In these past 12 months, I have used up six 30 ml bottles of pilot regular black ink with my Custom 823. The pen is awesome. I write a lot and I use three pens in total. A Lamy Al-star, a Twsbi Eco and the Pilot Custom 823. The custom 823 gets to write the most word counts every day. The nib and the pen overall is the best experience that I can't truly describe. I like the grip of Lamy Al-star more but the custom 823 gives the best overall writing experience.
My favourite pen. I got the Amber Medium years ago. Finally got an Amber Broad to join it recently. I don't know if I could go full "one pen only" with it, but they are always inked.
You’re one of the reasons I got into fountain pens. I have 823s in Amber (F) and Clear (M). They are still both in my EDC case, and I love that it has a large ink reservoir since I do a lot of writing nowadays.
I got the 823 a few months ago, and despitethe fact that I'm not a fan of gold plated FPs, the moment I had it on my hands I knew it was something special. As soon as I inked it and put the nib to paper it became the best feeling and writing experience ever. The smoothness and softness when gliding on paper is comparable to none.
I think another video explains that the “custom” is due to the number of nibs available as there are 11 for most pens in Japan so technically that means there’s a nib for everyone (hence “custom”). Outside Japan most other places only do the standard nib ranges so it loses the sense of custom. The numbers have meaning. So in “823” The first two digits are the anniversary year the pen commemorates, so “82” means it was launched in Pilot’s 82nd year which I think was 2000 and the third digit “3” denotes the nib size which I think is 15. For other pens, Custom 74 means it was launched in their 74th year in 1992 it only having two digits would mean a nib size 5. In 742 the “2” at the end is nib size 10 etc.
I purchased my amber medium in 2020 before lockdown. Its ink supply capacity is better than MB146 but barrel material is was cracked towards knob. Finally, I got replacement barrel in last August.
I've been using a TWSBI Precision for the last two-ish years paired with Noodler's Heart of Darkness for the last year, and it's the only fountain pen that I use. I recently went to a pen and paper store and tested out an 823 and holy moly! I am saving up for one. I'm a one pen/ink kinda writer, I don't like frills or different colors, so I can see myself using the pilot custom for a very long long time. :3
This is my favorite pen that I have. I bought it (in amber, F nib) two years ago to celebrate getting through student teaching, and now it's my workhorse pen for grad school. It also has 1221 on the side of the nib which technically means it was manufactured in December 2021, but my birthday is December 21st, so to me it was destined to be mine lol
Oh wow! I didn't know that the numbers at the side correspond to the manufacturing date. I thought those correspond to the pen model. Mine is literally 823 - August 2023. Glad to know! This pen is a keeper.
I have this pen in Smoke in a fine, thinking right now of getting another - would love to get a medium fine, but so hard to find. Also considering the 743, which has the same nib…I’m just tired of black. I have so many black pens. They have the American release blue green one now…but again, can only find it in the basic nib sizes, doesn’t appear to come in a medium fine. Where did you get this beautiful model??
Biggest problem with the 823 is "damn i don't need to get anything else now". Yeah i rotate through other pens and i may not use the 823 everyday, but i damn if I haven't bought another pen since.
Sorry if this is answered in the video, I tried to make it out @ 5:56 (I think it's a M) but what nib size are you using? Your writing is beautiful. The raden alteration is incredible too.
An 823 with an abalone cap?! How...? I have this beauty in smoke and amber, the only colors available in the U.S. Now I have a new goal! If I ever get one, I'll avoid bespoiling it with shimmer ink like the others...😂✒️
the cap is aftermarket and modded by an artisan in vietnam, if you would like to get yours made then please send me an email to awritingguy@gmail.com :) An
A great pen, but I think it’s almost too perfect. I’d often write with it and almost forget it was in my hand. Some may take that as a good thing, and it is! But it really makes me realise that the best experience isn’t necessarily a perfect one.
@@PeterShannon nice. Wanted to buy the FA but was afraid I wouldnt like it because I dont do calligraphy. Probably a bad choice... That means one thing 😅💸
@@karlgozo I dare say there are cheaper and better flex pens. The other one I really enjoy is my 74 with a coarse nib. It's like writing with a Sharpie
It's a good pen, but what amounts to any pen being a "best writer" is highly subjective. I have one and I ended up having the nib ground into a stub because I was less than impressed with its broad nib. I honestly don't use the pen that often. Not to mention that vac fillers are a PITA to clean. I know people rave constantly about this model, but I don't see myself buying another one.
