Comprehensive Guide On Pilot Fountain Pens?

[angelov95]

Hi! Is there somewhere a comprehensive guide on all the Pilot pens out there? I can´t seem to understand which is better than which.

 

I've been wanting to get my hands on some japanese pen for quite sometime. Love Sailor 1911 models but I think I want a Pilot with and FA nib or some sort of M soft.

 

I've nailed down the pens I like to the Pilot 912, 823 and 743, and the Justus 95. I'd like to get a bigger sized pen (reason I'm not going for the falcon or 74). What are the differences between the models?

 

Thanks in advance! Hope you can point me in the right direction!

[Inkling13]

912 is the large flattop version, takes C/C, including the largest CON70 converter.

823 is the vacuum filler version. Cigar shaped. Comes in standard FMB nib sizes.

743 is the cigar shape, like the 912, but it is available with all the nibs of the Pilot #15 sized nibs.

 

None of them are bad, and they are almost peers in that regard. Build quality and materials are nearly identical as well.

[katanankes]

This blogger from Hong Kong put together probably the most informative resource available online:

 

http://kmpn.blogspot.jp/2011/06/pilot-custom.html

 

Very good comparisons.

[Algester]

or you can look at Pilot Japan's catalog :X

[gerigo]

Should I be mean and ask: "Really? A question like this in the modern age of Google and the all powerful online search engines, where you can find literally everything in the comfort of your living room?"

 

But NO, I will help.

 

Here is Pilot's catalog from their Japan website. It gives you a very complete list of their current standard production fountain pens, including those by Namiki. For those special editions, you have to go to the website of the individual shops.

 

http://www.pilot.co.jp/products/pen/fountain/

[inkstainedruth]

Do the links just show current Pilot pens? Or also go into the history of the brand and show vintage ones? I ask because I just resurrected my own thread last night tracking down the model of a "Korean" Pilot pen that I got last summer (happenstance find in an antiques store) for not a lot of money.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[angelov95]

Should I be mean and ask: "Really? A question like this in the modern age of Google and the all powerful online search engines, where you can find literally everything in the comfort of your living room?"

 

But NO, I will help.

 

Here is Pilot's catalog from their Japan website. It gives you a very complete list of their current standard production fountain pens, including those by Namiki. For those special editions, you have to go to the website of the individual shops.

 

http://www.pilot.co.jp/products/pen/fountain/

Awesome! Thanks for the warm welcome to this subforum and your kindness. Why bother helping people? Which is what this forum is all about..Anyway, I did look to youtube reviews and all sorts of things. Which only messed with me a little more. This was my last resort. As I thought you people would be able to provide some further insight, rather than complaining of my noobie questions. I was specifically looking for personal experiences and preferences with these models.

 

Thanks. Won't ask again around this subforum.

[angelov95]

912 is the large flattop version, takes C/C, including the largest CON70 converter.

823 is the vacuum filler version. Cigar shaped. Comes in standard FMB nib sizes.

743 is the cigar shape, like the 912, but it is available with all the nibs of the Pilot #15 sized nibs.

 

None of them are bad, and they are almost peers in that regard. Build quality and materials are nearly identical as well.

Thanks! That clears some things up!

[angelov95]

RT

 

This blogger from Hong Kong put together probably the most informative resource available online:

 

http://kmpn.blogspot.jp/2011/06/pilot-custom.html

 

Very good comparisons.

Thanks! That is very helpful! Didn't know about that blog.

[gerigo]

Ooooo... I guess no getting the sense of irony in my reply. I did say I WOULD help;) Also I read your ask literally. You asked for a comprehensive guide, not personal opinions. So that's what I contributed.

 

Personally I find what Pilot has chose to export to the world, which is a VERY small section of their vast catalog, just underwhelming. I was just in Tokyo, and only purchased pens that were not available outside of Japan. Personally my favorites are the Ichii Custom, the Grancie Silver, and the Custom 742. But in the current state of the global economy, you can easily get these pens directly from online retailers in Japan. In general, Pilot makes great pens and you can't go wrong.

 

 

 

Awesome! Thanks for the warm welcome to this subforum and your kindness. Why bother helping people? Which is what this forum is all about..Anyway, I did look to youtube reviews and all sorts of things. Which only messed with me a little more. This was my last resort. As I thought you people would be able to provide some further insight, rather than complaining of my noobie questions. I was specifically looking for personal experiences and preferences with these models.

 

Thanks. Won't ask again around this subforum.

[Drawing61]

AngelovPens,

 

Apologies and don't give up on us. This site, forums and sub forums exists for fountain pen lovers to exchange news, information, expertise and good natured gossip and trivia. I think members rank from expert/connoisseur to newbie .100. I rank myself in newbie .205.

 

I've learned a lot here from smart and generous people. I'm glad you're here.