Ink Review #1264: Robert Oster Vine Leaf

Robert Oster Vine Leaf is another recent release from Robert Oster. You can find this ink at most retailers including Vanness Pens.

The color:

Vine Leaf is a light spring green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks a little bit 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: 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 in all nib sizes and just a few dots of bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Vine Leaf is closest to Sailor Ink Studio 260. Click here to see the Robert Oster inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

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

Overall, it’s a lovely light green but it can be rather pale, especially in smaller nibs and therefore hard to read. I think I would reach for this ink the most in the spring and early summer.

Disclaimer: 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 #1263: Diamine Carnival

Diamine Carnival is from the 150th Anniversary collection released in 2014. You can find this ink at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Carnival is a deep wintery red.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some shading but no 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: 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 but just a few dots of bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Carnival is closest to Robert Oster Royal Red. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the red inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pilot Vanishing Point Galaxy with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, this is another great ink from Diamine. The color is more winter appropriate than spring or summer.

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 #1262: Monteverde Purple Reign

Monteverde Purple Reign is a beautiful medium purple. You can find this ink at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Purple Reign is a medium orchid purple.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks less red and has some beautiful green 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: low shading, tiny green 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 but just a few dots of bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Purple Reign is closest to Montblanc The Beatles. Click here to see the Monteverde inks together, and click here to see the purple inks together.

Longer writing:

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

Overall, this ink I lovely: well behaved and a gorgeous color. It’s absolutely worth a try!

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 #1261: Diamine Regency Blue

Diamine Regency Blue is from the 150th Anniversary collection released in 2014. You can find this ink at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Regency Blue is a vibrant dark blue.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some pretty sheen and 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: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Regency Blue is darker and more vibrant than both Diamine Midnight and Diamine Cult Pens Deep Dark Blue. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pilot Vanishing Point Twilight with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I’ve really enjoyed the Diamine 150th Anniversary inks I’ve tried, and this is another great one. It’s got a lovely vibrant color and is well behaved.

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 #1260: Monteverde Purple Mist

Purple Mist is a fabulous light purple. I absolutely love the light purples, especially in the spring. You can find this ink at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Purple Mist is a pale lilac purple.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks amazing with plenty of 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: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

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 in most nib sizes but no bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Purple Mist is a little bit lighter than Pilot Iroshizuku Jurojin. Click here to see the Monteverde inks together, and click here to see the purple inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Platinum 3776 Nice Lavande with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a wet flow.

Overall, I rather love this ink and need to get a full bottle. It can be a bit light in writing, especially in the smaller nibs, (it’s probably going to be too light for most users) but I’m still crazy about this color regardless.

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

1200 Inks!

We have surpassed 1200 inks! We actually hit 1259 inks yesterday so this post is horribly late. It’s starting to feel like fall so I’m reaching for more autumnal tones: wine reds, warm browns, and golden yellows. I had a really hard time deciding on my favorite inks this time, so some colors have way more than others.

The rules: the inks have to have been in the first 1200 ink reviews. They have to be my current favorites in that color, meaning the ones I use the most often. My favorites change often, so these are the ones I have used the most in the last month.

Black

• Monteverde Documental Black

• Sailor Jentle Black

• Platinum Carbon Black

• Pilot Iroshizuku Take-sumi

• Sailor Nano Kiwa-guro

• Click here to see the black inks together.

Platinum Carbon Black is still my current favorite black-I love how smooth and water-resistant it is.

Blue Black

• Sailor Nano Sei-boku

• Sailor Nano Sou-boku

• Robert Oster Thunderstorm

• Rohrer and Klingner Verdigris

• Pilot Iroshizuku Shin-kai

• Click here to see the Blue-black inks together.

I love Blue Black inks so much, and this 5 are consistent favorites.

Grey

• Pilot Iroshizuku Kiri-same

• Pilot Iroshizuku Fuyu-syogun

• Diamine Silver Fox

• Diamine Earl Grey

• Maruzen Athena Ginkan

• Click here to see the grey inks together.

I don’t reach for grey inks as much in the fall, but I probably reach for Earl Grey the most right now.

Brown

• Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-guri

• Robert Oster Marrone Mustard

• Pilot Iroshizuku Ina-ho

• Robert Oster Caffe Crema

• Pilot Iroshizuku Tsukushi

• Monteverde Pumpkin Cake

• Robert Oster Melon Tea

• Monteverde Moonstone

• Taccia Tuchi Golden Wheat

• Click here to see the brown inks together.

I want all the browns in autumn, especially in November.

Red

• Robert Oster Australian Shiraz

• Sailor Jentle Grenade

• Robert Oster Clay Red

• Monteverde Cherry Danish

• Pilot Iroshizuku Momiji

• Sailor Jentle Irori

• Robert Oster 1789 Maroon

• Robert Oster Astorquiza Rot

• KWZ Maple Red

• Click here to see the red inks together.

Sailor Irori is my current favorite red, it’s so good.

Pink

• Monteverde Garnet

• Pilot Iroshizuku Tsutsuji

• Kaweco Ruby Red

• Pilot Iroshizuku Bishamonten

• Rohrer & Klingner Sketch Vroni

• Click here to see the pink inks together.

