"...it's on the tight side. Which is, kind of, how I like it. Not so loose that it will fly out, but not so tight that you can't use it." Stephen Brown, 2014 I agree with this statement.
Thanks for the review! Purchased this pen after watching the video, and it has become my favorite pen. The soft nib definitely has a bit of character to it. Very fun.
I'm so happy to see you reviewing a Pilot Custom 74. I'm a huge fan of Pilot's Custom series. The 74 in my opinion, is one of the best deals in pendom, especially if one orders direct from a Japanese seller. Springy, smooth and wet, the Custom series nibs are really excellent. I hope you'll be able to try a Pilot soft medium nib some time soon. Wonderful things. The BB and cosu nibs are also must haves for folks with large handwriting like you and me. :)
I personally love the Custom 74, as I find it to be the prefect balance of durability, weight, and general writeability. Though the soft fine, fine-medium, medium, and broad nibs are less smooth than their firm couterparts, they do provide a pleasing way to improve your writing experience in a more controlled way than a Falcon. Try the music nib too! Also, if you go on eBay and search for a black non-demonstrator version (only available locally in Japan, but sellers ship it internationally), you get get these "fun" nibs beyond your normal FMB at around $90 vs. the $160 street price of the demonstrator international models.
I find the 74 is an amazing writers for the price. I honestly done think anything is even remotely as consitenr a writer for the money as long you don't need a thicker and heavier pen for your taste. The pen also would get scratched up if not keeper in its own protective sheath when not in use. The second best writer for this kind of money is the Lamy 2000 I'm my opinion.
I am surprised you didn't mention the capacity of the converter in that pen. That converter holds a bit more ink than a standard international converter. BTW do you happen to know if you can fill that converter without it being inserted in the pen like usual converters? I don't like putting my pen in a bottle of ink and risk damaging my nib because I pushed too hard onto the converter. I can't wait to try out that converter next week, I just orderd a metal pilot falcon, I usually don't like most japanese pens simply because most of them are so lightweight, shouldn't be a problem with the metal falcon though.
I have the soft fine and really enjoying it. Writes smooth and practical for everyday use. I like the flex of the nib, though it's nowhere close to my Falcon in terms of flexibility. The grey plug in the cap that you don't like is loose in there by the way, if you don't like the looks it's easily removed (just did it today to clean up a bit of an ink spill).
Very nice, thank you. I like these in colored transparent: blue, orange and light violet. Yet to find a vid with CON-70 in action (while its being inked up).
Very cool pen. Another great one is the custom 823 but of course the price is way higher so we can't really compare them, but it's worth mentioning. Anyway, those like me, who like demonstrators will agree that this is one fine specimen of the category. Thanks for another cool review! 👍
Hello Mr.Brown. I've had a 3776 and a 1911 14k and I've decided to buy my first gold nibbed pilot pen. I like pens that give a little bit of feedback and which don't skip. I was wondering how this pen compares to the pilot vanishing point. It seems that (in the video) this pen doesn't "sing", it doesn't have that sound like the VP does. I've heard on FPN that the 74 is a little bit dry. Is the vanishing point wetter than the 74? Thanks a lot.
I'm looking for a good, modern semi flex pen and need help deciding. Should I go for a pilot falcon, justice, or 912 with a falcon nib? Also, Pilot 74 vs. Platinum 3776 century?
LucidorSWE Today, I compared it to some FPs I had inked up. The line it produces is as wide as my Pelikan M200 M nib's line. It's a lot thicker than the fine Platinum Preppy. It's also thicker than the Kaweco Sport F nibs and even a bit broader than the Kaweco Sport M nib. It is of course also broader than the Lamy 2000 F nib. I think it's safe to say the 742's M nib is like a western M nib. BTW and FWIIW, the Pilot Vanishing Point's M nib also produces a "true" M line - although the VP's F is rather thin.
Well, just ordered a Custom 74 with a SF nib for my first pen with a gold nib, should be a fun experience, but seemed like too good of a deal to pass up at 80 USD compared to other gold nibbed pens. Should be a real treat compared to the menagerie of $2-10 Chinese pens I've stocked up, this will be my first real dive into something higher quality. Thanks Stephen for being dependable and having a review for pretty much every pen I look at online, even if I never end up getting anything. :P
Stephen thanks for the excellent review. I am looking for buying a Pilot Custom 74 with warranty, any idea where in Europe (preferably online) I can buy one? As it is not a European pen, I am a bit concerned about after sale service, replacement of broken nib etc. Thank you.
