Ink Review #1354: Kaweco Summer Purple

I really enjoyed the two Kaweco inks I’ve reviewed so far but I tend to forget that I’ve never reviewed the rest of them, so let’s look at Kaweco Summer Purple. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens.

The color:

Summer Purple is a medium eggplant purple.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has just a tiny bit of 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: 10 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low.

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Summer Purple is closest to Diamine Purple Dream and KWZ Berry, but is less saturated than both of them. Click here to see the Kaweco 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, I would call this an average ink-a little feathering and bleeding on some papers and an average flow. It does dry in a quick 10 seconds which is nice. I’m glad I tried it but I don’t like it enough to need a full bottle.

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 #1353: Lamy Violet

A kind reader sent me a few Lamy Violet cartridges to try! I had forgotten about Lamy Violet. I prefer bottled inks and Lamy Violet (like Waterman Pink) is only available in cartridges. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

Violet is exactly what it sounds like-a medium violet purple.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some interesting 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: 30 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: Medium-there was some feathering on Rhodia and Leuchtturm.

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low-only on Leuchtturm.

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

In swabs Violet is closest to Montblanc Beatles but in writing it’s closer to Monteverde Purple Reign. Click here to see the Lamy inks together, and click here to see the purple inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Lamy Safari Violet with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow. The shading is a bit subtle but it’s there if you look for it.

Overall, this ink is a bit paper dependent. It does well on Tomoe River (as 99% of inks do), but feathers on Rhodia and feathers and bleeds on Leuchtturm. I really loved this ink on TR, but I don’t love it on any other papers.

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 #1352: Sailor Ink Studio 252

The original Sailor Ink Studio collection included 100 inks, but recently they retired three inks and introduced three new ones, including Ink Studio 252. I purchased my bottle of ink from Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

252 is a pale wisteria purple. This ink shades to a teal green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks a bit brighter and has some gorgeous 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: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and just a little bit of bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

252 is a little more grey than Sailor Shikiori Yozakura. Click here to see the Sailor inks together, and click here to see the purple inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Sailor Pro Gear Lighthouse with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a dry but watery flow.

Overall, I enjoyed this ink, but it it is a bit dry and can be rather light in smaller nib sizes. It’s more of a play ink for me rather than an everyday ink.

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 #1351: Sailor Ink Studio 224

The original Sailor Ink Studio collection included 100 inks, but recently they retired three inks and introduced three new ones, including Ink Studio 224. I purchased my bottle of ink from Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

224 is a light grey base with purple and green shading.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has drool-worthy 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: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and just a little bit of bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

224 is a little darker than Sailor Ink Studio 123 and very similar to Maruzen Athena Ginkan. Click here to see the Sailor inks together, and click here to see the grey inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pilot Custom 74 Teal with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a dry but watery flow. The ink is dark enough to read easily, but leans more toward the purple shading than the green.

Overall, I love this ink but it’s not perfect. The shading is fabulous, but it’s a bit dry for me, and can benefit from a drop of White Lightning (ink additive) or something similar. It’s also pretty pricey per ml so you probably don’t need both 224 and 123 unless you’re ink addicted like me. Out of 224 and 123 I would choose 224 just because it’s a little easier to read.

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 #1350: Taccia Fukaki-hanada

Let’s tackle the last ink in the Taccia Ukiyo-e collection, Taccia Fukaki-hanada. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens and Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

Fukaki-hanada is a dark cornflower blue.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks darker and has some 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: 10 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Medium

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:

Fukaki-hanada is closest to. Sailor Ink Studio 540. Click here to see the Taccia inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Kaweco Sport Serenity Blue with a fine nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I appreciate the fast dry time but there’s still too much feathering and bleeding for me. There are better blue inks out there that behave better and are just as pretty.

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

Winter Blues Ink Palettes

We are knee-deep into January which means I’m reaching for icy blues, dark greens, gorgeous blue blacks and cool greys. The weather has been cold and snowy, and we are spending most of our time inside.

I love the color of this water-it’s teal and gorgeous while still being wintery. As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to use Papier Plume Lake Michigan Winter to match it, but let’s face it, I’ll use any excuse to pull out that ink. Someday they’ll make me happy and do another run of it. There are a lot of other inks that would work as an alternative to Swan Illusion like Kyo-iro Stone Road of Gion or Sailor Ink Studio 373.

I’m still crushing hard on Sailor’s Sailor-it’s so gorgeous and has the prettiest shading. Sou-boku, Smoke Noir and Thunderstorm have been long-time favorites of mine.

I would love to live here-a cabin in the middle of nowhere, as long as I get to keep my inks with me.

I hope everyone is having a safe January! What’s your favorite ink today? Let me know in the comments below!

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

Ink Review #1349: Taccia Hokusai-koiai

We are almost through the Taccia Ukiyo-e collection, let’s take a look at Taccia Hokusai-koiai. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens and Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

Hokusai-koiai is a classy deep blue.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has lots of dark 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: 5 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: Medium

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Medium

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Hokusai-koiai is closest to Troublemaker Blueberry in swabs. Click here to see the Taccia inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

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

Overall, I love the color and the fast dry time, but there is way too much feathering and bleeding for me. All of the feathering and bleeding happened on Leuchtturm and Rhodia, so if you stick to Tomoe River paper you should be fine.

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 #1348: Taccia Hokusai-sabimidori

We have been working our way through the Taccia Ukiyo-e collection this week, today’s ink is Taccia Hokusai-sabimidori. This ink is a “rust green” You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens and Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

Hokusai-sabimidori looks much greener in the Col-o-ring swab than it does on the other papers.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks more blue with plenty of 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 all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Hokusai-sabimidori is greener than these other inks in swabs, but is pretty close to Colorverse Pale Blue Dot in writing. Click here to see the Taccia inks together, and click here to see the teal inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Kaweco Sport Turquoise with a fine nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I really enjoyed this ink. The color is lovely, it’s well-behaved and has some pretty shading and sheen.

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 #1347: Taccia Sharaku-natane

Taccia Sharaku-natane is from the recent Ukiyo-e collection. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens and Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

Sharaku-natane is an unsaturated rapeseed yellow.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks more grey where it pooled, but it did feather quite a bit.

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, no sheen, and no shimmer.

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

Comparison Swabs:

Sharaku-natane is closest to Sailor Ink Studio 670. Click here to see the Taccia inks together, and click here to see the yellow inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a TWSBI Eco Yellow with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I like this color, it’s an interesting wintery yellow, but there is a bit more feathering than I like. I could go either way on this one, I’m glad I tried a sample but I don’t need a full bottle.

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 #1346: Taccia Sharaku-koiame

Taccia Sharaku-koiame is from the recent Ukiyo-e collection. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens and Pen Chalet (aff. link).

The color:

Sharaku-koiame is a dark fox orange.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some pretty shading and a tiny 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: 40 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Sharaku-koiame is more red than Private Reserve Shoreline Gold but less red than Robert Oster Terracotta. Click here to see the Taccia inks together, and click here to see the orange inks together.

Longer writing:

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

Overall, this is a nice ink! It has a nice fall color and some pretty shading.

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