This is going to be one of my favourite pens. The red Urushi is marvelous. It has a distinct hard to describe glow. The BB nib is pretty wet with a consistent ink flow.
The Custom Urushi 845 is comparable to the Pelikan M800 in both size and weight, i.e. both are pretty light (but not too leight either). It is an extremely beautiful tool.
I also own the bigger Custom Urushi, which is simply too big for daily use, as it doesn't fit in any of my pouches.
We would all prefer the pen to be a piston filler - and might find its price tag, well, advanced. But one gets this irresistible, artisan Urushi lacquer. So I am happy.
I have heared rumors, that Pilot is about to cease the 845 line. So it is even better, that Appelboom managed to bring the scrace BB nib to Europe. The Japanese BB matches perfectly the B nibs in my M800 pens.
Pilot Custom 845 Urushi Red Leaves Me Wanting for Nothing More
Review Add on: 25-07-2025
Average Rating:
(5)
If you have never purchased through Appelboom, you are doing yourself a disservice. Even though the pen was technically out of stock, I received it faster than most continental US deliveries.
Loaded with Platinum Chou Kuro, the combination is spectacular. Appelboom offers to tune the pen, but the Pilot Custom 845 Urushi writes like glass right out of the box. The size in my large hands is perfect. The barrel is a pleasant diameter; more comfortable and narrower than the jumbo pens. The section has a slight flare making it feel locked in on your fingertips. There is nothing like the feel of the Urushi lacquer – you just want to hold the pen in your hand, nicer than a resin; a better grip without feeling tacky is the best way I can describe it. The pen is also very classy in appearance, far more than resin pens. This is not to say resin pens aren’t attractive in their own right, but the Custom 845 looks great without looking like it wants to be the center of attention.
Pilot custom 845 urushi writes like a dream! My grail pen, always reliable, smooth, precise! Comes in a very nice wooden box as well, perfect as a gift.
I have so many grail pens, but this is by far my favorite: The smooth, buttery feel is simply incredible. I have always been a fan of Japanese nibs, but this one is stellar even amongst the fantastic Japanese nibs.
Wow, this pen is mindblowing. I’ve got the fine (nib tuned) and it feels so good in my hand! It’s very sensitive which makes writing very intense, something I enjoy. You have to stay focussed- it can be unforgiving when you don’t have a steady hand.
And it’s absolutely gorgious.
Only one remark: I had it tuned and when I got it the cartridge still had some blue ink remains in it. For me no big issue because I already planned to fill it with Chou Kuro, blackest of black. But if I’d want to use some of my lighter inks, like Pelikan Mandarin or my Chiku rin green, I think I’d have to wash it first…
Tuning was worth it though, it writes like a dream.
From the aesthetic point of view, this pen is glorious. As a writing instrument, it is even better. Holding it and the balance and smoothness of writing (not too wet) are tops. I have many fine fountain pens, many of which write nicely, but what also must count is the feel and balance. Kudos to Pilot
I really like Pilot Pens and now like them even more. A lovely large pen that feels comfortable in the hand and writes very smoothly. I’m left-handed and have no problem pushing this nib across the page. I filled this pen and left it capped for 2 weeks and there was no hesitancy in starting the ink flow. Would I buy this pen again? A resounding yes, but in black the next time.
The Pilot 845 Urushi red fountain pen is everything that I expected.
The colour and finish of the pen is exquisite. The gold trim design is a masterful attention to detail.
The nib not only looks good but as expected writes like a dream, it is buttery smooth and a pleasure to write with. The filling system works well and it is easy to change inks and clean. In short an excellent buy and something that I will enjoy for many years.
I bought this pen wanting the top of the line Pilot experience and it has not disappointed! I asked for the nib tune service as well. Writing is spectacular!
Pen looks flawless with excellent tolerance in the threads. The urushi coated ebonite feels warmer than resin and the weight and balance is spot on.
I like large pens and this fits the bill!
Wonderful communication by Appelboom as well!
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