Ink Review #1408: Robert Oster Grun Gilt

Robert Oster Grun Gilt is from the Shake ‘N’ Shimmy collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Grun Gilt is a deep golden brown.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has plenty of gold 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: 40 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Grun Gilt is a little bit deeper than Robert Oster Heart of Gold. Click here to see the Robert Oster inks together, and click here to see the yellow inks together.

Longer writing:

I used an Kaweco Al-sport Gold with a fine nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a dry flow.

Overall, this ink is very close to Robert Oster Heart of Gold (which I actually like better than this one) so you probably don’t need both. It’s just a little dry but other than that it’s well behaved.

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

1400 Inks!

We have surpassed 1400 inks! I’m ready for spring so right now I’m reaching for more pastel and dusky inks.

The rules: the inks have to have been in the first 1400 ink reviews. They have to be my current favorites in that color, meaning the ones I use them the most frequently. My favorites change often, so these are the ones I have used the most in the last month.

Black

• Platinum Carbon Black

• Sailor Nano Kiwa-guro

• Pilot Iroshizuku Take-sumi

• Monteverde Documental Black

• Monteverde Coal Noir

• Sailor Jentle Black

• Click here to see the black inks together.

Blue Black

• Robert Oster Thunderstorm

• Diamine 1864 Blue Black

• Rohrer and Klingner Verdigris

• Rohrer and Klingner Salix

• Colorverse Mariner 4

• Sailor Nano Sou-boku

• Pilot Iroshizuku Shin-kai

• Sailor Nano Sei-boku

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

Blue Black inks are some of my favorites, but I consistently reach for these 8.

Grey

• Diamine Earl Grey

• Monteverde Smoke Noir

• Montblanc Oyster Grey

• Pilot Iroshizuku Kiri-same

• Pilot Iroshizuku Fuyu-syogun

• Diamine Silver Fox

• Sailor Ink Studio 224

• Click here to see the grey inks together.

Oyster Grey is one of my favorite spring grey’s!

Brown

• Monteverde Moonstone

• Robert Oster Melon Tea

• Pilot Iroshizuku Tsukushi

• Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-guri

• Sailor Ink Studio 373

• Robert Oster Caffe Crema

• Pilot Iroshizuku Ina-ho

• Robert Oster Marrone Mustard

• Click here to see the brown inks together.

I don’t use a lot of brown inks in spring, but I do love these ones!

Red

• Pilot Iroshizuku Momiji

• Diamine Syrah

• Sailor Ink Studio 830

• Sailor Jentle Oku-yama

• Diamine Strauss

• Sailor Jentle Irori

• Taccia Sharaku-akasakura

• Monteverde Napa Burgundy

• Robert Oster Whisper Red

• Sailor Ink Studio 530

• Click here to see the red inks together.

Whisper Red is my favorite spring red.

Pink

• Kobe Oji Cherry

• Monteverde Kindness

• Papier Plume Garden District Azalea

• J Herbin Corail des Tropiques

• Pilot Iroshizuku Kosumosu

• Robert Oster Pinky

• Bungubox Mother Pink

• Robert Oster Sushi

• Diamine Coral

• Diamine Carnation

• Click here to see the pink inks together.

I love all the pinks in spring, especially corals.

Orange

• Maruzen Athena Doukan

• Monteverde Topaz

• Pilot Iroshizuku Yu-yake

• Sailor Ink Studio 173

• Pen Saijiki Shukei

• Monteverde Mango Mousse

• Papier Plume Sazerac

• Sailor Jentle Apricot

• Diamine Marigold

• Diamine Peach Haze

• Robert Oster Peach

• Diamine Gerbera

• Click here to see the orange inks together.

Robert Oster Peach, Diamine Peach Haze, Papier Plume Sazerac and Diamine Gerbera are inks I use every spring without fail.

Yellow

• Robert Oster Honey Bee

• Franklin-Christoph Honeycomb

• Robert Oster African Gold

• Bungubox Ebisu Gold

• J Herbin Ambre de Baltique

• Private Reserve Buttercup

• Pilot Iroshizuku Daikokuten

• Robert Oster Yellow Sunset

• Colorverse Adobe

• Click here to see the yellow inks together.

Good yellows are hard to find but there are a few I love!

Green

• Robert Oster Vine Leaf

• Robert Oster Opal Green

• Sailor Ink Studio 260

• Monteverde Key Lime Pie

• Robert Oster Sublime

• Sailor Ink Studio 162

• Sailor Ink Studio 160

• Pen Saijiki Kazahana

• Pilot Iroshizuku Chiku-rin

• Sailor Ink Studio 167

• Papier Plume Marina Green

• Bungubox Kaoru

• Click here to see the green inks together.

