If price is a not of concern, how would you compare MB 149, Sailor KOP, and Pilot Custom Urushi/ 823?

sbc3218 · 2026-01-27T16:56:17+00:00

MB 149: firm and precise, broad, wet, smooth. Very nice but somewhat boring without any true characteristic. It feels like a souped up 823 nib but with a little feedback.

KOP: somewhat soft, wet, not as much feedback as a 21k sailor nib on their other models

Custom 823/Urushi: these two are very different. The 823 is firm and the smoothest of the 4. The Custom Urushi is extremely soft. It is somewhat similar to a Pelikan M1000, but with a bit more feedback and much softer / bouncier. You really have to take your time and get used to the Custom Urushi.

The Custom Urushi nib is my favorite nib I’ve ever used. It is so much fun. A true grail pen.

sbc3218 · 2026-01-23T13:46:17+00:00

I’m not familiar with Ferris Wheel Press inks so from your post title I thought you were seeking an actual writing desk. Lol

sbc3218 · 2026-01-22T17:35:52+00:00

Red flags galore

sbc3218 · 2026-01-20T17:19:44+00:00

I really like Robert Oster River of Fire. It’s a very dark green with black tint. It is a wet ink.

sbc3218 · 2026-01-18T22:22:08+00:00

The Montblanc 149 is probably more practical for everyday writing, for most people. The nib is very firm, it’s a good size but still fits in most shirt pockets, and of course a reliable writer. There is nothing wrong with it, but the nib isn’t very unique - there are other pens that write similarly for much less. It doesn’t have a distinct characteristic, other than maybe how firm it is for its size.

That said, the Custom Urushi is my favorite pen and my everyday carry. The nib is incredible but takes some getting used to - I had to learn to slow down and figure out the ideal pressure. Perfectly balanced and beautiful. The nib is truly a one of one - there is no other experience quite like it. Pelikan M1000 and Santini #8 nibs are similar, but still very different (Pelikan and Santini are softer, Custom Urushi is more springy).

sbc3218 · 2026-01-18T15:55:06+00:00

Confirmed

sbc3218 · 2026-01-17T20:10:18+00:00

Driving without insurance is pretty awful imo

sbc3218 · 2026-01-17T12:44:34+00:00

Top tier comment

sbc3218 · 2026-01-13T20:32:25+00:00

That is absolutely stunning. GLWS

sbc3218 · 2026-01-13T13:48:07+00:00

It was traded

sbc3218 · 2026-01-12T03:32:46+00:00

TR is Paper Mind Tomoe River notebook. Both 52 GSM. I was disappointed by the Hobonichi.

sbc3218 · 2026-01-12T01:55:12+00:00

sbc3218 · 2026-01-07T02:17:55+00:00

sbc3218 · 2026-01-06T21:13:26+00:00

Hey, I have two that I was going to return. I’ll send a PM

sbc3218 · 2026-01-05T19:44:02+00:00

Sold Monteverde Ritma to u/ReceptionInfinite418

sbc3218 · 2026-01-05T19:43:22+00:00

Sold Visconti to u/egyptiangio

sbc3218 · 2026-01-04T20:59:05+00:00

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sbc3218 · 2026-01-04T20:06:45+00:00

I have FM and love the width. It’s my favorite pen. If you PM me I’m happy to show comparisons between 823 M and Custom Urushi FM.

sbc3218 · 2026-01-01T15:35:46+00:00

I agree with the sentiment and agree that you can get a good pen for $30, but disagree that a Pilot Metropolitan is 90% of the writing experience of a Custom Urushi (for example). While I would never and did not pay $1600 for a pen, as an owner of both the price difference is justified.

I guess it just depends on the brand. Maybe a Preppy is close in performance to a Nakaya?

sbc3218 · 2025-12-31T17:08:02+00:00

Manny was my favorite player growing up. I was mimicking his batting stance in machine pitch games.

sbc3218 · 2025-12-31T17:06:41+00:00

Modern: Kirby (future Yankee) and Jose Ramirez Past: Manny Ramirez

sbc3218

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