Montblanc 149 v Pilot Custom 823: Which Should You Choose?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- Let's compare the Montblanc 149 and the Pilot Custom 823. Which should you choose? Which is better? Let's choose between these two icons! I compare these from every angle and yes, we do come out with a clear winner. The Montblanc is undefeated in all of my comparisons. Will this one be different???
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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00:42 - Aesthetics
02:52 - Pen Clips
05:00 - Unscripted
05:17 - Cap Design
06:48 - Fill Mechanism
10:09 - Ink Capacity
11:17 - Nibs
13:04 - Writing Experience
16:18 - Value
19:18 - Other Important Differences
20:49 - Wrap Up Final Words
21:40 - Members Credits & Moment of Zen
The fact that 823 goes head to head with 149 and you can really good deals on them shopping in Japan says a lot. Pilot imo is THE best quality pen company even their lower end pens are amazing.
Very true! I agree completely.
Another option worth pointing out is the Pilot 743. Mostly the same as the 823 (Same nibs, same dimensions except the finial is a bit different), but it's a solid body cartridge converter. Sort of the best of all worlds for me. No cleanliness OCD, enough capacity but not too much, and I feel a lot better about running 'interesting' inks in it since anything the ink can touch can be easily cleaned without warranty voiding surgery.
Admittedly, this might be new pen honeymoon phase (I just got a 743 Verdigris with the FA nib about 2 weeks ago), but I don't think so.
That is an excellent suggestion. I am certain I will get to that. Thanks!
I have the 823 and enjoy it very much. I do have a 146, but the 149 has been on my radar for a while also. As for the ink capacity, for pens with larger capacities, I don't always fill them completely. That allows me to clean them or change inks more frequently.
That is very smart! Thanks for watching!
823 any day of the week
I've never used a 149, so I don't know that side of the review, but your comments on the 823 are spot on. The fact that the Pilot at 1/3 of the price can go head-to-head with the MB speaks volumes. One of the things that I appreciated the most about this video was seeing the two pens side-by-side. Compared to my other pens, the 823 seems big ... but I didn't realize the 149 was even heftier.
The 149 in Beefy! It is a very thick pen which is why many prefer the 146 or 144. Thanks so much for watching!
If you're curious, get a Jinhao x159. Exact same dimensions (down to 0.2mm or so) of the 149, except it's $15
If you want to see a thick pen, and I do mean thick check out a Delta Dolce Vita oversize. It makes a 149 look skinny.
@@ironmic9244 Just looked ... yes, that's thick pen!
@@TylerEaves Totally agree. The Jinhao x159 is a very good writer. I don't understand why Hemingway had trouble with his?
I have both pens. The 149 always feels better in my hand. I also like its piston filler more than the 823’s Vac filler.
But I prefer the 823’s nib; it seems to write a little better.
I have the M nib on both pens.
Sadly, my 823 is broken for over a year, and I haven’t replaced it yet. I’ve instead bought a few even nicer pens in the meantime.
I still prefer my MB 146 to the 149. And, to me, the Pilot Custom 845 Urushi (the 18k nib and writing experience, certainly) surpasses the 823 and every other pen in Pilot’s Custom line - except the Custom Urushi.
All excellent points! I do love the dimensions of the 146. I am film with that one next! So stay tuned for that. Thanks for watching!
Great video, and tougher decision! I have both and would never give up either, I purchased my 149 first which allowed me to appreciate the beauty it is. Then I received the 823, this allowed me to truly appreciate the quality of the 823 even more. Both along with my Lamy 2000 Stainless Steel are always inked and I usually grab the 823 the least expensive of the three. Says a lot.
Hello Jim! thanks so much for watching and for the kind words.
Brother Hemingway, how can you say the Montblanc 149 “is a little tired”? The Montblanc 149 is absolutely timeless. I’ve got both the Montblanc 149 and the Pilot 823, and I can say without a doubt that any pen enthusiast will recognize the Montblanc 149 before they can figure out what “the other pen” is - especially from a distance. This “RECOGNITION VALUE” is also called “Brand Recognition.”
How about the quality of the “Build”? The MB 149 is rock solid, with the P823 feeling a little on the delicate side of life.
The Montblanc 149 is, without question, a “grail pen.” I’m unsure about the Pilot 823 fitting into this category, and I wonder what your viewers think.
As to being business oriented, I totally agree, as I can remember that almost all of the executive officers in the bank where I worked carried the Montblanc.
And did you not consider the longevity of the Montblanc 149? This pen has some serious staying power.
What about gauging some “Love Value”? I would sell my Pilot 823 and would never, ever consider selling my Montblanc 149 or 146.
We all definitely enjoy your youtube cast; please keep those ytcasts coming.
DannyG! You make excellent points! You know I love my MB and much of this applies. The 823 punches way above its weight and deserves credit I think for doing so. You make excellent points though. Catch me on another day and it may have been a different video! Thanks so much for the fun and interesting comment.
I consider the 4 peaks and 2 hills of the existing fountain pen world: The peaks; 149, M1000, Homo Sapiens, and King of Pen. At some point the Pilot Custom 845 will probably be a 5th peak. The hills; Lamy 2000, Pilot Custom 823.
I don't see the 823 in the class of the 149, but with the 146.
