Great macro work. I really find it helpful. Nib size and point size aren't necessarily related. (If you check out oversized Sheaffers and Parkers from the 1920s, for example, you will see some large nibs and fine points.) Pilot M nibs produce a true M line, and the Custom Urushi's nib is no exception. The difference is, the Custom Urushi nib is also a little bit soft, so you will get some additional wetness and line width as a result.
Amazing pen! I really want to get one as my next pen, but I really don't know if I should get M or MF. I have an 823 in M, but don't really know if the line with would be exactly the same, or broader because of the bigger nib. Love your videos, the microscope does some really cool tricks!
Thank you for the kind words. The Custom Urushi,with its oversized nib, does seem to produce lines more like "western" nibs rather than Japanese. If you want to replicate your 823 M, the Custom Urushi in MF would likely be a closer match than the M. Though the M is still a fine everyday writer in the PCU. Pilot has done a great job of representing their brand at the DC pen show and I assume they have a presence at other shows - DC is the only one I've been to and thus the only one I can speak to directly. They have most of their pens in most of the nib sizes inked up and available to write with. It's a wonderful experience to be able to contrast all your options, even if you're not going to buy that day. If you have the ability, for a pen this price I strongly encourage you to see and write with the actual pen you will be purchasing. It's worth delaying the purchase in order to make sure it works for you.
The problem is I'm from Chile, south America, to be at a DC pen show would be a dream, but not really a possibility in the near future. Here the fountain pen community is not too big, so I've made all my purchases blind folded, just watching as many reviews as possible, but not so much info about the PCU though. The line in your writing sample looks pretty thin to me considering is an oversized M nib. I find my custom 823 a bit broader than the average japanese M, and the 823 in F like a true Japanese F. The range in between both is really wide. I would really like a nib just a bit thinner than my custom 823 M, but not too much, and your PCU M sample looks just like that to me, so I'm afraid that maybe the MF might be more like a japanese F or a western EF, and I don't enjoy writing with too of a thin line. Thanks a lot for your feedback!!
Looking at the Nib Nook from Goulet Pens, I can see what you're saying: his Pilot Custom 823 M does seem to be producing very wide lines, much wider than I expected. Another option is to have the nib ground to your preferences. I'm assuming you can find someone you feel comfortable mailing your pen to. Buy a size that you know will not be too thin, and if you find you would like it thinner, send it out to be modified. If you go that route, you can provide a writing sample of the width you want, so that the nib can be modified to match.
I’ll pitch in with my experience with this majestic pen. I own both the Black and Vermillion PCU pens. The black has the FM nib and the vermillion has the M. I’d say that the M (to my eyes) definitely writes like a fine-medium and the FM writes a true fine line. A cheaper, smaller but equally desirable alternative is the PC 845 urushi. I have that pen in black with a B nib that writes a genuine broad line width. But the PCU’s nib has a softness and give to it that I like even more.
Great video man. Been enjoying this style from the first secs. Using your channel for my personal interest: would you make a video about the custom 823? I was in the middle between that and the capless, then went for the latter one. Would love to see what you think on the 823
Excellent presentation of a magnificent fountain pen. I only wish the section and the feed were ebonite, too. For a pen this price, it is such a let-down to have them made of resin instead of ebonite. Not a deal-beaker obviously, but slightly disappointing. The section took a little getting used to. But it’s alright now. I bought both my PCUs early this year. Directly from Japan for $850 each. I own both the black and vermilion PCU pens. I use Sailor Souboku and Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori in my pens. I’m not a big fan of the Con-70. Always seems to trap a lot of air bubbles inside the converter when filling it with ink in the normal pump draw motion. Now, I prefer to syringe-fill the Con-70 that seems to have all but solved the air bubble issue. On another note, do you like, own, or considered the Sailor KoP? I own three of them. Love them to death. Mainly for the truly sublime 21k nib.
One thing about a Con-70 that I picked up from a Goulet video is that you should be vigorous with the button. It significantly reduces the air bubbles. I thought I was doing things carefully but in the case of the Con-70 that's actually counterproductive...
