Writing that feels fundamentally different

The Pilot Custom Urushi sits at the top of Pilot’s writing range, though not in a flashy or collector focused way. What people remember is the feel. The oversized #30 nib, warm ebonite body, and hand applied urushi lacquer combine into something unusually relaxed and expressive on the page. It’s one of the few modern pens that genuinely writes differently from almost everything else around it.

What sets it apart

• Oversized 18K #30 nib with an unusually soft, cushioned writing feel
• Ebonite body feels warm and organic in the hand
• Hand applied urushi lacquer develops character over time
• Large dimensions encourage a slower, more relaxed writing pace
• Despite the size, it remains surprisingly comfortable over long sessions

Feel in the hand

The #30 nib removes a lot of the effort most pens quietly ask from your hand. The pen glides under its own weight, while the soft nib adds just enough cushioning to make writing feel unusually fluid and relaxed. You notice it most during longer sessions, where the Urushi somehow feels calmer the more you use it.

Who it’s for

• Writers wanting the softest and most expressive modern Pilot nib
• People who genuinely enjoy larger pens with presence
• Long session writers, especially journaling and reflective work
• Collectors moving into flagship level Japanese pens
• Users who prefer relaxed writing over fast note taking

Not for

• Writers who prefer compact or lightweight pens
• Users wanting a firm nib for fast note taking
• People expecting vintage flex levels of line variation
• Anyone wanting a low risk everyday carry pen

Practical tips

Use a lighter hand than you think you need. The #30 nib performs best when allowed to glide under its own weight rather than being pushed into the page. Like many large Pilot nibs, it can also take a short period to become fully wettable with ink.

FAQs

What is the difference between Custom Urushi and Custom 845?
The Custom Urushi is significantly larger and uses the #30 nib, while the 845 uses a smaller #15 nib (same size as Custom 823, 743). The full size Urushi nib feels softer, more cushioned on the page, and noticeably more relaxed to write with.

How does the #30 nib compare to other big nibs?
Pilot/Namiki Emperor is more extreme due to the enormous #50 nib. The three comparable size pens are Sailor King of Pen (KOP) with a very large 21K nib and more feedback; Pelikan M1000, well known for being springy and wet; and Montblanc 149 as the firmer writer.

Is this a flex pen?
No. It offers a soft cushioned feel, with some line variation, but not true flex.

Is it prone to hard starts?
As with any new pen, a few users report initial hard starts, until the nib becomes fully wet by the ink. We recommend to flush the section with water before use, start with a wet ink and test on a paper you know well. 

What is urushi lacquer?
A traditional Japanese lacquer applied in multiple layers and polished to a deep gloss finish. It's sourced from the sap of the aged Urushi tree and applied using maki-e artistic techniques. It's durable, warm in the hand, and gradually develops small signs of use in a very appealing way.

How should I clean the pen body?
Wipe off fingermarks etc with a clean cotton cloth. Avoid use of heat, alcohol, oils, detergents, solvents, paper towels, polishing compounds or other abrasives.

Is it suitable for everyday use?
Yes, use with relaxed fingers and for longer writing sessions rather than quick notes. The slightly forward balance and oversized grip section make it surprisingly manageable over long sessions.

What's the most popular colour?
Black for formality, Vermilion (red) for impact and Konjo (blue, released 2025) for something a little less traditional. In our store, the Konjo FM is the most popular pen.

What's the most popular nib size?
FM and M are the most popular for everyday writing, and B for shading.

What’s included

• Pilot Custom Urushi fountain pen
• CON-70 push-button converter
• Pilot IC-50B black ink cartridge x 1
• Premium presentation box
• Free nib check option from LarryPOST

The nib check confirms the nib size, feed and tine alignment prior to despatch.

Ink pairing suggestions

• Pilot Iroshizuku inks pair exceptionally well with the large Pilot feed
• Rich, lubricated inks help emphasise the softness of the nib
• Shading inks look especially good due to the generous ink flow

Build your practice

• Pilot Iroshizuku are usually the safest starting point with the #30 nib
• Good paper changes this pen dramatically. Tomoe River and Midori MD are good matches
• A soft pen case is worth using to protect the urushi from UV light fading
• We especially like the Taccia pen rolls because they avoid hard internal pressure points

Specifications

• Brand: Pilot
• Brand series: Custom Urushi
• Launched: 2016
• Origin: Japan
• Warranty: 3 year
• Nib: 18k gold, size #30 
• Nib sizes: FM (0.3), M (0.5), B (0.6), BB (0.7)
• Filling system: Cartridge / Converter (CON-70)
• Body: Ebonite with urushi lacquer
• Trim: Gold-plated
• Cap: Twist
• Diameter: approx. 15mm (large)
• Length: approx. 154mm (capped)
• Weight: approx. 43g (capped)
• Comparable size: Sailor KOP, Pelikan M1000, MB 149 

This is one of the few modern pens that genuinely feels different once it touches paper.