I won't speak the the recognition value, but just say this. The 149 is as timeless as you can get. Of all the pens I've listed, it is the 149 that is the oldest, and by a long history.
@@ironmic9244 Amen.
I bought a Montblanc 149 and tried it for one day before I decided to send it back. It just is, excellent nib aside, way overpriced.
So interesting and a lot of points to consider! Price would steer me automatically toward a Pilot Custom 823 yet I really prefer a cartridge converter or piston filler. ✒️ it's still fun to learn about pens far out of my normal zone!!! 🙂
Hi Chris! I hope that you had a wonderful trip to Vermont! Thanks so much for watching! It's always nice to hear from you.
I have both and rarely use my MB 149 nowadays. My 823 has the WA nib and is best nib for all paper types and quality. I imported the clear version to the UK and there is not one day I'm not writing with it. Whereas I can ignore my 149 for months and not 'bat an eyelid'. For me, the 149 was £525 back in 2015 and my 823 being an import cost me £353 back in 2018. Would I buy another Montblanc? Yes I really would. I like a lot of them but just haven't due to their cost. Do I recommend the 823 more? Most definitely get the 823 over the 149 any day, especially for countries where the exchange rate makes the 149 so expensive. If you want large ink fill then 823 for sure and take a look at the Pineider Avatar UR Twin Tank Touchdown as that pen is a Dante Del Vecchio beast of a piston filler. That's even more tempting to me! 👍🏻😄
Hi Richard! I have a review up of the Pineider Twin Tank. Catch that one. Brendan from Atlas Stationers was kind enough to send it to me. Nice to hear from you again. Stop back again soon.
Well put and interesting, thank you!
I would go for the 823 even if they were the same price.
Besides, paying this much for MBranding is nuts, no offense.
It’s no offense to me. It is what it is. Value is always a tough thing to reconcile. I can argue both sides. And have.
I recently got a pilot 823 and can hardly put it down ❤
A wonderful choice!
I have the 823 and love it. It seems to be what i've found to be the upper limit for price and value for me -- beyond having a custom pen made specifically for me. The only downside i find with the 823 is that it doesn't feel as robust as other pens... so I don't really take it with me; it is more of a stay at home and write a long time pen. I tend to take my Lamy 2ks out for travel, public writing, and for grad school classes.
Excellent points, Kendall. I often say that this pen is the breaking point above which one need not go! One can choose, but one does not have to.
Fantastic, in depth review of two classics that ascend to the top, if the writing experience is the most important metric. For me, the Pilot 823 has remained clean and dry and semi-permanently out of my rotation because of 2 of your references: 1) I find its 'classic' cigar shape and gold fittings to be tired, notwithstanding its vac-fill mechanism which I actually think Visconti does better (not to mention TWSBI). It is an unparalleled writer, but I agree that I miss the feeling of "connection" to the page that's almost like having a broken umbilical during a space walk. It requires focus and control, and that -- after a time -- is tiring for me. The MB 149 does absolutely nothing for me, aesthetically, and the white symbol surmounting it would make me self-conscious. If my wife gave it to me, it would instantly become my favorite, but I'd never leave the house with it. :)
I need a pen that inspires me both for its writing habit, but also because of its feel, its appearance, and the romance those ingredients bring to the experience. For me, the pen that wins -- going away -- for both appearance, romance, individuality, and a measure of "out-there-nuttiness" is any of the Visconti Home Sapiens pens -- in particular the Bronze Age with its emotional connection to Florence and Sicily. These pens have "heart" (and even humor) that the black, plastic cigars lack, completely. Thanks for all you do, pal.
Laddie! Excellent points! I did compare the HS to the 149 in a previous video. It is pretty fun and interesting. You make excellent points as always.
I have two of 149, one vintage (1983) and one brand new (2020). I have also a Pilot custom 823 and it's to perfect. Side by side on my desk I chose always a 149😅 but the 149 isn't 700€ more beautiful of 823. Greetings from Tuscany
The differences are very small between. Different, but not better or worse.
Both of the Montblanc stores from which I've purchased had terrible in-store customer service that made me feel unappreciated and unworthy. I'm sure 149 is a wonderful pen, but unfortunately my impression of the brand has been marred.
That’s a shame. I don’t really go into the boutiques personally. I’ve bought mine from pen shops. Customers should never be mistreated by brands.
This was very entertaining, and you’re so good off script, too! I have neither the 823 nor the 149, but I have and love my deep red Custom 74 with a gorgeous, juicy M nib (with the perfect con-70). And I have a sleek MB 144 also with a juicy M and a handy snap cap, so it’s my work-BuJo pen in constant use. I like it that these brands have a great variety, both in size and price, so we all can find our best choices. The 149 and the 823 can actually be to big for some of us with smaller hands, I think 😊. Big thanks for yet another great video!
Thanks so much for watching! This was a fun one for me to make. My subject matter was a bit heavy there for a while. Nice to lighten things up. Thanks so much.
Sailor king of pen vs montblanc 149 in medium nib please❤
That would be fun! I don’t have a KOP so that may not happen for a while. But I would love to.
The only gold nib that supposedly rivals the brilliance of the KoP’s sublime nib (I own three KoPs; one M, two Bs) is the large (Pilot’s #30) 18k nib on the Pilot Custom Urushi - Pilot’s flagship pen as the KoP is Sailor’s. I’m getting my Custom Urushi on Sunday. So, I’ll find out straight away.
