Ink Review #545: Montblanc William Shakespeare

Let’s take a look at a past limited edition ink today, Montblanc William Shakespeare Velvet Red. This ink was available in 35ml bottles. I like to look at past limited editions so I can find currently available inks that are similar.

The color:

William S. is a dark red, almost a red-brown.

Swabs:

In large swabs 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: 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 feathering in all nib sizes and a little bit of bleeding in the flex nib.

Comparison Swabs:

William S. is closest to J Herbin Rouge Grenat and Birmingham Carnelian Silk. Click here to see the Montblanc inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a medium Kaweco Al-sport Red on a Midori MD Notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, it’s a nice ink, well behaved and an interesting color. If you are looking for a currently available alternative, take a look at J Herbin Rouge Grenat or Diamine Red Dragon.

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.