Pilot Custom 823 Collection Fountain Pens Reviews

quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
Overall rating:
4.8
out of 5
(53 reviews)

 
There’s a lot to like about this pen. It’s visually attractive, has a super large ink capacity and it is a lovely smooth writer. I chose the medium nib and it’s perfect. The link flow and line width are equivalent to my Lamy 2000 fine nib. The only slight negative is the piston plunger has to be unscrewed every time you write otherwise the ink flow dries fast and the pen skips.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
Believe the hype. This pen is a dream. It performs flawlessly right out of the box. Every detail is perfect--the weight, the size, the nib. The vacuum filler is a delight to use, and really helps set this pen apart from other similar offerings in the Pilot lineup. I use the Visconti Traveling Inkwell to fill it, which allows me to take full advantage of the 823's massive ink capacity.

I spent a lot of time debating whether to get the amber or the smoke version. I decided to go with the amber, and I'm glad I did. The amber is lighter than the smoke, and lets you see the ink and vacuum plunger much more clearly. It's also more unique. You don't want your 823 to be mistaken for a run-of-the-mill gray pen!

I spent a lot of time deciding which ink to use in this pen. I decided to go with Noodler's Golden Brown. It's the perfect combination. It looks great with the amber, and the shading really comes through, even with the F nib.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
I got the Bold nib. Writes very smooth out of the box. One of my favorite Pens of all times.
overall: 4 out of 5
overall rating 4 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
I have been using this pen everyday, and I enjoy using it everyday. The pen's nib glides across the paper effortlessly, and the subtle beauty of the gold accents on the pen contrast wonderfully with the well appointed nib set in the Smoke version of the Pilot Custom 823. The prodigious amount of ink capacity of this pen allows for continues writing well beyond so many fine pens of this caliber. I will, sooner than later, obtain the Amber version, the Pilot Custom 823 is worth having two. I will add that filling this Smoke version with Iroshizuku Yama-Budo ink gives the nib a very pleasing effect to view. It is an outstanding pen for writing, and that is the real worth of a fountain pen. But its conservative quiet beauty is so very pleasing to hold in your hand. I received very good service from Pen Chalet, including free shipping a much appreciated part of their service. Its a great pen.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
Well for the hefty price I paid I'm glad that this pen has blown me away! What an experience! Such a fine nib, yet so smooth! And that ink capacity! It will become a cherished family heirloom I'm sure. Love writing with this pen! Surprisingly wet for a line so fine. Wow.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
This pen is by far the best writing experience I have had. Everyone raved about this pen and I resisted buying because I like a more flashy pen. When the smoke gray came out I thought now is the time. I am so happy with my purchase. I got a medium nib which is a little broader than a western fine. The pen glides across the page and the amount of ink it holds makes it perfect for taking notes at a conference.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
I recently purchased a Pilot Custom 823 with a fine nib. I'm very pleased with Pen Chalet's assistance, pricing, and delivery. The Pen arrived promptly and in perfect condition, and I'm very happy with it. Using the Parker Blue ink that came with the pen, it writes buttery smooth for this old lefty! I highly recommend the Pilot Custom 823 and Pen Chalet!
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
Beautiful pen, writes smooth but the nib is a little too small for my liking.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
This is not my most expensive pen, but it is the one that offers the most amazing writing experience. The fill mechanism is reliable and easy as well. My only complaint is I wish Pilot offered some of the other colors in the US
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
I was not sure I would like the Pilot Custom 823 fountain pen because of their vacuum filing system. After using the very buttery smooth writing from the elegant gold fine nib, I found the experience fabulous! The pen holds a huge, an amazing amount of ink. The amber shaded translucent body and cap at first seemed a novelty but later I found it better to see the amount of ink remaining and if I needed to refill. I am very impressed with the quality and styling; I would say it is worth a look and purchase if you are looking for a gold nib fountain pen.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5


Free Shipping
Free SHipping Spend $75 and get free shipping on all orders shipped anywhere within the United States.

Authorized Dealer
Authorized Dealer Pen Chalet is an authorized dealer of every brand we sell, so rest assured you are getting an authentic item.

We stand behind every item which we sell. If you are not satisfied let us know.

Shop With Confidence
Secure - Safe Shopping on PenChalet.com is Safe and Secure.

All of your information is encypted and transmitted using our Secure Sockets Layer(SSL) protocol.
Ink Rewards Ink Rewards
X
Pen Chalet Ink Rewards
Fast & Easy way to earn FREE stuff!

  • Earn 1 "ink drop" for each $10 you spend.

  • Cash in your "ink drops" for free stuff!
The best part is it's absolutely free!

X
The term "Retail" price refers to the manufacturer's or supplier's suggested retail price for an item. The initially displayed Retail price is specific to a product with the selected default options/features. Please note that the Retail price for the selected product will be provided upon specifying it's color, options, and attributes, etc.

Please note that the Retail price reflects the prevailing market price or the regular retail price. It is common for products to be sold at lower prices than the Retail price due to various factors, including promotional events, discounts, market competition, or supplier agreements.

Learn more