Pen Review: The Aurora Optima Nero Perla

Aurora is one of the three remaining major Italian pen companies, now that Omas is out of business. It's also a company with which I have relatively little experience, at least with respect to their fountain pens. I'm a huge fan of Aurora's inks: they make two colors, black and blue, and both are among my go-tos for safe, standard colors. I've owned an Aurora Ipsilon Quadra in Sterling Silver, and while the pen was nice, it didn't stick in my collection. 

Recently, my friend Thomas decided to unload a few pens in his collection, and asked whether or not I would be interested in reviewing one of Aurora's flagship pens, the Aurora Optima, before he sold it. I've always wanted to test drive one of these pens, so I jumped at the chance. 

"Auroloide" material and Build

The Aurora Optima Nero Perla is a visually stunning pen. The material (which the company refers to as "Auroloide") is cellulose acetate: an acrylic variant intended to reproduce the depths of color and warmth found in vintage celluloid, but without the long curing period and manufacturing difficulties. Indeed, the Optima feels like a celluloid pen in hand. The material is slightly translucent, allowing you to see the ink level once the pen is filled. This particular color scheme is called "Nero Perla" ("Black Pearl"). Trim appears to be a combination of sterling silver and Rhodium plating, and the piston-filling system gives the pen heft.

View fullsize

View fullsize

This pen feels solid, like it will stand up to heavy use. The one critique I have on the build, however, is how difficult the pen is to clean. Aurora's piston fillers have a "hidden reservoir" of ink behind the piston, which they pitch as a feature that allows you to write for a full page after the main ink chamber is empty. I can see this feature being useful if you carry one pen, and take a lot of notes in meetings, etc. where you wouldn't want to run out, but it also means that it takes a LOT of flushing to get rid of all the ink. If I had kept this pen, it would've ended up as a "one-ink pen" just to avoid having to deal with the cleaning.   

Writing Experience

View fullsize

The Aurora Optima features a 18k nib. This one started life as a medium but has been ground to a cursive italic.

The nib on this Optima was tuned and ground to a smooth .4mm cursive italic by either Mike Masuyama or Shawn Newton - Thomas couldn't remember. (Hey, that happens when you have so many pens!) It's an excellent writer, though I can't speak to how the pen wrote straight out of the box. Other Aurora pens I have tried have been nice writers, though the nibs tend to have feedback. They're not scratchy, but they're not glassy smooth either, which isn't an issue for me but can drive some people crazy. 

View fullsize

This .4mm cursive italic (formerly a medium nib) writes perfectly for me.  Ink is Aurora blue. 

The Optima's 18k nib is a better writer than the nib on my old Aurora Ipsilon Quadra. The nib is stiff, without much give or flex.  If you like firm nibs, you'll like this pen. 

Takeaways

View fullsize

A close-up of the Optima in its box.  You can get a sense of the translucency of the material if you look just below the cap, where you can tell the pen has been filled with blue ink. 

The Aurora Optima Nero Perla is a gorgeous Italian fountain pen. As a fan of celluloid (and celluloid-like material), I appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making a pen look this good. At the same time, the price point is very high, even taking into account the recent price drop That's not to say I think the pen is unreasonably priced - it's not, given the quality of the craftsmanship and the materials used - but Sailor's Professional Gear series has a similar shape and fits my hand better at $200 or so less. I do know, however, that there are people out there who find the Pro Gear too small and light, especially when writing with the pen unposted.     

Where to Buy 

Fortunately, if you're interested in the Optima, Aurora recently dropped the price. Both Pen Chalet and Anderson Pens carry Aurora, and both currently have the Optima listed at $445. Aurora issues annual "special edition" versions of the Optima, so if you're a fan of gold trim, you'll want to check out the "Abissi" Optima 365 Limited Edition.  

If you're a fan of cursive italic nibs, and you'd like to purchase a barely-used Aurora, Thomas is offering the pen featured in this review for sale. As of the time of writing, the pen is up on my "For Sale" page and priced to move (especially once you take into account the custom nib, which otherwise would add $40-50 to the price, not to mention the wait time for nib work). 

