Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen Review

The main reason I keep a product wish list is to keep track of product prices and know when to pull the trigger when I see a good deal. The orange Pilot Custom 74 had been on my radar for ages, and when Pen Chalet had a good deal on them on the podcast back in November I bought it live on the show. $135 to the door made me a happy camper.

The Custom 74 lived up to every expectation I had, and then some. The decision to go with the orange barrel was an easy one. I love demonstrators, and this one is a beauty. The smoke colored section and rounded ends were a surprise too. I obviously knew it came like this, but I had no idea how much I would enjoy this feature.

As easy as the color choice was, nib selection was another thing. Medium nibs normally aren’t my first choice, but recent experience with two other Japanese M nibs led me down this path. This size may be the perfect all-around writing nib. The ink flows as the line remains sharp and clean. Start writing and you can just disappear into the flow.

The 14k nib is a beauty too. I’m a huge fan of Pilot nibs, both in the looks and performance department. This Custom 74 was perfect right out of the box. The large capacity CON-70 converter it ships with is a nice added bonus.

The best thing I can say about the Pilot Custom 74 is I already want another one. That seems to be a recurring theme with me and Pilot. The Violet barrel is now on the wish list, just waiting for another good deal.

Three Questions With Aaron Mahnke

Designer of graphics, author of novels, worker from home, maker of stationery, and haver of breakfast each year prior to the Atlanta Pen Show, Aaron Mahnke is a busy man, and someone I’m proud to call my friend. Are we on for breakfast again this year? My thanks to Aaron for answering Three Questions.

1. What role do analog tools such as pens, pencils, and paper play in your day to day life?

I might work on my computer (designer by trade) and keep my list of tasks in a digital app, but all of my real productivity happens on paper. I use a daily list, written out by hand, to run my day. I don’t leave the house without my notebook, and there’s always a pen clipped to it. I’m a firm believer in the power of writing things down. I remember things better, and sometimes I can process ideas better with pen and paper.

2. What are your favorite products you are currently using?

Currently, I use a black Uni-ball Signo (.38, baby!) as my daily pen. I do have a Fisher Space Pen, but that lives in my pocket Field Notes book. I usually have a small stack of my own Frictionless Capture Cards with me, and have recently fallen in love with the Baron Fig Confidant for personal journaling. And my recent purchase of a Timbuk2 D-Lux messenger bag was the best decision I’ve made all year.

3. What creation or design of yours are you most proud of?

The physical product I’m most proud of would have to be my Planning Pads. I use the Mini version daily for planning my day and tracking notes and business details. But I love that others use it in different ways because it’s so flexible. It’s been wildly popular, selling consistently well, and at the same time, it scratches an itch I had in my productivity system, so it’s a win for everyone.

Pilot Iroshizuku Fuyu-gaki Ink Review

I finally take the favorite ink of Myke Hurley for a spin, thanks to a kind reader (Hi Lori!) who sent me a sample of Pilot Iroshizuku Fuyu-gaki many moons ago. I'm a fan of orange, and orange inks, but Fuyu-gaki isn't going to make my primary ink rotation any time soon.

My feelings on this ink are hard to pinpoint. It's a nice, perfectly fine ink. It behaves wonderfully, as every Iroshizuku ink I have tried does. The orange is bright, but doesn't exactly pop. Nor is there much shading. It moves from medium orange to red, but it's not hugely obvious. It's good, but doesn't knock my socks off.

This is where ink samples come in handy. I'm glad I got to try it before committing to a bottle. Myke drinks the stuff, but my little vial will keep me stocked for a while. Oh Sailor, why did you have to discontinue Jentle Apricot with no valid replacement???