At the request of a subscriber, here are my thoughts on the Pilot Custom 823 fountain pens! Let me know what you think! Find me on IG at gingerpeachypens
the best pilot 823 comparison video since I've watched entire time. love the review, inks, and your handwriting. this is my no.1 wish list of fountain pen. thanks for great review!!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m not a “technical” reviewer - no weights or measurements, etc., so sometimes I feel really inadequate. I’m so glad this was helpful for you! Thank you, and I hope it won’t be long before you can have your dream pen!
@@gingerpeachy oh, I am just an amateur for this fountain pen world. I don't really pay much attention about the weight, length, or something like those. I focus about how it feels when writing and the quality of the nib and barrel, the ink-filling system, and of course, the variety of barrel's colors and nibs. and if the reviewer has nice and neat handwriting, I would love to watch more. keep up more good videos!! take care 😊
Very helpful video for a person contemplating the 823 and wondering about the nib comparisons as well as the how-to of the filling mechanism and process. Thank you very much. Happy writing!
Ah thanks you! This review answered something I've been trying to figure out, which is how does the grip and section compare in size to the TWSBI Eco. Everyone compares the 823 to pens I've never seen in person haha. I write with my fingers all the way back at the threads and o-ring on the Eco because I don't like how thin it tapers down. The 823 looks just the right size. I'd probably hold it right at the threads still haha.
I just bought mine and the retailer stated at the start ‘good choice and it’s going to go up in price in February’. I think this is true for all retail pens. So happy with the big discount even more. Btw it is an excellent pen.
As much as everyone LOVES this pen, when I bought mine in a nib, and while writing I found after a bit it railroads, and opening the vac wasn’t the problem so I blew my warranty and bought an ebonite feeder for it, and OMG now its AWESOME and NEVER loses ink.
This is one of the best Pilot 823 videos - for someone looking to purchase one - that I’ve seen to date. So well explained. I bought the Amber in. F because some people were raving about it and it’s a gorgeous pen. It was the first premium fountain pen I bought and I didn’t know my preferences. It’s sooooo buttery smooth for even a F nib, the color and the weight is perfect for me ( a woman)…but I find myself not reaching for it as much as I do with my Esties and Leonardo’s in EF or F. You’ve explained well that there is a difference in Japanese nibs and so I have been contemplating that the M in Japanese pens might be the sweet spot for me. The European M is too broad for my handwriting. Thank you for also explaining the vacuum release system. I had mine open a little bit at first and I started thinking my pen was defective! I since learned that it has to be open more than I would’ve felt comfortable at first but it writes like a dream now. ❤
Thank you so much for your kind words -- I am so glad this video was helpful for you! Yes, the difference in European and Japanese nibs is pretty significant. Give a Japanese M a try, though keep in mind that they're not all created equal - I find that some softer gold Japanese M nibs (like the 823) can be almost as bold as a European M. But harder ones (like Sailor or Platinum nibs) are definitely a full size smaller than their European counterparts. I would say to try a Sailor or Platinum pen with a M nib if you have a chance! I'm so glad you're enjoying your 823!
This pen with an FA nib is my grail pen. I have a 912 with an FA and I love it, but I can write that pen dry twice in one calligraphy practice session. Vac-fill pens and flex nibs are a match made in heaven.
I really need to try an FA nib! I had a Pilot Falcon early on in my FP journey, but I pressed too hard and sprung the nib, and ended up selling it for cheap to someone who wanted to fix it up. Since then I've pretty much sworn off flex nibs because I know I'm kind of heavy-handed!
It’s funny how people don’t read instructions. Good that you go over things clearly. I love this pen too. Nothing ‘bad’ though even the cleaning is okay, same as many piston fillers. Cartridges are easier of course.
I definitely read the instructions with my 823 being my first premium pen, but I didn’t open the finial as much as I should have so has a lot of skips. I thought he ink would leak but now it works like a dream once I realised that it should be quite open.
I have 3 ambers and just swapped the nib from my 743 so that I have three amber 823s and all with the broad nib (long story), my smoke has the medium nib, the 743 has the fine nib and coming soon is the clear with a broad nib. This pen is such a grail that I have it in multiples and I don't regret a one.
