Ode To The 74!

[max dog]

Is it really true that the soft nibs are softer than the elabo nibs? I ask because after watching master calligrapher Schin Loong demonstrating an elabo I was tempted to save for one, but now wonder if I wouldn't be better served by the other Pilot soft nibs.

 

The Pilot Custom 74 feels softer, but you can push the Elabo/Falcon further for more line width variation. The Elabo nib has noticeable feedback, feels more precise and robust for flexing than the 74 like an artists tool, but the 74 is an all around smoother every day writer, and I personally find it more pleasant to use for every day writing than the Elabo with the ability for some expression when you want it. It all depends on what your preference is.

Edited January 29, 2017 by max dog

[Bluey]

I find the Pilot Custom 74 softer than my Elabo too. The Custom 74 is more pleasant to use, perhaps due to the less steep angle that the nib makes with the page(look at how the Elabo nib points downwards when laid flat), but the Elabo feels more unique.

 

In terms of actual ability to flex(they're not designed to flex in the Western sense though, of course), I don't think there is much difference.

I don't flex them normally except for the occasional need to add flamboyance to my otherwise boring and illegible handwriting. Typically I use them for every day writing in my journal when it's their turn for an 'outing'(I rotate them)

Edited January 29, 2017 by Bluey

[TSherbs]

Pilot Custom 74 with soft fine-medium nib. Ink is Montblanc Royal Blue

And the optional high capacity con 70 converter is a bonus.

 

My experience is the same as yours. My Custom 74 SFM is my favorite and best pen now. Other pens are becoming neglected.

[Pactagon]

I agree, the Custom 74 is a superb pen. My 74's M is probably my smoothest nib with barely any feedback.

[dcwaites]

Your image suggests that perceptions of flexibility made need revising, as I see not much difference here between these two pens.

 

Is it really true that the soft nibs are softer than the elabo nibs? I ask because after watching master calligrapher Schin Loong demonstrating an elabo I was tempted to save for one, but now wonder if I wouldn't be better served by the other Pilot soft nibs.

 

Vintage is out of the question of course.

 

The Soft nibs (Pilot and Platinum) bend upwards, but not outwards, so while they may give a softer feel when writing, you really don't get much line variation.

 

I learnt to write cursive using dip pens, so I naturally have a very light hand, and don't feel much of the benefit of the soft nibs. The only reason I would buy one now, is that they tend to be intermediate in size, so that a Soft Fine is wider than its matching Fine and narrower than its matching Medium.

[TSherbs]

Your image suggests that perceptions of flexibility made need revising, as I see not much difference here between these two pens.

 

Is it really true that the soft nibs are softer than the elabo nibs? I ask because after watching master calligrapher Schin Loong demonstrating an elabo I was tempted to save for one, but now wonder if I wouldn't be better served by the other Pilot soft nibs.

 

Vintage is out of the question of course.

Sorry, but I have never heard of or seen an elabo nib.

[Bluey]

Sorry, but I have never heard of or seen an elabo nib.

Japanese name for the falcon

[Arkamas]

At this point I think I'll most definitely go for a Custom 74 myself. It seems to be near legendary and I've become pretty attracted to it. I'm just trying to decide between a SF or SFM nib. It's difficult when you can't test them in person... My lucina is a M nib and I have a Pilot VP with a F nib. I've been using Noodler's black in my lucina which feels comparable to my VP which has Namiki. Noodlers isn't quite so wet in my Lucina as the Namiki but when I filled it with Namiki it became a bit to wet for my taste. In fact the same thing happened with my Metropolitan - also M.

My VP write like a dream with Namiki and but I haven't tried it with the Noodler's so data's lacking there, but I imagine the same principle would occur and it would be a bit drier. I have tried my Platinum Balance F with both inks and it's comparable to the VP with Namiki in both if that's worth anything. I think it's also a little more wet with Namiki than Noodler's.

Basically I seem to find M Japanese nibs seem to work better for me with Noodler's as F nibs are with other more basic inks (this includes Parker Quink as well)

Soooooo out of all of this, is there any insight as to suggestions? I know reading another FP user's mind doesn't work too well here but It would be unfortunate to get a 74 and end up with the wrong nib so I would just like some additional input from experience if anyone else has these pens.

On top of all of this, soft nibs are new territory to me, but very interesting too. I'm wondering if a SFM might be the sweet spot for me, able to work with both inks, preferably.

[max dog]

At this point I think I'll most definitely go for a Custom 74 myself. It seems to be near legendary and I've become pretty attracted to it. I'm just trying to decide between a SF or SFM nib. It's difficult when you can't test them in person... My lucina is a M nib and I have a Pilot VP with a F nib. I've been using Noodler's black in my lucina which feels comparable to my VP which has Namiki. Noodlers isn't quite so wet in my Lucina as the Namiki but when I filled it with Namiki it became a bit to wet for my taste. In fact the same thing happened with my Metropolitan - also M.

