OPUS 88 Demo
Michael Hsu has been building the OPUS 88 brand for the past two decades by crafting each design to high standards. Since 1988, Michael worked as an OEM/ODM supplier and has developed a reputation for excellence. This reputation is well deserved, and their dedication is clearly evident in the fountain pens OPUS 88 produces. I have previously reviewed the Opus 88 Koloro, Picnic, Fantasia, and OMAR models. I reached out to OPUS 88 and they graciously sent me their new Flora Demo pen for review. Thanks go out to them for sending this beauty to me and you can learn more about their products at the OPUS 88 website. Also stay tuned as I will be running a giveaway for three, that’s right three different OPUS 88 pens they graciously sent me for giveaway!!!
Packaging: The Demo comes in a white box with a red outer sleeve. The outer box has the company logo, “OPUS 88,” and “Fine Writing Instruments” embossed in gold foil on the center. The white inner box has “OPUS 88 Fine Writing Instruments” embossed in gold foil on the top right corner and “Since 1977” on the bottom left corner. The side of the box has an informational sticker with the model and company name, a picture of the material, and the nib size. The lid has a magnetic front flap and opens to reveal a white foam insert holding the pen, a glass and rubber eyedropper, and a user manual.
First Thoughts: I love the material! It is similar to the flora, but the base material is clear which makes the color splashes pop.
Design: The cap finial is flat and made from a cream-colored acrylic which contrasts nicely with the cap and body material. The cap finial widens slightly towards the clip ring which it rests on and the clip has a long teardrop shape. The cap is cylindrical and has a narrow piece inside that acts as an inner cap to help seal the nib and prevent it from drying out. “Opus 88” is imprinted in light silver at the end of the cap, additionally, the cap takes 3 ½ turns to remove the cap. The bottom finial is flat like the cap finial and made from the same cream-colored acrylic. The bottom finial is also the ink shut-off valve which controls the ink flow. The barrel is straight to a slight step down to the grip section. The threads are slightly sharp but do not get in the way when griping the pen normally. There is a transparent ink window in front of the threads which leads into a tapered grip section with a flared finger stop.
Nib Performance: This model is equipped with a JOWO #6 nib which is one of my favorite nibs. The model sent to me for review came with an EF nib and it wrote beautifully with the slightest bit of feedback. The nib has the typical scrollwork around the edges and tines, with “OPUS 88” and “EF” engraved in the middle. The flow is adjusted by opening and closing the shutoff valve, I normally leave it opened ½ to a full turn and have had no issues with leaks or burps.
Filling System: Eyedropper with a shutoff valve.
Value: $125 USD
Overall: This is a phenomenal pen! OPUS 88 has always set the bar high with their products, and their materials and performance have always been outstanding. The size, weight, and balance are well thought out and this pen always writes beautifully. I have actually been using this as my daily journal pen since I received it for review and I am just as in love with it as the day I opened the box.
Specs:
Name: OPUS 88 Demo-Color
Design: Resin eyedropper
Length: 147.6mm (5.81in)
Posted: N/A
Diameter: 14.9mm (.59in)
Weight: 27g (0.95oz)
Nib: Stainless Steel
Filling System: Eyedropper with a shutoff valve
Pros: Huge ink supply, beautiful material, awesome design
Cons: Honestly none
In the same price range:
Aurora Ipsilon
Benu Chameleon
Kaweco Liliput Copper