Sir, i have Pilot Elite 95 14 KT Pocket Fountain Pen..
Sir, what do you say about this pen..?
I have an entire video on the E95S. I love those.
Great video HJ. I do own both myself but the 823 is an everyday writer. My 149 can go a couple of years with no use. It’s almost like the 149 is more intimidating and the 823 is just so easy.
Thanks Gino! Great point and perspective, but…. bust out that 149. Don’t baby it. Enjoy these wonderful tool. My advice! Wish you all the best always.
what a great comparison.. I am considering the 823, so this came just in time !!
I don't have any experience with the 149 (or any Montblanc for that matter), but I have had my 823 since Christmas. Everything HJ says about it hits the bullseye. It writes great and holds a ton of ink. It is frustrating when I clean it because I can see water droplets inside the barrel. And, screwing the cap off to make quick notes does get annoying. (That's true for any screw cap pen ... I carry a Lamy Safari because the snap cap is more convenient for quick notes.) At some point I'll probably check out a Pilot E95s because 1) Pilot makes great pens; 2) it's even more economical as a gold nib than the 823; 3) the cap slides on and off; and 4) it strikes that sweet spot of being business with a splash of style. My only concern is it is smaller than almost all of my other pens.
Thanks very much! Good luck with your choice. Let me know what you think when it arrives. All the best.
Nice review of and contrast between these two pens. Personally, I don't like the look of the 823...brown is not a color I find attractive in pens, and I definitely do not like plastic looking demonstrator or demonstrator-like pens, period (and especially at the price of the 823). Everyone does mention the excellent quality of Pilot nibs, but I wouldn't buy a pen I wasn't attracted to just for the nib. Finally, I find the 823 very conventional-looking and rather boring.
The 149: I have never liked this model, except for its beefiness. It is black, it is boring, and it is way overpriced. There are half a dozen pens I'd rather have that are 50 to 75% cheaper than the 149. I much prefer the 146, which I have in black and another in burgundy with gold trim (which I purchased second hand). And I like some vintage Montblancs which have a wider color palette than just basic black. I do like Montblanc nibs.
Well, each to his own taste as the French say, and that's my take on both these pens. If you like either of these two pens, that's what really counts. Enjoy them!
Ah Burgundy 146, very nice! Thanks very much for watching.
I am with you on this comparison. I own two 823 and two 149, the first bought new and that latter second hands and while I love both for different reason, I agree that when I purchased my first 823 I had a hard time imagining to top it with any other pen. But as many experience it, I continued to look but that was not necessary, just a choice. One of my 823 is a brown fitted with a Falcon nib, taken from a 743, which is a joy to use, the other 823 is a smoke with a fine nib which is just lovely to use as are most Japanese. The first 149 I got was a medium, rather wet, that I reground into an oblique medium-fine which is now a lovely writer, very smooth and wet, and satisfying to use. The other 149 might, at the moment, not be my favorite, it is an EF a rather dry so on my list for an adjustment but still these pens are wonderful when purchased second hands, even with coupon I wouldn't buy a 149 new, no way! Especially as I got my Pilot Custom Urushi new and for less than a new 149, I can't justify any from an economical point of view but looking at value the Pilot is clearly above the Montblanc.
Thanks Christian! yes, that value proposition is always tricky and sometimes I can argue it the other way. The price of entry is steep, but the writing experience is unique. However, with the 823 is comparison, it just makes a lot of sense to luxuriate in it. It is a wonderful pen. Thanks for the insightful comment and enjoy those amazing pens.
I have a 743, which is just an 823 with cartridge/converter filling. Very nice pen, but I prefer my Sailor Pro Gears, which in my hand are more precise. I won't pay the prestige tax, so the 149 is out of consideration for me, but in terms of overpriced pens, I am tempted to take the final Sailor leap, up to the King of Pen. Though smaller than the Montblanc prestige tax, the Sailor flagship tax is still substantial, so for me the value proposition does not add up. As of today, anyways.
Value is always the hobgoblin of the enthusiastic pen collector. Always nice to hear from you.
Would love to try a Sailor Pro. I only have the slim and I am learning that I would rather a pen size like the MB 149 after trying the 159x.
@@BlushnBlue I'm afraid the Pro Gear is a little slimmer than the x159.
You can buy a better pen than a Pilot 823. Based on your tastes, it will be prettier, bigger, smaller, and/or fill differently, but one thing it will absolutely not do is write better.
I agree with you completely! Thank you for watching.
Absolutely love my 823. Love my MB though haven’t got the 149 yet.
The PC823 is Olympus Level!
I own both pens and would give the edge to the MB149. If you are going to compare a Pilot pen to the MB 149, it should be the Custom Urushi with that lovely # 30 nib that is the smoothest Pilot I own. Never a doubt that you would declare the 823 the winner.
Hi Kevin! I agree. It is fun to make disparate comparisons too. If I start comparing the Kaweco Liliput to the Sailor KOP, then you know that I have gone over!
@@HemingwayJones , well played, sir! I think we are all over the edge in this hobby!
You can get two Custom 823s for the price of one MB 149 ;)
Truly! I have another match up with the 823 coming out 08/17. Always a fun pen to speak about.
