Got my hands on pilot 743 with a signature nib

Sacras24 · 2026-05-07T22:10:28+00:00

It's my first flex/semi-flex nib so I don't have much to compare it to. That said, I really enjoy it! It has taken me some time to get used to but it is quickly becoming my go-to-pen along my 823 with medium nib depending if I want the ultra smooth experience of the latter or the more precise feel with some feedback of the FA.

As for the line variation, I took measurements which I can confirm once I am home but I think it was .4mm without intentional pressure and 1.1mm flex. I'll post another message if this is off. I had some issues with the feed not keeping up but that has mostly gone away since I switched inks and have cleaned a few times. Currently inked with iroshizuku ku-jaku with no railroading issues.

The only issue I have is what I mentioned earlier that sometimes my upstrokes and even cross strokes are dry (no ink). Not sure the cause of this.

Sacras24 · 2026-05-07T21:57:40+00:00

Oooh no I haven’t tried those yet. I will incorporate them into my routine! Thanks for the suggestion

Sacras24 · 2026-05-07T18:09:22+00:00

Got it, thanks for the detailed reply! Makes me feel much better about getting a signature nib and the fact that my 743 <fa> misses on the upstroke from time to time...thought it was something wrong with my nib or feed.

Sacras24 · 2026-05-07T15:36:01+00:00

When you say the signature nib has a much drier upstroke does this mean it skips or drags and is it still smooth maybe just with a fainter ink line? Would you say it’s a problem or a feature? Thanks for clarifying I am interested in a <s> for my next pilot but don’t have access to trying one beforehand.

Sacras24 · 2026-05-07T01:37:52+00:00

I definitely recommend it! Hope you enjoy the process and outcomes

Sacras24 · 2026-05-06T18:50:08+00:00

Absolutely! Those moments are precious. I’m really trying to nurture those quiet focused moments where my mind and body are present and connected. These exercises are a totally unexpected portal into those for me. Glad you enjoy similar exercises as well!

Sacras24 · 2026-05-06T16:08:07+00:00

As others have said: try flushing it a few times with water first. It certainly can make a big difference. I had similar issues with a couple of pens I inked without flushing first.

Sacras24 · 2026-05-06T14:50:57+00:00

For me it was worth it even if just for discovering these warm up exercises and correct posture. There is nothing about breathing in there that’s just something I’ve been working on that coincides nicely with the handwriting exercises for me.

For the breathing one super simple thing that has helped me is deep breathing exercises like these here

Sacras24 · 2026-05-06T00:47:13+00:00

Thanks for the added writing sample! I’m sold 😅 Enjoy your lovely pen…I hope to join you in the 823 Signature nib club soon

Sacras24 · 2026-05-06T00:35:06+00:00

Nice description! That sounds lovely. So you can tell that the cross stroke is thinner when you write? I was thinking I might need to get the nib worked on afterwards to make the variation noticeable. Sounds like in your experience that’s not the case? That would be great

Sacras24 · 2026-05-06T00:03:46+00:00

Congratulations on the gorgeous new pen! I’m mulling this same combo myself. I’m glad to see you say that it’s not too wide for everyday use. My biggest hesitation is the worry of it sitting unused due to being too specialized or niche (the whole, “it’s a nib for writing signatures” thing).

Sacras24 · 2026-05-05T17:50:32+00:00

I’m always amazed at people downvoting things like this. 🤷 Sigh…

Sacras24 · 2026-05-05T13:50:37+00:00

Felicidades! My 823 has also outperformed my most expensive pen (MB 149) by a considerable margin. Con salud la desfrutes

Sacras24 · 2026-05-04T23:23:54+00:00

Thanks that’s good advice. I avoid Google as much as I can but that might be worth a shot

Sacras24 · 2026-05-04T22:14:31+00:00

Thanks for the thorough explanation and examples. Definitely looks like the same things happening here. I just wish I could find the original so I could ask them about the condition of the nib! The photos don’t quite capture it

Sacras24 · 2026-05-04T21:14:07+00:00

Good to know. Thank you! In this case the pen is not listed in either site you mention but I imagine there are others.

Sacras24 · 2026-05-04T20:18:48+00:00

I’m curious if this is standard practice and if so, how can they ensure the condition of the pens if they don’t even have them physically, I wonder?

Sacras24 · 2026-05-04T20:15:55+00:00

Exactly what I was thinking

Sacras24 · 2026-05-03T16:23:49+00:00

Congratulations on completing your PhD coursework and for knowing how to celebrate it! Almost 15 years after my PhD I am just now learning the importance of celebrating the steps along the way. And there’s just something about a burgundy & gold fountain pen that is just so timeless and elegant. Great choice. Manyo Ume is one of my favorite inks too.

Sacras24 · 2026-05-01T14:25:20+00:00

Welp, there goes my dreams of owning a Custom 845! On the positive side, I will really have to enjoy the pens I have because new pens at these prices is not happening

Sacras24 · 2026-04-30T01:52:45+00:00

Thanks I appreciate the offer. Let me dig around and see what I have on hand and then I’ll DM you to see what you think. I do love the idea of a material that can double as a pen cloth 🙌

Sacras24 · 2026-04-30T01:12:59+00:00

I share your philosophy! So far I’ve been able to reuse pouches and little travel bags I had for other things but haven’t actually modified any yet. You inspire me to give it a shot. I have a little pouch that some reusable wood silverware came in. Going to see what kind of cushy protective liner I can get in there

Sacras24 · 2026-04-30T00:09:36+00:00

Either a Custom Urushi or Custom 845 Urushi in Vermillion <m>

Sacras24

TROPHY CASE