I’ve found so many good spring greens in the past year! Bungubox Kaoru is one of my love’s!

Teal

• Kobe 47 Aotani Cascade Green

• Sailor Ink Studio 464

• Robert Oster Pacific Ocean Teal

• Sailor Ink Studio 264

• Diamine Marine

• Robert Oster Morning Mist

• Pelikan Edelstein Aquamarine

• Diamine Soft Mint

• Kaweco Paradise Blue

• Papier Plume Lake Michigan Summer

• Papier Plume Lake Michigan Winter

• Diamine Music Schubert

• Click here to see the teal inks together.

Lake Michigan Summer is one of those inks that’s amazing but was super limited edition. One more great ink I wish they would bring back.

Blue

• Robert Oster Bass Straight

• Monteverde Caribbean Blue

• Sailor Manyo Haha

• Robert Oster Clearwater Rain

• Pilot Iroshizuku Ama-iro

• Monteverde Confidence

• Robert Oster Australian Sky Blue

• Sailor Jentle Sky High

• Sailor Ink Studio 243

• Diamine Aqua Lagoon

• Robert Oster Grey Seas

• Sailor’s Sailor

• 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

• Sailor Jentle Fuji-musume

• Pilot Iroshizuku Murasaki-shikibu

• Sailor Ink Studio 343

• Diamine Amazing Amethyst

• Robert Oster Summer Storm

• Pilot Iroshizuku Ajisai

• Pen Saijiki Fujifusa

• Monteverde Purple Mist

• Sailor Ink Studio 150

• Monteverde Rose Noir

• Diamine Music Handel

• Sailor Manyo Nekoyanagi

• Click here to see the purple inks together.

So many good purples in the spring!

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 #1407: Kyo-iro 03 Fushimi's Flaming Red

Today’s ink is Kyo-iro 03 Fushimi’s Flaming Red. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) and Vanness Pens.

The color:

Flaming Red is a bright red that leans just a bit towards orange.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink is a little darker than 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

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

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:

There are a lot of similar reds out there including Diamine Poppy Red and Robert Oster Direct Sun. Click here to see the Kyoto inks together, and click here to see the red inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Sailor Pro Gear Slim Supernova Red with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a super dry flow.

Overall, there are a lot of red inks out there that are very similar to this color. There’s nothing about it that stands out from the crowd.

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 #1406: Kyo-no-oto 04 Yamabukiiro

Let’s go with a less common Kyoto ink today: Kyo-no-oto 04 Yamabukiiro. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) and Vanness Pens.

The color:

Yamabukiiro is a dark mustard yellow.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink is 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: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: low 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:

Yamabukiiro is a little bit darker than Robert Oster Aussie Gold and a little bit lighter than Vinta La Paz and 3 Oysters Mustard. Click here to see the Kyoto inks together, and click here to see the yellow inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Lamy Al-star Bronze with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a super dry flow.

Overall, I love the color of this ink, it’s perfect for fall. It is very dry and could use a bit of help from White Lightning.

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 #1405: Kyo-no-oto 03 Kokeiro

I’m a bit stuck on Kyoto inks this week so let’s continue with Kyo-no-oto 03 Kokeiro. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) and Vanness Pens.

The color:

Kokeiro is a medium chartreuse green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink is darker, more of an olive 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: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Kokeiro is closest to Robert Oster Chartreuse. Click here to see the Kyoto inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Lamy Al-star Green with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a super dry flow.

Overall, like other Kyoto inks I like this ink best in a wet broad nib. I love the shading on this ink but frankly Chartreuse isn’t my favorite color. I think this color looks best in the larger swabs rather than in writing so this ink isn’t one I need a full bottle of.

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 #1404: Kyo-no-oto 08 Moegiiro

Kyo-no-oto 08 Moegiiro is the replacement of Kyo-no-oto 08 Urahairo which we reviewed yesterday. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) and Vanness Pens.

The color:

Moegiiro is a bright lime green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink is darker where it pooled and has some 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: 10 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

Moegiiro is darker than Diamine Kelly Green and brighter than Sailor Ink Studio 867. Click here to see the Kyoto inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pelikan M600 Vibrant Green with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a super dry flow.

Overall, like other Kyoto inks I like this ink best in a wet broad nib. It’s very dry and could benefit from a drop of White Lighting, it’s a lovely bright color though.

