Ink Review #1230: Monteverde Horizon Blue

I love blue inks, but one I haven’t tried much so far is Monteverde Documental Blue. You can find this ink at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Horizon Blue is a gorgeous classic blue.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has just a little bit of shading and red 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: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: medium shading, low red sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering in most nib sizes and a little bit of bleeding in the flex nib.

Comparison Swabs:

Horizon Blue is a little bit darker and brighter than KWZ Azure #3. Click here to see the Monteverde inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pelikan M600 Turquoise with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a wet flow.

Overall, it’s a beautiful ink-well behaved, a gorgeous color and some shading and sheen. If you haven’t tried it yet it’s worth a shot!

Disclaimer: All photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1229: Diamine Sapphire Blue

Diamine Sapphire Blue is a pretty, classic blue I’ve had for quite a while. I purchased my bottle of ink from Cult Pens a few years ago.

The color:

Sapphire Blue is a gorgeous, classy medium blue.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper you can see some of the pretty 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: 10 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: Low-there is just a little bit of feathering in the flex nib on Rhodia and Leuchtturm.

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: low shading, low brown sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering in most nib sizes as well as some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Sapphire Blue seems like a darker version of Diamine China Blue. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a TWSBI Eco Transparent Blue with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, it’s a beautiful, well behaved ink that dries quickly. It’s worth a try, especially at the affordable price.

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.

Ink Review #1228: Monteverde Canyon Rust

Monteverde Canyon Rust is an ink sample that’s been in my drawer for quite a while, and I’ve never gotten around to playing with it so today is the day! It’s currently available in 90ml and 30ml glass bottles. You can find this ink at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Canyon Rust is a medium brown with a slight red tone.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks much less saturated 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 black 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 in most nib sizes and just a little bit of bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Canyon Rust is closest to Monteverde Joy, but is a little bit darker. Click here to see the Monteverde inks together, and click here to see the brown inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pelikan M200 Gold Marbled with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a wet flow.

Overall, it’s a lovely brown ink with some pretty shading. I think I would use it most in the autumn and winter when I reach for brown inks most often. I’m adding a full bottle to my wish list!

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 #1227: Diamine Salamander

Let’s take a look at a dark green ink today, Diamine Salamander. I purchased my bottle of ink from Cult Pens.

The color:

Salamander is a dark olive green on most papers, but on some it looks way more brown than green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks very dry and unsaturated.

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, no sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering in most nib sizes and some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Salamander is closest to Robert Oster Moss, but it isn’t an exact match. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Kaweco Al-sport Petrol with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average to slightly dry flow.

Overall, I think it’s a great color for late fall or winter. It’s pretty well behaved, and affordable too!

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.

Ink Review #1226: Robert Oster Burned Orange

Robert Oster Burned Orange is a dark unsaturated orange, perfect for autumn. I purchased my sample of ink from Pen Chalet quite a while ago, but haven’t played with it much until now.

The color:

Burned Orange is a dark unsaturated orange.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has just a little 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: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: medium shading, tiny black sheen, and no shimmer. The black sheen is only visible in large swabs on Tomoe River paper.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering in most nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Burned Orange is closest to Birmingham Golden Ale. Click here to see the Robert Oster inks together, and click here to see the orange inks together.

Longer writing:

I used an Edison Collier Persimmon Swirl with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I like this ink. It’s a great fall orange and well behaved too!

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 #1225: Sailor Jentle Rikyu-cha

Sailor Jentle Rikyu-cha was released in the 2016 Four Seasons collection. It used to be available in the round 50ml bottles, but recently Sailor changed it to the 20ml Shikiori bottles. Thanks to the reader that sent a sample in for review! You can find this ink for sale at most fountain pen retailers including Vanness Pens.

The color:

Rikyu-cha is in-between a dark olive green and a dark brown.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks more of a dark teal than green.

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: Medium

Feathering: Low-there was some feathering in the larger nib sizes on Rhodia and Leuchtturm.

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: medium shading, tiny red 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 bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Rikyu-cha is much browner than either Sailor Jentle Epinard or Tokiwa-matsu. Click here to see the Sailor inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Lamy 2000 Black Amber with a fine nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a wet flow.

Overall, I really enjoyed this ink. It makes me think of late autumn, it has a lovely wet flow and is well behaved. I need to add a full bottle to my wish list!

Disclaimer: A sample of 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.

Ink Review of Colorverse Solar Wind & Magnetosphere

Goldspot and Colorverse came up with a new set of inks exclusive to Goldspot Pens: Solar Wind and Magnetosphere. These inks come in a boxed set with a 65ml bottle of Solar Wind and a 15ml bottle of Magnetosphere. Thanks to Goldspot Pens for providing a set for review!

Solar Wind:

Solar Wind is a bright turquoise blue.