By happenstance, we have the same nibs on each of the different colors, lol. My purchase started w/the amber model (my first FP(!)), then the smoke, and finally, the clear (also purchased overseas...nice that it's available stateside now). Fun vid and good info...thanks!
I have an 823 fine, mine is very smooth. I prefer the cartridge/converter of the 743, though, I have a black one with an FA nib and the Verdigris w/ a fine-medium nib. The 742 is a nice option as well, has the #10 nib, and is around $100 - $150 less.
I need to look at the 742. I haven’t seen that one! I totally get preferring the c/c of the 743. C/c is typically my favorite filling system. But I love the weight of the 823, too, and these have had the same ink colors in them the whole time I’ve had them - I just refill them and keep writing!
The TWSBI Vac 20a ink well actually works for the 823. The 823 won't thread into it, but it will friction fit in the smaller opening for the Vac Mini and you can use it upside down to really flush out the 823. As with all vac fillers, you will have some mist inside that won't really dry out, but that's just the reality of vac fillers...
823 was always on my grail list, but recently I've switched that to the 743 because I like cartridge converters so much more than vacuum fillers. I know that I'll want Medium or Broad, but not sure which - since I can't afford it right now I guess problem averted for now :)
I don't think you can go wrong with any of them! I don't typically go for large ink capacities, but it's been kind of nice having these pens dedicated to inks I know I love. I've used up the ink faster than I expected! If you decide you want an everyday writer, definitely go with the medium nib. The broad is wonderful but I don't think it's practical for everyday use, especially on cheap paper!
What a great video! So thorough. 😍 Reddit tried to convince me that I wanted this pen, but I don't like rounded finials and I like swapping inks so I don't love/need a large ink capacity. Also I don't like gold hardware. It's an easy skip for me, despite the occasional pangs of FOMO. The Custom 912, on the other hand... 😅
I'm with you on not usually wanting a large ink capacity, but I'm the opposite in other respects - I prefer round finials and I love gold hardware! But the custom 912 should be the same nib experience, which is really what it's all (mostly) about!
I had one. It worked nice until it developed cracks in the barrel. Apparently this is a known problem for them. I do have a Custom 912 with an FA nib, and both a Metal & a Plastic Falcon - All these have worked really well. the metal falcon has an extra fine FA nib and it is one of my favorite pens of all time. So I stay away from Pilot clear resin pens, I spent a lot of money (the MSRP) for that 823 and I still feel burnt because of the cracks. I have a LOT of pens, many in resin, and none have ever had that problem.
I hadn't heard about the barrels cracking! I will have to keep an eye out for that. I need to try a fine or extra fine FA nib. I keep hearing good things about them! Thank you for the heads up.
Just out of curiosity, did you try to open your Pilot 823 that developed cracks? I heard from Goulet Pens that in their years of service they've never seen a cracked barrel on an 823 unless someone tried to open the pen to clean the inside of the barrel. I'm curious to know if your case is an exception.
lovely collection! I’m a fountain pen beginner, have got Lamy Safari and Pilot Metropolitan so far. I wanted to ask how does 823 compare to these two pens? The price is so damn high but I do want to write once with that gorgeous nib and try out the vacuum filling mechanism atleast once in my life 😅
Personally I think if you try an 823, you may never use those other two pens again! haha. It's definitely a more premium pen, and you can feel that instantly. It's got a nice weight to it because of the filling mechanism. The nibs are fantastic - the gold nib would definitely feel softer than your pens, especially the medium and broad sizes. Do you have any specific comparison questions? They are pretty different pens, but I don't know what you want to know! I'm happy to help!
And I’m the same. I started with steel nibs in the Lamy Al-Star and the Cross Bailey, both well under $50. Then along came a Sailor with a 21k nib and the even more wonderful Pilots 723, 845, and 823. Welcome to a total luxury writing experience! I never want to use any other pens. I keep the Lamy and the Cross just because I have them, and I wouldn’t miss them if something happened to them. I’ve just bought my fourth Pilot, a 73 special anniversary edition gift for stockholders, sold in Japan brick and mortar stores only. It has a stunning combination of colors with a black cap and brown body and I love brown.
thank you for this very informative video! 😊 i was considering an 823 for a while but i like changing my inks around so much i feel like a vacuum filler would be wasted on me lol.
