Earlier this month, we sent out a Pilot Custom 74 Blue Stone fountain pen for review to a guest reviewer. She’s been using this beauty for a while now and has had a grand time testing it out in all the ways that matter. We thought we’d gather up the info and provide you with a highlight reel of a review today.

A Little About Our Guest Reviewer: Christine or @notatboka

You can find Christine on Instagram as @notatboka. Christine is a fan of fountain pens, fountain pen inks, papers, and leather accessories to support and protect her fountain pen habits. If you’re interested in seeing more of her thorough, and honest reviews, simply search for #notatbokareviews and you’ll find a variety of helpful posts.

Review Product: Pilot Custom 74 Blue Stone Fountain Pen

Today’s featured review product is the Pilot Custom 74 fountain pen in one of the 2021 colors, Blue Stone. The beautiful Blue Stone color was released in Fall 2021, and renewed this particular reviewer’s interest in getting her hands on this particular Pilot. The Pilot Custom 74 fountain pen is available in a variety of colors and nib sizes. The cartridge converter fountain pen uses proprietary ink cartridges and fountain pen converter, and is fitted with Pilot’s popular gold fountain pen nib. The design features a demonstrator cap and barrel. Each pen includes a converter (for use with bottled fountain pen inks). However, ink cartridges are not included. If you prefer ink cartridges, remember that the Pilot Custom 74 is a proprietary pen, so you’ll need to get Pilot ink cartridges. The Custom 74 measures 5.5 inches capped and 6.25 inches posted and has a .5 inch body diameter.

First Impressions: Upon Unboxing the Pilot Custom 74 Blue Stone Fountain Pen

From Christine: “New pen day! Usually I don’t test my nibs too much, or should I say push, to try for some line variation, but every once in a while I like to live on the edge 🤭 This is my first go at a Pilot gold nib that is not a Vanishing Point fountain pen nib so allow me some time to adjust to a Fine nib and further test out this baby.” Pen: Pilot Custom 74 Blue Stone (F) Ink: Diamine Chopin fountain pen ink Paper: Kunisawa Pont-Neuf William Morris Seaweed notebook

Exactly What Color is Blue Stone?

From our guest reviewer, Christine: “Almost every product photo I have seen of this pen makes it look a little on the bluer side than it really is. And a little lighter in color. So I was a little surprised when it arrived, but pleasantly so. It’s a beautiful color leaning towards grey (you all know how I love black and grey is pretty high up there!) and it was kind of a perfect match with Diamine Chopin [fountain pen ink]. This color is the Blue Stone, one of the 2021 colors and I am surprised it’s a rare sight on Instagram. Really can’t say I have seen it at all.” Pen: Pilot Blue Stone Custom 74 (F) Ink: Diamine Chopin fountain pen ink Paper: Galen Leather The Everyday Book (B6) Quote: Russian proverb

Figuring Out Which Nib Size You Prefer:

From our reviewer, Christine: “In reality a Japanase Fine nib is a little too fine for me, but..I am not uncomfortable using this, the nib is really good, and I have started thinking that maybe I should collect a couple more Japanese Fine or Western Extra Fine to use as planner pens. As well as a good black ink to use consistently as planner ink. Normally I use only my Uni Jetstream for any planning. We’ll see where it leads, it could be fun trying to plan with fountain pen again and to have a handful of dedicated planner fountain pens.” Pen: Pilot Custom 74 fountain pen in Blue Stone Paper: Hobonichi Cousin 2022

More About the Pilot Custom 74 Blue Stone Fountain Pen:

From visitors to @notatboka’s review posts on social media:

“…Pilot makes one of my favorite gold nibs. I have two 91s, two 92s, an 823, and I just ordered both a VP [Vanishing Point] and a 74.”-literrohde “Blue Stone is my favorite in my Custom 74 collection.” –juliespages “I have the Grenadine on order thanks to your IG.” –anotheririshvirgo

Ready for Your Own Pilot Fountain Pen?

If you like the sound of the Pilot Custom 74 Blue Stone fountain pen, and you need to see what else there is to know about this affordable gold nib fountain pen option, visit us for more details at PenChalet.com.