I recently met with a local pen collector so we could exchange experiences, show each other the pens in our collections, and try them out in person. When he opened his large pen case filled with an impressive selection of Pilots, one pen immediately caught my eye. It was strikingly elegant, standing out from all the others. Without hesitation, I said, “That’s the one I want.” When I asked what it was, he replied, “Pilot Custom Urushi.”
Its size and graceful presence made it impossible to overlook. Today, I’m proud to own my own Pilot Custom Urushi — a blue version with a B nib. I’m also very grateful to my new friend for lending me his black FM-nib version, which has been in use for quite some time, allowing me to compare them side by side and experience how this remarkable pen evolves with writing.
Design and Size
The Pilot Custom Urushi is one of those pens that immediately captures attention with its sheer presence. At first glance, it looks majestic and radiates the meticulous craftsmanship that has long defined the Pilot brand. Its body is substantial yet perfectly balanced — this is one of the largest fountain pens Pilot produces. In hand, it feels solid and luxurious, with its weight providing a reassuring sense of stability and control while writing.
From a design perspective, the pen stands out with its shape — the ends are not rounded, but slightly flat, giving it a distinctive and refined character. The surface is coated with multiple layers of traditional Japanese urushi lacquer, applied by hand. This not only gives the pen remarkable depth and shine but also enhances its durability. The only downside is that the glossy finish tends to show fingerprints more easily.
The Pilot Custom Urushi is available in three color variations: the timeless black, the deep and warm vermilion red, and the sophisticated Prussian blue 紺青 (Konjō /Prussian Blue), 黒 (Kuro / Black), 朱 (Shu / Vermilion). Each carries its own personality and visual elegance.
Personally, I’m drawn to classic and timeless aesthetics, so I would naturally choose the black version — a true symbol of elegance, confidence, and simplicity. Still, I have to admit that both the red and blue editions are equally striking, beautifully highlighting the pen’s sculpted form and artisanal detail.
The Nib
If the body of the pen is a work of art, the nib is its soul. In the case of the Pilot Custom Urushi, this soul shines brightly through its magnificent #30 18-karat gold nib — one of the largest nibs Pilot produces. At first touch, it feels exceptionally smooth and responsive, reacting to every subtle hand movement with effortless grace.
This nib is a true testament to Japanese precision and craftsmanship, reflecting decades of tradition in fine writing instruments. Thanks to its generous size, it lays down ink beautifully and provides remarkable comfort even during long writing sessions. It’s not stiff, yet it offers a satisfying level of feedback — as if it naturally adapts to the writer’s personal rhythm.
Pilot offers the Custom Urushi with several nib options, from the more delicate Fine Medium (FM) and Medium (M) to the broader Broad (B). Each carries its own personality. The finer nibs deliver precision and control, while the broader ones showcase the rich ink flow and bring out the full expression of handwriting.
I personally own the B nib, and I was genuinely surprised by how soft it is — softer than any nib I’ve ever used. When writing, it glides so quietly across the paper that you barely hear it — a truly fascinating and unique experience. It’s slightly broader than what I usually prefer, yet the writing feel is absolutely delightful. I also had the chance to try the FM nib, which is my ideal size and the same one I use on my Namiki Emperor. It offers beautiful flexibility and that signature softness once again.
What fascinates me most is how a nib can completely transform the writing experience. With the Custom Urushi, it’s the kind of pen that invites you to slow down, focus on each stroke, and savor the act of writing itself — exactly as a true fountain pen should.
Filling System
The Pilot Custom Urushi uses the CON-70 filling system, the largest and most advanced converter developed by Pilot. It operates on a push-button pressure mechanism — ink is drawn into the converter by pressing the metal button on its rear end.
This system allows for quick, clean, and efficient filling, holding up to approximately 1.1 ml of ink — significantly more than most standard converters. In practice, this means you can write for extended periods without worrying about frequent refills, making the Custom Urushi as practical as it is elegant.
Limited Editions
I recently found out that there are also highly limited color variations of the Pilot Custom Urushi, and I was truly surprised. These pens are usually limited to only about 70 pieces, and it’s hard to even talk about their price, as they are extremely rare to find. I don’t have much information at the moment, but I’d love to update it once I learn more.
In order of release (2020–2025):
- 2020 瑠璃 (Ruri) Lapis Blue
- 2022 ビロード(Birodo) Green
- 2023 — 江戸柘榴 (Edo-Zakuro) Pomegranate
- 2024 — 赤朱 (Akane) Brick Red
- 2025 — 紺藍 (Ko-ai) Deep Indigo
Its Smaller Brother – the 845
If the Pilot Custom Urushi is the flagship of the brand, then the Custom 845 is its elegant, more practical younger brother. At first glance, the two share the same refined aesthetic and timeless silhouette — but a closer look reveals that the 845 is more compact, lighter, and better suited for everyday use.
Like its larger counterpart, the body of the Custom 845 is coated in urushi lacquer, giving it a deep, lustrous finish that catches the light beautifully. However, thanks to its smaller size and lighter weight, it feels perfectly balanced in hand and remains comfortable even during long writing sessions. It’s a pen that blends luxury with practicality.
Inside, it houses a #15 18-karat gold nib, slightly smaller than the #30 nib found on the Custom Urushi, yet equally smooth, precise, and dependable. It delivers that characteristic softness and control Japanese nibs are known for. For many, the Custom 845 hits the “sweet spot” — offering a premium writing experience without the heft or size of the flagship model.
Just like its bigger brother, the Custom 845 comes in classic black with elegant gold accents. It’s not flashy, but its beauty lies in simplicity — professional, dignified, and timeless. It’s the kind of pen that speaks quietly yet confidently, representing both taste and substance.
I had the chance to try the Custom 845 thanks to a friend, and it immediately charmed me. I tend to prefer larger pens like the Custom Urushi, but seeing these two side by side feels special. The one I tested had a BB nib, which was impressively broad — though I have to admit, if it were a STUB, I think I’d enjoy it even more.
Overall Impression
For me, this pen is the number one choice when it comes to the Pilot brand. I’m not sure if it’s because I naturally gravitate toward the top-tier option in any lineup (and yes, this is the most expensive Pilot pen), but it truly feels grand. It’s a very pleasant oversized pen — though personally, I wouldn’t mind if the body were a bit heavier. The section around the nib has a nice weight to it, and the balance point sits close to the nib, which makes it comfortable for long writing sessions despite not being overly heavy.
My preferred nib size would probably be FM, but that always depends on your personal writing style and what you’re used to. That said, I don’t regret choosing the B nib — it offers a genuinely special experience with its beautiful ink flow, softness, and quiet glide across the page.
This pen deserves a place in every fountain pen collector’s lineup. Yet even beyond that, it’s the kind of pen that makes an impression when you pull it out in company — bold, elegant, and unmistakably striking. You’ll almost certainly get asked about it, along with a few admiring comments about what a beautiful, large pen it is.
