Pilot Custom 823 - FA nib

I finally took the hit and jumped on a second hand Pilot Custom 823 with FA nib. I've recently been on a kick about "in-house" non-bock/JoWo nibs, and certainly the big 3 in Japan make their own. This pen is no difference. This is the amber resin, translucent model with the vacuum filler. And FA means falcon nib - apparently offering as much flex as vintage flex. I had to give it a try - and I'll spoil it for you - I was not disappointed!!!

The finial, section and turning knob are made of solid brown, and the pen overall has a cigar shape. The length is quite similar to a Montblanc 149, however the girth is more of 146... or Sailor Pro Gear... The barrel is translucent and will colour the same colour as ink you put in it - to a certain extent. I don't love demonstrators, but this one is OK because it's not really clear.

The clip is a ball clip, it's stiff, and it really can clip onto any material including my 5-6mm thick leather case. The cap band is etched with the name of the model, 3 stars indicating a Number 15 nib (this is like a usual #6 size), and then Pilot Made in Japan.

As others have put it, la piece de resistance, the FA nib.

Despite the unfortunate nib creep of Iroshizuku Kon Peki, the nib is as described. Soft, and as semi-flex as my semi-flex vintage nibs. A lot of line variation can be had for little effort, and because the nib is gold, it gives you resistance when it's too much. Surely you CAN spring this nib, but if you have had practice with flex, I don't think it's a significant possibility :)

Here's the writing sample to cap things off!!!