Ink Review #1237: Diamine Teal

Diamine Teal is a lovely dark teal. It reminds me of late fall, early winter when I still want color, but much more muted tones. I purchased my bottle of ink from Cult Pens.

The color:

Teal is a dark moody teal.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks much darker.

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: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Teal is closest to Pilot Iroshizuku Syo-ro, but is much less saturated. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the teal inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pilot Custom 74 Teal with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow. I loved this ink/pen combo together, it wrote so smoothly but I did wish for just a little bit more shading.

Overall, I really like this ink, especially for the price. It’s definitely worth a try for the fall and winter seasons!

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.

Thinkers Notebook

A few months ago Thinkers Notebook sent me their new notebook to try out. The notebook measures 9” by 6”. The cover is 300 gsm and has a recycled chipboard backing.

The paper is white, 100gsm paper. Each page has one dot grid side and one college-ruled lined side. This notebook is designed to be used horizontally rather than vertically. The disc-bound binding utilizes 9, 3/4” silver discs.

One side is a light dot grid with spaces for the title, date and four icons you can check off. Each page also has its own code to be used with the app.

The other side of the page is lined college-ruled with space for the same information as the dot grid side. Refills and extra covers are available separately.

Fountain Pens:

All of the pen/ink combos I tried performed really well, no feathering or bleeding.

When uploading pages to the app I had some issues since I prefer vertical orientation and the app is designed to be used horizontally.

Overall, the paper in this notebook works really well for fountain pens, I didn’t have any problems there. I don’t love the horizontal orientation of the notebook though, I use notebooks vertically. The discs worked well for the most part, but I did have some problems with the pages tearing around the rings over time. I like the paper, but I don’t love some of the other aspects of the notebook design.

Disclaimer: This notebook was provided by Thinkers Notebook for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. There are no affiliate links on this page and this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1236: Robert Oster Crocodile Green

Let’s take a look at Robert Oster Crocodile Green. I purchased my sample of ink from Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

Crocodile Green is a medium yellow-green. This color of green is sometimes called venom or fern green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some pretty shading and a little bit of black sheen where the ink pooled.

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, 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 all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Crocodile Green is closest to Sailor Jentle Waka-uguisu. Click here to see the Robert Oster inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pelikan Vibrant Green with a fine nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I enjoyed this ink. It’s an interesting color, has some nice shading and even a tiny bit of sheen. For me it’s worth a try.

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 #1235: Diamine Sherwood Green

Diamine Sherwood Green has been in my drawer for quite a while, so let’s take a look at it! I purchased my bottle of ink from Cult Pens, but you can find this ink at most retailers including Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

Sherwood Green is a dark Christmas green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks darker and has more 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

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 and a few dots of bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Sherwood Green is closest to Colorverse Shrodinger. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Franklin-Christoph 46 Green Diamondcast with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, this is a great holiday green-perfect for Christmas cards.

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 #1234: Monteverde Malibu Blue

Monteverde Malibu Blue was a freebie at the door of the 2019 San Francisco Pen Show. I’ve had it for almost a year now, but haven’t played with it much so it’s time to test it out! You can find this ink at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Malibu Blue is a dark cornflower blue.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has just a little bit of shading and a little bit of copper 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, tiny copper sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering in most nib sizes but no bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Malibu Blue is closest to Cross Blue and Caran d’Ache Idyllic Blue. Click here to see the Monteverde inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Edison Collier Blue Steel with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, this is a beautiful, well-behaved ink, and affordable too!

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 #1233: Kobe 47 Aotani Cascade Green

This morning we looked at Bungubox Kaoru that I’ve wanted for a long time. Now let’s take a look at another long-wished-for ink: Kobe 47 Aotani Cascade Green. This ink comes in a 50ml glass bottle. Thanks to Goldspot Pens for sending a bottle over for review!

The color:

Aotani Cascade Green is a bright medium teal, not quite green like the name makes it sound.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks slightly darker with a little bit of pink 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 pink 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:

Aotani Cascade Green is pretty close to Pelikan Edelstein Jade in color, but flows so much better. Click here to see the Kobe inks together, and click here to see the teal inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Kaweco Sport Sage with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a wet flow.

Overall, I really enjoyed this ink. It flows really well, has some nice shading and is such a happy color. I’m glad I have a full bottle of this ink because I know I will use it often!

Disclaimer: This ink was 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 #1232: Bungubox Kaoru

One ink I’ve had on my wishlist for a while but never got around to trying is Bungubox Kaoru. I saw some pictures of it online and fell in love and knew I had to try it. This ink comes in a 30ml glass “shoe” bottle. Thanks to Goldspot Pens for sending a bottle over for review!

The color:

Kaoru is a gorgeous medium minty green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some pretty 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: 30 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 bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

There are a lot of green inks lighter or darker than this color, but no great matches. Click here to see the Bungubox inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

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

Overall, I love almost everything about this ink. It’s a gorgeous color, well behaved, lovely shading and a nice wet flow. The only thing I don’t love is the price-it’s a whopping $53.95 for 30ml of ink.

Disclaimer: This ink was 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 #1231: Diamine Sargasso Sea

Now that we’ve finally made it through the Diamine Inkvent Calendar we can get back to regular reviews, starting with Diamine Sargasso Sea. I purchased my bottle of ink from Cult Pens, but you can find this ink for sale at most US retailers, including Vanness Pens.

The color:

Sargasso Sea is a bright royal blue.

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: 5 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

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

Longer writing:

I used a Bonecrusher Studios pen with a Regalia Writing Labs Crossflex nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a wet flow.

Overall, this is a fun sheeny ink but it is prone to a bit of smearing on Tomoe River paper. It’s a fun ink, but it’ll never be an everyday ink for me.

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 #911 Redux: Diamine Winter Miracle

Diamine Winter Miracle was first released as part of the 2019 Inkvent Calendar, but is now available on its own as part of the Blue Collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Winter Miracle is a dark blue violet with lots of extras.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has gold sheen and blue shimmer.

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: Low

Other properties: low shading, high gold sheen, and blue shimmer.

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

Comparison Swabs:

Winter Miracle is darker than both J Herbin Amethyste de L’oural (silver shimmer) and Diamine Purple Pazzazz (gold shimmer). Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the purple inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Franklin Christoph 45 in Purpurarium with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow. In this nib the ink looks almost black rather than purple.

Overall, this is a fun ink, lots of sheen and shimmer, but not much shading. This ink also looks more black than purple in some nibs.

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 #925 Redux: Diamine Purple Bow

Diamine Purple Bow was first released as part of the 2019 Inkvent Calendar, but is now available on its own as part of the Blue Collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Purple Bow is a dark violet ink.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks much darker and has some pretty copper 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: low shading, high copper sheen, and no shimmer.

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

Comparison Swabs:

Purple Bow is closest to Diamine Purple Rain. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the purple inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Sailor Pro Gear Slim Purple Cosmos with a zoo nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow, and matched the pen well.

Overall, this is a great option for those who love Diamine Purple Rain but have a hard time finding it in the States. Purple Bow does have bronze sheen instead of Purple Rain’s gold, but it’s a good alternative.

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.