I have always felt the same way, and I still generally stick with cartridge/converter pens. But I have enjoyed these more than I expected! However, the 743 has the same wonderful nib experience and size/shape. It's a wonderful option in the same family!
In general, yes, I prefer these over Sailor. The standard Sailor Pro-Gear is nice, and I have one that I enjoy, but I don't find it to be quite as comfortable to hold and use as the Pilot. That being said, lately I'm not preferring broader, softer nibs, so at this moment I would rather use a fine Pilot nib or a M-F Sailor nib because they are firmer. But if I could choose only one to have forever, I think I would go with Pilot.
Honestly I think the "smoke" (black) one is my favorite! The amber would be better (in my opinion) if it didn't almost look black. It's just light enough that you can see the ink color through it, and the blue ink doesn't look wonderful through the amber barrel. (And I don't want to trade it for a warmer ink!) I do like the transparent one, but I think I prefer the classic black over all in this case!
@@gingerpeachyI have the Amber with warmer coloured in in it and I think you’re right - it doesn’t look great if you have a blue or darker ink. So you’ve convinced me lol 😂 to get a smoke one. ❤. It was a perfect demonstration as I was sitting on the fence about the smoke one.
Went to local shop where I live and test wrote on alot of pilot customs, I am on the fence between the fine and medium nib on a 823... As a newbie user of fountain pen, would you recommend me to continue with using other FPs first before making the plunge. The shop also has the demostrater model as well.
Hello! It’s so nice that you had the opportunity to test out the custom pens before buying! I did not have that luxury. I think it would be a good idea to keep using other pens and know whether you prefer a finer line or a broader one, because there is quite a difference between the Pilot F and M nibs. Both are wonderful, though!
@@gingerpeachy thanks for insight, I have been using a couple of FPs that my sister passed or loaned out to me to write and stuff. A pilot metro, Twsbi diamond series (gun metal series), opus 88 flora, kaweco aluminum series, a preppy. Most are either EF or F.
I can't write with a EF nib, makes my hand tire out way faster. F nibs on her pens were fine. I also did try her M400 with medium nib and pilot elabao with falcon nib. Those two were smooth to write. But I am soo new to this hobby that my handwriting seems to be messy on a medium nib. When I was at the shop trying out the different custom pilots I was happy with the 823 fine nib, and overall weight distribution, grip comfort and how the pen rested. I also got to try the 845 medium and fine as well. Plus the urushi size 30 model as well. (which was extremely nice to write with)
Thank you for this video, so informative and has me even more excited to receive my 823 medium I ordered yesterday. Looks like such a workhorse, perfect for pages and pages writing. Do you also have the Lamy 2000? That’s the other one on my list.
@SoulfulSpinning oh wonderful! I’m so glad this was helpful. I did have a Lamy 2000. Honestly it was one of the best nibs I’ve ever used. But I didn’t reach for it because of the shape of the grip section. My fingers just slipped down no matter what I did. But that’s not the experience for most people - it’s a wonderful pen and I do highly recommend it!
the best pilot 823 comparison video since I've watched entire time. love the review, inks, and your handwriting. this is my no.1 wish list of fountain pen. thanks for great review!!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m not a “technical” reviewer - no weights or measurements, etc., so sometimes I feel really inadequate. I’m so glad this was helpful for you! Thank you, and I hope it won’t be long before you can have your dream pen!
@@gingerpeachy oh, I am just an amateur for this fountain pen world. I don't really pay much attention about the weight, length, or something like those. I focus about how it feels when writing and the quality of the nib and barrel, the ink-filling system, and of course, the variety of barrel's colors and nibs. and if the reviewer has nice and neat handwriting, I would love to watch more. keep up more good videos!! take care 😊
Very helpful video for a person contemplating the 823 and wondering about the nib comparisons as well as the how-to of the filling mechanism and process. Thank you very much. Happy writing!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad this was helpful!
