Ink Review #2765: Teranishi Guitar Antique Black

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Teranishi Antique Black is from the Guitar collection. You can find these inks for sale at Vanness Pens.

The color:

Antique Black is a medium black.

*For my swab cards I use a Col-o-ring by Skylab Letterpress, a medium Pilot Ishime and a Mabie Todd Swan.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some reddish-black sheen.

Writing samples:

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

*For my writing samples I use:

Dry time: 40 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: no shading, tiny red sheen, and no shimmer.

On 20 lb copy paper the ink had feathering and bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Antique Black is closest to Parker Black. Click here to see the black inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a TWSBI 580 AL with a fine nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink has an average flow.

Overall, I really enjoyed this ink. It’s a lovely medium black with a tiny bit of sheen. It has quickly become one of my favorite black inks.

Thanks to all my Patrons! I couldn’t do these reviews without you! You can find my Patreon page here.

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

Currently Inked: May 10, 2025

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It’s been a while since I did a currently inked post, so let’s talk about it! Here’s what I wrote with this week: (This post does contain Amazon affiliate links, just FYI.)

Fountain Pens:

This week I used a lot of dark moody colors, which is different for me since I usually use lighter inks during the springtime.

I love this Pilot Prera Ivory in fine. I wasn’t a fan when I first got it, but it’s really grown on me and now I use it frequently. I used it so much this week that I’ve gone through two cartridges of Pilot Iroshizuku Take-sumi. I love that the cartridges are labeled with the ink name. I wish all cartridges were labeled this way.

I recently purchased an Esterbrook Model J Violet Ebonite in fine. After using it for a while I wish I had gotten an extra fine nib instead of a fine, but it’s still enjoyable to write with. It’s full of Sailor Jentle Black, which is one of my top 5 black inks. It’s a smooth combo, especially on Tomoe River paper.

This TWSBI Eco Caffe in fine is full of Pilot Iroshizuku Shin-kai. I love the TWSBI Eco and have it in a bunch of colors. I really love this Caffe color. I love all of the Pilot Iroshizuku inks, but especially Shin-kai. It flows so well and is a fabulous color.

I reviewed the Ashera Aeon Holly in fine yesterday. It has a lovely smooth nib and is full of Pilot Iroshizuku Sui-gyoku. Wow, I didn’t realize how many Pilot inks I have inked up this week.

I use Lamy Safari pens often, and I’m pretty sure this Petrol color is the first Safari I ever purchased. I paired it with Journalize Midnight. I’m not a huge fan of shimmer inks, but this one is a pretty color and I was testing it out for an ink review.

Lastly I used a TWSBI Mini Grape in Medium. I used Teranishi Guitar Salon de Violet. I’ve reviewed a few Teranishi Guitar inks recently, and I’m a huge fan of the brand. This deep purple is a lovely color and flows well.

Standard Pens:

I recently purchased a Pentel Energel Permanent Gel in black 0.5. I tried using this pen for quite a while, and really struggled with stingy ink flow and skips. I’m not a fan.

I used to only use standard pens in a 0.7 size, but since I recently fell in love with 4mm grid paper I’ve been using smaller nib/tip sizes. I tried a Pilot ILMILY Oil-based Ballpoint Autumn Beige Acro in black 0.5. I like the slim size but wish it flowed just a little bit better.

I’ve recently started trying multi-pens so I decided to give this Uni Style Fit Meister 5 color multi-ivory a try. I filled it with gel multi refills in black 0.5, blue-black, blue, violet and red. The pen is a little fat for my hands, but I love how narrow the tip size is-it’s smaller than most 0.5 tips.

I keep trying Pilot Frixion pens like this Pilot Frixion Ball Slim 3 Color Gel Multi in Pearl 0.5. I have no idea why. I’m always disappointed with how pale the ink is-it’s not black to me, it’s grey. I want the ink to be juicer too.

I love this Zebra Sarasa R Gel White Body with black 0.5 ink. It’s nice and juicy and a deep black color. I do wish the body was a little nicer since I love the refill so much, but that’s not a deal breaker for me. I might put it in a sturdier body.

I’ve been trying to branch out and try a bunch of different pens, including rollerballs. I tried the Sharpie Rollerball with black 0.5 ink. I flow is juicer than most rollerballs so I found myself writing a bit faster than normal since the ink flowed so fast.

I rather dislike this Pentel Arts Hybrid Technical Gel in black 0.5. The ink doesn’t flow well and the body looks cheap.

Here’s some other currently for this week:

Watching: I’ve been re-watching Person of Interest.

Reading: Pride and Prejudice

Listening: I love listening to the Harry Potter audiobooks with my kids. Jim Dale does such a fabulous job.