Magnetosphere:

Magnetosphere is a dark blue violet with some sheen.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the Solar Wind has some pretty shading, Magnetosphere sheens to copper and green.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 10 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: Low-both inks feathered in multiple nib sizes on Leuchtturm and the larger nib sizes on Rhodia.

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low-both inks bled in multiple nib sizes on Leuchtturm and the larger nib sizes on Rhodia.

Other properties: medium shading for both inks, high sheen on Magnetosphere, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper the ink feathered and bled in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Solar Wind is closest to Sailor Ink Studio 441. Click here to see the Colorverse inks together.

Magnetosphere is closest to KWZ Stay Home Purple.

Longer Writing:

I used a Pelikan M600 Turquoise with an extra fine nib and a Franklin-Christoph 45 Pink and White (often called the bacon pen) with a broad nib on Tomoe River paper. Both inks had average flows.

Overall, Solar Wind can be a bit light in the smaller nib sizes so I would stick to medium and broad nibs. I love the sheen on Magnetosphere, the copper and green are interesting and pretty. Out of the two I prefer Magnetosphere, but both are worth a try.

Disclaimer: These inks were provided by Goldspot Pens 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.

Ink Review #1222: Noodler's Revolution Blue

Noodler’s Ink has teamed up with Goldspot Pens and created a new store exclusive ink: Noodler’s Revolution Blue. Thanks to Goldspot for sending a bottle over for review! This ink starts a vibrant medium blue when wet, and dries to a lighter more matte finish; it reminds me of how De Atramentis Sketch inks perform, which are pigmented. I don’t know for sure that it is pigmented, but it sure behaves like it is.

The color:

Revolution Blue is a pale unsaturated blue.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink dries to a darker shiny blue, 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: 15 seconds

Water resistance: High

Feathering: Low-there was a little bit of feathering in the larger nib sizes on Rhodia and Leuchtturm.

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low-there was a little bit of bleeding in the larger nib sizes on Rhodia and Leuchtturm.

Other properties: medium shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Revolution Blue is a little bit lighter and more matte than Sailor Jentle Sky High. Click here to see the Noodler’s inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Lamy Safari Petrol with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a very wet flow.

Overall, I like how wet this ink is and it flows well but it does have a bit of a chemical smell to it, and it dries very matte. While I was testing this ink out, my notes said: wet, bright when wet, but dries to an unsaturated pale sadness, which sums up this ink pretty well. It’s worth a look if you need a wet, water-resistant blue ink, but other than that I would probably pass on it.

Disclaimer: This ink was provided by Goldspot 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.

Ink Review #1221: Robert Oster Flaming Blue

Robert Oster has recently released another blue ink (are you really surprised?) called Robert Oster Flaming Blue. I’m a sucker for Robert Oster inks so of course I had to try it out. Thanks to Goldspot for sending a bottle over for review!

The color:

Flaming Blue is a classy dark blue with some sheen.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some pretty coppery 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: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: medium shading, high copper sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in most nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Flaming Blue is closest to Diamine Tudor Blue, and a little less vibrant than Colorverse Quasar. Click here to see the Robert Oster inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pelikan M805 Vibrant Blue with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I really enjoyed this ink. Robert Oster does an amazing job with his blue inks, and this one is no exception. I’m glad I have a full bottle of this one because it’s one I think I will use often.

Disclaimer: This ink was provided by Goldspot 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.

Ink Review #1220: KWZ Stay Home Purple

KWZ has created a St. Louis Pen Show exclusive ink for the last few years, but I didn’t think it would happen this year with all of the pen shows being cancelled. Instead of fully cancelling the St. Louis Pen Show, they have moved it online: The Pen Show that Wasn't, Virtual Maker Fair 2020. A few independent pen makers have made purple pens that match the show color. Each pen will come with a bottle of this year’s pen show ink: KWZ Meet Me in St. Louis 2020 “Stay Home Purple”. One of the show organizers was very kind and sent me a sample of the ink to try out! If there are any bottles of the ink left after all the pens are sold, then the bottles will be available for purchase (probably with a lottery system since there are so few bottles available).

The color:

Stay Home Purple is a vibrant dark violet.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks slightly cooler in tone 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: 10 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: Low-there was some feathering on Rhodia and Leuchtturm in the larger nib sizes.

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Medium-there was quite a bit of bleeding on Rhodia and Leuchtturm paper, more than I was expecting.

Other properties: low shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Stay Home Purple is closest to Colorverse Magnetosphere. It’s a little bit cooler in tone than Diamine Monboddo’s Hat and Robert Oster Deep Purple, but warmer than Colorverse Hayabusa and Waterman Tender Purple. Click here to see the KWZ inks together, and click here to see the purple inks together.

Longer writing:

I used an Pelikan M600 Violet with a fine nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a slightly wet flow.

Overall, I love the color, but there is a fair amount of bleeding and feathering on most papers. I like it best on Tomoe River paper, where the color really shines.

Disclaimer: This ink was provided by the show organizers 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.