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 #1403: Kyo-no-oto 08 Urahairo

Kyo-no-oto 08 Urahairo was originally released in Fall 2018. I find it so confusing when Kyoto gives two inks the same number. I understand that when they run out of stock of the first one they create another one and use the same number, so we will look at Kyo-no-oto 08 Moegiiro tomorrow. You can find this ink for sale at Vanness Pens.

The color:

Urahairo is a pale sage green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink is darker where it 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: 10 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

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

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

Comparison Swabs:

I don’t have a close match for Urahairo, most of these are cooler toned except Robert Oster Lemongrass, which is warmer. Click here to see the Kyoto inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a TWSBI Eco Transparent Green with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a super dry flow.

Overall, I like this ink best in a wet broad nib. It’s very dry and could benefit from a drop of White Lighting. It can also be a bit pale in the smaller nib sizes.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1402: Ferris Wheel Press Strawberry Macaron

Ferris wheel Press Strawberry Macaron is from FWP’s Spring 2020 collection. You can find this ink for sale at Vanness Pens.

The color:

Strawberry Macaron is an extremely light baby pink.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks a little darker, more visible.

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 but no bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Strawberry Macron is warmer toned than Octopus Fluids Cherry Blossom and much lighter than Sailor Jentle Peche. Click here to see the FWP inks together, and click here to see the pink inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Franklin-Christoph 45L Salmon Glow with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a dry flow.

Overall, this ink is way too light for me to use for anything but art. It’s a solid no for me.

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

Love & Hate Inks

Happy Valentine’s Day y’all! This weekend I’ve been playing with some of my favorite pink inks for Valentines and it made me think about some of the inks I absolutely love and some I can’t stand to use. I love reading about other peoples’ favorites so here are a few inks I both love and hate.

Inks I Hate:

Noodler’s House Divided is probably the #1 ink I hate. Why? Because not only does it feather like a baby duck, it also tends to separate dyes-the red stays where you put it but the blue underlying dye separates out and travels up to an inch away from the red. I get that the ink creator was trying to make a political statement with this ink, but I prefer the ink to say what I want it to, not what someone else does.

Organics Studio Amino Acid seems like a normal blue with a little bit of shimmer, right? Well, it seems fine at first but over time the ink broke down which not only damaged the paper I wrote on but also ate some of the interior of one of my pens, so this ink is a no-go for me.

3 Oysters Navy Blue had a weird thick, stringy consistency. I greatly disliked the ink just based on the flow and consistency. It didn’t smell weird and I know it was a fresh samples so it wasn’t moldy or anything, just had a funky consistency.

Tono & Lims Universe and Moon. Universe is a clear ink with silver shimmer which weirdly reminds me of sparkly nail polish top coats from my teenage years. Both of these inks fluoresce under UV light so I know they have some use out in the world, but not in my world.

Inks I Love:

Platinum Carbon Black is an ink I always have in a pen, it currently lives in a TWSBI Mini Rose Gold. I use it almost everyday. It’s highly water resistant and gives a great writing experience.

Sailor Ink Studio 224 has awesome shading and is a little more readable than the ever popular Sailor Ink Studio 123.

KWZ Butterscotch aka Meet Me in St Louis 2019 is such a great ink I wish I had ten bottles of it. It’s smooth and has the most gorgeous shading. I use it constantly in the autumn. I might cry when my bottle is empty.

Sailor’s Sailor is a beautiful blue, shades really well and is nice and smooth. It’s just an overall great ink.

Pilot Iroshizuku Tsutsuji is a fabulously bright, fun ink. It’s well-behaved and has a nice wet flow.

So now it’s your turn! Let me know what inks you love and hate in the comments below.

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 #1401: Ferris Wheel Press Pink Eraser

Ferris wheel Press Pink Eraser is from FWP’s Spring 2020 collection. You can find this ink for sale at Vanness Pens.

The color:

Pink Eraser is the perfect name for this ink-it’s the color of most pencil erasers.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks 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: 50 seconds

Water resistance: Low

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 and bleeding in the larger nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Pink Eraser is closest to Robert Oster Sushi. Click here to see the FWP inks together, and click here to see the pink inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a TWSBI Eco Pink with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a dry flow.

Overall, it’s more readable than some of the other light pinks I’ve tried lately like PenBBS Xu Zhimo, but it’s still a bit too light in some of the smaller nib sizes. I like this ink best in a wet broad nib,

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