I don't own an 823 however, there is another consideration for comparison -> after purchase support. Montblanc stores are pretty accessible and can repair a pen timely. Also, MB has a nib exchange program providing a much wider choice of nibs than Pilot. Anybody have an experience with Pilot's customer service?
Those are excellent points.
Good show, Hemingway. Controversy on some of these points? hehe This is your list with your criteria. If anyone out here has a different preference or view, that's on us. (Personally, I do agree with your preferences, not that it matters. :) )Thanks for educating us and keep your good work going!
Thanks so much! I am glad you enjoyed it.
Love my pilot custom 743 in fine nib which i spose is just the custom 823 but with cartridge and converter, my fave pen at that!, you can not go wrong with a pilot pen and usually much easier for people to get a hold of due to price. why i tend to tell people to go with Japanese pens or watches when they want a high quality product for a good cost can not go wrong with them!
Excellent points, Matt!
I want a 823. I cant afford the Montblanc. Good video HJ. Do a comparison. of the Bronze Age and the 823
Hello John, that sounds like a great idea for the video. Thanks My Friend!
Always enjoy your videos Hemingway! Not to be critical, but I think, based on the diameter of the 823, I think I would put it up against the MB 146 instead, although the 823 looks pretty long; longer even than the 149. Is the 823 diameter somewhere between the 149 &146?
The idea for this video was suggested by a viewer. So… the 823 diameter feels similar to the 146, but the 146 is thicker. The 823 is taller than both but not by much. Thanks so much for watching, George.
Buena comparación.
823.
...but if my wife is reading this, I wouldn't be offended by a Montblanc for Christmas.
Hear, hear!
@@HemingwayJones ❤
Hi. I love both of these pens equally, and I could never choose one over the other. For me, the 823 is the perfect workhorse business pen, it's not trying to impress anyone, just getting on with the job. The 149 is just Impressive, it's the king of my castle and always will be, Namiki Emperor or not.🤗 Cheers.
Thank you, John! These videos are fun, especially when I make a choice. Thanks!
Excellent video and we are in agreement! My 823 FA destroys my MB 149, but it's mostly because of the nibs and how I feel about the value...I feel the Pilot is worth the cost, and the MB is not. FWIW...
Thanks so much for watching, My Friend.
Excellent comparison video, Hemingway. I've always admired Montblanc fountain pens, but they are out of my price range. I would love to own a Pilot Custom 823, but since I like to change inks often, I would probably go with a Pilot Custom 743. I agree with your observation that the unprotected rim of the caps have the potential for damage.
Kurt, My Friend! Thanks for watching. You make excellent points. Thanks!
Love the program. Love the Mont
Blanc
Thank you!
Great comparison! I’d love to see a video similar with the Lamy Safari and the Twsbi Eco!
I can do that! Thanks!
One issue that I have with snap caps is the cumulative splatter effect inside the cap. The snap does cause micro doplets of ink to accrue in the cap over time. I agree that the 823 M nib leans toward F, which I like. Outstanding comparative overview, my friend!
Thanks very much! I am glad you enjoyed it.
I have owned both. The 149 is glorious. But I do find the section just a bit too thick for comfortable extended writing. Everything else about the pen is perfect, but I had to let it go because I knew I would not use it. If buying new, the 823 costs 1/3 the price and can be trusted to write well out of the box. Modern Montblanc nibs can be chancy until they have been tuned. Better to find a 1970s or 80s model for $400-500. It'll nearly always write better than a new one and save you a bundle of cash. (Even so, the 823/743 are still cheaper!)
A more direct competition would be the 146 vs Sailor 1911L. Both perfect pens IMO. But unless you don't like Sailor nibs - I love them - the cost benefit of the Sailor ($312 vs $800) wins bigly. If you must have a piston-filler, the Realo is only a few bucks more than the regular 1911L. Plus, you can get a variety of colors (the Loch Ness is stunning) -- though my current one is the standard black with gold trim.
I've got 2 823s a fine and a medium. The fine is very fine and the medium is close to the fine from my MB 149 from the 80s which I got for around $500. My 149 was used and it has hard starts sometimes, I will be sending it to a nibmeister... If I could recommend only 1 then I would go for the Pilot Custom 823 in Medium (have is reground to a fine for $50 if that's your preference) As for me I am keeping my 823 in fine and letting go of the medium as the 149 sits more comfortably there. If you can have both then get both. I like the 823 in amber as it gives some variety compared to the 823.
I would propose the 823 is easier to clean. With a twisby wrench the 823 is 100% able to be disassembled quickly and you can remove the section and nib/feed. After a couple times you’ll learn to do it very quickly
I like the Pilot's 823 model so much that I bought 2. For my writing style, grip, looks, weight and feel, the 823 is matchless.
It is a stunningly brilliant pen!
I’m no pen expert, but these two pens look so similar that one can’t be a plain business pen and the other a gorgeous and beautiful pen. I have a 149, but that’s my only nice pen other than some cross pens and a waterman set. The 149, IMO, is just too big to use for writing. I use it for signing.
This was fun! As someone about to make the big decision, it was interesting to see this direct comparison. Prices in Canada are more than US so the two are each an investment. I’m going to pick the Montblanc but I’m certainly intrigued by the Pilot! Thanks for helping me solidify my choice.
That is an epic choice! Congratulations! You will love it. Let me know when it arrives.
before I got the Montblanc 149 flex calligraphy, I would pick the 823 FA nib every time. Now both are in my EDC
Just dropping a note to say how much I like your presentations in these videos.