DISCLAIMER:  The pen featured in this review was loaned to me at no cost for review purposes. This post contains affiliate links, through which I may be compensated a small amount if you purchase an item from any of the sites linked to in this article.  While I'd greatly appreciate it if you use these links to purchase something you are interested in, you are, of course, under no obligation to do so.  Many thanks! 

Pen and Stationery Websites You Should Be Reading

Like any hobby, the online community surrounding stationery and pens can become a bit of an echo chamber at times. The buzz about the latest and greatest "must-have" products is largely driven by a handful of high-traffic sites and blogs that everybody knows about and reads. But sometimes good advice can be found in lesser-known places, whether it's a niche site looking at a specific product or brand in exacting detail, or a site written by someone living in a different part of the world who has access to products unavailable elsewhere. I try to read as broadly as I can, and I've found that it helps me identify potential purchases that will actually work for me, as opposed to those that have become popular or trendy. Here's a list of pen and stationery websites that you should be reading regularly (if you're not already). 

1. Pens!Paper!Pencils! Ian writes an excellent blog that focuses on product reviews from the perspective of the artist, as well as the writer. His drawings are amazing - be sure to check them out.   
2. All Things Stationery. Tessa focuses on much more than just pens. While All Things Stationery is a UK-focused site that brings a unique perspective, Tessa maintains the Stationery Shops Map, which can help you locate a nearby stationery shop wherever you are in the world. 
3. The Finer Point. Another UK-based blog with excellent product reviews.   
4. Fountain Pen Economics. A blog written by Dr. Jonathon Deans, an Australian Economist who writes about pens and, more frequently, the pen industry from his unique professional perspective. If you've ever wondered why certain brands take off and others fail, give this blog a read.
5. Gorgeous.ink. A relative newcomer, Paul Joynes's blog has excellent photographs and an even better name. 
6. Inkdependence. Mike Matteson reviews ink. Lots of ink. He also has the occasional pen review as well. 
7. The Pelikan's Perch. One of the excellent brand-specific sites that I mentioned, devoted entirely to Pelikan fountain pens, including news on upcoming releases and product reviews. Pelikan's Perch also contains a lot of resources on the history of the brand, various models, etc. 
8. Three Staples. Jinnie devotes her entire blog to reviews of her Field Notes collection. The photography on this blog is something we all aspire to. 
9. On Fountain Pens. Maybelline writes her blog from Singapore, does a lot of reviews, and also has a lot of information about local pen clubs and meetups. Apparently Singapore has a very active pen community! 
10. Too Many Inks. David has over 350 (!) bottles of ink and an exceptional collection of Pelikans, and publishes his notes on various pen/ink combinations as he rotates pens in and out of daily use.  

I also follow a relatively large number of other excellent websites that aren't exclusively stationery-focused or updated as often, but contain delightful writing and I look forward to reading them whenever a new post comes out. 

1. Penucopia
2. Leigh Reyes, My Life as a Verb
3. Cronicas Estilographicas
4. From the Pen Cup
5. Reverenced Writing
6. Pete Denison
7. My Pen Needs Ink

Pennaquod.  While it's not a stationery website, per se, Ian from Pens!Paper!Pencils! has created a search engine that will comb through an extensive list of pen-related blogs and sites. If you're considering a purchase of a specific pen, and are looking for an easy way to sort reviews, give Pennaquod a try.   

Submit and Share!

This list contains links to sites that I read on a regular basis. It is NOT intended to be an exhaustive list, and I've not been compensated by anyone for listing a site here.  If you think readers should know about another site that you read regularly, feel free to leave a link in the comments, as long as the site is pen and stationery related, and isn't primarily a store. (Extraneous or irrelevant links will be deleted.)  Just to be clear, I'm aware that I haven't included The Pen Addict, Well-Appointed Desk, SBRE Brown, The Clicky Post, Ed Jelley, Gourmet Pens, FP Quest etc. The purpose of this post is to increase exposure for new or different pen and stationery websites that readers may not know about. To that end, please share with anyone who you think may be interested! 

