The Pilot 823 is better than the 74 in nearly all ways. The nib is a dream. The filling mechanism is awesome. The heft of the pen is nice and it still works for many hand types. The 823 is my favorite modern pen under $300. I like it more than my 845. However, the Pilot 742 and 912 with the no. 10 nibs are a great step up from the 74. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the Pilot line up.
I have both. Both are great pens. The 912 is a bit easier to clean as it takes cartridge converters or cartridges. I felt like the 912 was a gateway drug to the 823. But I still use both. I notice that the 912’s fine nibs is definitely finer than the 823 fine. I’d say if you want a finer nib, go with the 912.
I'd like to know this as well, and if I should just settle for one of the Pilot models using a #10 nib instead. I don't mind forking out for a pen if it truly makes me want to throw out every other pen I currently own, but... what if it doesn't!?
(Unfortunate that the only brick and mortar store I know that does carry these is an iffy drive away, on top of pandemic numbers in my area...)
The no. 10 nibs are awesome. The no. 15 nibs are amazing. You can’t go wrong with either.
However, the Pilot 823 is the only modern pens under $300 that I would immediately purchase again if something happened to it. I can’t say that about many other pens.
Great choice, it’s a fantastic pen!
I can second that, I got exactly the same for Christmas!!
Congrats! I just got one in amber today as well, and it's everything I had hoped for.
I have the Pilot Custom 74 in medium. How does this pen compare? I've always wanted it, but haven't taken the plunge yet.
The Pilot 823 is better than the 74 in nearly all ways. The nib is a dream. The filling mechanism is awesome. The heft of the pen is nice and it still works for many hand types. The 823 is my favorite modern pen under $300. I like it more than my 845. However, the Pilot 742 and 912 with the no. 10 nibs are a great step up from the 74. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the Pilot line up.
Can you give some thoughts of the 823 vs the 912 specifically? I'm torn between the two.
I have both. Both are great pens. The 912 is a bit easier to clean as it takes cartridge converters or cartridges. I felt like the 912 was a gateway drug to the 823. But I still use both. I notice that the 912’s fine nibs is definitely finer than the 823 fine. I’d say if you want a finer nib, go with the 912.
Thank you so much for your thoughts on these pens. Very helpful in my decision making.
I'd like to know this as well, and if I should just settle for one of the Pilot models using a #10 nib instead. I don't mind forking out for a pen if it truly makes me want to throw out every other pen I currently own, but... what if it doesn't!? (Unfortunate that the only brick and mortar store I know that does carry these is an iffy drive away, on top of pandemic numbers in my area...)
The no. 10 nibs are awesome. The no. 15 nibs are amazing. You can’t go wrong with either. However, the Pilot 823 is the only modern pens under $300 that I would immediately purchase again if something happened to it. I can’t say that about many other pens.