Dual Shaders
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Inks that shade more than one color.
Read MoreInk Review #1072: Troublemaker Adarna
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A friend recently offered up some samples of Troublemaker inks up for sale, and I quickly purchased three of the ones I didn’t have yet including Troublemaker Adarna. I haven’t been able to find any real information about this ink-it’s not on Troublemaker’s website at the moment. I’m unsure whether or not they will offer it on their website again.
The color:
Adarna is a vibrant magenta with quite a bit of sheen.
Swabs:
In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has plenty of greenish-gold sheen.
Writing samples:
Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.
Dry time: 40 seconds
Water resistance: Low
Feathering: None
Show through: Medium
Bleeding: None
Other properties: low shading, monster sheen, and no shimmer.
On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and just a few dots of bleeding in the larger nib sizes.
Comparison Swabs:
Adarna is similar to Lamy Beryl and Colorverse Andromeda, but neither has as much sheen as Adarna. Click here to see the Troublemaker inks together, and click here to see the pink inks together.
Longer writing:
I used a TWSBI Eco Blossom Red with a medium nib on a Yoseka A5 notebook. The ink had a wet yet sticky flow.
Overall, this ink does have some issues. There seems to be some sort of sediment in the ink that settles to the sides and bottom of the sample-I can’t tell if it’s some sort of contaminant or part of the ink that separates out. It is prone to the occasional smearing due to the high sheen, and it has a rather sticky feeling flow. If you like this color I would suggest giving Colorverse Andromeda a try.
Disclaimer: I purchased this sample myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored in any way.
Ink Review #1071: Kyo-no-oto 02 Imayouiro
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Let’s take a look at Kyo-no-oto #02 Imayouiro. This ink is very bright for a Kyoto ink-it surprised me. Thanks to the reader that sent this ink in for review! You can find this ink for sale at most retailers, including Pen Chalet.
The color:
Imayouiro is a vibrant summery pink.
Swabs:
In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has just a little bit of brown sheen.
Writing samples:
Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.
Dry time: 20 seconds
Water resistance: Low
Feathering: None
Show through: Medium
Bleeding: None
Other properties: low shading, tiny sheen, and no shimmer. The sheen is only visible in large swabs on Tomoe River paper.
On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and just a few dots of bleeding in the larger nib sizes.
Comparison Swabs:
Imayouiro is similar to Diamine Scarlet. Click here to see the Kyoto inks together, and click here to see the pink inks together.
Longer writing:
I used a Kaweco Al-sport Red with a medium nib on a Yoseka A5 notebook. The ink had a dry flow.
Overall, I love the vibrant color, but it does have a very dry flow. I would add a drop of ink additive to make it flow a bit better.
Disclaimer: This ink was provided by a reader for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.
Ink Review #1070: Noodler's Black Swan in Australian Roses
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Today’s ink is Noodler’s Black Swan in Australian Roses. This ink is partially bulletproof. Thanks to the reader that sent this ink in for review! You can find this ink for sale at most retailers, including Pen Chalet.
The color:
Australian Roses is a dark magenta red.
Swabs:
In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink never fully dries. After 3 days I gave up and used a blotter to soak up a lot of the wet ink.
Writing samples:
Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.
Dry time: 40 seconds
Water resistance: Low
Feathering: None
Show through: Medium
Bleeding: None
Other properties: medium shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.
On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and just a few dots of bleeding in the larger nib sizes.
Comparison Swabs:
Australian Roses is similar to Diamine Amaranth. Click here to see the Noodler’s inks together, and click here to see the red inks together.
Longer writing:
I used a Lamy Al-star Purple with a medium nib on a Yoseka A5 notebook. The ink had a dry flow and some skipping.
Overall, I like how much shading this ink has, but I struggled with the dry flow in some of the pens. It never fully dries on Tomoe River paper, and some of the ink rubbed off onto the other pages. I’m just not sold on this one.
Disclaimer: This ink was provided by a reader for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.
