Ink Review #851: Kobe Fragrance of Sumi

Today’s ink is Kobe Fragrance of Sumi. It’s an interesting ink-it’s scented with the traditional sumi India ink stick. I purchased my sample of ink from Vanness Pens.

The color:

Fragrance of Sumi is a dark, saturated black.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink shows off 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: 30 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low-there was some bleeding in the flex nib.

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

On Staples 24 lb copy paper the ink feathered in all nib sizes and had a little bit of bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Fragrance of Sumi is similar in flow and color to Sailor Jentle Black and Taccia Kuro Black, but it’s a bit cooler in tone. Click here to see the Kobe inks together, and click here to see the black inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a Kaweco Sport Lagoon Blue with a fine nib on Tomoe River paper. The ink had a lovely wet flow.

Overall, I love this ink. I’ve been using it for the last few weeks every time I can. I love the wet flow and the dark, saturated color. I’m adding a full bottle to my wish list!

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.