Thank you most kindly!
Having learned a thing or two about your fountain preferences over quite a few videos, I could have predicted your preference from the title :)
Oh well, maybe next time we'll learn about a pen better than the MB149
🤣
Having said all that, and knowing how personal a fountain pen can be, objective criteria rarely wins out as the decision goes from head to heart when the purchase is about to happen 😍
Thanks again for the videos!!
I haven’t watched this in a while. I filmed it about a month ago, but I thought the 823 won. I need to watch it again.
Thanks so much for watching!
@@HemingwayJones My comment was simply a mediocre attempt at heart over head when it comes to fountain pen purchases :) If it was all head we would by German pens. And we would never own more than 3 or 4.
Montblanc and Pilot makes fantastic pens both. The “value for money” question is always a fascinating one.. What value? Practical writing or the pen close to your heart - then dollar for dollar it can go either way disregarding the price :) It may not be the price, but the prize :)
Hello HJ. A very fun and interesting topic although for those of us who know you, the ending was transparent. Not that that is a bad thing, but I regard it as that you continue to have the same values over time. Great job.
Thanks Richard! Wish you all the best!
MB
149 for me. It is the single pen I will never get rid of
I can relate to that on many levels.
I broke down and got an 823. The price was too right...
Wonderful! What do you think?
@@HemingwayJones Thanks, HJ! Well, it's not arrived yet. I have the Wing Sung 699 and I put a nifty Goulet ,#6 nib. Writes like butter, but we've gone up a few rungs with the 823 haven"t we? (BTW, they should give you a commission: your video persuaded me to 'go for it.')
i LOVE your channel! i notice a slight accent what is your background?
Thanks so much for the kind words. I am so glad you enjoy this Channel. I’m from Philadelphia originally, have since moved to Boston. Thanks!
Why choose when you can have both? 😁
Truly!
These videos are pushing me closer and closer to finally deciding to get an 823.
823 is Top Shelf!
Hmm ... 13:28, it's "imminent", not "iminent".
I feel bad now.
But I'm loving the competition! ☺
The 823 is a wonderful pen. I have two of them. The Montblanc is definitely a classic. I know it's too thick for me, so the other considerations are beside the point. I do have a Montblanc 146 which I like quite well. I'm not sure which pen would emerge the winner...
You should do one! I’d watch that! I love the 146 as well. All the best, My Friend.
Choose Mont Blanc 149
You have chosen…. Wisely! Congratulations on an excellent fountain pen! I wish you all the best with it!
I think the appropriate comparison should be with the Montblanc 146, not 149.
I think the Montblanc is a little out of my budget. So is the Custom 823, but far less so. It might be a possibility, maybe as a reward for after I survive this year's property tax.
On the other hand, if I had a few pens with the button-down look of a Montblanc and wrote as smoothly as my TWSBIs, I'd be delighted. 🙂
I think that probably indicates I've never used a gold nib.
Johnny! They are out there, My Friend. There is no pen you must have. Those TWSBIs are awesome! If you find yourself at a pen show, take a 149 for a spin. Thanks for watching and for being here.
Great video, like the way you went into all the details. I don't have a 149, but I do have a 146, and a Pilot Custom 823. My MB is a fine, and my 823 a broad, so I end up switching between them depending on mood, context, type of paper etc. Like you, I have a lot of pens, but I have come to the conclusion that these two are pretty much as good as it gets. The only other pen I am really thinking of buying is in fact another 823, this time with a medium nib. I really can't justify the extra money for another MB, and to be honest I find the 823 more attractive to look at too.
The 823 is so brilliant. Thanks so much for watching!
I want to try the 823 in the Smoke medium next. I have the Amber F, Smoke F and Amber broad.
I’ve loved and preferred the very similarly priced Pilot Justus 95 more than the 823.
@@sajjadhusain4146 I've looked at these before online. I may need to check out some YT video reviews. Wasn't sure how I felt about having a dial on a pen to adjust. Thank you for mentioning this pen.
@@BlushnBlue ..I reckon there are several reviews on YT of the Pilot Justus 95. All of them predictably positive, even glowing.
I bought mine (the lined/striped model) with the FM nib. I love the pen a whole lot. Very well built, elegant, sophisticated, excellent dimensions and all round aesthetics.
The adjustable nib remains the clear highlight. Admittedly, not a significant difference between the two different nib settings. But there is an obvious difference, nonetheless. The adjustability of the nib is really a unique, neat and fun to use feature of the pen. I enjoy and use both nib settings. The writing is just splendidly consistent, crisp and pleasurable. I find the nib’s writing on both settings to have more nuance and character to it than that on say, the PC 823.
The Justus 95 is still strangely relatively overlooked. I have yet to replace my broken 823. But should anything ever happen to my Justus 95, I’d rush to buy it all over again. The price is, arguably, very steep ($336 now in the U.S.?). I bought mine directly from Japan (as I’ve invariably done with my Japanese pen purchases) for $260 (minus shipping). At that price, it is inexcusable not to buy the Justus 95 if you genuinely fancy the pen.