@@belphegor_dev Everybody complains about the standard Sailor converter with its scanty ink capacity being a total mismatch with a pen like the KoP. Specially with the broad nib, the converter is quite ridiculous. I’ve taken to using the standard Sailor cartridges instead of the converter in all three of my KoPs. Gives you twice the fill of ink than the converter. Some consolation, I guess. And I’d never tire of saying that the KoP’s sublime large 21k nib is truly one of a kind. 👌
Would you say the pilot custom urushi is very picky in its angle to get that sweet spot in smoothness? I have one and can’t shake off how picky it is for it to right super smooth
No more than any other pen. You may want to have the nib looked at. If you’re near DC, the DC Fountain Pen Supershow is in a few weeks and there will be people there who could tune it and make it write to your liking.
@@AreaCode4hoe8 Is your PCU the largest pen you have by a significant margin? It's a big pen, and that may be causing you to hold it an a way that isn't what the tuner expected; different angle, slightly rotated, etc. Also, sometimes the nibmeister just gets it wrong. I had to send a Pelikan back to a very respected place because the way the Architect's Point - which is very sensitive to angle - was set up I had to hold the pen uncomfortably shallow. I contacted them and told them the angle I hold the pen (which was a totally reasonable number) and they fixed the problem free of charge.
@@TheRonHockman yes it’s my biggest pen and it’s not necessarily the resting angle but the “pivot” angle from the nib (not sure if you understand) sometimes just lifting the pen to right the next word throws me off. I’ll just have to get it tuned in person since you made some good points about how one holds it plays a role didn’t even consider the nibmeister Hand size difference would play a role.
Is it worth buying pilot custom urushi in comparison to montblanc 149 and pelikan m1000?what about build quality and writing experience of the fountain?any issues problems while using the fountain?
Of the three, my favorite is the Pilot, and not just because it's one of my newest pens; I just really like it. All three typically have excellent build quality. Having said that, the nib on my M1000 was borderline faulty from the manufacturer; it's the only Pelikan I've owned with issues. I should have exchanged it, I don't know why I didn't. I eventually got it working well, but I find it too wet for most writing - and I've spent more time tuning that nib that any other nib I own. I have to be careful what ink I use with it, there are some that are just blobby messes. (For example, Robert Oster Fire & Ice) I don't own a Montblanc 149 because I find the colorway a bit boring. I've almost pulled the trigger once or twice. The nib is big and beautiful, but it would have to be, since that's all the pen has going for it. I'll probably get one eventually, especially if they come out with an SE that I like the look of. I've not had any issues with my PCU. I tuned the nib a bit, but it didn't really need it, I'm just picky.
Excellent video! Fun humor! But on a serious note - this pen is on my grail list. My goal is to stop buying the Lamy, TSWBI, average priced pens and step my game with my first luxury pen. Thank you for this review.
What do you mean? That I’m pushing too hard? I don’t believe that I am. I do pointed-pen calligraphy, so I have quite a bit of awareness and practice with applying different pressure with the pen.
What you do with your pen is none of my business, but I do want to let you know that the people who made those big pens didn't make them for that purpose. @@pensinfocus
I think you misunderstood me. I don't use the PCU for pointed-pen calligraphy. I use a dip pen in an oblique holder, or one of my dedicated calligraphy fountain pens that either hold dip nibs or have had their nibs specifically modified for the extreme flex necessary for pointed pen calligraphy. My point was that, trust me, I'm not pushing too hard.
Can't wait for mine to arrive! And yes, I got the "right" color.
I appreciate the writing sample. I'm glad I ordered the medium and not the broad.
Hope you enjoy it!
Thank you for this review, I like your style. Subscribed !
I wish I could learn this video by heart you are my new idol - finally someone with a REAL senso humour. You ROCK!!!