Ink Review #1069: Rohrer and Klingner Maroon
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Recently a reader sent me a sample of Rohrer and Klingner Maroon, a 2019 limited edition ink also known as Kastanienbraun. This ink was limited to 2,000 bottles and came with special packaging. Thanks to the reader that sent a sample in for review! Vanness Pens carried this ink, but it’s currently out of stock.
The color:
Maroon is a dark brown with some shading. It’s more of a classic brown-it doesn’t lean more toward red or yellow.
Swabs:
In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks more purple than it does in writing. It turns darker where it pooled, but doesn't show actual sheen.
Writing samples:
Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.
Dry time: 20 seconds
Water resistance: Low
Feathering: None
Show through: Medium
Bleeding: None
Other properties: medium shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.
On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and just a few dots of bleeding in the larger nib sizes.
Comparison Swabs:
Maroon is similar to, but lighter than Franklin-Christoph Dark Chocolate. Click here to see the Rohrer and Klingner inks together, and click here to see the brown inks together.
Longer writing:
I used a Sailor Pro Gear Slim Red Supernova with a broad nib on a Yoseka A5 notebook. The ink had an average flow.
Overall, I enjoyed this ink. It behaved really well and I like the color. I loved the shading it had in the Sailor broad nib.
Disclaimer: This ink was provided by a reader for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored in any way.
February Pinks
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I had this master plan to get this post done and published on Sunday, but sometimes my plans go out the window, so it’s happening today instead. In February I reach for a lot of pinks and purples. By the end of the month I’m so ready for spring I could scream. I live in the Pacific Northwest, and so far this month has been nothing but rain and snow. This first palette is all about the purples. I love all five of these inks-Sailor Jentle Black is one of my go-to basic blacks, and it pretty much lives in my Pilot Custom 823 (one of the best pens ever designed).
Pink is rather cliche for Valentine’s week, and since my birthday is on Valentine’s day I grew up hating pink, but it has really grown on me. Sailor Peche is too light for me to use in small nibs, but it works in a flex nib or for sketching. I’m pretty sure I use Robert Oster Cherry Blossom and Pinky every spring, I just love the colors.
And we’re back to purples. Pilot Iroshizuku Take-sumi is another of my go-to black inks. It behaves so well and is a great basic black. I love that Sailor Jentle Chu-shu rides the line between grey and purple.
I try to bring flowers into the house, especially at the end of winter to help beat back the winter yucks. Lilies are my favorite, and I couldn’t pass up these vibrant pink ones. Monteverde Moonstone is one of my favorite brown inks, and I use Papier Plume Garden District Azalea often. What inks are you loving this month?
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links, and this post is not sponsored in any way.
Ink Review #1068: Robert Oster Australian Opal Grey
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I can’t resist Robert Oster inks normally, but when I saw that Robert Oster released a new grey ink it was an insta-buy. I purchased my bottle of Robert Oster Australian Opal Grey from Pen Chalet.
The color:
AO Grey is a light grey with a purple undertone.
Swabs:
In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks more purple than it does in writing.
Writing samples:
Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.
Dry time: 20 seconds
Water resistance: Low
Feathering: None
Show through: Medium
Bleeding: None
Other properties: medium shading, tiny sheen, and no shimmer. There’s just a touch of copper sheen in large swabs on Tomoe River paper.
On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering but no bleeding.
Comparison Swabs:
AO Grey is less saturated than, but similar to Colorverse Anti-matter. Click here to see the Robert Oster inks together, and click here to see the grey inks together.
Longer writing:
I used a Pilot Vanishing Point Galaxy with a broad nib on a Yoseka A5 notebook. The ink had a dry flow, which made the broad nib feel more like a medium.
Overall, I love the color and shading but the flow is a bit dry for my taste. I’m planning to add a drop of ink additive like White Lightning so it flows better the next time I use it.
Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.
Ink Review #1067: Kyo-iro Soft Snow of Ohara
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Today’s ink is Kyo-iro 02 Soft Snow of Ohara. This ink has been on my radar for a while, I’ve just never tried it before. Thanks to the reader that sent this ink in! You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Pen Chalet.
