Noodler's Bernanke Blue Ink Review

Being a left-handed fountain pen user is tough. I don't know this because I am one, I know this because of the amount of emails and comments I get searching for quick-drying inks that will work for lefties. Noodler's Bernanke Blue is one of those inks.

After receiving a sample vial from my friend @jjlsetter I loaded it up for testing in the TWSBI Mini 1.5 mm stub nib. While I usually prefer blue black inks over traditional blues, this may be one of the best shades I have used. My photography and editing make the blue look almost neon. It is not that bright, but it does pop off the page. The depth and saturation of the color is fantastic, and if you are not a fan of shading inks this has little to none.

The real selling point of the Bernanke series is the quick drying time (be sure to read the story behind the name in the link above.) In my less than scientific testing I find it completely legit. Rhodia paper is known for its long drying times and even with it in play the dry time was almost immediate. You can see the slightest smudge on the five-second mark but that's it. An impressive performance, and the quickest drying ink I have tested.

I have a sample of Bernanke Black that I have yet to test, but I expect the same quick drying performance. So let's hear it in the comments - what is the fastest drying fountain pen ink you use?

The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 54 - The Chair of the Desk

In Episode 54 of The Pen Addict Podcast Myke and I welcomed Ana Reinert from The Well-Appointed Desk to the show. We discussed how she got her start in blogging, what some of her favorite pens and papers are, the writing challenges left-handers face, and why Post-It Notes suck so bad.

Thanks Ana - it was a blast!

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Pen Addict + Huckberry Giveaway

I have been a customer of Huckberry.com since they opened their virtual doors in 2010 and am honored to partner with them on this giveaway for readers of The Pen Addict.

Not familiar with Huckberry? I'll let them explain what they are all about:

Huckberry is a bi-weekly web magazine and shop for guys with taste. Each week we bring our readers unique apparel and gear along with the stories behind the products, and we only feature brands that we'll personally vouch for. We've worked with brands like Danner, Taylor Stitch, Topo Designs, Tretorn, Deus Ex Machina, Holden, Triple Aught Design, Oak Street Bootmakers

Huckberry is like your favorite store, your grandpa's favorite store, and your favorite magazine all rolled into one.

We're a team of writers, designers and above all else doers. We live and work in the heart of San Francisco, but try to get out of the city as much as possible to hit the surf at Ocean Beach, ski the Sierras, and hike the Marin Headlands.

The products on our site are culled from all over the world to suit the diverse interests of our team, and can often be found in the bed of our trucks, keeping us warm and dry on our bike ride to the office, and on our not-so-tidy desks.

If we don't like it, it doesn't go on the site.

Our mandate is to bring you the coolest new gear at the best prices, but we don't cater to coupon-clippers. If you want your inbox loaded with 70% off this, and 80% off that, we recommend you go elsewhere. We simply try to create value for our readers during our weekly offerings, working with our selective brand partners to ensure we're bringing you their best stuff at the best price.

We endeavor to be the most interesting email in your inbox each week

So in addition to a fresh dose of unique products, you'll also find the stories behind products along with original content on our blog, and links to the interesting stories, inane videos, and fresh beats that are circulating around the office.

I bought my first Topo Designs Backpack from Huckberry (I now own two) and have parted with more of my money on their site than I care to let my wife know. They speak my language and find the goods I didn't even know I was looking for. They are offering a great giveaway package that Pen Addict readers will love.

The drool-worthy prize package from Huckberry is as follows:

(1) "The Bolt" Brass Pen

(1) Vintage Leather Moleskine Cover

(1) Postalco Pressed Fabric Notebook

(1) Huckberry Word. "Compass" Notebook

Here is how to enter:

1. Head over to Huckberry.com and sign up as a member. All you need to do is enter your email address and a password, or connect with your Facebook account. It is that simple and there is zero commitment.

2. Leave one comment on this post anytime between now and Monday night, May 20th, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. You are limited to one entry. International readers are welcome to enter!

3. For this contest, I will pick one winner at random from the comments section of this post. The comments will be numbered in the order they are received, i.e. the first comment is #1, the second #2, and so on. The Random Integer Generator at random.org will be used to pick the number of the winner.

4. The contest winner will be posted on Tuesday, May 21st. The winner will have one week to email me via the Contact link at the top of the page.

Thanks again to Huckberry for providing this wonderful package of goods for Pen Addict readers. It is greatly appreciated!

Good luck!

(Note: Links to Huckberry.com are affiliate links. If you patronize them through these links I get a small percentage back which helps support this site.)