Just bought a clear demonstrator on eBay. Got it for $80, so hopefully I've made a bargain. It's a fine so you would probably hate it, but I'm a southpaw, so it works for me. Thanks for yet another great review. My wallet hates you! :)
You get that kind of line variation out of a normal broad nib?? I'm getting the medium nib here soon, and that line variation on that one should be pretty awesome! Especially if it flexes like that in normal pressure writing
I think it is very appealing to look at. I agree, they should have allowed the nib to be shown through the cap, but overall, it was pretty tasteful. It looks like it has very sharp, contour lines, with some nice accents. Just looks very high quality. Looks like something out of a German engineers sketchbook.
This is the international model, it's a demonstrator and comes with the CON-70 converter, which holds a lot of ink, almost like a piston filler. I've got the Japanese version, not demonstrator, which comes with a CON-20 aerometric-type converter. Awesome pen, I totally agree with your review. One thing to note: these Pilot nibs are not really one grade finer than western nibs: mine is a M, and with the same ink I can see no difference with the M nib of my TWSBI 540, which writes almost like a western M nib. I think they're halfway between western and other Japanese nibs. Now I'd like to see a shootout between this pen and your Edison Collier. :)
Stephen, do you know any reliable Japanese pen shops where I can buy a Custom 74? I heard Japanese retailers sell their C74 below 100 dollars. Thanks in advance!!!!
+Mike Lambert I've never used a 91, so I can't comment on that pen. The Falcon and the Custom 74 are both well-made pens. The Custom 74 has a slightly springy nib and the Falcon has a semi-flex nib.
Have you any experience with a Custom 74 with the soft fine medium nib? The soft fine nib? I'm getting one soon, but I'm torn on which nib variation I would like.
Hey, Nice video. This looks like a great pen imo. Could you tell me a little bit more about the nib? Based on many reviews, people say that this pen has totally no flex, while other people claim the opposite. Currently I own, a pelikan M205 and a sailor 1911 mid size. I like both pens, but now i am looking for something new.. I got my eyes on this Pilot custom 74 or a pelikan M600. I like the pelikan because it is a very nice looking pen and has an overall good quality. The Pilot because of the flex nib, if it really does have that.. Otherwise I think i'd better of with the pelikan, based upon the 2 pens I have in the collection yet..
Well, you can see how much it flexes in the writing sample, right? I wouldn't call this a flex nib, just a nice and soft nib with above average springiness.
Is this pen about the same amount of flex as the Namiki Falcon? I want a semi-flex nib at my first pen show next week. I have narrowed it down to these two
Im looking for a 100 to 180 dollar pen which is around the range of the Custom 74. Should i get the Lamy 2000 or the Pilot Custom 74. Im torn between those two
maar even in het Nederlands: Wat zou je aanraden voor een student, deze pen met een medium, of een pilot ch92 met een medium? Ik denk dat ik deze pen wil nemen omdat hij me wat rubuster lijkt maar ik weet het niet. prijs maakt overigens niet uit. Ik vind je video's erg leuk om te zien, altijd een genot voor het oog ;)
Don't want to hurt you or something, but is it your real handwriting or is it a sort of "test" handwriting ? Because for someone who loves pens that much and uses them that much, it is actually pretty bad.
+sbrebrown You obviously know that I don't have any video uploaded on UA-cam, but I can assure you that there's plenty of tutorials and tips and tricks videos on that subject. Take a look, I bet you know how to search a video on UA-cam. Sarcasm is bad. ;)
+sbrebrown Your handwriting is actually quite good, better than a lot of people on or off UA-cam, and certainly better than mine. As Brian Goulet would say, Write On!
you seem to always "very much like" a pen. i'd love to see a vid with only pens you really dont like. it would also double as warning for people who want to get them.
Great review, I like Pilot pens but not the demonstrator ones, there is something weird about ink sloshing about in view. If we all were the same the world would be dull. Keep up the good work Peace
"...it's on the tight side. Which is, kind of, how I like it. Not so loose that it will fly out, but not so tight that you can't use it." Stephen Brown, 2014
I agree with this statement.
Attercop :-)!
Thanks for the review! Purchased this pen after watching the video, and it has become my favorite pen. The soft nib definitely has a bit of character to it. Very fun.
I'm so happy to see you reviewing a Pilot Custom 74. I'm a huge fan of Pilot's Custom series. The 74 in my opinion, is one of the best deals in pendom, especially if one orders direct from a Japanese seller. Springy, smooth and wet, the Custom series nibs are really excellent. I hope you'll be able to try a Pilot soft medium nib some time soon. Wonderful things. The BB and cosu nibs are also must haves for folks with large handwriting like you and me. :)
I personally love the Custom 74, as I find it to be the prefect balance of durability, weight, and general writeability. Though the soft fine, fine-medium, medium, and broad nibs are less smooth than their firm couterparts, they do provide a pleasing way to improve your writing experience in a more controlled way than a Falcon. Try the music nib too!