I still think that the PC 845 (Urushi) is an even better pen with a nicer nib - and owning the 845 makes buying the PC 823, as lovely as the pen is, pretty pointless.
Well the 845 is purposely made to be a more luxurious package. But given the fact that you can buy 3 823's for the price of a single 845 and the writing experience is nearly identical, it is very hard to justify the massive jump in price for most of us. I personally own two 823's, one amber one smoke. I also own a custom 743, which is nearly the exact same pen as the 823 but in cartridge converter variety, and has the option of FA nib. Man, I would never trade those 3 for a single 845. But yes, the 845 is awesome too.
@@DesignInNature Fair enough! I just really like the two-tone look and the special 18k nib on the 845. Like I said, I also feel the 845’s nib definitely writes just nicer than the identically sized (albeit 14k) #15 nibs on the 823 and 743. Besides, it has a more pleasing flat ended design. And what’s best is the urushi over ebonite body. Lastly, the pricing of pens like the PC 845 in the U.S. is typically extortionist. I bought my black 845 directly from a reputed retailer in Japan for $475 (incl. shipping. Not the ridiculous $900 in the U.S. The 823 & 743 cost $336 today. That makes the 845 (bought from Japan) almost unbeatable in comparison.
In these past 12 months, I have used up six 30 ml bottles of pilot regular black ink with my Custom 823. The pen is awesome. I write a lot and I use three pens in total. A Lamy Al-star, a Twsbi Eco and the Pilot Custom 823. The custom 823 gets to write the most word counts every day. The nib and the pen overall is the best experience that I can't truly describe. I like the grip of Lamy Al-star more but the custom 823 gives the best overall writing experience.
823 is my grail pen, can't wait to save up and get my hands on it in a few years(?). For now I rock my Lamy Al-Star
My favourite pen. I got the Amber Medium years ago. Finally got an Amber Broad to join it recently. I don't know if I could go full "one pen only" with it, but they are always inked.
I have collected 3 Custom 823s and I just absolutely love how smooth it is and it is beautiful to glance at while I write.
You’re one of the reasons I got into fountain pens. I have 823s in Amber (F) and Clear (M). They are still both in my EDC case, and I love that it has a large ink reservoir since I do a lot of writing nowadays.
I got the 823 a few months ago, and despitethe fact that I'm not a fan of gold plated FPs, the moment I had it on my hands I knew it was something special. As soon as I inked it and put the nib to paper it became the best feeling and writing experience ever. The smoothness and softness when gliding on paper is comparable to none.
I think another video explains that the “custom” is due to the number of nibs available as there are 11 for most pens in Japan so technically that means there’s a nib for everyone (hence “custom”). Outside Japan most other places only do the standard nib ranges so it loses the sense of custom. The numbers have meaning. So in “823” The first two digits are the anniversary year the pen commemorates, so “82” means it was launched in Pilot’s 82nd year which I think was 2000 and the third digit “3” denotes the nib size which I think is 15. For other pens, Custom 74 means it was launched in their 74th year in 1992 it only having two digits would mean a nib size 5. In 742 the “2” at the end is nib size 10 etc.
Thanks for the cool info!
I have a Pilot 74, and it is a fantastic writer. I currently use a Montblanc 146, but would definitely get one of these.
I purchased my amber medium in 2020 before lockdown. Its ink supply capacity is better than MB146 but barrel material is was cracked towards knob. Finally, I got replacement barrel in last August.
I've been using a TWSBI Precision for the last two-ish years paired with Noodler's Heart of Darkness for the last year, and it's the only fountain pen that I use. I recently went to a pen and paper store and tested out an 823 and holy moly! I am saving up for one. I'm a one pen/ink kinda writer, I don't like frills or different colors, so I can see myself using the pilot custom for a very long long time. :3
This is my favorite pen that I have. I bought it (in amber, F nib) two years ago to celebrate getting through student teaching, and now it's my workhorse pen for grad school. It also has 1221 on the side of the nib which technically means it was manufactured in December 2021, but my birthday is December 21st, so to me it was destined to be mine lol
Oh wow! I didn't know that the numbers at the side correspond to the manufacturing date. I thought those correspond to the pen model. Mine is literally 823 - August 2023. Glad to know! This pen is a keeper.
@@zaptrick2206Oh wow, you got the perfect match-up for that nib date
Great review I have a pilot 912 FA nib
With custom ebonite feed, im saving for a pilot C 823 in amber fine nib,
Beautiful handwriting. It's rare to see a pen reviewer to also have a good cursive :P
Muito linda sua caneta!❤
It is a lovely pen. The nib is great. The maintenance though is a problem as you cannot remove the section or the nib and feed.