This would be a difficult one for me. I own both and really do love both. You are right the Montblanc is "expensive" for what it is. You are paying for the name, because they are consistently good pen manufactures, not only that they are a luxury status symbol. I don't care about the status symbol, I really like the pen. I do not take my Montblanc 149 out, because I don't want to lose it. Not only for the price, but I do not think that I would be easily find one to replace it. It is a 1985 West German Extra Fine (soft), with an ebonite feed. They are hard to find now. I am trying to collect pens that I have an emotional collection with now. That is one of my checklist must. When I bought the 823, I wasn't particularly attached to it, but loved the WingSung 699 so much, that I wanted that next level experience, and it did provide that and more. The only issue I have with the 823 is that it's almost too stiff for me, but it is a smooth writer. My Montblanc is an extra fine (soft) which has a nicer bounce than that of the modern ones. (it was sold to me as a flex, it's not, it just has a softer nib, than the modern). I will probably not get another 149, but if I do it would be one with the Calligraphy nib, but that is on my nice to have, but on my dream big list. For affordable options to both pens, to try them to see if you like the size, I would recommend the Jinhao x159 (for the 149) and the WingSung 699. Neither of the replacements have the writing feel and the dorablity of their more expensive counterparts but they do give you an idea of the size. The one drawback to the 823 is that they only come in 3 sizes, Fine, Medium, and broad. -- Interesting to note that you can interchange the Pilot 743 nibs with the 823 and the 743 comes in 6 nibs sizes including the FA nib which is one of my favorite pilot nibs. HJ, thank you for this video, it was excellent as usual, I love that you were real about both pens.
Such an informative comment. Thank you for sharing.
She is a walking library of fountain pen information. Thanks for suggesting the topic.
As usual, excellent points! Thanks so much. I have to bring my Calligraphy nib the next time I see you. All the best!
@@HemingwayJones Thank you both for your fountain pen knowledge and helping me to decide the fountain pen I will purchase when I graduate from NP school.
@@HemingwayJones I don't know about Library, but I love pens.
I couldn’t decide between the two, so I ended up buying 2 pens - Jinhao X159 and Wing sung 699 😉
It’s always fun to have both.
A classic 149 from the 70s or earlier, I would put slightly ahead of the 823. A modern 149 made with modern MB nib I’d put slightly below. The 823 also does offer superior ease of maintenance all around. My two cents.
Love it! Thanks for the ranking, My Friend.
Thanks Hemingway! You’re evaluation of both these pens helped to ground me. I’ve been looking at Mont Blanc for a while leaning more toward the 146 or other models for a smaller size. I have both the 823 and a 743. They are both fantastic pens. I’ve decided I don’t need the Mont Blanc. They are beautiful pens / nibs. I’ll continue to look at them like works of art that I appreciate in museums. 😊. I just got my first vintage Waterman and am enjoying it immensely.
Wonderful, Debbie! Thanks so much for watching. I have an upcoming video on the 146 as well! All the best.
I like vintage Waterman pens and some other vintage pen brands. Excellent nibs!
Great video and I stumbled upon it at the right time as I’m trying to decide between the 146 and the custom 823. I love the nib on the 146 but I find it hard to justify its price as I can buy the comparable 823 along with a Kaweco brass and TWSBI vac700 that I’ve been eyeballing for a while (and still have $$ left over). I think we can see the direction that I am taking. Again thanks for taking the time to compare these excellent writing instruments.
Thank you! Good luck with your purchase!
Well, the 823 was one of the first "serious" pens I purchased. I've frankly never learned to love it, though I don't really find anything wrong with it. To me, it's just an "also-owns" in my hoard. I've never really connected. Maybe I should get another one and a Japanese 'B' nib this time, because Japanese 'M' (= Western/Chinese 'F') doesn't really suit me.
So that choice would be easy to me. MB 149 all the way. Not even a contest.
(Shame to say it, but I've connected more to my translucent dark blue Wing Sung 699 than to the 823, but that one has a true 'M' nib.)
First of all, my most precious and "best" pens, I don't involve in discussions like this, because they are unavailable and unknown to others. But the two 'mainstream' pens I would have hardest to choose between, would probably be my Pelikan M800 and the MB149. (Frankly, maybe my LE Medici would need to be in the discussion as well). It would be a damn hard choice, the M800 taking a few technical points, but the MB 149 scoring on iconic'ness, writing comfort and social status. Both comes with personal attachment points to me. I couldn't choose. ...maybe the M800, ...but the next day?
In the end, I would always choose between pens, solely by their personal attachment to me.
Thanks so much for checking in. Have a nice weekend.
I’m definitely getting one of them. I’ve been in a holding pattern of inconsistency for a few weeks. I’ve even considered the 743 or the 1911. I have a feeling, at the end of the day, I’ll probably just go for the 149 but the Pilots are the ones stalling me out, since they’re such great comparable pens for the money. I don’t know I don’t know.. tough decision.
You must choose.... Choose wisely! (The Grail Knight!).
Sadly, no one can decide, but you. Whatever your final pens are, you'll probably end up buying them both eventually anyway.
For me, it's the 823 all day long. Mind you, the 149 is certainly a nice pen -- but that's kinda damning with faint praise. I've always felt MB's are overpriced for what they are, and costly enough that I'd be very hesitant to carry it with me as a daily writer (home use only); that the two (appropriately) end up in a shoot out speaks to the quality of both -- the the sheer value of the 823. Heck, if I want to get fancy, there's always the Pilot 845 in urushi -- and that's still only about what a used MB goes for!
p.s. I do have a MB 146 which IS a nice writer and I got is as "new old stock" for a good price -- but was still almost 2x my 823. The 823 remains in constant rotation, the MB comes out now and again for play.