Also, if you go on eBay and search for a black non-demonstrator version (only available locally in Japan, but sellers ship it internationally), you get get these "fun" nibs beyond your normal FMB at around $90 vs. the $160 street price of the demonstrator international models.
splendidsquirrel That's exactly how I got mine :D
splendidsquirrel Cool, thanks for the tip!
splendidsquirrel
Thanks for the tip, I'll check them out!
I got a custom 74 with a soft medium nib as my first gold nib pen, absolutely love it
After chasing limited edition colors of cheaper pens, I'm thinking the pilot custom 74 fits all my requirements for an EDC
I find the 74 is an amazing writers for the price. I honestly done think anything is even remotely as consitenr a writer for the money as long you don't need a thicker and heavier pen for your taste. The pen also would get scratched up if not keeper in its own protective sheath when not in use. The second best writer for this kind of money is the Lamy 2000 I'm my opinion.
How to refill the ink?
Do not push the button on the converter gently, instead..
*BAM BAM BAM!*
-Brian Goulet
I am surprised you didn't mention the capacity of the converter in that pen. That converter holds a bit more ink than a standard international converter. BTW do you happen to know if you can fill that converter without it being inserted in the pen like usual converters? I don't like putting my pen in a bottle of ink and risk damaging my nib because I pushed too hard onto the converter. I can't wait to try out that converter next week, I just orderd a metal pilot falcon, I usually don't like most japanese pens simply because most of them are so lightweight, shouldn't be a problem with the metal falcon though.
You did a shootout with the 3776 and the 1911, perhaps you need to revisit it with the 74 added.
Attack of the Japanese pens :-)?
great idea!
I have the Custom 74 and really love it. I use the fine nib and it writes excellent. Thanks for the review.
You're welcome!
I have the soft fine and really enjoying it. Writes smooth and practical for everyday use. I like the flex of the nib, though it's nowhere close to my Falcon in terms of flexibility. The grey plug in the cap that you don't like is loose in there by the way, if you don't like the looks it's easily removed (just did it today to clean up a bit of an ink spill).
Thanks for the suggestion!
Very nice, thank you. I like these in colored transparent: blue, orange and light violet.
Yet to find a vid with CON-70 in action (while its being inked up).
Those CON-70 converters are quite nice, I think.
***** CON-70 shall hold a bit more than CON-20.
www.inknouveau.com/2013/08/pilot-converter-ink-capacities.html
Very cool pen. Another great one is the custom 823 but of course the price is way higher so we can't really compare them, but it's worth mentioning.
Anyway, those like me, who like demonstrators will agree that this is one fine specimen of the category.
Thanks for another cool review! 👍
You're very welcome!
Hello Mr.Brown. I've had a 3776 and a 1911 14k and I've decided to buy my first gold nibbed pilot pen. I like pens that give a little bit of feedback and which don't skip. I was wondering how this pen compares to the pilot vanishing point. It seems that (in the video) this pen doesn't "sing", it doesn't have that sound like the VP does. I've heard on FPN that the 74 is a little bit dry. Is the vanishing point wetter than the 74? Thanks a lot.
I'm looking for a good, modern semi flex pen and need help deciding. Should I go for a pilot falcon, justice, or 912 with a falcon nib? Also, Pilot 74 vs. Platinum 3776 century?
Michael 101 the best buy is the Custom 74. Large ink capacity. Below 100 dollars on Ebay.
Awesome Review S.B. I love the J Herbin 1670 Blue Ocean it's a stunning Ink. Keep up the great work. Nick.
That's quite a classic comment you make about "using Western broads" at 4:21! Great review!
Thanks, glad you liked it!
I was surprised by the line width as well. I've ordered an M nib because I wanted something like a western FM nib. And what I got was a true M nib.
This is definitely a broad :-).
So, the Medium was wider than for instance the Pilot 74G Medium nib, and more like a Lamy?
LucidorSWE Today, I compared it to some FPs I had inked up. The line it produces is as wide as my Pelikan M200 M nib's line. It's a lot thicker than the fine Platinum Preppy. It's also thicker than the Kaweco Sport F nibs and even a bit broader than the Kaweco Sport M nib. It is of course also broader than the Lamy 2000 F nib. I think it's safe to say the 742's M nib is like a western M nib.