Great macro work. I really find it helpful. Nib size and point size aren't necessarily related. (If you check out oversized Sheaffers and Parkers from the 1920s, for example, you will see some large nibs and fine points.) Pilot M nibs produce a true M line, and the Custom Urushi's nib is no exception. The difference is, the Custom Urushi nib is also a little bit soft, so you will get some additional wetness and line width as a result.
Amazing pen! I really want to get one as my next pen, but I really don't know if I should get M or MF. I have an 823 in M, but don't really know if the line with would be exactly the same, or broader because of the bigger nib. Love your videos, the microscope does some really cool tricks!
Thank you for the kind words.
The Custom Urushi,with its oversized nib, does seem to produce lines more like "western" nibs rather than Japanese. If you want to replicate your 823 M, the Custom Urushi in MF would likely be a closer match than the M. Though the M is still a fine everyday writer in the PCU.
Pilot has done a great job of representing their brand at the DC pen show and I assume they have a presence at other shows - DC is the only one I've been to and thus the only one I can speak to directly. They have most of their pens in most of the nib sizes inked up and available to write with. It's a wonderful experience to be able to contrast all your options, even if you're not going to buy that day.
If you have the ability, for a pen this price I strongly encourage you to see and write with the actual pen you will be purchasing. It's worth delaying the purchase in order to make sure it works for you.
The problem is I'm from Chile, south America, to be at a DC pen show would be a dream, but not really a possibility in the near future. Here the fountain pen community is not too big, so I've made all my purchases blind folded, just watching as many reviews as possible, but not so much info about the PCU though.
The line in your writing sample looks pretty thin to me considering is an oversized M nib. I find my custom 823 a bit broader than the average japanese M, and the 823 in F like a true Japanese F. The range in between both is really wide. I would really like a nib just a bit thinner than my custom 823 M, but not too much, and your PCU M sample looks just like that to me, so I'm afraid that maybe the MF might be more like a japanese F or a western EF, and I don't enjoy writing with too of a thin line.
Thanks a lot for your feedback!!
Looking at the Nib Nook from Goulet Pens, I can see what you're saying: his Pilot Custom 823 M does seem to be producing very wide lines, much wider than I expected.
Another option is to have the nib ground to your preferences. I'm assuming you can find someone you feel comfortable mailing your pen to. Buy a size that you know will not be too thin, and if you find you would like it thinner, send it out to be modified. If you go that route, you can provide a writing sample of the width you want, so that the nib can be modified to match.
I’ll pitch in with my experience with this majestic pen. I own both the Black and Vermillion PCU pens. The black has the FM nib and the vermillion has the M. I’d say that the M (to my eyes) definitely writes like a fine-medium and the FM writes a true fine line.
A cheaper, smaller but equally desirable alternative is the PC 845 urushi. I have that pen in black with a B nib that writes a genuine broad line width. But the PCU’s nib has a softness and give to it that I like even more.
Great video man. Been enjoying this style from the first secs.
Using your channel for my personal interest: would you make a video about the custom 823? I was in the middle between that and the capless, then went for the latter one. Would love to see what you think on the 823
Sure thing.
Excellent presentation of a magnificent fountain pen.
I only wish the section and the feed were ebonite, too. For a pen this price, it is such a let-down to have them made of resin instead of ebonite. Not a deal-beaker obviously, but slightly disappointing. The section took a little getting used to. But it’s alright now. I bought both my PCUs early this year. Directly from Japan for $850 each.
I own both the black and vermilion PCU pens.
I use Sailor Souboku and Sailor Shikiori Yama-dori in my pens.
I’m not a big fan of the Con-70. Always seems to trap a lot of air bubbles inside the converter when filling it with ink in the normal pump draw motion. Now, I prefer to syringe-fill the Con-70 that seems to have all but solved the air bubble issue.
On another note, do you like, own, or considered the Sailor KoP? I own three of them. Love them to death. Mainly for the truly sublime 21k nib.
I don’t own a KOP yet, but it’s on my shortlist. Just waiting to find one that really catches my eye.