Pen Review: Namisu Nova (Titanium with Titanium Nib)

The Nova is Namisu's follow up to their first successful Kickstarter fountain pen, the Namisu Nexus. The Nova launched on Kickstarter in September 2015 and shipped in early 2016. Namisu is an interesting company. Based in the UK, they've run five successful Kickstarter projects, three of which are pens (The Nexus, the Nova, and the Nova Rollerball). 

Overall, the Namisu Nova is a very nice pen, but I no longer have it in my collection. Most metal pens (even Titanium ones) tend to be too heavy for me, and since I like to post my pens the added weight becomes a problem. Even though I decided to pass this pen along to a new owner, I went ahead and reviewed it here because if you like this style of writing implement, it's a good option!

Build

I've heard people compare the design of the Nova to the Nakaya Piccolo and the Edison Pearl, which isn't a bad comparison because all three pens generally use a variation of the classic "torpedo" shape. The pen is well-machined, and the one that I received did not have any visible flaws on the body or cap. There also weren't any issues with the threading on the cap, something that other machined pens have struggled with (like the Tactile Turn Gist).

View fullsize

The Namisu Nova features a smooth grip section and short cap threads: the cap unscrews quickly and easily, giving it an advantage over the Tactile Turn Gist. 

Perhaps the biggest difference between the Namisu Nova and its predecessor, the Nexus, is the smooth grip section.  The Nexus, which I didn't back on Kickstarter, had a textured grip section, which many people found sharp and uncomfortable to use for long writing sessions.  I won't necessarily say that the Nova's grip section is an "improvement" - many people like knurled or textured grips - but the Nova generally has been much more popular. 

The Nova is a relatively heavy pen, but it's well-balanced. After carrying and writing with this pen for a bit, it's plainly intended to be used without posting the cap. You CAN post the Nova, and it actually works pretty well, but the threading from the inside of the metal cap will scratch the body of the pen. (It will also make some pretty nasty metal-on-metal scraping sounds, so if you're sensitive to that and it gives you that nails-on-a-chalkboard sensation, consider yourself warned.) 

Overall Writing Experience

The Namisu Nova offers a quality writing experience at a very attractive price. Kickstarter backers had the choice of steel, titanium, and gold nibs, all manufactured by Bock. I prefer titanium Bock nibs over steel, and they're the same nibs used on the Conid Bulkfiller and the Tactile Turn Gist. I have not tried the gold. For a writing sample and some more detailed thoughts on how these nibs write, check out my Conid Bulkfiller review.

View fullsize

The Namisu Nova works best unposted, given it's heft and balance. 

The pen sits in the hand well and is comfortable to write with for long stretches. However, what ultimately made me realize that this pen wouldn't work for me long-term is the lack of a clip and the fact that heavy metal pens don't sit that well in a shirt-pocket. At least four days each week I'm in a dress shirt, if not a suit and tie, and if I'm going to carry a pen on a regular basis I'm going to need to clip it. Thus, this pen had to find a new home.     

View fullsize

Where to Buy

If you're drawn to the design of pens like the $1000 Nakaya Titanium Piccolo, but can't or won't shell out that much, the Namisu Nova should be on your list. The Nova can only be purchased directly from Namisu. The titanium version starts at just under $100 US (depending on the pounds to dollars exchange rate), with the black or "comet grey" aluminum versions starting at around $70. Upgrading from the basic steel nib will increase the price.

Unfortunately, as of the time of writing all models of the Namisu Nova are out of stock. If you prefer the design of the Namisu Nexus (now called the "Orion"), it's currently available directly from Namisu for $50-70, depending on the exchange rate and whether you choose titanium or aluminum.   

For those of you interested in non-fountain pens, Namisu recently ran another successful Kickstarter to create a rollerball version of the Nova.  Look for the rollerball Nova to appear in the Namisu store soon.    

Further Reading

Check out these other reviews of the Namisu Nova if you're interested in reading other people's reactions to the pen: 

Ed Jelley reviews the comet grey aluminum version.

Ian at Pen!Paper!Pencils! reviews the black aluminum version.

