broad nib is beautiful, its lines are thick and elegant, it emits ink at the right flow so that it never seems to run dry while in use (unless my posture be wrong). The vacuum filling mechanism has spoiled me for cartridges or pistons, and I fear I may never be satisfied with another pen. Sadly, due to an accident of my own doing, there developed in the barrel a small crack, no more than 1mm, that leaks ink very slowly when the piston is loosened to allow for wetter ink flow. Despite this, the pen is exceptionally well-made, and so long as one is more competent than I, there should never be any problems whatsoever. Even despite the recent crack and leak issue, I plan immediately to buy exactly the same pen again. I just can't go without the Custom 823. It is the best pen on the market; as far as I am concerned, for any purpose but gaudy ostentation, there will never be a better gold-nib pen.
The Pilot Custom 823 clear is a work of art. It’s not only aesthetically beautiful but it also writes like a dream. I purchased the fine nib which is very fine, has a little bit of feedback but is overall smooth. I bought this pen for my husband and he just loves it. It’s a nice size pen and one which I thought would be too big for my small hands (which is why I bought it for my husband and not myself) but it’s actually a really great size. He likes larger pens and finds it very comfortable to use. I like smaller pens yet I also find it comfortable to use. I love the clear “color” and being able to see the ink in all its glory. I can definitely see an 823 for myself in the future. Also love that it comes with a large bottle of Pilot ink. As far as getting it from ... MoreThe Pilot Custom 823 clear is a work of art. It’s not only aesthetically beautiful but it also writes like a dream. I purchased the fine nib which is very fine, has a little bit of feedback but is overall smooth. I bought this pen for my husband and he just loves it. It’s a nice size pen and one which I thought would be too big for my small hands (which is why I bought it for my husband and not myself) but it’s actually a really great size. He likes larger pens and finds it very comfortable to use. I like smaller pens yet I also find it comfortable to use. I love the clear “color” and being able to see the ink in all its glory. I can definitely see an 823 for myself in the future. Also love that it comes with a large bottle of Pilot ink. As far as getting it from Ben Boutique, I’m so happy I went with them. The shipping was lightning fast, packaging was great and it included a free gift which was so appreciated. Highly recommend both the pen and Pen Boutique.
I've come to really love this pen. I have the fine nib and initially it seemed a bit dry, especially on the upstrokes (and yes I had the vacuum filler unscrewed at the back). I flushed with distilled water and re-inked. I've been using the Pilot/Namiki blue that's included. The pen now writes excellently and the nib allows for some minor line variation. I love the precision of the fine nib. It's smoother than my soft fine 3776 and finer (as expected) than my otherwise perfect Sailor PGS in medium. The weight and size are the best of any pen I have. It's a pleasure to hold and write with unposted. I use this primary for writing and note-taking and it's been my go to pen for the last month. It doesn't dry out as quickly as some other pens even when uncapped for a few ... MoreI've come to really love this pen. I have the fine nib and initially it seemed a bit dry, especially on the upstrokes (and yes I had the vacuum filler unscrewed at the back). I flushed with distilled water and re-inked. I've been using the Pilot/Namiki blue that's included. The pen now writes excellently and the nib allows for some minor line variation. I love the precision of the fine nib. It's smoother than my soft fine 3776 and finer (as expected) than my otherwise perfect Sailor PGS in medium. The weight and size are the best of any pen I have. It's a pleasure to hold and write with unposted. I use this primary for writing and note-taking and it's been my go to pen for the last month. It doesn't dry out as quickly as some other pens even when uncapped for a few minutes. I wasn't initially sold on the filling system but I've come to appreciate it. I do wish it was easier to clean and that I could change ink colors more easily. But given all its other strong points, the custom 823 is my favorite pen in my small collection. Would definitely recommend.
