The Pilot Custom 823 is the kind of "grail pen" that ends the fountain pen collecting journey for a lot of people—built for long writing sessions, world travel, and anyone who wants a premium pen that just does all the things.
It uses Pilot’s smooth, consistent 14k gold nib (known for its controlled, effortless writing feel), paired with a substantial, well-balanced body that feels serious without being flashy. Everything about it reads “quiet luxury.”
What really sets the 823 apart is its vacuum-filling system, which pulls a large ink supply into the pen body with a simple plunge—fewer refills, more writing. It's a bit hypnotizing to see the ink sloshing around the colorways that have some transparency.
The Pilot 823 also has a shutoff valve at the back of the pen body that helps prevent leaks during air travel and can moderate ink flow, making it a favorite for people who travel with their pen.
In short: classic Pilot refinement, huge ink capacity, and a writing experience that’s smooth, reliable, and downright addictive.
