I have attempted to navigate the Reviews page but still am confused. Can someone take a minute, please, to "cut to the chase" about the Pilot Custom? In spite of best efforts, I remain in the dark.

Thank you!

What do you want to know about the Custom?

Thank you for your reply. In response, I will say, first of all, that with the Pilot Custom, I make "beginner's mind" look enlightened. :0)

I see there are several models. I can't seem to distinguish one from the other. Also, I don't see where they are on sale, let alone for how much, although I'm sure I am just missing something there.

Also, how do they write? When I go to the reviews page, there are more models than just one (can't remember now how many), so I reallly don't know what I'm reading about exactly (get confused easily).

So, to sum, please assume I am the stupidest person in the world -- as, in this case at least, I clearly am. Then, please, only whatever you might have time to post about -- that will be most appreciated!

Thank you!

Pilot used the model name "Custom" for essentially two production pens--one from the 70's-80's and another in the 00's. So, I'm not sure which one you're interested in knowing more about. Can you point to a picture or one of the reviews you saw?

Either/both -- and particularly any I might be able to procure now! Again, I'm starting here with less than zero.

Hope that helps. If not, please write back and I'll work at clarifying...

Thank you!

OK... if you're not really sure, then I'm curious as to what is drawing you to the Pilot Custom specifically. Usually it's the sight of some images, a review of a particular pen, or the mention of recommendation from a member that incites interest. Perhaps what would be more useful to know is what qualities you're looking for in a pen.

Ahh... This is getting interesting. I'm looking for a quality cartridge pen, lightweight, clean lines. I first encountered just the word "custom" somewhere on the Board, so I went to the Review page, saw all the options and became thoroughly confused. Then I went to a few Pilot sites -- Pilot USA, Namiki, and some retailers that handle Pilot -- and no luck there -- as in, no Customs for sale that I could find . Somewhere just recently I learned that the Customs aren't offered in the U.S. Oh....

I've since done some more investigating, and so far I think the Custom 74 might be closest to what I'm looking for. I'd like a travel pen -- ultimately -- that is a cartridge pen and is smooth like the M200, relatively affordable, and a simple design/high quality combo. at the same time, like the M200 as well. I have a Pilot 78G on order from Samovar, but in the meantime I've been looking into the Namiki Falcon as one possibility, and now the Custom. Perhaps the Custom 74? :0)

Thanks for hanging with me on this. Please let me know if more info. would help. I appreciate your willingness to help.

I am not too sure if you have checked this thread yet, if not, then it is a great visual aid to your quest on the Pilot custom pens.

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=68908

Nikolaos

Thanks, Nikolaos. Looks like that discussion is right on this page too... Sheeesh... Good thing it wasn't a snake! :0)

I didn't know there was a "Heart Sutra" version. That sutra is a wonderful "river of words," ending with a mantra which I think translates to, "Gone, gone, gone beyond. Gone completely. So be it."

What a great idea to put that sutra on a pen... I'll add the sutra pen to the growing "I-didn't-know-that" list I find emerging from visits to FPN.

Thanks again for your reply!

The photos from that link Nikolaos posted are vintage Pilot Customs (from the 70's), some of which are very difficult to find and astronomical in price (Buddhist scriptures for one). Of those, the black stripe Custom is the most commonly available. Despite being made of brushed steel, they aren't heavy pens. But it sounds to me like you're more interested in the modern Custom, like the 74. You should try searching around FleaBay. There are some Japanese sellers offering them periodically. Search the history too, for some recent pricing so you know how to bid accordingly.

For the modern custom, they have different model numbers that are mainly based on differences in nib size and in filling system. You're right in that they all look pretty similar. Ujuku Japan shop carries them. But keep in mind that they'll be grey-market goods and so won't be covered under warranty. I had no problems with my Pilot Custom 823 but I have read about a member's pen falling apart due to cleaning via alcohol.

Anyway, their nibs are different as well as their bodies. For example, Custom 743 and 742 have similar dimensions but their nibs are different. The nib #15 being larger than the #10. Don't know if it's worth the price difference but it might be for some folks. I hope that helps. The 823 has a cool plunger filling system. I love it and it works great!


edit: No affiliationwith Ujuku. I just bought some pencils from them and they were great. Expensive shipping but it's the real shipping price via EMS.

Thank you for the Ujuku link. Now I'm starting to get it! :0) Even a blind dog finds a bone once in a while -- particularly with help from friends!

Thanks again!

Thank you for helping with the distinction between older and modern Customs. I'm on my way to Ebay now! Will check histories, as you advise...

Thanks again!!

