Which To Buy, Sailor 1911 Or Pilot 823?

[Tassy]

To everyone who has replied to my original post, I want to say thank you for your advice and opinions, it is much appreciated.

After reading your many replies, it seems that the Pilot 823, is a good pen to go for... I have found that I can purchase one of these pens new cheaper than the Pelican M600.

 

As I will have to import this pen, without the opportunity to physically look at it. Your comments are very helpful.

 

 

I have one more question regarding the nib width. One comment was made that the Pilot 823 broad nib, is more equivalent to a European Medium fine. Has this been the same experience with other 823 owners?

 

I tend to like a medium fine nibs...

 

Many thanks again, for all of your help, it's been great... Tassy....

[PabloAU]

IME a Pilot broad runs toward the larger-end of the European medium spectrum. The reference chart at nibs.com seems to agree.

[Algester]

but the softer nibs seems to go into the western sizes for some odd reason...

[Dr.Grace]

My 823's M nib writes like a European FM. So I can imagine that, as PabloAU says, the Pilot #15 B writes like a European wide M.

[grahamtillotson]

Just ordered a second 823 so my votes go to Pilot. Here's what makes it a near perfect pen for me (and better than most other pens):

• Construction is solid and pen weight is lovely
• Filling mechanism is cool and holds a lot of ink
• Does not leak on planes
• Balance is great both posted and unposted (that alone is pretty amazing)
• Nib is stunning and writes beautifully
• Trim is beautiful

 

One note on the transparency is that it isn't as pronounced as in other pens like a Twsbi. You have to look a bit closely to see the ink, and I think that is nice. Less flashy than other pens in the demonstrator category.

 

Graham

[Kevan]

Agree. With the 823 you're getting a pen that's as good in terms of fit/finish, balance, weight and overall quality as a Montblanc 146 (and the nib is slightly better IMO) at less than 1/2 the price. It really is a helluva value when you analyze it.

[Jeff_H]

As for nib size, I can only compare what I have. My 823 is a broad. My Pelikan m205 is a M nib. The Pelikan puts down a broader, thicker line. Not hugely so, but bigger. Now, my Waterman M nib is MUCH more broad than my 823. If you prefer a FM in Western nib size, the M on the 823 will likely be great.

 

A Pelikan F = .40mm.

A Pilot M nib = .55mm. A Pelikan M = .70mm. A Sailor M = .50mm.

A Pilot B nib = .70mm ...the same as the Pelikan M.

 

Of the 3 big Japanese makers, Pilot, Platinum and Sailor, Pilot nibs from Fine to Broad run wider than either of the other 2. Platinum is slightly smaller than Sailor on EF thru M. Their Broad nibs both list at .60mm.

 

Now, you list that in a Pelikan, you want a fine nib, which is .40mm. If you know this is the width you really like, the closest thing you can get in a Japanese pen is a Pilot Fine, at .35mm. That is the closest. What I can tell you from experience is that Japanese fine nibs can be very smooth. But, if you go to M or even B, the smoothness factor increases quite a bit.... at least for me. It all comes down to what width line YOU want most.

 

 

Good luck.

Edited January 7, 2015 by Jeff_H

[lawrenceg]

I vote for the pilot 823 in clear with an FA nib.

Lots of time to treat myself in 2015 :-)

[SujiCorp12345]

I vote for the pilot 823 in clear with an FA nib.

Lots of time to treat myself in 2015 :-)

I think the Custom 823 only has F,M,B as options for nibs. (You might be able to get it on another Custom series pen and then switch the nibs though)

[lawrenceg]

have a look at this website

 

http://www.japanshop-quill.com/

 

for a bigger selection of nibs with the pilot 823

[Tassy]

have a look at this website

 

http://www.japanshop-quill.com/

 

for a bigger selection of nibs with the pilot 823

Many thanks for the website. I really appreciate it.

[Tassy]

To all that have given of your time, to pass on your knowledge concerning the Pilot - Sailor - Pelican issue I had, thank you again... It has been very helpful and informative....

 

Regards, Tassy...

[Maurizio]

Thanks for this thread. I was already considering the exact same question and the comments here have tilted me in favor of the 823.