The Aurora 888 Black Mamba! (Now with specs!)

[@Hobbysgirl100]

I love when you use the comic strip style pop up boxes! Also, 🐍

[@inkdependence]

Thanks!

[@gadgetstop321]

I love that pen. The Optima Cento is really nice too. Aurora is on a roll!

[@inkdependence]

Riiight?

[@marsoriano8214]

A

[@pacokaiser]

Beautiful pen. Question though: isn't the Talentum actually a 14K nib and not 18K like the 88 (and 888)? That could explain the color difference.

[@pachucocadaver66]

Wow that’s cute beautiful . The price is expensive???

[@inkdependence]

Yeah, it is. It’s a singular purchase, for sure.

[@osuata13]

Great review! Do you prefer the medium or fine nibs from Aurora? Looking to pick this one up next week :)

[@inkdependence]

I like either of those, actually. Those are the best in their standard line, I think.

[@osuata13]

@@inkdependence - awesome, actually just ordered mine in fine. Super excited to get it next week!

[@victorgyulnazaryan2265]

@@osuata13 so did you get it? Tell us tell us tell us ;)) how is it))

[@osuata13]

@@victorgyulnazaryan2265 Absolutely - this may have been my first or second Aurora. I now have maybe 20 Auroras, Aurora is my favorite brand, and the 88 model is probably my favorite pen, period. This one is definitely amazing. Got it in Fine and the tines were a little tight, but once I got those spread a little, it writes like a dream. Usually use Diamine Red Dragon or Graf von Faber Castell Viper Green in it 😁

[@roderickfemm8799]

This nib is a real nail (at least mine is). I had some "found" money and after watching this video the first time I sent off for the pen -- without, of course, being able to try it first. And everything you said about it is true, but it is one of the hardest, firmest, stiffest nibs I have (which surprised me, Aurora 18K nib, I was expecting at least a little softness). I think I would have spent my money otherwise had I been able to try it first. Lesson learned? Maybe...

[@inkdependence]

Oh, yeah. Aurora nibs are definitely nails. The flex nib isn't, but that costs a bit more and it doesn't come in black ( I don't think). I actually prefer a nail to a soft nib most of the time. In any case, I'm sorry you don't love it, and I'm sure you can find a home for it without losing money. Might even make some if you wait long enough to sell it.

[@roderickfemm8799]

@@inkdependence I have a couple of vintage 88s, which are both soft, even flexy, but no previous experience with modern ones. I'll probably keep it anyway.

[@jonghosuh2620]

Wow! That's a seriously cool pen!!! 3 models you have are all gorgeous and a very interesting combination! As always, thanks for the great review, Mike :) I already have a resin version of 88(800) in EF and thinking of getting this in F because I feel EF is a bit too narrow for me. I have two questions for you before the actual purchase and I would really appreciate it if you reply. 1. Is black coating on a nib make your writing experience different? Can you feel a difference between regular 88(without black-coated 14k) and Talentum(with black-coated 14k)? For example, does it make you feel more feedback or scratchy? 2. Does an extra 4k on a nib make your writing experience different? Can you feel a difference between Black mamba(18k) and regular 88(14K)? or between this(black-coated 18k) and Talentum(black-coated 14k)? Thank you :)

[@barrylevitt1170]

ENJOY!

[@inkdependence]

I am!

[@fredklier]

The ink compares to what kind of blue. Never see that company

[@inkdependence]

It's reasonably close to Monteverde Horizon Blue, KWZ Hawaii Blue, Straits Pens Poor Man's Sapphire, a little like Noodler's Liberty's Elysium, and maybe a darker version of Akkerman #3. Not sure if any of that helps.

[@fredklier]

@@inkdependence It helps a lot. I have Liberty's elysium and I tough it seem a lot like that, that's why I ask. Thank you.

[@marsoriano8214]

A