Disclaimer: I purchased this pen with my own funds for my own use. I was not compensated in any way for this review by the manufacturer or any retailer. 

Best Non-Fountain Pens for Everyday Use, Part II: Non-Disposable Pens

A couple weeks ago I offered my "Top 5" List of disposable Non-Fountain Pens for Everyday Use, most of which are relatively inexpensive, are sold in packs, and sometimes can be found in your local big-box or art supply store.  Sometimes, however, you want something nicer than a plastic clic pen, so I always keep a handful of nicer ballpoints and multipens handy.  But before I get into the main list: 

Totally Unfair Runner-up Pen

You'll notice that this list is missing a pen that I've promoted in the past, and remains my favorite non-fountain pen: the Tactile Turn Mover.  Personally, I think the Tactile Turn Mover might be the best non-fountain pen in my arsenal, but unfortunately the pen looks like it's being discontinued. Stock has been low or nonexistent for ages. As of the time of writing, Tactile Turn only has the Mover and the Shaker (a shorter pen that accepts Parker-style refills) available in Polished Bronze.  So, other than the Mover, here are my Top 5: 

Top 5 Non-Fountain Pen (Non-Disposable)  

1. Lamy 2000 Ballpoint/Multipen.  Lamy's flagship offering doesn't just come as a fountain pen: they sell ballpoint and multipen versions as well.  I've found these pens to be essentially indestructible. (My pen is vintage and stamped with "W. Germany", and remains in perfect working order at the ripe old age of 25.) If you're into metal pens, Lamy offers the ballpoint in Stainless Steel (at a premium). The multipen uses standard D1 refills, so you're not stuck with the stock Lamy version (which people either lover or hate).  

2. Hi-Tec-C Coleto. My multipen of choice. I prefer the Hi-Tec-C to other ultra-fine gel pens, and the Coleto is my favorite multipen because it's reasonably priced and relatively streamlined (read: not fat and chunky, like some multipens). The refills also last a long time (at least for multipen refills). 

3. Parker Jotter. The Parker Jotter is one of those products that has stood the test of time for decades, and I have a vintage "Made-in-the-USA" model that sits on my desk at work next to my phone.  It's a bit too small for me to use for extended writing sessions, but it does get used on a daily basis for short notes, etc.  

4. Retro 51 Tornado. The only liquid ink rollerball pen that made my list. The Schmidt refill used by these pens is famous for how smooth it is, and comes in either a .7mm or a .6mm size. For an interesting alternative to the Retro 51 Tornado that uses the same refill, check out the recently released Baron Fig Squire.    

5. MaxMadCo Bolt Action Pen. If you like hefty, indestructible pens, and are a fan of the bolt-action mechanism, the MaxMadCo pen is the best that I've used. Personally, it's too heavy for me and the type of writing that I do, but if your use case is for quick notes out "in the field", and you want a pen that's absolutely indestructible, this pen is an excellent option. 

Granted, my experience testing non-fountain pens isn't as extensive as my fountain pen knowledge, but I still use ballpoints and gel pens (not so much rollerballs) on a regular basis. In addition to the pens listed above, which are my personal favorites, others have had good experiences with the machined pens manufactured by Karas Kustoms and Ti2 Design.

DISCLAIMER:  This post contains affiliate links.

Reasonably Priced Pen Carry: Lihit Lab Bags and Cases

In the market for versatile, low-cost pen and writing/art supply storage, Lihit Lab remains a popular option. I don't know much about the company - information is sparse but it's been around since 1938 and is based in Osaka, Japan. Their cases rarely top $15, come in a standard - if a bit uninspired - range of colors, and are good enough quality to hold up to the demands of most people's daily use. About a month ago, I acquired two Lihit Lab cases to plug some holes in my daily carry arsenal. One was a huge hit; the other a major fail. 

Lihit Lab Bag-in-Bag

View fullsize

The Lihit Lab Bag-in-Bag portfolio/organizer has quickly made found its way into my daily work carry, and sometimes even on the weekend. 

