Aurora 88 - Stub Or Italic?

[MisterBoll]

I keep looking at this pen and am wondering what the difference is between the stub and italic nibs.

 

Does anyone have any experience with them?

 

Thanks!

[Keyless Works]

They are both cut straight across but the italic is going to be sharper so I would recommend the stub if you aren't sure.

[thedeacon]

It depends on your writing speed. An italic will have straighter and sharper edges than a stub, however may catch on the paper. That is what allows for greater line variation. The stub will have slightly rounded edges on the tip. It will give some line variation with less likely hood of digging into the paper, hence greater speed. Both have a flatter foot on the tip, but with different edges to the foot. It depends on what you are going for. If writing speed is more important with some line variation, then go with a stub. If defined line variation is more important and you can give up some speed go with an italic. A true italic is ground strait across the tip of the nib so it is flat. Many italics available are cursive italics with slightly rounded edges, more akin to a stub. I'm not sure about Aurora, I'm sure someone can provide that info. It depends on your end goal.

[freakman]

The italic nib from AURORA is like a razor blade. It's hard to write fast with this nib.

[Mickey]

The italic nib from AURORA is like a razor blade. It's hard to write fast with this nib.

That's a bit of an over statement, but Aurora's italic nibs do have a reputation for being 'crisp' or 'formal.' Being crisp does not mean that a nib is especially sharp, only that the corners are not as rounded as on cursive or stub nibs. (It is the corners that snag or cut, not the edge.) It also doesn't mean one can't write quickly with them. It means one's writing technique needs to be decent to write quickly with them. I have a pair of italic nibs pens with nibs every bit as crisp as Aurora's which I use as carry pens. (I have crisper pens on my desk.) My handwriting is hardly stellar quality, but it is technically sound, which is all that is necessary.

 

That said, a crisp italic nib is not a good choice for taking quick notes, when one can't sit at a desk or table, or use lap board, etc.

[MisterBoll]

Thank you to everyone for the information and comments. After reading this and doing additional research I'm inclined to go the italic route since I do like a crisp line. But I'm still in the early reconnaissance stage of this pen.

[jar]

Here is an example of an Aurora 88 stub.

 

http://www.fototime.com/0BEC29226732E28/large.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/7990E526E106679/standard.jpg

[Mickey]

Just an added note: There is no clear delineation between crisp and cursive, but here's my definition, one which slides to account for the skill of the user. Push strokes are easy with stubs, practical with cursive grinds (depending on user competence), and impractical to virtually impossible with formally crisp nibs. I don't know of any 1st or 2nd tier fountain pens, presently in production, with stock italic nibs that are formally crisp.

[MisterBoll]

Here is an example of an Aurora 88 stub.

 

Beautiful pen. Thanks Jar!

 

 

Just an added note: There is no clear delineation between crisp and cursive, but here's my definition, one which slides to account for the skill of the user. Push strokes are easy with stubs, practical with cursive grinds (depending on user competence), and impractical to virtually impossible with formally crisp nibs. I don't know of any 1st or 2nd tier fountain pens, presently in production, with stock italic nibs that are formally crisp.

 

Thanks for the info Mickey.

[Albert26]

Here is an example of an Aurora 88 stub.

 

http://www.fototime.com/0BEC29226732E28/large.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/7990E526E106679/standard.jpg

How beautiful! Lucky you to have such a pen.