Ink Review #1417: Papier Plume Le Heron Bleu

Papier Plume Le Heron Bleu is a recent limited edition ink from 2020. Thanks to the reader that sent this ink in for review! You can find this ink for sale at Vanness Pens. A portion of the sale of each ink will be donated to the coalition to restore coastal Louisiana.

The color:

Le Heron Bleu is a medium blue with a slight green undertone.

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: 30 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 just a few dots of bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Le Heron Bleu is a little darker than Robert Oster Muddy Water and a little bit lighter than Robert Oster Frankly Blue. Click here to see the Papier Plume inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

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

Overall, this is a lovely ink. It’s well behaved and I love that they are donating part of the proceeds to charity.

Disclaimer: 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.

Colorverse Apollo 11

The Colorverse Apollo 11 set was a limited edition set to commemorate the first moon landing. This set can still be found at some retailers including Jet Pens. Thanks to the reader that sent these inks in for review!

Swabs:

Left to right: One Small Step, Columbia, Tranquility Base, Eagle and Apollo 11. The first four inks come in 15ml bottles while Apollo 11 comes in a 65ml bottle.

Ink drops:

Columbia is the only ink that shows a little bit of sheen.

Dry Time:

All five inks dried in 30-40 seconds.

Water Resistance:

All have low water resistance.

Writing samples:

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

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

Other properties: low-medium shading, Columbia has tiny sheen and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was lots of feathering in every nib size as well as some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

One Small Step is closest to Montblanc 90 Year Gray.

Columbia is closest to Sailor Ink Studio 830.

Tranquility Base is lighter than Diamine Emerald.

Eagle is closest to Pure Pens Porthcurno Cove.

Apollo 11 is closest to J Herbin Bleu des Profondeurs.

Longer Writing:

I used a Mabie Todd Swan on a Taroko Enigma notebook. All of the inks had an average flow.

Overall, out of the five Apollo 11 is my favorite so I appreciate that it’s the largest bottle out of the set. They are all generally pretty well behaved and worth a try. Columbia is my least favorite simply because I don’t love reds that lean towards orange.

Disclaimer: These inks were 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 is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #1411: Caran d'Ache Ultra Violet

Let’s take a look at another reader request this week: Caran D’Ache Ultra Violet from the Chromatics collection. Thanks to the reader that sent this ink in for review! You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Pen Chalet (aff. link) and Vanness Pens.

The color:

Ultra Violet is an unsaturated violet.

Swabs:

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

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, no sheen, and no shimmer.

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

Comparison Swabs:

Ultra Violet is closest to Kyo-no-oto 09 Sakuranezum. Click here to see the Caran D’Ache inks together, and click here to see the purple inks together.

Longer writing:

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

Overall, this ink is nice and well behaved, but there’s nothing about it that stands out, especially for the price.

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 #1410: Noodler's American Eel Black

Noodler’s American Eel Black is a lubricated bulletproof ink. Thanks to the reader that sent this ink in for review! You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Pen Chalet (aff. link) and Vanness Pens.

The color:

Eel Black is a medium black with a brown undertone.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has a bit of shading. This page has been drying for 8 days and the ink is still wet.

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: High

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 no bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Eel Black is darker than Noodler’s Black. Click here to see the Noodler’s inks together, and click here to see the black inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Kaweco Al-sport Anthracite with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a wet flow at the beginning but the longer I wrote the more dry it became. It doesn’t feel very lubricated to me.

Overall, I appreciate that this ink is water-resistant but I don’t love the flow. It’s supposed to be lubricated but it doesn’t feel that way in longer writing.

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 #1409: J Herbin Lie de The

J Herbin Lie de The is from J Herbin’s standard lineup. Thanks to the reader that sent this ink in for review! You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Lie de The is a medium warm-tone brown.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks much cooler-toned.

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, no sheen, and no shimmer.

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

Comparison Swabs:

Lie de The is warmer than most of these browns. Click here to see the J Herbin inks together, and click here to see the brown inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Franklin-Christoph 46 in Autumn Oak with a fine flex nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a dry flow which caused some skips, hard starts and twice the feed dried completely up and had to be primed.

Overall, I don’t love this ink simply based on the dry flow issues. The color is nice but it just doesn’t work for me.

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 #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.