Pilot Custom and Capless (Photos)

[Dan Carmell]

I was photographing pens this afternoon (getting ready to sell a slice of the collection) and took these two photos of my Customs and Capless pens. I like so many older Pilot models, but the Custom may be my favorite. If you squint, you can see I’ve added a black 18K nib to the stealth faceted VP. I am afraid to use that pen because I remember the stealth finish isn’t as tough as that used today. Please pardon the imposter that snuck in among the VPs. 

[A Smug Dill]

Oooer, that vintage Hannya Shingyo pen!

[Dan Carmell]

1 hour ago, A Smug Dill said:

Oooer, that vintage Hannya Shingyo pen!

I don’t know that term, which is it?

[mallymal1]

1 hour ago, Dan Carmell said:

I don’t know that term, which is it?

 

The Heart Sutra in the Custom pens. At one time I considered collecting them...but my bank manager said NO!  😒😁

[Dan Carmell]

15 minutes ago, mallymal1 said:

 

The Heart Sutra in the Custom pens. At one time I considered collecting them...but my bank manager said NO!  😒😁

Oh yes, it was my retirement present to myself! The red variation is quite spectacular. 

[mallymal1]

2 minutes ago, Dan Carmell said:

Oh yes, it was my retirement present to myself! The red variation is quite spectacular. 

 

That was a very nice present! I'm sure you had earned it. 

[awa54]

I remember seeing the faceted barrel VP in Fahrney's catalog back in the '90s and wanting one, but taking a pass because $80 was big money for a pen... also there were swirling rumors of the barrel threads stripping too easily.

That model is my overall favorite in the capless lineup, though and some day I'll probably pick one up.

 

The lined Custom with no black in-fill is a new variant to me, I like it!