Ah thanks you! This review answered something I've been trying to figure out, which is how does the grip and section compare in size to the TWSBI Eco. Everyone compares the 823 to pens I've never seen in person haha.
I write with my fingers all the way back at the threads and o-ring on the Eco because I don't like how thin it tapers down. The 823 looks just the right size. I'd probably hold it right at the threads still haha.
Good news is, the threads are quite comfortable to hold! I'm so glad my review was helpful! :)
I just saw how much the increase will be and bought 2 pilot e95s and two 823s. The prices will be ridiculous!!!
Oh wow - I hadn’t seen the price increases! I’m glad you were able to snag them pre-increase!
I just bought mine and the retailer stated at the start ‘good choice and it’s going to go up in price in February’. I think this is true for all retail pens. So happy with the big discount even more. Btw it is an excellent pen.
As much as everyone LOVES this pen, when I bought mine in a nib, and while writing I found after a bit it railroads, and opening the vac wasn’t the problem so I blew my warranty and bought an ebonite feeder for it, and OMG now its AWESOME and NEVER loses ink.
Wow, that's really good to know! Thank you for that tip!
This is one of the best Pilot 823 videos - for someone looking to purchase one - that I’ve seen to date. So well explained. I bought the Amber in. F because some people were raving about it and it’s a gorgeous pen. It was the first premium fountain pen I bought and I didn’t know my preferences. It’s sooooo buttery smooth for even a F nib, the color and the weight is perfect for me ( a woman)…but I find myself not reaching for it as much as I do with my Esties and Leonardo’s in EF or F. You’ve explained well that there is a difference in Japanese nibs and so I have been contemplating that the M in Japanese pens might be the sweet spot for me. The European M is too broad for my handwriting. Thank you for also explaining the vacuum release system. I had mine open a little bit at first and I started thinking my pen was defective! I since learned that it has to be open more than I would’ve felt comfortable at first but it writes like a dream now. ❤
Thank you so much for your kind words -- I am so glad this video was helpful for you! Yes, the difference in European and Japanese nibs is pretty significant. Give a Japanese M a try, though keep in mind that they're not all created equal - I find that some softer gold Japanese M nibs (like the 823) can be almost as bold as a European M. But harder ones (like Sailor or Platinum nibs) are definitely a full size smaller than their European counterparts. I would say to try a Sailor or Platinum pen with a M nib if you have a chance! I'm so glad you're enjoying your 823!
Very nice and informative. Thank you.
Thanks for watching! I'm glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for this video. This pen has been on my list and I just grabbed a transparent medium nib.
Oh yay! I hope you love it!
This pen with an FA nib is my grail pen. I have a 912 with an FA and I love it, but I can write that pen dry twice in one calligraphy practice session. Vac-fill pens and flex nibs are a match made in heaven.
I really need to try an FA nib! I had a Pilot Falcon early on in my FP journey, but I pressed too hard and sprung the nib, and ended up selling it for cheap to someone who wanted to fix it up. Since then I've pretty much sworn off flex nibs because I know I'm kind of heavy-handed!
It’s funny how people don’t read instructions. Good that you go over things clearly. I love this pen too. Nothing ‘bad’ though even the cleaning is okay, same as many piston fillers. Cartridges are easier of course.
I definitely read the instructions with my 823 being my first premium pen, but I didn’t open the finial as much as I should have so has a lot of skips. I thought he ink would leak but now it works like a dream once I realised that it should be quite open.
I have 3 ambers and just swapped the nib from my 743 so that I have three amber 823s and all with the broad nib (long story), my smoke has the medium nib, the 743 has the fine nib and coming soon is the clear with a broad nib. This pen is such a grail that I have it in multiples and I don't regret a one.
Wow, that is serious! They are fantastic! Do you fill them full? How often do you switch inks?
@@gingerpeachy I marry my pens to their ink. At least for my 823s. I got them specifically to use a certain ink in them and that's how they stay.
By happenstance, we have the same nibs on each of the different colors, lol. My purchase started w/the amber model (my first FP(!)), then the smoke, and finally, the clear (also purchased overseas...nice that it's available stateside now).
Fun vid and good info...thanks!
