Pilot Custom 74 vs Sailor 1911 Demonstrator

[Saturninus]

I am addicted to demonstrators and I want to get a fine Japanese nib. So it looks like it comes down to the Pilot Custom 74 or Sailor 1911 demonstrator. Any advice on which direction to take?

[Siv]

How about this?

http://ujuku.ath.cx/ujuku-shop/kaimono/fountain_pen/sailor/hougado/Jpeg/ot-ho-003-004.jpg

 

or this?

http://ujuku.ath.cx/ujuku-shop/kaimono/fountain_pen/pilot/fountainpen/Jpeg/fkk3mprc_b.jpg

Edited May 12, 2009 by Siv

[blopplop]

I too went back and forth between the 74 and the Sailor when I was trying to decide which demo to get. I settled on the 74 partially because the CON-70 filling system is more my taste than the CC-filler on the Sailor. It was only for financial reasons that I didn't chose the 823 demo that Siv posted. If I had the money, I'd go with the 823 all the way.

 

Dave

[langere]

You definitely made the right decision. Although I loooove my Sailors, the Pilot 74 filling system is superior.

 

BTW, I'm sure that soon you'll be able to get a Pilot 823, since it appears that they have become much more common and are now sold in the U.S.

 

Keep the faith!

 

Erick

[Saturninus]

How about this?

http://ujuku.ath.cx/ujuku-shop/kaimono/fountain_pen/sailor/hougado/Jpeg/ot-ho-003-004.jpg

 

or this?

http://ujuku.ath.cx/ujuku-shop/kaimono/fountain_pen/pilot/fountainpen/Jpeg/fkk3mprc_b.jpg

 

That Sailor Professional Gear Demonstrator is gorgeous, but I'm guessing it is a bit hard to find. The Pilot 823 I have seen for sale. I know it sounds silly but I don't like all the opaque black. in the section and cap. If it's going to be a demonstrator, I'd prefer it to be as naked as a skeleton

 

[Banana]

The Pilot 823 I have seen for sale. I know it sounds silly but I don't like all the opaque black. in the section and cap. If it's going to be a demonstrator, I'd prefer it to be as naked as a skeleton

 

The Custom 74 also has the opaque section, inner cap and end cap.

 

http://www.nibs.com/www/WEBSITE%20PICS/Namiki%20website%20pics/Custom74CLear_UnCapped_small.jpg

 

 

[Saturninus]

good point - hmm i really do like the plunger fill of the 823. Ok so 823 vs 1911?

[Siv]

good point - hmm i really do like the plunger fill of the 823. Ok so 823 vs 1911?

 

Cusotm 823 no competition. I would look on eBay for a deal - don't pay $300, you can get them new for $220 but you must be patient.

[PinarelloOnly]

As an owner of both the Custom 74 and Custom 823, I have to say the two are very different pens.

 

 

[Banana]

I'd get the Custom 74. It's a great pen and much cheaper than the 823.

[Dr.Grace]

I have a 74, an 823, a 1911 Naginata-togi and a couple 1911Ms. I think the 74 is a great value, especially with the Con-70 converter, but the 823 is in a class of its own, well worth the extra cost. In my experience, the Pilot nibs have a wider sweet spot (i.e. are tolerant of a wider range of pen-paper angles) than the standard Sailor nibs.

[bardharlock]

I would honestly try the 823 vs. the Professional Gear and see which one you like best. People will talk about sweet spots and other things, but what it really comes down to is how you hold the pen for whatever application you are using. One person can hold a pen and have it write smooth all day long. Another person with a different grip, writing angle and paper comes along and the same pen and nib could turn into a scratchy beast.

 

If you are unable to try both pens or nibs before you purchase them, I suggest two things: Order from a source that will allow returns and order the one you think looks best.

[troglokev]

The whole point of a demonstrator is to see how the mechanism works. If you have to unscew the barrel to operate a cartridge converter, it kind of defeats the purpose. I'd go for the 823's vacuum filler. The CON70 in the 74 is a pretty cool mechanism, too, as converters go. Of course, if you just want to see ink sloshing around a transparent pen, the Sailor is nice, but I'd still want the 823.

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

I have my Custom 74 sitting in front of me right now. The inner cap and section are transparent, just smoke colored. You can see through them easily.

 

Dillon