Good, Inexpensive ink

[zethreal]

So, I've been using Noodlers Heart of Darkness and Baystate Blue & I'm loving both. I, however, have a few pens that I've just gotten that don't like Noodlers ink. They are very wet writers themselves. This paired with both Noodlers inks that I have has meant lots of feathering, bleeding and extremely bold lines.

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for an inexpensive ink that doesn't write as wet as Noodlers? I was looking at Private Reserve: Midnight Blues. Either that, or just picking up the blue/black sampler from Goulet.

 

[SmoovD]

Pelikan inks (4001 line) might fit the bill. They are solid performers and are easy on the pocketbook. The blue/black isn't available in the US but it can be purchased online. There is an added cost for shipping but it isn't a deal breaker for me.

 

[rockviper]

Parker's Quick seems to work pretty well in my Kaweco, which experiences lots of nib creep with Noodler's.

 

[oc_in_fw]

Pelikan inks (4001 line) might fit the bill. They are solid performers and are easy on the pocketbook. The blue/black isn't available in the US but it can be purchased online. There is an added cost for shipping but it isn't a deal breaker for me.

I will agree to this- I use Brilliant Black. Dries fairly quick, and it is a black black. And if you buy in quantity (I think isellpens sells by the 1/4 and 1/2 litre) it gets even cheaper.

 

[rickboone1]

private reserve is pretty cheap

 

[the_edski]

I can speak for PR Midnight Blue, lovely shade of blue/black. It is pretty inexpensive, but I don't think I would call it a drier ink than Noodlers. But YMMV, I would still recommend it either way!

 

[Argonaut]

I really like the Private Reserve inks. I have Avocado ,Lake Placid blue, Black Magic blue, and Tanzanite.

 

[nemo]

Lamy.

Really good, well behaved, and safe inks in a cool bottle -- 50ml for $7.50

Not a good red.

 

[oc_in_fw]

Lamy.

Really good, well behaved, and safe inks in a cool bottle -- 50ml for $7.50

Not a good red.

Good point- it is worth it just for the bottle.

 

[Slivovitz]

Personal favorite, Namiki Blue. The link is to show the exact one I'm talking about, as Pilot/Namiki make different blue and black inks. Namiki Black in the same kind of bottle is also good. Water resistance as good, as far as I can tell, as Noodlers. Very nice color, and my go to ink when I just want things to work.

To be honest, though, I'm not sure how to compare "wetness" on this with the Noodler inks, particularly with ones I haven't used such as HOD or BSB. I do know that on pens I have which are prone to nib creep, this one seems less creepy than a couple of Noodler's varieties. That's a subjective impression, only. YMMV

 

[the_edski]

+2! And the blotter paper reel in the bottle, fantastic!

Lamy.

Really good, well behaved, and safe inks in a cool bottle -- 50ml for $7.50

Not a good red.

Good point- it is worth it just for the bottle.

 

[Robert45]

I use both Quink and Pelikan regularly on the most imperfect, low quality, poorest excuse for office paper in the country with good success. Both are fast driers and don't bleed through or feather. I couldn't be more satisfied. Good Luck

 

[nemo]

I use both Quink and Pelikan regularly on the most imperfect, low quality, poorest excuse for office paper in the country with good success. Both are fast driers and don't bleed through or feather. I couldn't be more satisfied. Good Luck

Two more good choices. It's really hard for me to get excited about inks that show through so badly I can't use both sides of the paper.

 

[RichieRich3902]

I can speak for PR Midnight Blue, lovely shade of blue/black. It is pretty inexpensive, but I don't think I would call it a drier ink than Noodlers. But YMMV, I would still recommend it either way!

I came in here to recommend the same ink I've used two sample vials of it. I think it's about $8 a bottle from Goulet Pens, I'll be ordering a bottle very soon.

 

[otto76]

Parker's Quick seems to work pretty well in my Kaweco, which experiences lots of nib creep with Noodler's.

Good to know, I have been using Noodlers in my Kaweco and making a mess with it at times.

 

[Joe in Seattle]

Private Reserve is my longtime favourite brand. Diamine is also a fav, more expensive, but bottles contain 80 ML instead of 50, so cost is very reasonable proportionately.

 

[SIG9]

Pelikan inks fit the bill. I use and like Pelikan Royal Blue in what was previously a very wet pen.