My VP write like a dream with Namiki and but I haven't tried it with the Noodler's so data's lacking there, but I imagine the same principle would occur and it would be a bit drier. I have tried my Platinum Balance F with both inks and it's comparable to the VP with Namiki in both if that's worth anything. I think it's also a little more wet with Namiki than Noodler's.

Basically I seem to find M Japanese nibs seem to work better for me with Noodler's as F nibs are with other more basic inks (this includes Parker Quink as well)

Soooooo out of all of this, is there any insight as to suggestions? I know reading another FP user's mind doesn't work too well here but It would be unfortunate to get a 74 and end up with the wrong nib so I would just like some additional input from experience if anyone else has these pens.

On top of all of this, soft nibs are new territory to me, but very interesting too. I'm wondering if a SFM might be the sweet spot for me, able to work with both inks, preferably.

I chose the SFM on mine only because I wanted a fine (western fine) nib to enable me to write small enough notes, but not too fine with a lot of feedback which is what I see mentioned of the Japanese fine nibs. Only other Japanese pen I have is the Elabo/Falcon with SF, and while I enjoy using that pen, I do find the SF nib has a lot of feedback when writing normally without flexing it. I would say the SFM is comparable to a western fine, or even an extra fine. I think for my self I chose well because I find it to be smooth, but still with pleasant feedback. It also has a nice generous ink flow which I like.

[Arkamas]

I would say the SFM is comparable to a western fine, or even an extra fine. I think for my self I chose well because I find it to be smooth, but still with pleasant feedback. It also has a nice generous ink flow which I like.

 

Hmm. Sounds about perfect for me then. Thanks.

[ParkerDuofold]

Hello Maxdog,

 

Congratulations.

 

I have close to 100 pens now and I have two absolute favorites: my Pilot Custom 74 with a Soft Medium nib and my Lamy 2000 with a medium nib.

 

I don't like demonstrators, so I got a solid black and gold one directly from Japan, (I saved around $65, too). Your's looks just like mine from the pic.

 

Congratulations again, you're only going to love that pen more with every passing day.

 

- Anthony

[max dog]

Hello Maxdog,

 

Congratulations.

 

I have close to 100 pens now and I have two absolute favorites: my Pilot Custom 74 with a Soft Medium nib and my Lamy 2000 with a medium nib.

 

I don't like demonstrators, so I got a solid black and gold one directly from Japan, (I saved around $65, too). Your's looks just like mine from the pic.

 

Congratulations again, you're only going to love that pen more with every passing day.

 

- Anthony

Thanks Anthony. It's certainly one of my best writers and I'm loving that soft nib.

Edited February 7, 2017 by max dog

[benbot517]

I have one with a cosu nib on it, and it's stupidly fun to write with. It also powers through ink like I've never seen before. I don't normally like the classic black and gold classic design, but this nib makes me love the pen.

[Arkamas]

I would've gone for a sfm nib but I really wanted a deep red C47 and they don't seem to come with soft nibs in any color beyond black (a color I have enough pens in already) anywhere I look, so I went for a fine nib. The wait from Japan is killing me.

[TSherbs]

Hang in there!

[DannyB]

As a noob, with the help of folks here, I ordered a C74 SFM and paid the $25 shipping. It arrived This past Friday. Wow! Do I have a lot to learn about letting the pen float on the ink and not applying pressure!! Its loaded with Waterman blue. I have some Pilot Isu inks coming this Tuesday. After reading some of the reviews here, waiting on the ink is almost as bad as waiting on the pen!

 

You're fight about the choice of black and gold or black and gold or gold and black!!

[DannyB]

Have you hugged your C74 today?😎

Edited February 28, 2017 by DannyB

[Arkamas]

Arrival!!! Drooling all over my keyboard doesn't compare to drooling all over the pen itself.

The deep red version seems to be one of those pens where holding it in the right light brings out the hidden beauty in its color. Everything about it is nicely designed, even the way it posts is the most satisfying of any of my other pens. And it's the first traditional style, gold-nibbed pen in my collection.

Surreal moment.

Edited March 3, 2017 by Arkamas

[Kolyd]

Honestly, my C74 is my favorite pen now. I use it at school with Diamine Brilliant Brown ink - the SF nib is just wonderful! Thin enough for school-work but the little bit of flex adds that much needed, although minimal, flair. Really loving this pen, and nib and the softness!

[Hejhox]

I do like my Custom 74 but I have constantly been disconcerted with the dryness on upstrokes. Soooo smooth otherwise!