The 823 is absolutely Brilliant. You cannot downplay how good of a pen that is.
I too wish they would bring the cap band - metal ring - to the edge to protect it. I'm a fan of Sailor pens, but if they don't have that thick ring of metal coming to the edge, I pass them up. Some pens that have it are the Pro Gear Sky Blue, Winter Sky, Winter Rain, Midnight Sky, for example, and the 1911L Bespoke Naginata Togi. 😍😍😍
Pilot Custom 823 ✅✅✅
Thank you Basta!
I picked up my first fountain pen (Pilot Metropolitan) up almost 2 months ago and I've gone hurtling down the rabbit hole since, partially because I live in Japan and am surrounded by quality stationery and pens. Your channel is one of the ones I tune into regularly as a beginner getting their feet wet, and the 823 is next on my list once Tokyo Pen Quill Shop's physical storefront restocks their Waverly nibs. Thank you so much for this breakdown! Currently enjoying it while beating the heat with some grape ice candies.
Thank you very much! Japan is truly the source of so many wonderful pens and amazing stationery. You have excellent taste in fountain pens. I love the 823. I just did a video on it yesterday that I need to edit. Thanks very much for watching and for the kind words.
Fun video. Glad I finally had the chance to see it. Thank you for making it.
Thanks so much!
Okay everyone, don't come for me in the comments, but I don't have any desire to own the Pilot 823. I have two VPs and I adore both of them so much, I just don't find myself motivated to get any other Pilots. It's unlike me, I am that person that finds a dress I like and I get the same one in 3-4 colours! I do have aspirations to add a MB to my pen line up but will likely get it on a milestone birthday. I love these "faceoff" videos, they are so fun, exciting and educational all at once.
Thanks so much for watching! As always, a very valid opinion. Thank you.
I would have thought that a comparison between the 823 and the 146 would have been fairer as the 149's price makes it an undoubted halo pen, something that the Pilot 823 is not.
Hi Nick! I may get to that at one point. This is a Marathon! All the best!
You are quite good off the cuff sans script, it gave your video a very vibrant spirit. It was not as poetic and artistic as some of your other very admirable creations, but I did like the energy of this video. Pilot 823 all the way -- although I wish I got a broad rather than a medium nib, just because I like a nice wet line, but I've got my Lamy 2000 medium to satisfy that desire.
Thanks so much! I am so glad that you enjoyed this. Thank you!
Have you had any experience with the Pilot Custom 912? I am wanting to get one with a Waverly nib, since I am left-handed. I own a Pilot Custom 823 in fine, and it is a great writer. But like most of us, there's that rabbit hole we have fallen into, with the treasure trove of pens at the bottom.
Truly! Sadly, I have not had the chance to try this one. I would love to though.
I have 823 with medium nib. It's really excellent pen for daily writing. Another pen gives me pleasure, that is Pelikan M205.
Two excellent pens. Well done.
I have both and prefer writing with my 823. The medium nib on my 149 is actually quite broad. The 823 could be an "only pen" if you are not like the rest of the fountain pen community.
It is truly extraordinary.
In my opinion the 823 cannot be compare to the 149, they way too apart. If you want to get closer comparism I would compare the 149 to the custom 845 urushi or the big brother custom urushi with the same size of nib and closer premium on material and finish.
Perhaps I will, My Friend. I can and probably will, compare anything though. So stay tuned for that.
What is your opinion on the 743?
Love it conceptually, but have never tried it, so I cannot really say definitely.
@@HemingwayJones would love to see u review one! Greetings love ur channel!
I had a Montblanc 149 on a loan once. I liked the flow of the nib I certainly would have kept it in my collection Great review !
Thanks so much! Thanks for commenting.
HJ, I hope you had an excellent birthday! Good video. You hit all of the relevant points, especially the value proposition going to the 823. I like the 823, but I like the new 743 even more because I like converters more than vac fillers. I don't own the MB 149 because I think the grip section is too big for my hand. I'm not likely to spend that much money on a pen that is more than three times the cost of the 823, but isn't three time better, IMHO. I'm sure the 149 is enjoyable for many, but the price of admission is significant. If I did buy one, it would be to add a classic pen to my collection, but it's not a grail pen for me.
Thank you Scott for the birthday wishes. I am glad you enjoyed this and you make excellent pints. The 823 is an excellent pen.
The Pilot looks like a copy of a Montblanc ... is that just me?
I also have a few Pilot 743's (the cartridge/converter twin of the 823), one with an FA nib and one with a WA nib -- both these nibs are wonderful. I had customer service issues with my MB 149, but that could be local store issues, or issues from 15 years ago, hence fixed.
Wonderful Tom! Thanks for watching.
I saw the price for the 149... yeah not happening. I could not justify for the life of me spending anything past 350. Maybe if it was a special edition that is numbered but man many millennials can't afford that.
It is definitely aspirational. I usually advise picking one up second hand. Knocks it down closer to your range. I wish you all the best!