One thing about a Con-70 that I picked up from a Goulet video is that you should be vigorous with the button. It significantly reduces the air bubbles. I thought I was doing things carefully but in the case of the Con-70 that's actually counterproductive...
What's stopping me from buying a Kop is its hilariously tiny converter in that thicc barrel. But I've heard great things about the Kop nib.
@@belphegor_dev Everybody complains about the standard Sailor converter with its scanty ink capacity being a total mismatch with a pen like the KoP. Specially with the broad nib, the converter is quite ridiculous. I’ve taken to using the standard Sailor cartridges instead of the converter in all three of my KoPs. Gives you twice the fill of ink than the converter. Some consolation, I guess.
And I’d never tire of saying that the KoP’s sublime large 21k nib is truly one of a kind. 👌
Would you say the pilot custom urushi is very picky in its angle to get that sweet spot in smoothness?
I have one and can’t shake off how picky it is for it to right super smooth
No more than any other pen. You may want to have the nib looked at. If you’re near DC, the DC Fountain Pen Supershow is in a few weeks and there will be people there who could tune it and make it write to your liking.
@@pensinfocusthat’s what I was afraid of hearing especially since I just sent it out via mail and just got it back.
Thank you for getting back to me.
@@AreaCode4hoe8 Is your PCU the largest pen you have by a significant margin? It's a big pen, and that may be causing you to hold it an a way that isn't what the tuner expected; different angle, slightly rotated, etc.
Also, sometimes the nibmeister just gets it wrong. I had to send a Pelikan back to a very respected place because the way the Architect's Point - which is very sensitive to angle - was set up I had to hold the pen uncomfortably shallow. I contacted them and told them the angle I hold the pen (which was a totally reasonable number) and they fixed the problem free of charge.
@@TheRonHockman yes it’s my biggest pen and it’s not necessarily the resting angle but the “pivot” angle from the nib (not sure if you understand) sometimes just lifting the pen to right the next word throws me off. I’ll just have to get it tuned in person since you made some good points about how one holds it plays a role didn’t even consider the nibmeister Hand size difference would play a role.
Is it worth buying pilot custom urushi in comparison to montblanc 149 and pelikan m1000?what about build quality and writing experience of the fountain?any issues problems while using the fountain?
Of the three, my favorite is the Pilot, and not just because it's one of my newest pens; I just really like it. All three typically have excellent build quality. Having said that, the nib on my M1000 was borderline faulty from the manufacturer; it's the only Pelikan I've owned with issues. I should have exchanged it, I don't know why I didn't. I eventually got it working well, but I find it too wet for most writing - and I've spent more time tuning that nib that any other nib I own. I have to be careful what ink I use with it, there are some that are just blobby messes. (For example, Robert Oster Fire & Ice)
I don't own a Montblanc 149 because I find the colorway a bit boring. I've almost pulled the trigger once or twice. The nib is big and beautiful, but it would have to be, since that's all the pen has going for it. I'll probably get one eventually, especially if they come out with an SE that I like the look of.
I've not had any issues with my PCU. I tuned the nib a bit, but it didn't really need it, I'm just picky.
Excellent video! Fun humor! But on a serious note - this pen is on my grail list. My goal is to stop buying the Lamy, TSWBI, average priced pens and step my game with my first luxury pen. Thank you for this review.
Thanks for sharing. Subbed!
I think the pen pressure is too strong.
What do you mean? That I’m pushing too hard? I don’t believe that I am. I do pointed-pen calligraphy, so I have quite a bit of awareness and practice with applying different pressure with the pen.
What you do with your pen is none of my business, but I do want to let you know that the people who made those big pens didn't make them for that purpose. @@pensinfocus
I think you misunderstood me. I don't use the PCU for pointed-pen calligraphy. I use a dip pen in an oblique holder, or one of my dedicated calligraphy fountain pens that either hold dip nibs or have had their nibs specifically modified for the extreme flex necessary for pointed pen calligraphy. My point was that, trust me, I'm not pushing too hard.