On July 23, 2023, I purchased this Pilot Custom 823 (Fine Nib) from Makoba. There weren't many trustworthy retailers from which I could get this pen. Before purchasing this pen, I conducted a lot of web research since I wanted to try it out in person. It was impossible because there were Makoba stores in cities other than the one I reside in. I considered taking a chance by ordering from Makoba after reading all the web reviews. According to the news or reviews I found online, they appeared to have a decent reputation. The very next day, they wrapped and sent my order. It came to me in three days. I had asked for the pen to be examined to rule out any issues.They said that they had done so . They sent the pen back in mint condition. The pen is looks impressive. ... MoreOn July 23, 2023, I purchased this Pilot Custom 823 (Fine Nib) from Makoba. There weren't many trustworthy retailers from which I could get this pen. Before purchasing this pen, I conducted a lot of web research since I wanted to try it out in person. It was impossible because there were Makoba stores in cities other than the one I reside in. I considered taking a chance by ordering from Makoba after reading all the web reviews. According to the news or reviews I found online, they appeared to have a decent reputation. The very next day, they wrapped and sent my order. It came to me in three days. I had asked for the pen to be examined to rule out any issues.They said that they had done so . They sent the pen back in mint condition. The pen is looks impressive. Its transluscent black body shines, giving it an exquisite and alluring appearance. Compared to European Fine nibs, this fine nib is finer.The nib provides a small amount of feedback for its line width. This nib is supposed to provide some feedback, I suppose. The European Extra fine nib, which might be this in terms of line width, is something I've never used. So, no comparison. Nevertheless, after a few days of writing, I have grown to love this minimal feedabck. It doesn't itch at all. I believe it was a switch in routine from European Fine to Japanese Fine for me. The barrel hods a lot of ink. Hence it is a workhorse if you are writing daily.The vaccum filling system is beautiful. You might need to read the instructions on how to tighten the plunger end to stop ink from flowing and how to leave it loose to allow ink to flow. It was little confusing for me in the beginning when there was no ink flow. I thought there is some problem with the pen. But it was not so.The only uncomfortable aspects of this pen may be that it is difficult to thoroughly clean if you want to. But based on what I've seen online, thorough cleaning of the pen is hardly ever necessary. It only needs few flushes of water. Priming it 4 times with water cleans it well. Since Pilot does not have a direct service centre in India, any problems must be reported to Makoba during the warranty period. However, since Pilot intends to begin operations in India, I do not anticipate the issue lasting very long.Overall, it's a fantastic pen, and Makoba has provided good service thus far. I hope they would keep up the excellent customer service in the future.
Is what I said 4+ years ago when I first entered the diverse world of fountain pens. I bought a Kaweco Sport from Goulet (I am a very loyal Goulet customer) for $25 and I never thought I would buy a pen for more than $100. But let me tell you. The Pilot Custom 823 writes smooth. So wet, gliding over paper like glass. It sits perfectly in the hand, and it holds a lot of ink. It is really like the Ferrari of fountain pens. There is no scratchiness or feedback with the Medium nib. It really is so luxurious. It is very expensive, and this is my most expensive pen. But I really see no need to buy another pen other than this one. I may get the amber color, because I got the black one. And the amber is quite beautiful. You will not regret this pen!!!
I expected this pen to be good, but it is so much better than I expected. I got it with the medium nib and it is the best nib I have ever tried by far (I am comparing it to pens like the Lamy 2000 and Montblanc 146). I cannot put this pen down. The other pens in my collection that are supposed to be on par or better than the 823 just sit on my desk because I am so in love with my Pilot. Everything, from the grip section to the wetness to the build quality, makes this pen so inspiring to write with. I am using the pen as to write reading notes and ideas for a book-length academic project, and it just makes me so excited to sit down to work so I can write with it. I could not recommend the Pilot Custom 823 any more highly.P.S. the amber pairs perfectly with ... MoreI expected this pen to be good, but it is so much better than I expected. I got it with the medium nib and it is the best nib I have ever tried by far (I am comparing it to pens like the Lamy 2000 and Montblanc 146). I cannot put this pen down. The other pens in my collection that are supposed to be on par or better than the 823 just sit on my desk because I am so in love with my Pilot. Everything, from the grip section to the wetness to the build quality, makes this pen so inspiring to write with. I am using the pen as to write reading notes and ideas for a book-length academic project, and it just makes me so excited to sit down to work so I can write with it. I could not recommend the Pilot Custom 823 any more highly.P.S. the amber pairs perfectly with Noodler's Walnut if you're into brown inks.
