Ink Review #1636: Waterman Absolute Brown

Waterman Absolute Brown was previously known as Waterman Havana Brown. This ink is available in 50ml bottles at most retailers, including Vanness Pens. Thanks to the reader that sent this sample in for review!

The color:

Absolute Brown is a medium hickory brown.

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

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks 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.

*For my writing samples I use:

• EF, F, M, and B Pilot Vanishing Points

• Vintage Mabie Todd Swan (flex nib)

• Rhodia Goalbook

• Taroko Enigma notebooks (68gsm TR)

• Leuchtturm A5

• Pen & Gear Paper from Walmart

Dry time: 30 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

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

On 20 lb copy paper there was a bit of feathering and bleeding, mostly in the larger nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Absolute Brown is closest to Diamine Music Bach. Click here to see the brown inks together.

Longer writing:

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

Overall, this is a lovely brown ink. It’s well behaved, a nice color and affordable too!

Disclaimer: This ink sample 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.