Drinking: At the moment I’m at Starbucks drinking a Pink Drink.

Cooking/Baking: I spent yesterday doing a huge baking day to stock up the freezer. I love this Julia Child’s sandwich bread recipe.

Making: I’m sewing up a Made By Rae Trillium Dress using a Rifle Paper Co Rayon.

Hating: Spring pollen-my allergies have been going crazy this week.

That’s it for me this week! What’s your favorite currently inked?

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

Ashera Aeon Holly

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This is the Ashera Aeon in Holly. I chose a fine platinum nib. This pen is limited to a run of 999 pens. It’s available in different woods: Holly (Starts at $660), Olive ($660), Elm ($810), Walnut ($870), Buckeye Burl Light ($950) and Buckeye Burl Dark ($1020). They are handmade in Germany and have Bock nibs. Thanks to Ashera for sending this pen over for review!

The pen comes in a beautiful wooden box that closes with magnets.

The box has the brand name engraved.

This pen is 18cm long with a metal section. You can post this pen, but I wouldn’t because I don’t want to scratch the lacquer. This is a cartridge converter pen.

When compared to other popular pens this is a very long pen with a bit more girth.

Each pen goes through an 8-layer lacquer process, done by hand. The lacquer is impeccable, perfectly done and gorgeous. I love the pale color. I was concerned that it might stain, but I haven’t had any issues, the ink wipes right off the lacquer.

The cap easily unscrews. You have the option of engraving the section.

It’s stamped with the Ashera name at the base of the section. There is a small step from the threads to the band, but they are smooth and didn’t bother me in writing.

The nib is a #6 Bock platinum fine nib. This pen is available in fine and medium gold and platinum nibs. It is not marked with the nib size, and I kinda wish it was but it matches the clean look of the pen. At this point they do not have plans to expand the nib selection. The nib has a medium flow, not too wet and not too dry. I did have some issues with the nib drying out if I didn’t use it for a week.

The feed is the standard Bock feed.

The nib is smooth and round with an average flow. I paired it with Pilot Iroshizuku Sui-gyoku.

I didn’t use this pen for a few days and the ink evaporated a little bit causing the ink to be darker at first. I found printing to be pleasant.

The pen wrote in cursive well, no sharp edges.

Overall, this is a fabulous pen. It is a very pricey pen but it’s gorgeous and writes very well. They do plant 250 trees for every pen purchased to offset the carbon footprint. I really enjoyed writing with it and the craftsmanship is outstanding.

Disclaimer: This pen was provided by Ashera for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own and this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review: J Herbin Green Inks

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Let’s take a look at four J Herbin standard inks: Vert Empire, Vert Olive, Lierre Sauvage and Vert Pre. You can purchase these inks at most retailers including Vanness Pens. Thanks to the reader who sent these inks in for review!

Swabs:

Left to right: Vert Empire, Vert Olive, Lierre Sauvage and Vert Pre.

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: All four had low shading.

On Walmart Pen + Gear copy paper there was quite a bit of feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes. I spilled some Lierre Sauvage all over.

Comparison Swabs:

Vert Empire is more brown than Lennon Tool Bar Wenshan Pouchong Tea.

Vert Olive is more yellow than Pilot Iroshizuku Hotaru-bi.

Lierre Sauvage is darker than Robert Oster Ryde Green.

Vert Pre is more yellow than Diamine Spring Green.

I used a Taroko Enigma notebook. All four inks had average flows.

Overall, I love all four of these but Lierre Sauvage is my favorite. The color is fabulous.

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: J Herbin Pink Inks

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Let’s take a look at five J Herbin standard inks: Bouquet d’Antan, Rose Tendresse, Orange Indien, Ambre de Birmanie and Bouton D’or. You can purchase these inks at most retailers including Vanness Pens. Thanks to the reader who sent these inks in for review!

Swabs:

Left to right: Bouquet d’Antan, Rose Tendresse, Orange Indien, Ambre de Birmanie and Bouton D’or.

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: The five had low shading.

On Walmart Pen + Gear copy paper there was quite a bit of feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Bouquet d’Antan isn’t quite as warm as Sailor Ink Studio 237.

Rose Tendresse is cooler toned than Monteverde Rose Pink.

Orange Indien is similar to Colorverse 42 V2 Rocket.

Ambre de Birmanie is similar to Kyo-no-oto Yamabukiiro.

Bouton D’or is close to Birmingham Daisy Lace.

I used a Taroko Enigma notebook. All four inks had average flows.

Overall, I love Orange Indien and Ambre de Birmanine but all five are lovely and well behaved.

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: J Herbin Brown Inks

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Let’s take a look at four J Herbin standard inks: Perle Noir, Cacao du Bresil, Terre du Feu, and Cafe des Iles. You can purchase these inks at most retailers including Vanness Pens. Thanks to the reader who sent these inks in for review!

