Pilot Custom 845 Fountain Pen - Prussian Blue

The Pilot Custom 845 Fountain Pen in Prussian Blue represents one of the most refined intersections of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern writing performance currently available in production fountain pens. Long regarded as one of Pilot's flagship models, the Custom 845 occupies a unique position within the brand's hierarchy: more restrained and balanced than the oversized Custom Urushi, yet elevated far beyond conventional luxury fountain pens through its urushi lacquer construction, ebonite foundation, and exceptional 18k gold nib.

The introduction of the Prussian Blue finish brings a dramatically different character to the Custom 845 platform. While the black and vermillion urushi models have long become staples among collectors, the deep blue lacquer introduces a cooler, more architectural elegance that shifts constantly depending on lighting conditions. Under direct light, the surface reveals remarkable depth and warmth beneath the polished lacquer, while lower light gives the pen a darker, almost midnight-toned presence.

For many enthusiasts, the Prussian Blue edition strikes a particularly compelling balance within the Custom lineup: unmistakably luxurious and traditionally Japanese, yet understated enough to function as a true daily writer.

Craftsmanship & Design

The body is constructed from ebonite and finished with multiple hand-applied layers of urushi lacquer, one of Japan's oldest and most demanding lacquer arts. Derived from the sap of the urushi tree, the lacquer is applied gradually over time and cured under carefully controlled humidity conditions to create a finish with unusual depth, durability, and organic warmth. Unlike synthetic lacquers or painted finishes, urushi develops a visual softness and dimensionality that becomes more apparent with extended use and changing light.

The Prussian Blue finish gives the Custom 845 a distinctly different visual identity from the classic black and vermillion models. The gold trim contrasts beautifully against the cool blue lacquer, while the highly polished surface creates subtle tonal variation across the cap and barrel. The result feels elegant without becoming overly formal, preserving the quiet restraint that has made the Custom 845 so enduringly respected among serious fountain pen users.

The overall proportions are exceptionally balanced. Large enough to feel substantial in hand, yet compact enough for extended writing comfort, the 845 avoids the exaggerated scale found in many oversized luxury fountain pens. This balance is a major reason the model has developed such a devoted following among collectors who prioritize long-form writing performance as much as craftsmanship.

Writing Experience

The Custom 845 is fitted with Pilot's superb two-tone 18k gold #15 nib, widely considered one of the finest production nibs available in its size category. Compared to the larger #30 nib used on the Custom Urushi, the #15 offers a slightly firmer and more controlled writing experience while still maintaining the smoothness, precision, and effortless ink flow that define Pilot's upper-tier nib tuning.

In use, the nib feels exceptionally composed. The writing character favors precision and consistency over dramatic softness, making the pen equally suited for extended note-taking, correspondence, or daily professional use. Pilot's feed engineering provides outstanding reliability and flow control, while the lighter overall weight of the 845 compared to the larger Custom Urushi makes it especially comfortable during long writing sessions.

The cartridge/converter filling system uses Pilot's CON-70 converter, allowing for excellent ink capacity while preserving easy maintenance and everyday practicality.

Heritage & Collector Appeal

The Custom 845 was introduced in 2002 as one of Pilot's premier urushi models and has since become one of the defining modern Japanese luxury fountain pens. Unlike many limited editions that rely on rarity alone, the 845 earned its reputation through sustained long-term admiration among enthusiasts, collectors, and professional writers alike.

The Prussian Blue variation has generated particularly strong interest within the fountain pen community due to its distinctive color profile and relative rarity compared to the longstanding black and vermillion finishes. Many collectors view it as one of the most versatile urushi colorways Pilot has produced: visually rich enough to feel special, yet restrained enough for everyday use. Community discussion surrounding the model consistently highlights the depth of the blue lacquer, the comfort of the 845 form factor, and the exceptional reliability of the #15 nib platform.

What ultimately distinguishes the Custom 845 is not excess, but refinement. It delivers virtually every element enthusiasts seek from a top-tier Japanese fountain pen - urushi lacquer, ebonite construction, a superb gold nib, restrained proportions, and long-term usability - without unnecessary ornamentation or theatricality.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Pilot
• Model: Custom 845
• Color: Prussian Blue
• Type: Fountain Pen
• Body Material: Ebonite with urushi lacquer finish
• Nib Material: Two-tone 18k gold #15 nib
• Filling System: Cartridge / Converter
• Converter: Pilot CON-70 included
• Trim: Gold trim
• Cap Type: Screw cap
• Length Closed: Approximately 146mm
• Country of Manufacture: Japan