I've tried Splicer's Custom 742 (I think that's what it was), and liked the Falcon nib, but I basically don't like black pens, so I don't want to wind up with a 742/743 in their default configuration.

So, eventually, I'd like a non-black (or not plain old black) pen with a Falcon nib -- and now I can't decide.

If customer service is important to you, my suggestion would be to look elsewhere.

Actually, if customer service is important to you and you live in the USA, buy Namiki. If customer service is important to you and you live in Asia, buy a Pilot.

Namiki offers superlative service on their pens.

If getting the 823, why not get the brown one instead since you dont want a black one?

I vote for the 823 because of its filling system.

I like brown even less than I like black. The filling system is a good point, though.

None of thesepens are US market pens, and I'm aware of the downsides.

Deirdre, unfortunately FA nib is available only with black barrel 742/743. I guess if you really wanted, you can get both colors and swap the nibs.

The 823 is simply a better pen! Go for that, if you can!

Erick

Voted for the 823 as it's a pure writing machine! The filling system is great and, should it ever need to be, I am fairly certain Ron Zorn and Richard Binder could restore it as it's very similar to the Sheaffer Vac-Fil system. I'm not a fan of black pens either, but the Custom 823 was THE one black pen I had to hold on to.

I know, which is why it's a two-pen process.

OK, now I understand what the poll is about

Deirdre, if you're buying for the FA nib, I find both the 742 and 743 similar in performance. The 743 has the larger #15 size nib; slightly longer, and has wider trims on both ends. Also the red edition is not really red, it's a darkish sort of burgundy-brown. I find it unattractive, but YMMV. When I bought mine the seller advised against the burgundy-brown; he said that color didn't sell at all

Good to know about the red -- is it similar to the red color of the Custom 98?

Not at all. The red in the Custom 98 is a proper red; it also comes in a deep-red maroon version. Not similar at all.

Okay, I'll wait a bit and get the 823 demo. With the Bittner Visconti sale going on, this one will have to wait for a while.

I have a black one and agree that the black is a more pleasant color than the brown.

If the Twilight Zone ever taught me anything, it's that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I bought the brown one and I agree 100% with the opposite of what you said.

That's fine, but this thread is about what I want.