Wow, how fun! What are the odds!? Thanks for watching!
I have an 823 fine, mine is very smooth. I prefer the cartridge/converter of the 743, though, I have a black one with an FA nib and the Verdigris w/ a fine-medium nib. The 742 is a nice option as well, has the #10 nib, and is around $100 - $150 less.
I need to look at the 742. I haven’t seen that one! I totally get preferring the c/c of the 743. C/c is typically my favorite filling system. But I love the weight of the 823, too, and these have had the same ink colors in them the whole time I’ve had them - I just refill them and keep writing!
been waiting for this one, thanks for sharing
I appreciate the suggestion! I hope it was helpful.
The TWSBI Vac 20a ink well actually works for the 823. The 823 won't thread into it, but it will friction fit in the smaller opening for the Vac Mini and you can use it upside down to really flush out the 823. As with all vac fillers, you will have some mist inside that won't really dry out, but that's just the reality of vac fillers...
That’s so good to know! Thank you!
823 was always on my grail list, but recently I've switched that to the 743 because I like cartridge converters so much more than vacuum fillers. I know that I'll want Medium or Broad, but not sure which - since I can't afford it right now I guess problem averted for now :)
If you go for the 743, there are SO many choices of nibs. The FA nib is pretty fantastic! (Modern flex… oh yah)
I don't think you can go wrong with any of them! I don't typically go for large ink capacities, but it's been kind of nice having these pens dedicated to inks I know I love. I've used up the ink faster than I expected! If you decide you want an everyday writer, definitely go with the medium nib. The broad is wonderful but I don't think it's practical for everyday use, especially on cheap paper!
What a great video! So thorough. 😍
Reddit tried to convince me that I wanted this pen, but I don't like rounded finials and I like swapping inks so I don't love/need a large ink capacity. Also I don't like gold hardware. It's an easy skip for me, despite the occasional pangs of FOMO.
The Custom 912, on the other hand... 😅
I'm with you on not usually wanting a large ink capacity, but I'm the opposite in other respects - I prefer round finials and I love gold hardware! But the custom 912 should be the same nib experience, which is really what it's all (mostly) about!
Luckily, there are options and i am so glad this one comes with gold because I’ll never buy a pen with silver. Vive la difference!
@@sylviarienzo6955 Yes!!! Agreed! Sometimes I wish I liked gold hardware more, but I'm always happy to see it out there for the folks who prefer it.
I had one. It worked nice until it developed cracks in the barrel. Apparently this is a known problem for them. I do have a Custom 912 with an FA nib, and both a Metal & a Plastic Falcon - All these have worked really well. the metal falcon has an extra fine FA nib and it is one of my favorite pens of all time. So I stay away from Pilot clear resin pens, I spent a lot of money (the MSRP) for that 823 and I still feel burnt because of the cracks. I have a LOT of pens, many in resin, and none have ever had that problem.
I hadn't heard about the barrels cracking! I will have to keep an eye out for that. I need to try a fine or extra fine FA nib. I keep hearing good things about them! Thank you for the heads up.
Just out of curiosity, did you try to open your Pilot 823 that developed cracks?
I heard from Goulet Pens that in their years of service they've never seen a cracked barrel on an 823 unless someone tried to open the pen to clean the inside of the barrel.
I'm curious to know if your case is an exception.
lovely collection! I’m a fountain pen beginner, have got Lamy Safari and Pilot Metropolitan so far. I wanted to ask how does 823 compare to these two pens? The price is so damn high but I do want to write once with that gorgeous nib and try out the vacuum filling mechanism atleast once in my life 😅
Personally I think if you try an 823, you may never use those other two pens again! haha. It's definitely a more premium pen, and you can feel that instantly. It's got a nice weight to it because of the filling mechanism. The nibs are fantastic - the gold nib would definitely feel softer than your pens, especially the medium and broad sizes. Do you have any specific comparison questions? They are pretty different pens, but I don't know what you want to know! I'm happy to help!