BTW and FWIIW, the Pilot Vanishing Point's M nib also produces a "true" M line - although the VP's F is rather thin.
Timo Labrenz Thanks for that comparison!
Thanks to you and Dave for the review. I hope the rest of your evening was even better than you had planned.
It was!
Well, just ordered a Custom 74 with a SF nib for my first pen with a gold nib, should be a fun experience, but seemed like too good of a deal to pass up at 80 USD compared to other gold nibbed pens.
Should be a real treat compared to the menagerie of $2-10 Chinese pens I've stocked up, this will be my first real dive into something higher quality. Thanks Stephen for being dependable and having a review for pretty much every pen I look at online, even if I never end up getting anything. :P
so did u like it
Stephen thanks for the excellent review. I am looking for buying a Pilot Custom 74 with warranty, any idea where in Europe (preferably online) I can buy one? As it is not a European pen, I am a bit concerned about after sale service, replacement of broken nib etc. Thank you.
Just bought a clear demonstrator on eBay. Got it for $80, so hopefully I've made a bargain. It's a fine so you would probably hate it, but I'm a southpaw, so it works for me. Thanks for yet another great review. My wallet hates you! :)
You get that kind of line variation out of a normal broad nib?? I'm getting the medium nib here soon, and that line variation on that one should be pretty awesome! Especially if it flexes like that in normal pressure writing
Writing sample 6:12
I think it is very appealing to look at. I agree, they should have allowed the nib to be shown through the cap, but overall, it was pretty tasteful. It looks like it has very sharp, contour lines, with some nice accents. Just looks very high quality. Looks like something out of a German engineers sketchbook.
It feels like high-quality too, I think: not plasticky.
This is the international model, it's a demonstrator and comes with the CON-70 converter, which holds a lot of ink, almost like a piston filler. I've got the Japanese version, not demonstrator, which comes with a CON-20 aerometric-type converter. Awesome pen, I totally agree with your review.
One thing to note: these Pilot nibs are not really one grade finer than western nibs: mine is a M, and with the same ink I can see no difference with the M nib of my TWSBI 540, which writes almost like a western M nib. I think they're halfway between western and other Japanese nibs.
Now I'd like to see a shootout between this pen and your Edison Collier. :)
These are nice pens to use!
Do you have a ferret?
No, I used to have two rats.
I just got the flagship pen of Pilot -- Custom 845, and it is the greatest pen I ever have! Maybe you can try it out some time.
ppt.cc/mlV7
Sounds great!
I think, instead of fast writing, you should _scribble_ huge zigzags quickly to test the skipping.
Stephen, do you know any reliable Japanese pen shops where I can buy a Custom 74? I heard Japanese retailers sell their C74 below 100 dollars. Thanks in advance!!!!
+Eirene Joyce Pua Maybe engeika on eBay?
sbrebrown why not amazon? Are their products authentic?
Thinking on getting one with a music nib
Came here to watch your review. I find that my pen leaks ink. Do you find your pilot custom 74 pen leaks?
Do you prefer the Pilot Custom 74 over the Pilot Heritage 91 or even the Namiki Falcon? Thanks for your help!!
Prefer in what way, exactly?
In terms of feel and quality of the pen. Which one is the most flex-like out of the group. What pen do you think is the best buy.
+Mike Lambert I've never used a 91, so I can't comment on that pen. The Falcon and the Custom 74 are both well-made pens. The Custom 74 has a slightly springy nib and the Falcon has a semi-flex nib.
+TzGuRL247 I've never used a 92, so I don't know - sorry!
Have you any experience with a Custom 74 with the soft fine medium nib? The soft fine nib? I'm getting one soon, but I'm torn on which nib variation I would like.
sbrebrown Oh, well, thank you for your time then.
Hey, Nice video. This looks like a great pen imo. Could you tell me a little bit more about the nib? Based on many reviews, people say that this pen has totally no flex, while other people claim the opposite. Currently I own, a pelikan M205 and a sailor 1911 mid size. I like both pens, but now i am looking for something new.. I got my eyes on this Pilot custom 74 or a pelikan M600. I like the pelikan because it is a very nice looking pen and has an overall good quality. The Pilot because of the flex nib, if it really does have that.. Otherwise I think i'd better of with the pelikan, based upon the 2 pens I have in the collection yet..
Well, you can see how much it flexes in the writing sample, right? I wouldn't call this a flex nib, just a nice and soft nib with above average springiness.
Is this pen about the same amount of flex as the Namiki Falcon? I want a semi-flex nib at my first pen show next week. I have narrowed it down to these two
No, the Falcon flexes more.
