A pen that changes how you think

The Pilot Custom 823 is a tool for slowing down and writing with more intent. Known for its smooth nib and balanced weight, this is the pen people reach for when they want to think clearly on paper. 

Why you'll love it

• Smooth, wet 14K gold nib, makes writing feel effortless
• Vacuum filling system, with high ink capacity, for long uninterrupted writing sessions
• Semi translucent body shows ink level and ink movement
• Safety valve for travel, but also makes writing feel deliberate as you undo the blind cap to write

How it makes you feel

Most pens ask you to do some work. The Custom 823 does the opposite and feels as though it pulls the words out of you. It slows your hand just enough to let better thoughts arrive.

Who it’s for

• Writers who want to build a daily habit
• Professionals who think on paper
• Upgraders from “just a pen” to a thinking tool
• Users who change ink colour less frequently
  

Who it's not for

• Writers who like frequent ink changes (see Custom 743)
• People who prefer light or minimalist pens (823 has some heft)
• Writers who want a dry ink experience
• Heavy handed writers, as 823 writes well under it's own weight
• People not willing to loosen the blind cap before writing

Ink pairing suggestions

• Any Pilot ink (it's designed for the Pilot nib and feed)
• Pilot black or Pelikan 4001 royal blue for control
• Avoid shimmer inks as large particles are difficult to clean out

Practical tips

• Unscrew the blind cap 2-3mm for ink to flow
• Close the blind cap for travel
• Avoid over-tightening the cap or disassembling of the pen

FAQs

What makes the Pilot Custom 823 special?
We think it's the smooth nib, combined with ink capacity. You feel like you want to write forever.

What's the difference between Custom 823 and Custom 743?
They share the same nib design, but the 743 has a wider range of nib sizes, an opaque body and fills via a cartridge/converter fsystem. The 743 is more popular for users who frequently change ink colour.

How does the 823 vacuum filling work?
Extend the filling rod slowly and push down quickly with the nib submerged in the ink. The 823 holds a lot of ink and is one of the most efficient filling mechanisms available.

Can I change inks frequently with this pen?
Not really. The large ink capacity means it’s best suited to committing to one ink for extended periods. 

How do I clean the pen?
Empty the pen and draw up water a few times to clear our most of the original ink. That's it.

Is it good for everyday writing?
Yes, it's widely called a “workhorse” pen for long writing sessions, journaling and professional use.

Does the large ink capacity lead to leaks?
No, when the shut-off valve is closed, the ink in the body can not reach the feed. There may still be some ink remaining in the feed, but that's the same with any other fountain pen.

Which nib size is the most popular?
The sweet spot for the round nibs is between Fine (0.4mm) and Medium (0.5mm). 

Is it heavy?
It’s not overly heavy, but it feels more substantial than lightweight resin pens because of the metal rod inside the barrel.

Why doesn't my 823 write?
Check you've loosened the blind cap to release the ink shut-off valve.

What's included

• Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen
• Large gift box (with 70mL black ink bottle/miser filling device)*
• Filling instructions
• Warranty card
• Free nib tuning from LarryPOST

*Specialty nib versions supplied in standard pen box only

Complete the set

• Use with Pilot Iroshizuku ink for optimal flow
• Write on good paper. We like Midori A5 notebook.
  
• Store in a pen case (replacement nibs are not readily available)

Specifications

• Brand: Pilot
• Brand series: Custom 823
• Origin: Japan
• Nib: 14k gold, large #15 nib size, effortlessly reaches the page
• Nib sizes: F (0.3mm), M (0.5mm), B (0.6mm), 
• Specialty nibs: Signature (0.7mm vertical), Coarse (0.85mm), FA flex (0.3-0.8mm)
• Filling system: Vacuum filling system with shut-off valve
• Body: Translucent barrel, with gold plated trim
• Cap: Screw cap with secure seal
• Length: 148mm (capped)
  
• Weight: approx. 29g
• Comparable size: Custom 74, Lamy 2000

This is the pen people keep for years. Not because it’s expensive, but because it becomes part of how they think. It's our nib tuner's favourite pen.