When it comes to luxury Japanese fountain pens, few brands are as revered as Pilot — and few models are as hotly debated among collectors as the Custom Urushi and the Custom 845.
Both crafted with elegant urushi lacquer finishes, gold nibs, and impeccable attention to detail, these pens represent the pinnacle of Pilot’s craftsmanship. But while they may appear similar at first glance, the differences in size, writing feel, and design create two very different writing experiences.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a side-by-side comparison of both models to help you decide which one belongs in your case — or on your desk.
📐 Size & Design: The Most Obvious Difference
Let’s start with the most noticeable distinction: the Custom Urushi is significantly larger than the 845.
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The Custom Urushi is a full oversized pen — longer, thicker, and heavier. It has a commanding presence in hand and offers a distinctly grand experience.
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The Custom 845, on the other hand, maintains a more classic, balanced profile. Still substantial, but much more suited to writers with medium to smaller hands or a preference for lighter pens.
✒️ Nib Comparison: Two Personalities in 18k Gold
Both pens feature Pilot’s exceptional 18kt gold nibs, but they don’t write the same.
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The Custom Urushi houses a #30 size nib, unique to this model. It’s soft, smooth, and has a bounce that’s beloved by expressive writers.
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The Custom 845 uses a #15 nib, which is smaller and firmer but still buttery smooth — ideal for precision and control.
🌿 Side-by-Side Writing Experience
What does this mean for your writing? The Custom Urushi’s nib feels more luxurious, with a larger sweet spot and a soft, bouncy glide. It’s excellent for journaling or slower, thoughtful writing.
The Custom 845’s nib is tighter and more precise, giving you control and responsiveness. It’s better suited for note-taking or long-form writing that demands speed and consistency.
🔍 Details & Finishing Touches
Both pens feature urushi lacquer finishes, polished to a deep shine, and gold-plated trim. The finishing is subtle yet opulent.
Look closely and you’ll find fine engraving on the center bands, with the Custom 845 and Custom Urushi both showcasing their namesake.
🎨 Color Variants: Black & Vermillion
Both models are available in classic black urushi, but if you want something with character, the vermillion red option on each model is breathtaking. The deep red lacquer changes subtly in different lighting, giving both the 845 and the Urushi an artistic depth rarely found in production pens. Recently, Pilot introduced a new color to the fold: the Prussian Blue (currently only available in the Custom Urushi model)!
📦 Packaging & Presentation
The Custom Urushi arrives in a larger presentation box with a smooth felt lining — a more ceremonial unboxing experience. The 845 also comes beautifully presented (with a wooden box with velvet lining), but with a more compact case.
🌿 How They Look in the Wild
Sometimes, you just want to see how they look uncapped and ready to write. This natural setting captures their spirit beautifully.
▶️ See the Writing Test & In-Hand Comparison
Watch our hands-on review, writing samples, and side-by-side breakdown in our latest video.
🛒 Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
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Choose the Custom Urushi if you love oversized pens, soft expressive nibs, and a pen that feels like an heirloom every time you uncap it.
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Choose the Custom 845 if you want elegance, control, and one of the best daily writers money can buy.
Either way, you’re getting the very best of Pilot’s Japanese craftsmanship.
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