In Episode 36 of The Pen Addict Podcast Myke and I discuss our stationery resolutions for 2013. Unsurprisingly, most of them revolve around fountain pens, and especially fountain pen inks. I am still taking ink recommendations so let me know your favorite!
J. Herbin Gris Nuage Ink Review
Ink reviews are intimidating to me. I read all of these amazing ink reviews from my pen friends, on FPN, and elsewhere, and my mind is blown. The depth and breadth of knowledge these reviewers have on fountain pen inks is impressive.
One of these days, I hope to get there myself. Like with anything else, getting started is the first step, but repetition is the key. I still think I am at the novice level in my fountain pen knowledge, but I worked on that area a lot in 2012 and believe I made strides. I plan on expanding that knowledge in 2013, not just in the realm of pens but in inks as well. (I have a favor to ask of you - see the bottom of this post)
A bottle of J. Herbin Gris Nuage found its way into my stocking on Christmas. I had been eyeing this particular shade for some time and was eager to get it loaded up. I syringe filled one of my Pilot Namiki ink cartridges, popped it in to my Pilot Prera M nib fountain pen, and got to writing.
The ink went on light and thin - it was fun to see the ink flow through the lines after writing them - but dried darker to the shade you see in the image. If you look closely you will notice a repeatable issue I was having: The tops of my rounded letters were lighter. I chalk this up to the Prera nib and/or my writing stroke, although I don't recall this being a problem in the past with this pen. Maybe I need to pick a better ink reviewing pen?
Regardless, I am happy with this ink. I don't think I will go as far as putting it in the every day rotation but it will see regular use.
2013 is going to be the year of the fountain pen ink, and I am kindly requesting your help.
It is time to start a new list. And this list, it will be an awesome list. For this list will be a shopping list for all of the fountain pen inks that you, my dear readers, have tried and love. Will you help me fill out this list?
Leave a comment, Tweet me, or click the Contact button and let me know what ink I should try. I'll add them to this awesomest of lists and warm up the credit card. There is just one rule: You can only give me one name. I will compile this list and share it with all of you in a week or so.
Thank you!
Ink Links
-- Lamy Safari collection (Lamy 2000 on Flickr)
-- Diamine Ancient Copper (Inkdependence!)
-- Merry Mary: Platinum #3776 Century Chartres Blue Fountain Pen (From the Pen Cup)
-- Where fountain pen obsessions begin (Leigh Reyes)
-- Black Friday, 2nd Edition - Lamy 200, Sailor Kiwa Guro Nano Black, and Rhodia No. 12 Pad & Cover (Ed Jelley)
-- The best of intentions and Moleskine (Built from Ink and Tea)
-- Tell Me a Few of Your Favorite Things (Rhodia Drive)
-- Gel Multi-Pens: Zebra Sarasa Pre-Fill and UniBall Style Fit (The Well-Appointed Desk)
-- Duets (Cronicas Estilograficas)
-- FP Hotspot: Phidon Pens (Pen and Design)
-- Wancher 807 Fountain Pen Review (Inktronics)
-- Rhodia Weekly Notebook (East...West...Everywhere)
-- Top 10 of 2012 (A Penchant for Paper)
-- Sunday Mailbag (Tom's MAD Blog)
-- Edison Nouveau Encore LE's, Completed! (Ink Nouveau)
-- Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto 3-Color Pen (The Daily Acquisition)
