The Pilot Custom 823
Tech Specs
Weight (Capped): 30g
Weight (Uncapped): 20g
Length(Capped): 5.9in
Length(Uncapped): 5.2in
Nib:14k Gold, Bold tip size
the Break Down
from left to right, the gold trim ring where the blind cap meets the pen body, the nib, the feed, the body, the vac piston, and the cap.
The nib and feed is a simple friction fit into the body, and the vac piston is threaded in with the simple use of a TWSBI wrench. This set up makes simple maintenance a breeze, since the pen body is completely open when broken down re-applying silicon for the piston head, or cleaning out stubborn inks is quite simple to get to.
IMPORTANT NOTE
One thing I have yet to see in online material that I think I should mention here, is the lose trim wrong that fits between the Vac Piston and the Pen Body does have a correct orientation to it, one side of the ring is flat, while the other side is notched, the flat side fits towards the body, while the notched end seats, and holds the black plastic threaded section of the vac piston. if this is not put in the right way threading down the Piston, and screwing down the blind cap will leave a small gap, and applying to much pressure may cause damage. If you take your pen apart be sure to put the flat side of the ring down towards the body.
In this picture, you would be looking at the notched side that would face the blind cap, the side towards the page is flat and would face the body
This Nib
Like any other Pilot Nib I own, is perfect, it has some spring to it, and a little give, but not a flex by any means. Its feels great and smooth on the page with just the right amount of feedback letting you know what your doing. I opted for the bold in this pen as I have yet to use one, Pilot makes such amazing Fines and Extra Fines I usually go for them, but here we have something that can show off some ink, while still (Since being a Japanese Fine) Being thin enough for everyday use, this pen is a thick medium to most European Nibs. I havent had any issues with skipping or any problems with the feed keeping up with the writing, the pen writes about a 7 on (Dry)1 - 10(Wet) scale, and is well suited to most any task.
Trim And Clip and Look
This pen has Pilots old tapered ball end Clip that works great for both securing to a pocket, as well as easily clearing thicker pocket edges like jeans. the gold trim is like all my other pilots, perfect. The wide cap band is engraved with Custom 823, PILOT MADE IN JAPAN, and unlike any other Pilot band I have seen, this pen also has three stars between the two markings. the other two bands are at the top cap, which matches the band at the blind cap, and a simple thinner band that is found between the grip section and the amber transparent body.
The pen is among the larger offered pens in Pilots Custom line up, but is not overly so (Comparison pictures in following post to come)the pen's classic cigar shape and trims make it a very handsome pen that should appeal to most people. Although most pictures would have you believe (At least on the Amber model) that the cap jewel, blind cap, and grip sections are black, they are upon closer inspection actually a dark brown that suits the pen very nicely.
Tech Specs
Weight (Capped): 30g
Weight (Uncapped): 20g
Length(Capped): 5.9in
Length(Uncapped): 5.2in
Nib:14k Gold, Bold tip size
the Break Down
from left to right, the gold trim ring where the blind cap meets the pen body, the nib, the feed, the body, the vac piston, and the cap.
The nib and feed is a simple friction fit into the body, and the vac piston is threaded in with the simple use of a TWSBI wrench. This set up makes simple maintenance a breeze, since the pen body is completely open when broken down re-applying silicon for the piston head, or cleaning out stubborn inks is quite simple to get to.
IMPORTANT NOTE
One thing I have yet to see in online material that I think I should mention here, is the lose trim wrong that fits between the Vac Piston and the Pen Body does have a correct orientation to it, one side of the ring is flat, while the other side is notched, the flat side fits towards the body, while the notched end seats, and holds the black plastic threaded section of the vac piston. if this is not put in the right way threading down the Piston, and screwing down the blind cap will leave a small gap, and applying to much pressure may cause damage. If you take your pen apart be sure to put the flat side of the ring down towards the body.
In this picture, you would be looking at the notched side that would face the blind cap, the side towards the page is flat and would face the body
This Nib
Like any other Pilot Nib I own, is perfect, it has some spring to it, and a little give, but not a flex by any means. Its feels great and smooth on the page with just the right amount of feedback letting you know what your doing. I opted for the bold in this pen as I have yet to use one, Pilot makes such amazing Fines and Extra Fines I usually go for them, but here we have something that can show off some ink, while still (Since being a Japanese Fine) Being thin enough for everyday use, this pen is a thick medium to most European Nibs. I havent had any issues with skipping or any problems with the feed keeping up with the writing, the pen writes about a 7 on (Dry)1 - 10(Wet) scale, and is well suited to most any task.
Trim And Clip and Look
This pen has Pilots old tapered ball end Clip that works great for both securing to a pocket, as well as easily clearing thicker pocket edges like jeans. the gold trim is like all my other pilots, perfect. The wide cap band is engraved with Custom 823, PILOT MADE IN JAPAN, and unlike any other Pilot band I have seen, this pen also has three stars between the two markings. the other two bands are at the top cap, which matches the band at the blind cap, and a simple thinner band that is found between the grip section and the amber transparent body.
The pen is among the larger offered pens in Pilots Custom line up, but is not overly so (Comparison pictures in following post to come)the pen's classic cigar shape and trims make it a very handsome pen that should appeal to most people. Although most pictures would have you believe (At least on the Amber model) that the cap jewel, blind cap, and grip sections are black, they are upon closer inspection actually a dark brown that suits the pen very nicely.
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