That looks like a great pen. I know it is one of Brian Goulet's favorite pens. Nice gift to receive!
It is!
Indeed, a very nice pen to use!
What is the difference between the Pilot Custom 91 and 92? I'm looking for a new pen, but I'm not sure what the best option would be.
Thanks!
I don't know. I thought the 92 had less nib options but I'm not sure.
Another great review. Thank you?
Im looking for a 100 to 180 dollar pen which is around the range of the Custom 74. Should i get the Lamy 2000 or the Pilot Custom 74. Im torn between those two
Coded Colt I prefer the 2000.
Actually which pen brand do you like most?I want to buy a pen which The nib is super flexible .Which pen would you recommend me buying under 250 Euro?
I'm quite partial to Visconti. For a super flexible nib, you'll need to get a vintage pen, e.g. Mabie Todd Swan.
Hi Sbrebrown,
Can you clarify if it's a size 4 or 6 nib?
Thanks
size 5
maar even in het Nederlands:
Wat zou je aanraden voor een student, deze pen met een medium, of een pilot ch92 met een medium? Ik denk dat ik deze pen wil nemen omdat hij me wat rubuster lijkt maar ik weet het niet. prijs maakt overigens niet uit.
Ik vind je video's erg leuk om te zien, altijd een genot voor het oog ;)
Kimi Haanstra Dank je. Ik denk dat het elkaar on kwaliteit niet veel ontloopt.
sbrebrown what language?
probably dutch, assuming kimi is from the netherlands
I love Japanese fountain pens!!
How does that flex compare to vintage gold flexy nibs?
Btw., you've been cutting the endings of your videos recently. I miss the other "bye" :)
I think the cutting is something YT does... Weird. Vintage nibs have WAAAY more flex than this.
Someone should start producing them again then.
What’s a millimeter?
Very nice review! I'm considering getting this pen down the road. But then I remind myself that I already have a few Pilot pens and no Sailors... :)
Sailors are nice, but this Pilot is definitely worth getting.
do you think the medium nib will be smooth as well?
it is :)
oh wow
hello brian
what will you choose between Custom 74 or Sailor PG Slim
mine is writing very very dry.. custom 74 how can i make it better
Check out my playlist on pen tuning
I own one in black and it *is* a great fountain pen! Thanks for the review :)
You're very welcome!
What song do you use for your introductions?
It's the apichima of Greek Orthodox hymn.
Right when I was convincing myself to hold off on buying one......
Yeah, you shouldn't.
If anyone has a twsbi 540 laying around, i've been told that you could put the pilots custom 74/91/92 nibs into it, if anyone likes to experiment...
Interesting, I should try that.
can i use your intro song as my ringtone?
Certainly!
If you ever decide you have too many pens, I'd be happy to take some off your hands :D
Im sure there is no such idea as too many in Mr Browns Mind :)
John Newton :-).
Don't want to hurt you or something, but is it your real handwriting or is it a sort of "test" handwriting ? Because for someone who loves pens that much and uses them that much, it is actually pretty bad.
No, that is my handwriting. Maybe I should watch your videos on how to improve one's handwriting?
+sbrebrown You obviously know that I don't have any video uploaded on UA-cam, but I can assure you that there's plenty of tutorials and tips and tricks videos on that subject. Take a look, I bet you know how to search a video on UA-cam.
Sarcasm is bad. ;)
+Dave I found this tutorial, which seems popular: ua-cam.com/video/moSY5FAs6Wc/v-deo.html.
+sbrebrown Your handwriting is actually quite good, better than a lot of people on or off UA-cam, and certainly better than mine. As Brian Goulet would say, Write On!
+jsprite123 Thank you!
you seem to always "very much like" a pen. i'd love to see a vid with only pens you really dont like. it would also double as warning for people who want to get them.
I tend to review what I like.
sbrebrown Yeah sure, but it would be fun once to have a whole show of pens you loath.
What is the nib size? It's maddening how many people don't lead with this info right out of the gate.
Taylor Loy Absolutely maddening! I would have stopped watching the free video immediately. But it was a broad nib
Great review, I like Pilot pens but not the demonstrator ones, there is something weird about ink sloshing about in view. If we all were the same the world would be dull. Keep up the good work Peace
Thank you!
hey look a new vid!
that a b nib ??
04:01.
What kind of bird do you have?
Michael 101 It was a hamster :-)
Michael 101 It did.
Kral bize de geliyor
Pilot always makes cheap plastic grips around nib and feed in good, expensive looking pens otherwise. Idiots.