Pilot custom 823

[davisgt]

I've been drawn recently to the pictures of the Pilot Custom 823, especially the translucent amber one (although the smoke is equally enticing). What is your opinion of this pen? There is something about the aesthetics of this pen that I find quite appealing.  Havana Brown would be the perfect ink for this pen in my opinion,  although I've heard that Waterman is discontinuing this ink color for some reason,  which saddens me. 

[OCArt]

Someone dubbed it "the writer's pen" and lives up to that name.  Very comfortable and balanced in the hand, good nibs and a tank of ink that lasts a *long* time.  You can't go wrong with it.

[Cjtamu]

Wonderful pen and vacuum fillers are just fun. I’ve yet to add one because I have a Custom 743 that uses the same size nib. Also a wonderful pen, cartridge converter rather than vacuum and a lot more nib options. I went with the 743 because I wanted a WA nib. The nibs are interchangeable between the pens so if there’s a nib available on the 743 that you like you might be able to find a shop to swap into the 823. It’s a fine pen and I’ll add one someday.

[CraigN]

Davisgt,

 

I agree that vacuum fillers are fun.  Also, I have considered buying a Pilot 823 fountain pen.  The reason that I have resisted is a that I own several Sheaffer Valiant fountain pens that  have vacuum fill systems.  I have brown, green, silver, and carmine striated finish of these pens and can say that they perform very well.  The body, section, and cap are all made of the same material and it is possible to see the ink level in the pens.  Depending on the model, you can find open or triumph nibs.  They all perform well.

 

Granted, these pens are not new, but when  properly rebuilt, they will perform well for years.  No only that, they cost less than a Pilot 823.  If you obtain one of these pens that are in need of a rebuild, I can recommend Gerry Berg, Ron Zorn, or Mike Kennedy to put the pen in good working order.

 

You can also go with the Sheaffer Triumph pens, although I don't care as much for the appearance of these pens.  Whether or not they perform well, they just don't look as nice.

 

Regards,

Craig

[mke]

On 8/29/2024 at 1:23 PM, davisgt said:

translucent amber one

 

Or try an Asvine V126 in that color (V=vacuum)? I heard that they are good.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005220119099.html

 

[davisgt]

CraigN

Yes, I have a Sheaffer Sovereign Snorkel and a Sheaffer Craftsman. They have lovely nibs without a doubt.  

[davisgt]

Cjtamu

I took a look at the Pilot Custom 743. Wow! So many interesting nibs. I've never seen a Waverley nib,  or a Falcon (FA) nib, or a Coarse nib, or a Posting nib, a double broad, or a soft nib in various sizes. I have a number of vintage Waterman nibs that are very flexible,  including an eyedropper with a wet noodle New York  nib that they'll have to pry out of my cold dead hands, but this type of variety is incredible.  

[davisgt]

OCArt

Well, you totally convinced me with the "the writer's pen" comment. I ordered the translucent Amber 823 with a medium nib. I checked,  and I still have an almost-full bottle of Waterman Havana Brown that is going to be dedicated to that pen. I also ordered a bottle of Iroshizuku Yama-Guri (wild chestnut) as an alternative.  I'll report back. 😁

[Cjtamu]

Congrats. It’s a fantastic pen, I believe you’ll be very happy.