The color:
Soft Snow is a dark, moody purple.
Swabs:
In large swabs on Tomoe River paper there’s a small bit of black sheen.
Writing samples:
Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.
Dry time: 30 seconds
Water resistance: Low
Feathering: None
Show through: Medium
Bleeding: None
Other properties: medium shading, tiny sheen, and no shimmer.
On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering but no bleeding.
Comparison Swabs:
Soft Snow is less saturated than Sailor Jentle Shigure, and a bit more blue than Diamine Lilac Night. Click here to see the Kyoto inks together, and click here to see the purple inks together.
Longer writing:
I used a Pelikan M805 Stresemann with a medium nib on a Yoseka A5 notebook. The ink had a super dry flow, but with the Pelikan medium nib it did fine.
Overall, I like the color and shading but it is really dry. If I used this ink again I would add a drop of ink additive like White Lightning so it flows a bit better.
Disclaimer: A sample of this ink was provided by a reader. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.
Ink Review #1066: Platinum Carbon Black
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A reader recently sent me a sample of Platinum Carbon Black to try, and after trying it a few times I fell in love and ordered a full bottle. I have no idea how I’ve never tried this ink before. This pigmented ink comes in 60ml glass bottles. Thanks to the reader that sent this ink in!
The color:
Carbon Black is a great classic, neutral black.
Swabs:
In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink is shiny, but I wouldn’t call it sheen.
Writing samples:
Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.
Dry time: 60 seconds
Water resistance: High
Feathering: None
Show through: Medium
Bleeding: Low-just a touch of bleeding on Leuchtturm paper.
Other properties: no shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.
On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was feathering in all nib sizes as well as some bleeding.
Comparison Swabs:
Carbon Black is a similar color to a lot of other black inks, including Sailor Kiwa-guro and Colorverse Sunspot. Click here to see the Platinum inks together.
Longer writing:
I used a Pilot Vanishing Point Crossed Lines with a medium nib on a Yoseka A5 notebook. The ink had a wetter than average flow.
Overall, this ink does take a long time to dry, but it doesn't budge when exposed to water. The downside to the pigment-base is that it can be hard to clean out 100%. Once I used it in each of the nib sizes for the writing samples, I cleaned them all out and filled them with another ink, but it still felt a bit wrong-like it was a bit gritty and dry. I re-washed them all and then it was fine again. I would probably devote a pen to this ink, and use it whenever I need a water-resistant ink. As long as I used the pen at least once a week I didn’t have any clogging issues. It has a nice wet flow and provides a great writing experience.
Disclaimer: A sample of this ink was provided by a reader. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.
Ink Review #1065: Papier Plume All Saints Daybreak
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Pen show exclusive inks can be hit or miss for me but occasionally there’s an ink I kick myself for missing out on. I saw some pictures online of the 2019 Ohio Pen Show exclusive ink, Papier Plume All Saints Daybreak and knew I wanted to get my hands on a bottle. Luckily Papier Plume had some on their website right after the show and I immediately ordered one. In the past I’ve really enjoyed their show exclusive inks. This ink is out of stock now, so let’s look at some alternate options.
The color:
All Saints Daybreak is a medium blue black.
Swabs:
In large swabs on Tomoe River paper there’s some interesting shading.
Writing samples:
Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.
Dry time: 20 seconds
Water resistance: Low
Feathering: None
Show through: Medium
Bleeding: None
Other properties: medium shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.
On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and a bit of bleeding.
Comparison Swabs:
All Saints Daybreak is a bit bluer than Sailor Blue Black and Lamy Benitoite, but isn’t quite as blue as Colorvere Mariner 4. Click here to see the Papier Plume inks together.
Longer writing:
I used a Franklin-Christoph 46 Diamondcast Blue with a broad nib on a Yoseka A5 notebook. The ink had an average flow.
Overall, I really like this ink. It’s well behaved with some nice shading. I think Lamy Benitoite is the closest alternate ink.
Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored in any way.