Pilot Custom 742 Black (FA)

Pilot introduced the Custom 742 in 1993 alongside the larger Custom 743, building upon the Custom 74 with larger gold nibs designed to provide a more stable writing experience. The 742 received Pilot’s No. 10 nib and has since become one of the most versatile models in the CUSTOM family, offering an unusually broad selection of nib styles created for different handwriting preferences and purposes. 

Among those specialty options, the Falcon or FA nib is one of the most expressive. Pilot describes it as having an exceptionally soft writing feel that imitates the sensation of writing with a brush—even softer than the brand’s Soft Fine nib. With light, controlled pressure, the nib can produce noticeable variations in line width, giving handwriting a more dynamic and expressive character. Because of its softness, Pilot specifically recommends it for writers with a lighter hand rather than those who naturally press heavily onto the page. 

Finished in glossy black resin with traditional gold-toned accents, the Custom 742 keeps its appearance restrained and timeless, allowing the unusual No. 10 Falcon nib to become the real centerpiece. Beneath its classic exterior is a writing experience designed around softness, movement, and expression, making the FA distinctly different from Pilot’s conventional firm nibs. 

We have for sale a brand-new Pilot Custom 742 Black fountain pen with a 14-karat gold No. 10 FA nib. It comes complete with its box, papers, and other accessories.