PILOT CUSTOM
A flagship fountain pen series made to answer each writer's needs.
If you want a fountain pen that feels more like your own, the CUSTOM series is a good place to start. The name "CUSTOM" comes from the idea of an "order-made" pen — made to meet the writer's requests. PILOT traces its fountain pen history back to 1918, when it manufactured the first made-entirely-in-Japan fountain pens. The CUSTOM series carries that spirit with in-house, integrated manufacturing from the nib to the body. Up to 16 types of nib are available, from classic fine lines to softer touches and characterful strokes. The lineup ranges from glossy black lacquer-finished pinnacle models to standard models with broad nib options, the timeless CUSTOM HERITAGE series, and plunger-type pens that fill ink directly into the barrel.
PROFILE Company & Brand Story
At the heart of CUSTOM is a simple promise: respond to the writer. The name itself points to "order-made" thinking — giving people a way to choose what suits their own writing rather than settling for a single feel. The first CUSTOM (CUSTOM K series) launched in 1971, and the lineup has expanded in step with what writers have asked for.
The nib is where that promise becomes real. CUSTOM focuses on the nuances of writing, using gold alloys (14K and 18K) to create elasticity and welding a wear-resistant pen point at the tip. The finishing work is carefully done by hand — one nib at a time — to shape a writing experience that holds up over years.
PILOT's manufacturing story is part of the appeal, too. Since 1918, when it manufactured the first made-entirely-in-Japan fountain pens, PILOT has pursued integrated, domestic production. From alloy casting and rolling to pen point production, welding, adjustment, and inspection, the process is built to support consistent writing quality.
Then comes the fun part: choosing your pen. There are glossy black lacquer-finished pinnacle models, standard models with broad nib options, the simple CUSTOM HERITAGE series, and plunger-type pens for large-capacity filling. Inks and accessories — such as colorful iroshizuku inks and CON-40 / CON-70N converters — make it easy to build a writing routine that feels personal.
"CUSTOM" means order-made — built around the writer
The series name reflects its core idea: meeting the writer's needs. Rather than one "standard" feel for everyone, CUSTOM is designed to offer a pen that fits different hands, habits, and purposes.
Up to 16 nib types to match your style
CUSTOM brings together up to 16 types of nib. Beyond line width, you can choose softer touches and specialty profiles that add character and expressiveness to your handwriting.
Nibs designed with Japanese writing in mind
CUSTOM nibs use gold alloys (14K and 18K) for elasticity, with a wear-resistant pen point welded at the tip. Final finishing is done carefully, one nib at a time, to support expressive strokes and a comfortable feel.
From lacquer pinnacles to plunger-type capacity
The lineup spans black glossy lacquer-finished top models, standard models with rich nib selections, the clean CUSTOM HERITAGE series, and plunger-type pens that fill ink directly into the barrel for heavy use.
PRODUCTS Featured Products & Services
PILOT Custom 742 Fountain Pen — Made in Japan
A standard Custom model offering up to 16 nib options. A strong starting point for those who want to explore nib character without going into the pinnacle tier.
View DetailsPILOT Custom 743 Fountain Pen — Made in Japan
A step up from the 742, with a larger body and a 14K nib. Popular with writers who prefer a more substantial pen in hand.
View DetailsPILOT Custom 823 Fountain Pen (Plunger-fill) — Made in Japan
A plunger-type Custom pen that fills ink directly into the barrel for high capacity. Suited for writers who go through ink frequently and want fewer refills.
View DetailsPILOT iroshizuku Ink (50ml bottle)
A series of 24 bottled inks inspired by Japanese nature and scenery. A natural companion for the Custom series — switch colors to change the mood of your writing.
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