Swabs:

Left to right: Perle Noir, Cacao du Bresil, Terre du Feu, and Cafe des Iles

Writing samples:

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

Dry Time: 30-50 seconds

Water Resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: The four had low shading.

On Walmart Pen + Gear copy paper there was quite a bit of feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Perle Noir is closest to Pilot Iroshizuku Take-sumi.

Cacao du Brésil is just a little bit more purple than Robert Oster Choc Pudding.

Terre du Feu is less saturated than Organics Studio Oscar’s Copper.

Cafe des Iles is closest to Diplomat Pine Tree.

I used a Taroko Enigma notebook. All four inks had average flows.

Overall, Cafe des Iles is my favorite out of the four. I love the color and how well behaved it is.

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: Jacques Herbin Scented Inks

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Let’s take a look at five J Herbin Scented inks: Brun Prevenance, Rose Red, Orange, Violet and Lavender. You can purchase these inks at most retailers. My samples came from Vanness Pens.

Swabs:

Left to right: Brun Prevenance, Rose Red, Orange, Violet and Lavender

Writing samples:

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

Dry Time: 15-60 seconds

Water Resistance: Medium

Feathering: Low-Medium

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low-Medium

Other properties: The five had low shading.

On Walmart Pen + Gear copy paper there was quite a bit of feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Brun Prevenance is darker than Private Reserve Copper Burst.

Rose Red is lighter than Robert Oster Red Candy.

Orange is more of a golden yellow rather than an actual orange. It’s similar to Van Dieman’s Peanut Brittle.

Violet is a little lighter than Waterman Tender Purple.

Lavender is just a little more red than a royal blue. It’s lighter than Pilot Iroshizuku Ajisai.

I used a Taroko Enigma notebook. All five inks had average flows.

Overall, there’s some feathering and bleeding, which is to be expected with scented inks, but they aren’t as bad as some other scented inks I’ve tried. I’m not a big fan of scented inks simply based on performance, so these inks are not for me.

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

Ink Review: Jacques Herbin Essentials Inks

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This week we are going to focus on J Herbin (Jacques Herbin) inks. I’ve had these reviews done for quite a while, I just haven’t gotten around to publishing them. We are going to start out with three Jacques Herbin Essentials inks: Rouge d’Orient, Violet Boreal and Vert Amazone. You can purchase these inks at most retailers. My samples came from Vanness Pens.

Swabs:

Left to right: Rouge d’Orient, Violet Boreal and Vert Amazone

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: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: The three had low shading.

On Walmart Pen + Gear copy paper there was quite a bit of feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Rouge d’Orient is similar to a lot of other red inks.

Violet Boreal is closest to Robert Oster Velvet Crush.

Vert Amazone is a little darker than Backpack Dublin Green.

I used a Taroko Enigma notebook. All three inks had average flows.

Overall, I love how well these inks flow. The Essentials inks are my favorites from J Herbin. You can’t go wrong with any of these three inks but Vert Amazone is my favorite out of the three.

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

May Butterflies Ink Palettes

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It’s finally May so it’s time for another ink palettes post. This time I decided to focus on butterflies. When I was little I was obsessed with them, but let’s look at the inks! Sailor Jentle Tokiwa-matsu is a classic, you can’t go wrong with it.

I love the color of Sailor Ink Studio 541. It’s a fabulous turquoise with a little bit of green.

Waterman Tender Purple has been popular for a long time now, and for good reason. It’s a pretty color and well behaved.

I actually love all of these, but today my favorite out of the five is KWZ El Dorado. It’s so bright and happy.

What inks are you using this month? Let me know in the comments below!

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

Ink Review #2743: Taccia Woody Brown

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Let’s take a look at Taccia Woody Brown from the Sketch Ink collection. My sample of ink came from Vanness Pens.

The color:

Woody Brown is a medium warm-toned brown.

*For my swab cards I use a Col-o-ring by Skylab Letterpress, a medium Pilot Ishime and a Mabie Todd Swan.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink 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, as well as cheap copy paper.

*For my writing samples I use:

Dry time: 30 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

On 20 lb copy paper the ink had some bleeding and feathering in the larger nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Woody Brown is closest to Robert Oster Aussie Brown. Click here to see the brown inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a Lamy Al-star Bronze with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink has an average flow.

Overall, this is a nice brown, but because it’s a sketch ink I was expecting high water resistance and this ink has low water resistance so I was a bit disappointed. I would use this ink as a general brown but not for any of its other properties.

Thanks to all my Patrons! I couldn’t do these reviews without you! You can find my Patreon page here.

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