Pilot Custom Urushi Fountain Pen - Black

Pilot Custom Urushi Fountain Pen - BlackThe Pilot Custom Urushi Fountain Pen Black brings together oversized Japanese design, an ebonite core finished in deep urushi lacquer, and one of Pilot's most commanding 18k gold nibs. Its silhouette is purposeful and refined, with a mirror black luster that reveals the quiet depth only hand applied urushi can achieve. For writers who appreciate substance in the hand and an effortless line on the page, this is a flagship expression of Pilot's craft.

The Pilot Custom Urushi Fountain Pen - Black brings together oversized Japanese design, an ebonite core finished in deep urushi lacquer, and one of Pilot's most commanding 18k gold nibs. Its silhouette is purposeful and refined, with a mirror-black luster that reveals the quiet depth only hand-applied urushi can achieve. For writers who appreciate substance in the hand and an effortless line on the page, this is a flagship expression of Pilot's craft.

Craftsmanship & Design

Shaped from warm, lightweight ebonite and finished with multiple layers of black urushi, the Custom Urushi invites close inspection. The lacquer is applied and polished in Japan to a high gloss that accentuates the pen's clean lines and gentle curvature. Gold-finished trim provides a measured contrast, while the broad cap band and classic clip add heritage cues without distraction. It is a large pen by intent, yet the balance and tactile comfort of the lacquered section keep it approachable for long sessions.

Urushi is valued not only for its depth and glow, but also for its durability. Over time, the finish develops a subtle presence that reflects careful use rather than wear. The screw-cap closure is deliberate and secure, with threads that engage smoothly and a cap that seals well to preserve ink and nib readiness between writings.

Writing Experience

At the heart of the Custom Urushi is Pilot's No. 30 18k gold nib, a rare attribute in modern production pens. Tuned for consistent flow and understated control, it lays down a confident line with a hint of responsive spring rather than overt flex. The generous feed keeps pace during faster notes and sweeping signatures alike. Available in Medium-Fine, Medium, and Broad, each width showcases the nib's hallmark smoothness while maintaining the precision for which Pilot is known.

The pen uses Pilot's proprietary cartridge-converter system and is compatible with the high-capacity Con-70 converter. This pairing suits the nib's appetite for consistent ink delivery and offers practical flexibility for those who rotate colors or travel. In hand, the lacquered section provides gentle traction, and the overall weight remains comfortable despite the pen's commanding size.

Heritage & Provenance

Pilot has been shaping the language of Japanese fountain pens since 1918, with urushi work forming a throughline from early Namiki artistry to contemporary flagships. The Custom Urushi sits where daily usability meets traditional finishing, honoring historic techniques while embracing modern reliability. It is a pen made to be written with, yet it carries the quiet culture of Japanese lacquer to every desk it graces.

Technical Specifications

• Body material: Ebonite with hand-applied black urushi lacquer
• Nib: Pilot No. 30 18k gold
• Nib sizes: Medium-Fine, Medium, Broad
• Filling system: Pilot proprietary cartridge or Con-70 converter
• Cap: Screw cap with gold-finished clip and trim
• Country of origin: Japan