Fountain Pen Ink?

[Darth Indiana]

(i didn't want to join another forum just to ask this, so i'm posting where i'm already signed up.)

i just acquired a Sheaffer pump-fill pen, and now i need to find out what ink to use. i'd prefer something common and easy to find, kinda the Personna of pen ink.

 

[danek]

Any ink will work, so you may choose to go with whatever you can easily find. I'm a big fan of Noodler's inks. They have more colors than can be found under a rainbow, and a single bottle will last you forever - if you can keep from trying another color.

 

[inkcoffee]

I recommend reading this page. If you aren't looking for permanence, any ink by Waterman, Skrip or Pelikan is good.

If you are looking for permanence, I recommend inks in the bulletproof line by Noodler's.

What color ink were you looking to get for your pen?

 

[Darth Indiana]

black.

what do you mean by "permanence?" i know how to use one, but i'm not familiar with any of the lingo.

the guy from whom i bought it said some inks are more corrosive than others. is that something i should look out for with common brands?

 

[SmoovD]

Permanent as in waterproof, forgery-resistent, etc...

Black Quink can be found at many office supply stores, FYI.

 

[pal]

I would stick with water based inks like "Private Reserve Ink". The price is right and they have a great choice of colours. Today I am carrying my Cordovan 1947 Parker 51 loaded with a rich brown Chocolate Ink. I also like Orange Crush, American Blue, and Copper Burst. If you are just getting into fountain pens I would definitely recommend starting with Private Reserve brand ink.

 

[Carlin]

Noodler's Bulletproof Black

Google, plenty of shops.


http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/141873-index-of-ink-reviews/

 

[Darth Indiana]

my idea here is the same as switching to a DE razor: avoiding cartridges, so i'm not so concerned about price as availability. if there's a safe ink that's a few pennies more, but can be found anywhere from London to Hooterville, that's the one for me. i'd also like to keep from ordering online.

 

[LarryAndro]

There is a significant difference between good quality ink and cheap ink, even if both are made for fountain pens. You use less pressure with fountain pens, and depend on the viscosity of the ink; the pen tip floats on the ink as it wicks out of the pen reservoir onto the paper.

This means you need an ink that is not too watery. And, cheap inks are watery. That means your pen tip won't float, but actually contact the paper. Your writing experience will be scratchy, and not at all pleasant.

My recommendation is to start with black ink. Generally, they write more smoothly than other colors. I surmise that manufacturers can load the ink with more of the ingredients that give smooth writing because they don't have to worry about ruining the color. The black is a mask. (But, again, I'm guessing.)

Start with black.

 

[thebikingengineer]

I'm not sold on Quink. I've ran a few cartridges of it though my Safari and it's very hit or miss. The Pelikan Brilliant Black writes much better for a similar price.

 

[Hreafn]

noodlers their bullet proof inks are great and dont harm your pen. Start with black or blue then you will find just like shaving you will get into odd colors.

 

[Darth Indiana]

well, i've only ever written with black or blue ink, so i intend to fight the ink ADs as long as possible. volume and writing quality are great, but ink bottles take up a lot of space.

 

[Legion]

I like the Noodlers inks but I am a bit of a flash git and can't resist using unusual colours in my pens. In fact, I have now started mixing inks to create my own custom colours!

If you are just after black you might as well get Pelikan or Quink at your local stationary store. They work fine.

But half the fun of fountain pens is you can personalise your writing with your colour.

Don't fight the ink AD. Embrace the ink AD. .... You must buy more ink.....

 

[mouscacha]

Private Reserve is a great ink. I use mont blanc black as I like the inkwell style. Looks better on my desk than the bottle of private reserve. Either or are great inks!

 

[Rudy Vey]

Noodlers, Private Reserves, or inks made by J.Herbin would be my choice! Here is a link to J. Herbin:
http://www.jherbin.com/fountain_pen_inks.shtml

 

[Darth Indiana]

how about shaeffer "Scrip"

 

[Uncle Erik]

You should be able to find Quink and Waterman's at almost any store that carries fountains. Both are quality inks that I've used and enjoyed. I was a dedicated Waterman user until they reformulated several years back; the ink hasn't been quite the same since. It is good enough, still.

The ink I use daily is Noodler's. Just their plain old Blue. It's a terrific shade and I prefer blue because it lets me instantly tell the difference between an original and a copy, which is important with all the paper floating around the office.

Also, don't be afraid to buy online. You probably won't use more than one bottle a year, even if you write several pages a day. Order a couple of bottles and you'll be set for a long time.

 

[ajkimmins]

+1 on Noodlers Bulletproof black. Waterproof, BLEACHPROOF, UV proof, etc. Write checks and don't have to worry about it being bleached out and rewritten!

 

[dwestenk]

Agree with the Private Reserve recommendations. Some very nice colors!!

 

[inkcoffee]

black.

what do you mean by "permanence?" i know how to use one, but i'm not familiar with any of the lingo.

the guy from whom i bought it said some inks are more corrosive than others. is that something i should look out for with common brands?

By permanence, I mean it will not come out of the paper. Noodler's Bulletproofs bond to cellulose which is in most paper but also happens to be in cotton and other fabrics so they can potentially ruin clothing. I mean, it's nothing to worry about really, I just want you to know of any possible risk if you do go this route. These are forgery proof, bleach proof etc.

If you just want the best black there is (not needing permanence) I recommend Aurora. It is one of the pricier brands of inks but it performs well on most papers, is very dark and will make your nib glide effortlessly on the paper.

Most of the widely available blacks i.e. Pelikan/Cross, Sheaffer, Waterman, Noodler's and Aurora are or are pretty close to pH neutral. As all things, razors, soaps etc. these blacks all have a different feel and look. They may be black but they may tend towards brown, green or purple (Noodler's/Sheaffer, Aurora and Pelikan/Cross respectively. It's only noticeable if you look closely. Pelikan/Cross is drier writing than the others here but still a great ink.