Ink Links

-- Writing Obsessions  (The Rich Writer)

-- Featured Pen - Esterbrook Pastels  (Whatever)

-- Review: Prismacolor Turquoise 375 Pencil  (The Critical Scribe)

-- A delayed review of glory. Asda Executive - not an oxymoron.  (Pennington-on-the-paper)

-- Lamy Safari: Yellow Medium Nib  (Penmaniacs)

-- Urban Gridded Notebook  (Pencil Talk)

-- Review Visconti Burgundy (red)  (Inkyjournal)

-- Review: Noodler's Eel Lubricating Ink  (Future; Nostalgic)

-- Quick Review: Ciak Multicolor Notebook  (Journaling Arts)

-- DC Pen Supershow: A Pen-Lover’s Paradise.  (Prosaic Paradise)

-- All My Multi Pens  (My Supply Room)

-- Pen Review: Zebra Jimnie Gel Rollerball  (Damaged Goods)

-- Pelikan M200 Italic Special Production Review  (Goldspot Pens)

-- Review: Diamine Violet Fountain Pen Ink  (Spiritual Evolution of the Bean)

-- Wet Ink  (Olympiaman's Typecast)

Guest Review: J. Herbin Bleu Nuit Ink

While trying to think of something to write for my first review of anything, I came across a newspaper article on the FTC announcing an expansion of its endorsement guidelines to include blogs.  So in the interests of full disclosure let me acknowledge that the bottle of J. Herbin Bleu Nuit ink was provided free by Karen Doherty, VP Marketing, Exaclair as part of their Bastille Day celebration.  She also included two small notebooks, a baby Rhodia lined pad and a mini Clairefontaine wirebound lined 90g paper.  No money exchanged hands for this review (though I certainly would have paid).  More importantly, no zebras were harmed in the process of filling the converter.

The Bleu Nuit is a lovely medium dark blue, like 501 jeans denim after a few washes.  The color patch definitely has some purple in it, but when writing I think I see some dark gray.  I'm using a Rotring Surf fountain pen with a medium steel nib and a slightly cranky attitude regarding its main purpose in life (to glide over this Rhodia 80g paper smoothly, thank you).  I may not be exerting enough pressure however.  One thing I noticed is how the Bleu Nuit seems darker this morning as compared to the writing sample from last night.  I think the nib and innards of my pen were still slightly wet from changing inks and washing with lukewarm water.  So I've learned I'll need to wait 12 hours or so to really get a sense of the color.
     
J. Herbin's Bleu Nuit is definitely a great addition to your blue ink collection.  It dries reasonably fast, which is a plus when the cats decide to lay down on the pad and have a quick snooze before their main nap--'cause they can!
     
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Thanks for doing this review Diane - it is much appreciated!  If anyone else would like to contribute a guest post on The Pen Addict, I would love to have you. Email me at the address on the sidebar, or ping me on Twitter @dowdyism.

Click here for the XL review.

Review: Pentel Energel 0.5mm RT Neddle Tip

In honor of yesterday's giveaway post, I grabbed one of the Pentel Energel pens that I have yet to review and put it to the test.  I have reviewed a couple of Energel models in the past, but never the setup of the single cartridge retractable needle tip like this one.  It is a fantastic looking pen, but does it write as good as it looks?  Without a doubt, yes.

In years past, I have had issues with the line consistency of the capped Energel needle tip 0.5mm.  I wanted to use the pen so badly because of its looks and feel, but the line was cutting in and out from time to time, enough so to where I had to shelve it.  This model is an ace though - zero issues with the line skipping.  In fact, it is one of the cleanest, darkest black lines I have used in a while.  And it is very smooth to boot.  I rave about the TUL needle tip gel pens, and this performs very similarly, but with a nicer grip area and barrel design.

That's enough superlatives for one post I guess, but that is my way of saying it is a good pen, and well worth checking out.

Click here for the XL review.