PILOT Custom 743 Fountain Pen (14ct Gold Nib #15, Con-70) - Black
Where nib choice actually matters
The Pilot Custom 743 is where people often start paying attention to nib differences. It uses the same #15 nib size as the Custom 823, but opens up a much wider range of nib options, from extra fine through to soft and speciality nibs. Combined with the simple cartridge/converter system, it becomes an easy way to experiment with how a gold nib actually feels on paper.
What sets it apart
- Smooth 14K #15 gold nib, same as the Custom 823
- Much wider nib range, including soft and speciality options
- Cartridge/converter system for easy ink changes and maintenance
- Balanced, lightweight body that stays out of the way
- Classic cigar shape with a minimal, understated design
Feel in the hand
The 743 is a full size pen, but it doesn't really win people over with weight and presence. It’s light and balanced, and predictable in a good way. What you notice instead is the nib. Depending on the version you choose, it can feel firm, soft, or slightly expressive, but always smooth and controlled.
Who it’s for
- Writers who want a serious everyday gold nib pen
- Users who prefer lighter, balanced pens over heavy luxury pieces
- People exploring Pilot’s nib differences
- Professionals who write regularly and value consistency
- Anyone building a preference for nib feel over pen design
Not for
- People looking for a statement or luxury object feel
- Writers wanting maximum ink capacity
- Those expecting vintage flex performance
Practical tip
If you’re unsure on nib size, Pilot gold nibs generally write one size finer than most Western equivalents.
FAQs
What is the difference between the 743 and 823?
They share the same nib and size class, but the 743 uses a cartridge/converter system for easy maintenance, while the 823 is a vacuum filler with higher ink capacity.
Is the 743 a large pen?
It is a full size pen, but relatively light and well balanced compared to most other full sized pens.
Does the nib feel soft?
Yes, but in a controlled way. The #15 nib has natural spring without becoming a flex nib.
What are the specialty nibs?
The soft nib family provide more spring in the tines for subtle line variation, with the SF "giving" the most. The FA employs cutaways in the nib design, closer to flex, rewarding a controlled hand more than force. The Waverley (WA) 0.5mm has a slightly upturned tip for ultra smooth writing that is especially useful for left handed writers. The Posting (PO) 0.25mm is an ultra fine nib with a slightly downward tip for very fine lines. The Signature (SU) 0.7mm, Coarse (C) 0.85mm and Music (MS) 0.9mm nibs are for very expressive writing.
Can I change nib sizes later?
Japanese manufacturers generally don’t sell nib units separately at retail level, but you can move nibs between all 743 and 823 models. The nib system is friction fit.
What’s included
- Pilot Custom 743 Fountain Pen
- CON-70 converter
- Pilot IC-50B black ink cartridge
- Standard presentation box
- Warranty card
- Free nib tuning from LarryPOST
Ink pairing suggestions
- Pilot Iroshizuku inks are a natural match for Pilot nibs and feeds
- Wetter inks help finer nibs feel smoother
- Waterproof inks are useful if permanence matters more than flow
Build your practice
- Rhodia or Midori MD paper work well with standard nibs
- Iroshizuku ink cartridges are useful for quick swaps and travel
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Pilot pen case or wrap if you start building up a collection
- Many users end up owning a second Custom 743 with a different nib just for comparison
Specifications
- Brand:Â Pilot
- Brand series:Â Custom 743
- Launched: 1992
- Origin: Japan
- Warranty:Â 3 year
- Nib: 14k gold, size #15
- Nib sizes: EF 0.25, F 0.3, FM 0.4, M 0.5, B 0.6, BB 0.7
- Speciality nibs: Soft family, FA, WA, PO, SU, C, MS
- Filling system: Pilot IC-50 Cartridge/Converter (CON-70)
- Body: Black resin with gold trim
- Trim: Gold-plated
- Cap: Twist
- Length: approx. 148mm (capped)
- Length: approx. 131mm (uncapped)
- Weight: approx. 26g (capped)
- Weight:Â approx. 16g (uncapped)
- Comparable size:Â Pilot Custom 823, Sailor 1911 Large
Not a statement piece, just a very good way to explore Pilot nibs properly.