I love portfolios. I consider them to be one of the most practical bags to carry on a daily basis. I've had several in the past, but I tend to wear them out so quickly I have a hard time spending money on nice cloth or leather options. Enter the Lihit Lab "Bag-in-Bag." The purpose of this case is twofold. The Bag-in-Bag can serve as a standalone portfolio, holding a computer and/or tablet, one or two writing pads (up to legal size), your phone, chargers, notepad, and a few pens. Basically, anything you need for an afternoon of business meetings or a morning working at the coffee shop. It can also serve as an easily swappable insert for a backpack or briefcase, which comes in handy if, like me, you're someone who regularly rotates between the two.

At the $13-15 price point (depending on the color you select), this is really a no-brainer if you're looking for a portfolio and don't mind canvas over leather. The material isn't as nice as the cordura used by companies like Nock Co., and this Lihit Lab bag probably won't hold up forever, but it's good enough for my needs right now. The one draw back is that it stains and shows dirt very easily. Whatever material they use isn't coated and is highly absorbent, so the case has picked up dust, dirt, etc. when I've worked at coffee shops and outside on my patio. With the brown version this probably won't be as much of an issue, but be warned if you're considering lighter colors such as the orange or light green. For those of you who like oversized fountain pens, take note that the pen slots on this case are fairly tight and shallow, so big pens don't fit.

View fullsize

You can carry a lot in this case.  Here, I have a Nock Co. Sinclair stuck in the side pocket, as well as a Pelikan M205 Blue Demonstrator and a Rotring 600 mechanical pencil.  Both fit perfectly in the otherwise snug pen slots. 

I use the larger 10" x 13.8" (A4) version ($15 via Amazon), as opposed to the smaller 7.1" x 9.8" (A5) case ($11 via Amazon).  The larger bag-in-bag easily holds my 12" Macbook and/or my iPad Pro, which is a necessity for the kind of work I do. This case has become part of my daily carry. 

View fullsize

The A4-size Lihit Lab Bag-in-Bag easily holds a 12-inch Macbook in a sleeve (which I'd recommend since it otherwise doesn't offer much in the way of protection.  The sleeve pictured here is the excellent (and inexpensive) Inateck Cover Bag.

Lihit Lab Double-Sided Pen Case

View fullsize

The Lihit Lab double-sided pen case. Great, except for the fact that the smell clears a room. 

As much as I love the Lihit Lab Bag-in-Bag, I simply can't recommend the second case I reviewed, which is the double-sided "Teffa" pen case ($10-12 via Amazon). I can give you a quick overview regarding the build and setup, but I can't speak to durability, practicality, etc. because I couldn't use this product. Why? The smell.

This pen case emits a horrifically strong chemical odor.  I would compare it to oil or gasoline but I (and others, from reading the Amazon reviews) find it much more offensive. I assume that they used some sort of petroleum-based glue to hold parts of the case together. Within minutes of opening the packaging for this case I had a splitting headache.

View fullsize

This pen case is a great idea, in principle, and should be one of those products I can wholeheartedly recommend because it looks nice and can be had for a bargain. For things like markers, gel pens, ballpoints, and any other pen you want to store in bulk and don't mind touching, this case should do the trick.  The back section has pockets to store pencil sharpeners, erasers, post-its, scissors, you name it. I just couldn't get past the smell. Fortunately, Amazon refunded me (and didn't even want the product returned to them). 

View fullsize

Otherwise, this Lihit Lab pen case can carry a lot of pens.  In terms of storage space for gel pens, mechanical pencils, etc., it's got plenty of room. 

Where to Buy: 

You can buy Lihit Lab cases from either Amazon or Jetpens, which carries a wider range of products other than the cases. I purchased mine from Amazon because I have a warehouse near me in Tennessee and they qualified for free Prime "same day" shipping. I ordered them in the morning and they were at my front door by 4:00pm.  Pretty cool.  

One more thing:  I get a lot of e-mail about the pen cases I use, and what I consider the "best" pen case. While I'm working on putting together another "Top 5" list, it's been hard, in large part because everyone's needs are different. There are far more than five solid options out there right now, with more cases coming to market every day.   

DISCLAIMER:  I purchased the products featured in this review with my own funds, for my personal use.