Pilot Fountain Pen Custom 742 (PO) (nib LUIBAN-checked)

The Pilot Custom 742 is a black fountain pen made from noble resin with a classic cigar shape and gold-colored accents – manufactured in Japan, equipped with a 14-karat gold nib size No. 10. This version features the PO nib (Posting): The nib tip is slightly bent downward, the nib itself is stiff and designed for a uniformly hair-thin line. A fountain pen with a very distinctive character that rewards precise, controlled handwriting.

Special Features

• PO nib (Posting) in 14-karat gold, size No. 10: The nib tip is slightly bent downward – this brings the writing tip to the paper at a flatter angle. The nib is completely rigid, with no elasticity whatsoever. The writing is very fine, precise and uniform, with a line width of approx. 0.25 mm.
• Rigid character with subtle feedback: The PO nib provides noticeable but fine paper feedback – the nib tip is supported on the surface and conveys a controlled, grounded writing feel. Ideal for swift, confident writing without pressure variations.
• Noble resin corpus in black: The artificial resin shaft is light and well-balanced – the fountain pen rests comfortably in the hand without causing fatigue. Gold-colored accents on clip, cap ring and nib.
• Converter CON-70N included: The included pump converter offers a generous ink volume and allows filling directly from the ink bottle. Alternatively: Pilot standard cartridges (1101, 1102, 1152).
• Screw cap: Secure closure, no accidental opening in your pocket.

Application & Tips

• Fine-line, precise writing: The PO nib is particularly suitable for detailed, controlled handwriting – notes, annotations, minutes – anywhere a uniformly fine line is needed.
• Demanding papers: The downward-bent nib tip glides smoothly even on less smooth or slightly rough papers. Those who regularly write on standard office paper, postcards or thinner paper will benefit from the stability of the PO geometry.
• Ink recommendation: Since the line width is very fine, color-intensive, saturated inks come into their own – dark blue tones, black or deep green tones show the handwriting most clearly. Heavily shading inks unfold their effect best on smooth, calendered paper. The nib is not document-proof – for documents requiring archival, check pigmented inks separately.
• No pressure needed: The PO nib works with minimal writing pressure – those who write with a light hand will get the most uniform line.
• Grip position: Due to the slightly downward-bent tip, a somewhat flatter holding angle to the paper is recommended – approximately 45–55° for optimal ink flow.

For Fountain Pen Enthusiasts

The PO nib (Posting) has its origins in Japanese writing practice: It was originally developed for writing on inexpensive Japanese postcards, whose surface is less smooth than calendered writing paper. The downward-bent geometry ensures that the writing tip rests securely at a flat angle, rather than snagging. Although the nib is made from 14-karat gold, it offers no flex – the gold alloy serves here not for elasticity, but for the precision of the grind and the long-term shape stability of the tip. The No. 10 nib body is combined with an artificial resin ink conductor, which at Pilot is known for uniform, uninterrupted ink flow. Compared to standard EF nibs, the PO offers more paper grip through its geometry – for some a prized, characteristic feedback.

Technical Data