Certainly you can remove them. There are a lot of videos that show it to be a simple process. Cheers.
The color is goregeous!! What version is this?
I got a habit of buying FP, and I want to be reviewer like you, since i'm broke 🤣🤣🤣
I have this pen in Smoke in a fine, thinking right now of getting another - would love to get a medium fine, but so hard to find. Also considering the 743, which has the same nib…I’m just tired of black. I have so many black pens. They have the American release blue green one now…but again, can only find it in the basic nib sizes, doesn’t appear to come in a medium fine. Where did you get this beautiful model??
Biggest problem with the 823 is "damn i don't need to get anything else now".
Yeah i rotate through other pens and i may not use the 823 everyday, but i damn if I haven't bought another pen since.
I have the same problem!!
Helpful. I only wish there was not constant background music.
Sorry if this is answered in the video, I tried to make it out @ 5:56 (I think it's a M) but what nib size are you using? Your writing is beautiful. The raden alteration is incredible too.
An 823 with an abalone cap?! How...? I have this beauty in smoke and amber, the only colors available in the U.S. Now I have a new goal! If I ever get one, I'll avoid bespoiling it with shimmer ink like the others...😂✒️
I'm wondering the same thing! It looks gorgeous 😍
the cap is aftermarket and modded by an artisan in vietnam, if you would like to get yours made then please send me an email to awritingguy@gmail.com :)
An
What is the brand and model of the 5x5 book you're writing on @0:06 timestamp? Thanks AWG appreciate all your content btw!
I think it's a tomoe river
Looks like a hobonichi techo 5 year planner. I have the yearly one and its my favorite
Out of curiosity, I wonder if there’s a 18k gold nib that is made for the Pilot Custom 823?
No, for that you’ll have to get the much nicer PC 845 instead.
A great pen, but I think it’s almost too perfect. I’d often write with it and almost forget it was in my hand. Some may take that as a good thing, and it is! But it really makes me realise that the best experience isn’t necessarily a perfect one.
I have the 743 in M... Wish I bought it in F.
I got 743 with FA. Love it. It's my most expensive pen but such fun
@@PeterShannon nice. Wanted to buy the FA but was afraid I wouldnt like it because I dont do calligraphy. Probably a bad choice... That means one thing 😅💸
@@karlgozo I dare say there are cheaper and better flex pens. The other one I really enjoy is my 74 with a coarse nib. It's like writing with a Sharpie
Lush pen. Can't currently afford. So I'll just keep watching videos!
Where did you get the pen with that cap?
video caption states it was customized by the owner. i know, its gorgeous.
I still don’t see that anywhere.
It's a good pen, but what amounts to any pen being a "best writer" is highly subjective. I have one and I ended up having the nib ground into a stub because I was less than impressed with its broad nib. I honestly don't use the pen that often. Not to mention that vac fillers are a PITA to clean. I know people rave constantly about this model, but I don't see myself buying another one.
Hello?
I still think that the PC 845 (Urushi) is an even better pen with a nicer nib - and owning the 845 makes buying the PC 823, as lovely as the pen is, pretty pointless.
Well the 845 is purposely made to be a more luxurious package.
But given the fact that you can buy 3 823's for the price of a single 845 and the writing experience is nearly identical, it is very hard to justify the massive jump in price for most of us.
I personally own two 823's, one amber one smoke. I also own a custom 743, which is nearly the exact same pen as the 823 but in cartridge converter variety, and has the option of FA nib. Man, I would never trade those 3 for a single 845.
But yes, the 845 is awesome too.
@@DesignInNature Fair enough! I just really like the two-tone look and the special 18k nib on the 845. Like I said, I also feel the 845’s nib definitely writes just nicer than the identically sized (albeit 14k) #15 nibs on the 823 and 743.
Besides, it has a more pleasing flat ended design. And what’s best is the urushi over ebonite body.
Lastly, the pricing of pens like the PC 845 in the U.S. is typically extortionist. I bought my black 845 directly from a reputed retailer in Japan for $475 (incl. shipping. Not the ridiculous $900 in the U.S. The 823 & 743 cost $336 today. That makes the 845 (bought from Japan) almost unbeatable in comparison.
normally like your stuff, but omg, that music SO LOUD (and horrible) once the voice over ends
Agree. Music deafening my ears