Meet the Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen, a standout in Pilot’s premium lineup known for its large ink reservoir and smooth gold nib. Available in three elegant finishes ,Smoky Black (Smoke), warm Brown (Amber), and crystal-clear Clear . Each pen offers a glamorous, transparent design perfect for ink enthusiasts and everyday writers alike.
Key to its appeal is the vacuum-style filling system, allowing you to draw up to 1.5 ml of ink ,ideal for long writing sessions and travel without frequent refills.The #15 14k gold nib (Fine, Medium, Broad, and Signature options) delivers Pilot’s signature silky-smooth ink flow with subtle feedback.
Thoughtfully balanced and robust, the Custom 823 writes effortlessly whether posted or unposted. It’s earned a loyal following as a dependable pen for daily use.
Pilot Custom 823 – A Modern Japanese Fountain Pen Classic
The Pilot Custom 823 fountain pen combines Japanese precision with one of the most practical filling systems available in a premium writing instrument.
Its transparent resin body reveals the ink supply, while the integrated vacuum-filling mechanism provides approximately 1.5 ml of ink capacity — particularly useful for journaling, correspondence and long writing sessions.
At the heart of the Custom 823 is Pilot’s substantial #15 14K gold nib, available at Penshelf in Fine, Medium and Broad widths.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pilot (Japan) |
| Model | Custom 823 |
| Colors Available | Smoke (transparent black), Amber (transparent brown), Clear |
| Nib | #15 size, 14k Gold – Fine, Medium, Broad |
| Filling Mechanism | Vacuum-filler (up to 1.5 ml ink capacity) |
| Body Material | Resin demonstrator-style, visible ink supply |
| Cap Type | Screw-on, postable |
| Length (Capped) | ~148.4 mm |
| Diameter | ~15.7 mm |
| Weight | ~29 g |
Why the Pilot Custom 823 Stands Out
- Exceptional Ink Capacity: Vacuum-filler holds significantly more ink, minimizing interruptions during extensive writing.
- Reliable Nib & Build: With a sturdy 14k gold nib and balanced cigar-shaped body, it offers consistent performance and comfort.
- Reliability: Celebrated by pen aficionados for its durability and writing ease, ideal for daily use.
- Elegant Demonstrator Design: Transparent bodies let you enjoy the ink as you write ,a blend of beauty and function.
- Value for Premium Performance: Positioned as one of Pilot’s elite yet attainable daily writers ,”an elite fountain pen experience” with competitors demanding higher price points.
The Pilot Custom 823 is a premium writing instrument designed for writers who value generous ink capacity, a substantial gold nib and dependable everyday performance.
Frequently asked questions
Its integrated vacuum-filling system holds approximately 1.5 ml of bottled fountain-pen ink, making it well suited to longer writing sessions.
No. The Custom 823 uses an integrated vacuum-filling mechanism and is filled directly from bottled fountain-pen ink.
Fine suits compact handwriting and precise notes, Medium is a versatile everyday option, and Broad produces a wider, more expressive line.
Penshelf currently offers Black, Amber/Brown and Clear Custom 823 finishes, subject to stock availability.
Yes. Its balanced body, large ink capacity and gold nib make it particularly suitable for journaling, correspondence, professional writing and regular daily use.
Use clean room-temperature water and operate the vacuum filling mechanism repeatedly until the water runs clear. Cleaning is recommended when changing ink colours or before extended storage.












































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