I tend toward magenta tones in autumn.

Orange

• Kobe Arima Amber

• Papier Plume 011

• Pilot Iroshizuku Fuyu-gaki

• Monteverde Fireopal

• Monteverde Mandarin Orange

• Pilot Iroshizuku Yu-yake

• Montblanc Lucky Orange

• Diamine Autumn Oak

• KWZ Butterscotch

• Click here to see the orange inks together.

I wish I had 10 bottles of KWZ Butterscotch. It’s amazing.

Yellow

• Robert Oster Honey Bee

• Robert Oster Gold Antiqua

• Robert Oster Yellow Sunset

• Colorverse Adobe

• Robert Oster African Gold

• Maruzen Athena Kinkan

• Bungubox Ebisu Gold

• KWZ Old Gold

• KWZ El Dorado

• KWZ Honey

• Click here to see the yellow inks together.

Give me all the golden yellows in the fall. There are so many good ones to choose from.

Green

• Rohrer & Klingner Alt-goldgrun

• Sailor Jentle Tokiwa-matsu

• Diamine Music Wagner

• Pilot Iroshizuku Shin-ryoku

• Monteverde Olivine

• Sailor Jentle Miruai

• Monteverde Malachite

• Robert Oster Astorquiza Olive

• Robert Oster Verde de Rio

• Robert Oster Eucalyptus Leaf

• Click here to see the green inks together.

I’ve been leaning more toward olive green this year, especially Tokiwa-matsu.

Teal

• Monteverde Iced Cookie

• Sailor Jentle Yama-dori

• Monteverde DC Supershow Teal

• Pilot Iroshizuku Ku-jaku

• Diamine Music Schubert

• Diamine Aurora Borealis

• Lamy Petrol

• Sailor Ink Studio 864

• Robert Oster Deep Sea

• Lamy Turmaline

• Click here to see the teal inks together.

Sailor Jentle Yama-dori is such a good teal, definitely a must-try!

Blue

• Monteverde Documental Blue

• Diamine Tudor Blue

• Robert Oster Great Southern Ocean

• Rohrer & Klingner Salix

• Monteverde Blue Velvet Cake

• Monteverde Ocean Noir

• Diamine Oxford Blue

• KWZ Chicago Blue

• Monteverde Peace

• Monteverde Sapphire

• Click here to see the blue inks together.

There are way too many good blues, it’s almost impossible to pick just a few.

Purple

• Robert Oster Barossa Grape

• Diamine Grape

• Monteverde Rose Noir

• Monteverde Mulberry Noir

• Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-budo

• Platinum Lavender Black

• Diamine Music Handel

• Sailor Ink Studio 650

• Monteverde Blueberry Muffin

• Sailor Jentle Shigure

• Click here to see the purple inks together.

So many good purples in the fall, and I’m pretty sure I love them all!

What are your favorite inks right now? Do you reach for specific ones each season?

Disclaimer: 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 #1259: Diamine Woodland Green

Diamine Woodland Green is a bright emerald green. I purchased my bottle of ink from Cult Pens.

The color:

Woodland Green is a bright medium green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some pretty shading and just a little bit of 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: Low

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Woodland Green is just a little bit darker than Diamine Ultra Green. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Sailor Pro Gear Shamrock with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, this is a lovely well behaved ink, but it is very similar to Diamine Ultra Green, so you probably don’t need both.

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 #1258: Monteverde Napa Burgundy

Monteverde Napa Burgundy is a fabulous color for fall, and I can’t wait for fall to hit so it’s the perfect color right now. You can find this ink at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Napa Burgundy is a dark wine merlot.

Swabs:

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

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 in most nib sizes but no bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Napa Burgundy is a little bit lighter than Diamine Mulled Wine. Click here to see the Monteverde inks together, and click here to see the red inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pilot Custom 74 Merlot with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a slightly wet flow.

Overall, this is a fabulous ink for the fall season. It’s well behaved and has some nice shading.

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 #1257: Diamine Washable Blue

Diamine Washable Blue is one of the less popular blues, but it’s still worth a try! I purchased my bottle of ink from Cult Pens.

The color:

Washable Blue is a classic medium blue, but a little less saturated than average.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some 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: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Washable Blue is a little less saturated than 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 vintage Mabie Todd Swan on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, this is a lovely basic blue ink, 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 #1256: Papier Plume No. 13

I have absolutely loved some of the limited edition Papier Plume inks from the last few years (I’m still obsessed with Lake Michigan Summer), so when Papier Plume announced a new online only ink called No. 13, I jumped on it. I purchased my bottle of ink from papierplume.com.

The color:

No. 13 is a dark teal with some pretty shading.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks more blue than teal.

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

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

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:

No. 13 is closest to Colorverse Map of Mars. Click here to see the Papier Plume inks together, and click here to see the teal inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pilot Vanishing Point Tropical Turquoise with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I think this is another LE hit. It has a little bit more feathering/bleeding in the flex nib than I prefer, but the shading is so pretty!

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.