Pilot Custom 823 Brown Fountain pen

Author: Kat

Review Title: Grail Pen

• Review Add on: 09-06-2026
• Average Rating: (4)

Had researched about this pen before buying and it is one of the best purchases I have made. The quality is just top, the vacuum fill is smooth and quite nice to do.
There are no hard starts, no skipping and you can use any ink without any issue.
If you are looking for a forever pen, this is it.

Author: Jonathan Mertens

Review Title: Fantastic

• Review Add on: 27-12-2025
• Average Rating: (5)

This pen is simply magnificent. It is one of the smoothest writing pens I own, with just the slightest hint of feedback, which I do not find to be unpleasant at all. I ordered mine with the "signature" nib, which is a fairly broad line - though I have never written with a proper Pilot broad nib, so I can't comment on how those compare - but the tipping is shaped to create some slight line variation when writing.
The pen has a nice girth at the section, it feels very comfortable in my hand when writing. The vacuum filling system was very smooth to operate and created a really good vacuum, I could feel the pull of the vacuum when moving the rod back down to suck up ink.
This truly is a solidly built fountain pen with a classic cigar-shaped design, genuinely deserving it's spot as one of the most beloved and recommended fountain pens. While not inexpensive, it is definitely worth saving up for.

Author: Brigitte Loranger

Review Title: Great Classic Pen, love the Signature Nib

• Review Add on: 16-12-2025
• Average Rating: (5)

This pen is worth the hype, a beautiful smooth writer, large vacuum fill capacity and a classic design. I got it with the signature nib, which is buttery smooth.

Author: S.S.

Review Title: Outstanding Signature Nib

• Review Add on: 25-11-2025
• Average Rating: (5)

As it is usual for Pilot, this pen features an excellent nib providing nice line variation akin to a broad stub thanks to its Signature-grind.
Something further to highlight with the Signature-nib, is its ability to write like an extra-fine cursive italic in reverse and thus, also provides a more practical option for finer writing or lower quality paper.

Author: SY

• Review Add on: 29-12-2022
• Average Rating: (4)

I have had this month for a month and have used it almost daily. Smooth, wet medium nib. Probably the best in a pen I own. The size of the body is perfect for my hand and writing style. I use it uncapped. This is one of those very few pens that could become the only pen you’ll ever need. Very happy with the purchase!

Author: Vishnu Nair

Review Title: A BEAUTY FROM PILOT

• Review Add on: 19-12-2022
• Average Rating: (5)

This pen is a must have for everybody. A classic work from Pilot. I chose the broad nib and it writes silky smooth with a generous flow. Added the free tuning from appelboom, this has become one among my EDC. You can close your eyes and pick this pen with B nib, if you want to empty all your ink bottles. Great service and packing from appelboom. Super impressed.

Author: Niall

Review Title: Wonderful pen, wonderful company

• Review Add on: 16-12-2022
• Average Rating: (4)

Fantastic pen that exceeds already high expectations. M nib is super smooth and is probably close to a true European medium. The pen in amber looks great, and is weighty enough to feel premium without being too heavy.

Appelboom is a great company too. Very fast delivery and they kept me up to date on delivery times.

Author: Michael Balbus

Review Title: All that you can hope for, and more

• Review Add on: 12-12-2022
• Average Rating: (5)

Truly exceptional pen that is well-worth the price.
The size and weight of this pen make it ideal for daily use, even if you do a great deal of writing. It's a wonderful size and weight. The huge reservoir means that you don't need to worry about running out of ink, although impractical if you like to change colors frequently. The vacuum filling mechanism functions very smoothly, providing an excellent fill (~2/3 of the reservoir) with just one stroke.
The nib is beautiful and a dream to write with. It's extremely smooth and has perfect ink flow, even when writing a bit quickly. It does not have a lot of flex, but enough to allow some line variation.
Overall, I love this pen as a daily writer and highly recommend it.

Author: Jean Francois de Voghel

Review Title: Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen with Fine nib

• Review Add on: 15-11-2022
• Average Rating: (5)

The Pilot Custom 823 is for me a kind of Grail pen. I already owned the Pilot 823 with the medium nib, by far the best writing experience in my entire collection. I took a chance and bought it with a fine nib. As with all my Pilot pens, it's just perfect out of the box. A true fine nib, wet and smooth. The dream. A truly magnificent workhorse pen with an immensely large ink capacity. And as always, great service from Appelboom!

Author: Etienne LAMBERT

Review Title: Deserves its reputation.

• Review Add on: 14-11-2022
• Average Rating: (5)

Wonderfull pen as always with Pilot. Fit & finish is stellar, I love vacuum fillers, and the nib is excellent. Beware, japanese nibs tend to be thinner than their western counterparts, but I love the scalpel-like feeling, yet not too scratchy or too dry, of a good japanese fine nib.
As always, service provided by Appelboom is exemplary !

Author: John Taylor

Review Title: Great, classic pen

• Review Add on: 18-11-2021
• Average Rating: (4)

Even though you probably can't call it a "cheap" pen, I think this is still great value for money. Classic design, lots of ink capacity, and a fantastic (and big!) Pilot gold nib.

Author: Marten van der Spuy

Review Title: Pilot Custom 823 (F)

• Review Add on: 25-08-2020
• Average Rating: (4)

What a delightful pen this is!
Joost did an excellent job with regards to fine tuning this and the fine nib lays down a nice wet line. This has a nice pencil like feeling to it with great tactile feedback. It is in no way scratchy and I can write at any angle with this nib and it remains smooth and consistent. (Believe me, I have tried to get this nib to dig into the page) Again, a true testament to the ability of Joost as well as the quality of Pilot products.
Line width if the fine nib is just a tad thicker than for instance a Sailor fine but juuuuust thinner than my Cross Peerless medium nib. In other words, a very nice, practical fine when such a line width is required.
To clean, simply remove the nib, flush the body and syringe the nib. Nothing could be easier.
All in all I am over the moon with this nib/pen combo.

To Mr. Appelboom, thank you very much Sir!