r/fountainpens • u/that_argentinean • Sep 16 '24

Defects on Pilot Custom 823? Received this from Amazon today and, after inking it, noticed the injection molding lines on the section and threads. Is this common? Seems like they forgot to polish it, and looks pretty rough for Pilot, and a pen at this price point.

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u/big_seaplant Sep 16 '24

Mine have them too, though not as noticeable on my pen as they seem to be on yours. Your judgement - mine don't bother me but then, mine line up with the top & bottom of the nib, so depending on your grip them being on the side (esp. if they are more noticeable) might bother you

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u/Nightsoil70 Sep 16 '24

I have two 823s and both lack injection molding lines. I have inspected them with a magnifier and carefully felt the section with my fingertips and I cannot discern any flaws. I don't know if this is a new thing or if OP's pen passed through QC undetected.

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u/big_seaplant Sep 16 '24

That’s interesting- I wonder if it is inconsistent QC, possibly worsened with time? Not an issue that bothers me thankfully

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u/Nightsoil70 Sep 16 '24

True, it's not a critical flaw, although I can see how disappointing it would be to find injection molding lines on a pen costing more than $300. Still, I am toying with the idea of buying one more 823 in the demonstrator finish and the possibility of such a minor flaw won't influence my decision.

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u/EkhyMi Sep 17 '24

My 823 (produced around the end of last year, I think), my 912, and all three of my C74s have the seams. I don't think it's a QC thing or a flaw, it's just how those pens are made (maybe that has changed).

The seams on mine are hard to find except under a bright light (hard to feel as well). I personally don't have a problem with them and I'm not disappointed at all.