And I’m the same. I started with steel nibs in the Lamy Al-Star and the Cross Bailey, both well under $50. Then along came a Sailor with a 21k nib and the even more wonderful Pilots 723, 845, and 823. Welcome to a total luxury writing experience! I never want to use any other pens. I keep the Lamy and the Cross just because I have them, and I wouldn’t miss them if something happened to them. I’ve just bought my fourth Pilot, a 73 special anniversary edition gift for stockholders, sold in Japan brick and mortar stores only. It has a stunning combination of colors with a black cap and brown body and I love brown.
thank you for this very informative video! 😊 i was considering an 823 for a while but i like changing my inks around so much i feel like a vacuum filler would be wasted on me lol.
I have always felt the same way, and I still generally stick with cartridge/converter pens. But I have enjoyed these more than I expected! However, the 743 has the same wonderful nib experience and size/shape. It's a wonderful option in the same family!
Also great informative video 😊
Thank you!
This was a great video :)
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
You prefer this over the sailor?
In general, yes, I prefer these over Sailor. The standard Sailor Pro-Gear is nice, and I have one that I enjoy, but I don't find it to be quite as comfortable to hold and use as the Pilot. That being said, lately I'm not preferring broader, softer nibs, so at this moment I would rather use a fine Pilot nib or a M-F Sailor nib because they are firmer. But if I could choose only one to have forever, I think I would go with Pilot.
Where did you find that lovely turtle pen holder? I want one!
@@sylviarienzo6955 She is Patience the Tortoise - made by Esterbrook!
@@gingerpeachy I found one on eBay and bought it, thank you!
@@sylviarienzo6955 you’re welcome! I hope you love her! 🥰
Hi!!! So which color is your fav? I see you would keep the Medium. I’m debating getting the exclusive ‘clear’ one.
Honestly I think the "smoke" (black) one is my favorite! The amber would be better (in my opinion) if it didn't almost look black. It's just light enough that you can see the ink color through it, and the blue ink doesn't look wonderful through the amber barrel. (And I don't want to trade it for a warmer ink!) I do like the transparent one, but I think I prefer the classic black over all in this case!
@@gingerpeachyI have the Amber with warmer coloured in in it and I think you’re right - it doesn’t look great if you have a blue or darker ink. So you’ve convinced me lol 😂 to get a smoke one. ❤. It was a perfect demonstration as I was sitting on the fence about the smoke one.
Went to local shop where I live and test wrote on alot of pilot customs, I am on the fence between the fine and medium nib on a 823... As a newbie user of fountain pen, would you recommend me to continue with using other FPs first before making the plunge. The shop also has the demostrater model as well.
Hello! It’s so nice that you had the opportunity to test out the custom pens before buying! I did not have that luxury. I think it would be a good idea to keep using other pens and know whether you prefer a finer line or a broader one, because there is quite a difference between the Pilot F and M nibs. Both are wonderful, though!
@@gingerpeachy thanks for insight, I have been using a couple of FPs that my sister passed or loaned out to me to write and stuff. A pilot metro, Twsbi diamond series (gun metal series), opus 88 flora, kaweco aluminum series, a preppy. Most are either EF or F.
I can't write with a EF nib, makes my hand tire out way faster. F nibs on her pens were fine. I also did try her M400 with medium nib and pilot elabao with falcon nib. Those two were smooth to write. But I am soo new to this hobby that my handwriting seems to be messy on a medium nib. When I was at the shop trying out the different custom pilots I was happy with the 823 fine nib, and overall weight distribution, grip comfort and how the pen rested. I also got to try the 845 medium and fine as well. Plus the urushi size 30 model as well. (which was extremely nice to write with)
Thank you for this video, so informative and has me even more excited to receive my 823 medium I ordered yesterday. Looks like such a workhorse, perfect for pages and pages writing. Do you also have the Lamy 2000? That’s the other one on my list.
@SoulfulSpinning oh wonderful! I’m so glad this was helpful. I did have a Lamy 2000. Honestly it was one of the best nibs I’ve ever used. But I didn’t reach for it because of the shape of the grip section. My fingers just slipped down no matter what I did. But that’s not the experience for most people - it’s a wonderful pen and I do highly recommend it!
Pilot in bold lettering “Do not disassemble the pen to clean”. I guess it would void the warranty.
👌👌👌🪁