Overview: Pilot Custom 823

The Pilot Custom 823 fountain pen is worthy of its grail pen label. Brian shares an overview of this gorgeous translucent pen, complete with a 14k gold nib and a vacuum filling system. Watch our Overview video for the full list of specs and features.

[Digital_Potion]

I own two 823’s —a Fine & a Medium nib. Unlike most other Japanese FPs, the 823’s nibs do not follow the usual rule of thumb, rather the nibs run slightly broader on the 823. In other words, the 823’s Medium nib is actually midway btwn a Japanese Medium & a U.S./Euro Broad. Similarly, the Fine nib writes midway btwn a Japanese Fine & a U.S./Euro Medium. If you are in the market for a Custom 823, please try one first or consider ordering a nib one size finer. If you purchase a Medium nib thinking you’ll get the usual Japanese Fine equivalent you may be disappointed. Otherwise, this is an exceptional pen worthy of a lifetime’s enjoyment.

[NGMonocrom]

Back when Matt was still making videos, he absolutely raved about the 823. Apparently the pen is an incredibly understated but magnificent writer.

[meb]

This ad / review is spot on. The 823 is close to perfect. Generous, even flow. Smooth as smooth can be (I especially like the M nib). Spacious ink capacity. Easy to fill. I own lots of pens — some “luxury, ” some basic. Every time I return to the 823, I’m reminded why I find it so satisfying. Well worth the money.

[kimihaanstra]

I’ve missed these video’s soo much!! Brian should do more of these if he has the time:)

[alexczar]

Currently my grail pen is Sailor King of Pens, but Pilot 823 and Visconti Homo Sapiens volcanic are worthy contenders. Actually I like to think about these three as a Trinity instead of one meager grail :)

[muallaemine]

I have been using FPs long enough (25+ years) to know that there is never one grail pen. İt’s always the next one that catches your eye ;) But I would definitely agree with everything that Brian said about the 823. İt’s a great pen that never disappoints. I don’t think I ever had any problems with mine. And I’ll add that the pen does not dry out! Mine had to sit in a box for nearly a year when I was moving around at some point. I realised I had left it inked when I was finally reunited with most of my pen collection. Fortunately the vac was sealed; but still I was surprised that the pen started writing. I actually finished the ink before I cleaned it. I wouldn’t intentionally do that of course, but the 823 is definitely a true reliable pen that writes beautifully and is very comfortable for long writing sessions

[phil]

Grail Pen? Not only yes, but hell yes!

[leonardmilcin]

Have used the exact one for over two years. My absolute favourite regardless of price point.

[adamcompton]

I just started with fountain pens with my Metropolitan I got from you guys, which I have fallen in love with. Since I want to have more ink than the con-40 will allow and want to see how much ink I have without unscrewing the body, I have immediately started saving for this one! Thanks for making such a thorough review, Brian, and special shout-out to Drew for introducing me to this wonderful world of pens and ink. I genuinely enjoy writing now, which I haven't since I graduated from crayon to pencil ❤

[osuata]

So glad you made this video! The 823 is definitely one of the best pens out there and you usually have to pay much more from other brands for a similar experience. Can't recommend this pen enough!!!

[frankbruno]

I just love Brian's reviews and tips.. Goulet is a very impressive and inspiring young small business. I've been a fan and customer since 2014.. I enjoy the team there and have always had excellent service and a friendly experience.. love my 823 Amber and will be back for a smoke finish as soon as the budget allows. My two boys are roughly the same age as Brian and Rachel's two kids.. raising them to be thoughtful writers and Goulet fans. Very best!!
Frank from Boulder, Colorado

[rickhoover]

I own no other Pilot pen, but this one and love it. I enjoy all aspects of it's design, nib, and filling system, making it one of my top 10 pens.

[kfalxa]

I got a big smile when I saw the title of this episode... this is my favorite fountain pen overall with the Pilot Vanishing Point a perfect compliment for short writing needs and the 823 being perfect for longer, more serious writing sessions. As you say, Brian, it is just well made overall, excellent engineering, design and understated elegance in the design. I have a few pens that cost more but none as good as this pen for overall writing quality, smoothness and feel in the hand.

And because of this pen, vacuum fillers are now my preferred filling mechanism. Being able to close off the ink reservoir a great advantage. Where I live (Southern California) outside temperatures can run 100-115F in the summer and occasionally below freezing in the winter so this ensures no leaking or burping when out and about or (God forbid) I forget my pen in my car overnight, no disaster. In addition, the elevation within 1 hour driving from my home can range from sea level to well over 4, 000-foot elevations; another chance for leaking that is not an issue with this pen. Also, as you say, for the same reasons, a great travel pen when flying.

[arnauuu]

As you said, holy grail pen territory; I have had it for a couple of weeks, and it has already become a favourite. I think pilot launched this model to compete with the likes of Pelikan m800/Montblanc 146, and it definitely doesn't lag behind. It is very, very smooth, so if you like nails this pen is not for you. I love the transparency of the whole barrel. Usually I don't like demonstrators, because they look cheap and undistinguished, but this amber pen manages to keep an elegant and classic look while being completely translucent. I just LOVE it.

[MoodyBootsPSN]

I just got this for my birthday! I love it!!

[AnzanHoshinRoshi]

Thank you, Brian. It is good to see this kind of overview video again.

[maxvanbalgooy]

I bought the 823 with a fine nib and continually encountered it drying out during lengthy writing (and it wasn’t due to the piston being closed). Based on a comment on another YouTube video, I replaced the feed with a two-slit feed from Flexible Nib Factory and I’ve had no problems since. The fine nib is finer than I prefer and isn’t as smooth as I expected—medium nib next time!

[michaeldugger]

I am thinking very seriously about buying one of these in the smoke color. The nib is probably going to be a medium as I enjoy the smooth writing experience. Looks like a winner, it’s just expensive right now.

[ronshaw]

This pen has the smoothest writing nib I have ever experienced. My son has one, and his comment was 'it feels like you are writing on oiled glass'. He's right.

[gblan]

Was set to buy the amber 823 and popped for a Vanishing Point at the last second. Haven't looked back.