Finally Ordered That Pilot Custom 823 I've Been Wanting

[chemgeek]

The Custom 823 is my #1 most used pen. It is terrific for travel, with the ability to shut off ink flow when traveling by air, and with its generous ink capacity. The nib, a medium, is butter smooth. This is a workhorse, meant to be used and abused. Mine has been, and it's still ticking. As a bonus, it can be taken apart much like the Eco when the plunger needs lubrication. I've had mine for many years, and eventually the plunger will get a bit sticky. Getting inside to add just a micro dab of silicone will fix that right up. With all that ink capacity, it's not an ideal pen to change ink colors a lot. Enjoy.

[TheDutchGuy]

At the moment they’re available again in Europe (around 350 euros), but for quite a while, they weren’t. During that time I imported one from Japan but I did not like the nib at all. I tried to learn to love it for six months or so, then gave up and sold it. The design and build were very good but it gave me no joy. About a year ago I purchased an Opus 88 Demonstrator for 80 euros. Not a vac filler like the C823 but an eyedropper, but with a shut-off valve, lots of ink capacity, instantly replaceable #6 screw-in nib and super-easy to clean. The F nib that came with it was very good and immediately gave me joy. I have several nibs at hand that I can pop into that pen with no effort at all and I rotate those at will. I’ve got other nice pens, but that Opus 88 is one helluva pen and totally made me forget about my C823.

 

I’m not putting down Pilot at all (I consider the Justus 95 to be the best fountain pen on the market today and I’ve got two of those). The C823 is undoubtedly a fine pen but at that price, I can’t quite understand why they are so coveted.

[Linger]

I love this pen. Had to get used to it though - the lack of feedback/tooth (especially on rhodia) was new to me. But on the right paper (e.g. tomoe river) it is a dream. Now that they are distributed here I will get another one in F.

[seoulseeker]

At the moment theyre available again in Europe (around 350 euros), but for quite a while, they werent. During that time I imported one from Japan but I did not like the nib at all. I tried to learn to love it for six months or so, then gave up and sold it. The design and build were very good but it gave me no joy. About a year ago I purchased an Opus 88 Demonstrator for 80 euros. Not a vac filler like the C823 but an eyedropper, but with a shut-off valve, lots of ink capacity, instantly replaceable #6 screw-in nib and super-easy to clean. The F nib that came with it was very good and immediately gave me joy. I have several nibs at hand that I can pop into that pen with no effort at all and I rotate those at will. Ive got other nice pens, but that Opus 88 is one helluva pen and totally made me forget about my C823.

 

Im not putting down Pilot at all (I consider the Justus 95 to be the best fountain pen on the market today and Ive got two of those). The C823 is undoubtedly a fine pen but at that price, I cant quite understand why they are so coveted.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

 

My Opus 88 took me a few days to work up to - specifically the nib. But I've enjoyed my 823 from day one.

 

If I had to pick between the two theres no doubt I'd take the 823 every time.

[langere]

I love my Opus 88 as well. But the Pilot 823 is marvelous as well. Of course, there is a very big price difference...

 

Erick

[markofp]

It really has become The One Pen To Rule Them All for me. I have two now, a Smoke with a medium nib, and a hard-to-get-but-not-too-hard clear demonstrator in fine point. I did the internal modification to make it so you don't have to unscrew the piston end to keep the ink flowing. If anything, I wish it was a little bigger size-wise, but that's all. It's still the one pen that I have that performed perfectly from the first fill, the one I have no desire to nib-smooth or tweak.

[cgreenberg19]

Good to hear!

[adamselene]

You are very fortunate to have found your One Pen To Rule Them All.

 

I am still questing.

 

I am trying to identify pens that are perfectly adequate for me, without unacceptable faults for EDC.

 

Cheers,

 

Adam

 

 

 

It really has become The One Pen To Rule Them All for me. I have two now, a Smoke with a medium nib, and a hard-to-get-but-not-too-hard clear demonstrator in fine point. I did the internal modification to make it so you don't have to unscrew the piston end to keep the ink flowing. If anything, I wish it was a little bigger size-wise, but that's all. It's still the one pen that I have that performed perfectly from the first fill, the one I have no desire to nib-smooth or tweak.

Edited May 14, 2020 by adamselene

[tinta]

In reference to the OP's post # 20:

 

Often I use methyl hydrate for removing sticker goo left on Rubbermaid plastic boxes. However in your case, I'd use another method. I'm not sure how a thinner would react to the plastic of your pen's barrel.

 

Using first a low-tack artist's masking tape or a length of green painter's tape, I would cover the goo residue, rub then peel away. Keep re applying tape, massage then pull off till the tape removes all the stickies.

Edited May 14, 2020 by tinta