:0)

Here's my attempt at a summary for you of the modern ones, ranging from the most expensive to the cheapest (but still reasonably high end):

FKV-5 Custom 845 - Black Urushi Lacquer, cartridge/converter, No 15 nib (standard nib selections) $400+

FKK-3 Custom 823 - Transparent black/brown/clear plastic, piston filler, No 15 nib (standard nib selections) $200+

FKK-3000 Custom 743 - Black/Dark red plastic, cartridge/converter, No 15 nib (funky nib selection) prices vary by nib from what I've seen

FKK-2000 Custom 742 - Black/Dark red plastic, cartridge/converter, No 10 nib (funky nib selection) prices vary by nib from what I've seen

FKK-1000 Custom 74 - Black plastic/Dark red/blue/green, cartridge/converter, No 5 nib (large nib selections) $75+

FKK-1 Custom 74 - Clear plastic, cartridge/converter, No 5 nib (standard nib selections) $75+


Standard nib selections - EF/F/M/B
Large nib selections - EF/F/SF/FM/SFM/M/SM/B/BB
Funky nib selections - includes the the above as well as the flex, posting, music and stub nibs

Note: the soft nibs and flex nibs are not available on the coloured versions, only the black one. Also the prices are what I've bought them for or seen them bought for. None of these pens are available through Pilot USA and have to be bought grey market, usually from Japan.

There is a Custom 98 but it has a No 3 nib and is cheapish.

Pilot also produce the FK-700R in the Custom range (standard nib selection) $66, 7000 Yen.



A brief review can be found here.

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=65878

Wow, Siv!! Thank you so much! More help than I could have hoped for!

If you're ever in N. Fla., let me know; the cold one's are on me!

Thank you, Nemesiz! That's great! Like with Siv, if you're ever in N. Fla., let me know; the cold one's are on me!!

Have a great Sat.!

I recently acquired a Custom 74 (modern) in trade. I am completely unfamiliar, but I gather this pen uses the same cartridges as the VP? Will it take standard short cartridges? As you can tell, I haven't inked it yet. It came with a Pilot cartridge, still in package, and a converter, but I jsut want to know what my options are.

Sharon in Indiana

I've got a Pilot Custom in Cherry wood that I'm thinking of selling...
Stock image, mine is not stickered.

Is that wood, or something made to look like wood?

Sharon in Indiana

Use Babelfish* as the translator and access Pilot website. http://www.pilot.co.jp/products/pen/fountain/index.html. The site provides a wealth of information concerning the type of converters and cartridges the various fountain pens uses. It also shows the Custom models made from wood.

Pilot Custom 74 uses all three proprietary types of converters - Con-20 (piston type), and the larger Con-50 and Con-70. From recollection the VP uses the Con-20 and Con-50 converters and so are interchangable. See http://www.pilot.co.jp/products/pen/founta...rter/index.html for the design and shape of the converters. Richard Binder's website is a wealth of information concerning the Pilot VP . http://www.richardspens.com/?page=sales/newp_nam.htm


Hope this helps.

Shane






*Type Babelfish into Google to access the site, cut/paste the above URL (http...... ) and select Japanese to English.

Hi Sharon,

the pen is made out of cherry wood

Nikolaos

Edit to remove partial quote:


Please excuse my ignorance, but what is it about these pens that makes them "grey market"?

Thanks.

Terminology

The grey market is the trade of something legal through unofficial, unauthorized, unintended distribution channels. (Wikipedia)

Pilot (Namiki) Pens do not distribute the Custom range of fountain pens outside Japan, thus the distribution and purchase is through unofficial channels. So technically fountain pen users have no legal recourse when it comes to guarantees or warranties, except under certain circumstances*.

*Occasionally the domestic company or distributor may provide special dispensation to their customers as a form of 'goodwill' but they have no obligation under legislation to offer this service.

Thanks nemesiz,

What if you are buying from a retailer in Japan (but importing it to - in my case - Canada?) and taxes and duty are paid on the item?

It's still grey market - you're buying something from another country and the item is not available for sale in your local market. It's still under warranty but in the country of purchase so if something goes wrong you have to send it back to Japan for service - you can't send it to your local distributor.

It's important to note that this is NOT illegal - just an channel of sale which the manufacturer doesn't intend.

Yes it is actually made of Cherry Wood, I need to take a real picture because mine is much nicer looking that the stock photo I put up.

Probably someone else with better experience and knowledge could answer this question properly, but here is a general guideline. If the item is damaged, faulty or broken the retailer must conform to the country's consumer laws, so must either replace, repair or provide a refund for the item, depending on various mitigating factors*. Unfortunately this means sending the pen back to the retailer, costing you postage, insurance and time filling out custom forms.

Some international companies with regional headquarters will provide repairs, nib exchange* or replacement for faulty writing instrument bought in other countries. Either ask fellow users or research their experiences concerning warranties or otherwise contact the manufacturer to find out their policy. For more information about Pilot pens in North America and Canada please check out the link http://www.pilotpen.us/about/contact/ (links to Canadian distributor).

*usually within 30 days

Hope this is helpful

Shane

Thanks Shane,

Very helpful!!