I have many Pilot fountain pens. Even a Custom Urushi 845. I don’t have a 823 yet, and it is next on my list. I did order a 146 MB directly from MB. I wound up sending two of them back because the nib (supposedly a fine), was way too broad for my tastes. It was broader than any pen I had. I don’t know if it was a QC issue, but these came directly from MB. AND…they do not etch the nibs with the width. Bear in mind that the 146, was $780. I really wanted to like the pen, but it was not enjoyable to me. I will try again, but I am going to have to go to a MB boutique and try it out in person.
That’s horrible. I wouldn’t accept that. They may have sent the wrong one. Who knows. So sorry.
@@HemingwayJones twice. But there isn’t any way to know. Except that they were broader than mediums from Pilot, Lamy, Sailor, Faber Castell, etc. Thanks for your reply. You’re making excellent videos!!
Thanks so much! I am glad that you like them. I hope it gets sorted. Please let me know what happens. All the best. @@DisasterClean
Thanks, HJ. This video was very helpful. Just an idea for future pen comparisons or reviews: which one is the better choice as a gift to a graduate and future fountain pen enthusiast? 🎉
Hello Bell! The MB is the ultimate gift. You may ruin them for other pens.
What ink were you using please in the pilot pen? Thank you
I have the 823 as my first gold nib pen, and I just ordered the 149 Orient Express limited edition. The very first 149 that's another color and I wanted one so badly i just splurged. I use calligraphy tools for my copperplate needs but I'm eyeing the 149 with the flex nib as well. If you were in Europe i would've loved to hand it to you for a review. If your travels ever bring you to Romania, I'll be happy to share this one for a review. Kudos on all your amazing content.
Thanks so much, Andrei! You have excellent taste in pens, My Friend. All the best.
I don't know if in the US you still use cursive in school, but here it was the norm whilst I was in school. Journalling daily elevated my thought process, and whenever I need motivation, I watch one of your videos on Journalling. Thank you for your dedication.
Thanks so much! I am writing a new video on journaling presently. All the best and thanks.
I own the 823 and adore it. Completely understand your thought process here! I am tempted to one day get a second hand / vintage 146, though I feel it as a maybe-want rather than a must
Thanks Cal! I appreciate the kind words. The 146 has wonderful balance. Maybe attend a pen show? Having hands on is always nice. Thanks!
Mr. Jones it strikes me a bit humorous for fountain pen lovers (including myself) to talk about "value" when there are "writing instruments" that will accomplish all the same tasks for 8 - 19¢ with a Bic pen! Also, to me the 823 doesn't look so good when its partially empty - maybe a little sloppy. I enjoyed your video, as usual.
Well there is that. Value is always relative and a bit of a rationalization. The 823 was empty to show how hard it is to clean and that you know that it is a mess. Thanks so much for watching.
No need to apologize. Fountain pens, especially vintage ones, offer experiences that have not been dreamt of by Bics: pressureless touch, flexibility, balance, the charm of the materials and the design. Sure you can make a line with a ballpoint, but some people want, or even need, more. People pay millions for Stradivarii even though there are functional violins for a few hundred bucks.
Being that there aren’t many comparisons, I’d love to see you put an 823 up against a 743 and hear your opinions.
I’d like to do that. I need to get a 743.
I use all my pens but tend to reach for my 823 the most. As you said, thats where its at.
That pen is near perfect. Great choice.
Another informative and entertaining video! I have the Pilot 823. It is wonderful!
Thank you, Judy! I hope that all is well in your world.
Thank you for your thoughtful video. I have an 823 in amber with a medium nib. I have a hard time loving it or feeling any emotional attachment to it. Yes, it writes flawlessly but not with the interesting line variation of even my lowly but admirable Parker IM. My medium nib is perhaps a true medium which makes my writing a bit too large for a lined notebook: I have to skip a line to fill a notebook page, which I do not like. I find the piston fill awkward. And if you are going to write a while, you also have to loosen that piston cap, or the nib runs dry. I also don’t like the screw-on cap. My snap cap pens do not dry out any faster than my screw caps. And if I set my 823 down for an instant I want it capped to protect that gorgeous gold nib.
The 823 has just ok looks to my eye. I actually fell in love with the photos of the amber 823 on the website where I bought it. It was photographed empty on a light background which brought out the amber color. But that amber color is lost in the transparency of the plastic when you have the pen in person. And adding ink makes it darker. I do not like demonstrators. Darned transparent cap shows the black plastic insert. It's like looking at the pen's underwear.
Everything you say about the 823 in your video is true. It writes beautifully. I have it always inked up(ha ha how could you not) and use it often. Why don’t I love it? I just don't.
I'm finding myself looking at Montblanc 146s. But the $$$.
Thanks! Love your videos!
Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment. I appreciate it. Pens are a journey. The 146 is brilliant! All the best and thanks for watching.
Thanks! I may get one. In the meantime I'll try to enjoy the 823: it's a fine pen which deserves a lot of love.
Then you must have come across 743 by now.
10:54 What is that notepad you're using? I'm looking for exactly that: a small one that takes fountain pen ink well.
Those are awesome! Reporter style notepads: Clairefontaine Wirebound Notepad - Ruled 80 sheets - 4 1/4 x 6 3/4
Best!
@@HemingwayJones Excellent. Thanks!
Hemingway this video is superb, a hymn to two magnificent pens.
Thank you, Gihan! I appreciate your watching.