I wish to express my admiration for The Pen Boutique, as their professionalism has left a lasting impression on me. It is for this reason that I continue to patronize their establishment when purchasing pens. Furthermore, I would like to extend my commendation for the Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen - Demo Clear, which I consider to be an exceptional writing instrument. Its smooth writing and remarkable ink flow make it ideal for extensive writing sessions. I highly recommend this pen to anyone seeking a superior writing experience. Sincerely, Alvarez
This fountain pen is so good especially for the price. This is a pen for people who are very utilitarian and who want a fantastic writing experience. Personally, increasing the price point from here has not really given me that much better of a writing experience and I feel like you go into the realm of aesthetics of the fountain pen more so than the practicality of a writing instrument. I've bought a few different fountain pens that were similarity priced or even more expensive from Lamy, Visconti, and Platinum and I always come back to this pen. I find myself comparing all writing experiences to this fountain pen now, and nothing really measures up. It's buttery smooth and has the perfect balance of being fine but definitely not scratchy. The color variation of a ... MoreThis fountain pen is so good especially for the price. This is a pen for people who are very utilitarian and who want a fantastic writing experience. Personally, increasing the price point from here has not really given me that much better of a writing experience and I feel like you go into the realm of aesthetics of the fountain pen more so than the practicality of a writing instrument. I've bought a few different fountain pens that were similarity priced or even more expensive from Lamy, Visconti, and Platinum and I always come back to this pen. I find myself comparing all writing experiences to this fountain pen now, and nothing really measures up. It's buttery smooth and has the perfect balance of being fine but definitely not scratchy. The color variation of a bunch of different inks really shows using this pen. The vacuum filler is really intuitive and easy to use although I'm not sure how to fill it to 100% (although I'm satisfied with the 80% it can normally do). The ink capacity is huge and doesn't need any converters or extra attachments. The only drawback of having such a huge ink capacity is if you like to try out a bunch of different inks and colors. Filling it with a more exotic color might be your undoing since you might be stuck with that color for a while since the ink capacity is huge. This might be good for people who prefer simpler black/blue inks and who write a lot and who don't want the fuss of refueling ink very frequently. The black color of the pen is very black and just transparent enough to see the liquid if you hold it up in the light or if you're in a bright room (I feel like the pictures make it out to be more transparent than it actually is in my opinion). I haven't used this pen for art / sketching, but I would recommend this pen for daily use and works great for English lettering, cursive, or even Chinese / Japanese characters. The pen works both posted and unposted and doesn't feel awkwardly balanced personally. The length is also neither too big nor too small, but I could see how it might be a bit small unposted for someone with large hands. Cleaning and maintaining the pen is simple enough although I typically don't use shimmery inks just inks from iroshizuku typically. The body material feels nice and doesn't leave any fingerprints and doesn't seem to have any wear with extended use. If you're looking for a next-next-level pen (e.g. something pricier than a Lamy 2000 or Pilot Decimo) and are looking for a great writing experience and are practically-minded, this pen might be the final pen you ever buy.
I was not sure what to expect when I ordered this pen. When you hear this many things that good, you kind of expect that it won't actually be as good as it sounded. I was wrong. I have seven Mont Blancs, a Pellikan M series, a Chopard, a whole family of Retro 51 FPs, a Conklin Duragraph and this pen holds its own with all of them and surpasses most. The best comparison is between the Custom 823 and my MB 146. They are almost interchangeable. I am admittedly a MB geek, but this Pilot is so close to my favorite 146 that I often can't tell the difference unless I look and make sure which pen I grabbed. Yes, those two are now my workhorse pens, and the Pilot Custom 823 is as good a pen as any that I have ever handled!It is easy to fill and holds a lot of ink for a 146 ... MoreI was not sure what to expect when I ordered this pen. When you hear this many things that good, you kind of expect that it won't actually be as good as it sounded. I was wrong. I have seven Mont Blancs, a Pellikan M series, a Chopard, a whole family of Retro 51 FPs, a Conklin Duragraph and this pen holds its own with all of them and surpasses most. The best comparison is between the Custom 823 and my MB 146. They are almost interchangeable. I am admittedly a MB geek, but this Pilot is so close to my favorite 146 that I often can't tell the difference unless I look and make sure which pen I grabbed. Yes, those two are now my workhorse pens, and the Pilot Custom 823 is as good a pen as any that I have ever handled!It is easy to fill and holds a lot of ink for a 146 size pen (you can view the instructions on Youtube on how to use the vac fill system if its your first time filling one with the vacuum system - Brian Goulet has a good video on this here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUseF8rTuyQ ). I have a medium nib, and it writes and flows like a dream. I highly recommend this pen. Enjoy!
| Subtype | Fountain Pen |
| Type | Pen |
| Ink Color | Black |
| Ink Type | Fountain Pen Ink |
| Refillable | Yes |
