I just got a bottle of Noodlers Bay State Blue - it lives up to the hype but yes, it stains everything - even my stainless steel kitchen sink!!! But what a great color! I have about a dozen pens inked including with about 4 with other blue inks, Noodler’s Liberty Elysium, Quink Blue Black, Visconti Blue and Noodler’s Electric Eel Blue. I did a comparison and the BSB is a real standout! I put it in a large Hero pen fitted with a Noodler’s flex nib and the shading with the line variation with the BSB is impressive.
Tangled Up in Blue
- Thread starter tankerjohn
- Start date
I tried a new ink today that may be worth a look. Colorverse KSLV-II is a great dark blue, not quite blue/black, ink. It flows well and has a little bit of pop. The major downside is the cost. $30.00 for a 65ml plus a 15ml of a grayish ink named 75t Rocket Engine.
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I can't say I've noticed a reddish tint to it, but it is the richest, best looking dark blue I've tried. And the unique bottle is a plus, also. Unfortunately, it's not remotely water resistant. And although I don't always know when I'm writing whether I'll want it to last or not, I tend to avoid inks that run at the first sign of trouble.
There are other blues that I'd put in that pretty but impermanent category, Pilot Iroshizuku Asa-Gao comes to mind. I do prefer blue as my go to color, but the ones I use most are plain old Pilot Blue and Blue-Black.
My experience with De Atramentis Document Blue is shorter, but it's a nice rich color, and I expect I'll keep on using it.
- Thread starter
- #24
tankerjohn
A little poofier than I prefer
Diamine Prussian Blue - nice gray-blue. It was too pale in the Esterbrook fine nib, but spot on perfect with the Esterbrook medium nib. The Esty 9668 is ordinary a gusher, but the Prussian Blue is nicely controlled in it.
Platinum Blue-Black - oh wow! I like this one a lot. I got it in cartridges mainly to have carts handy for my 3776. But it’s so good, it’d be worth having a bottle of it too. The color is more navy than blue-black, but it’s nice. Zero feathering and very minimal show-through, even with the 3776 broad nib. Awesome for daily use. Plus, it shades nicely on Rhodia and Clarefontaine paper. It is an iron gall ink, so I probably wouldn’t use it with a steel nib, but it’s perfect for the 3776 (go figure).
Platinum Blue-Black - oh wow! I like this one a lot. I got it in cartridges mainly to have carts handy for my 3776. But it’s so good, it’d be worth having a bottle of it too. The color is more navy than blue-black, but it’s nice. Zero feathering and very minimal show-through, even with the 3776 broad nib. Awesome for daily use. Plus, it shades nicely on Rhodia and Clarefontaine paper. It is an iron gall ink, so I probably wouldn’t use it with a steel nib, but it’s perfect for the 3776 (go figure).
I love Atlantic blue.
De Atramentis?
Skrip blue was my old go-to. I prefer blue, but use black due to longevity issues. For a relatively short time, a signature in blue ink was required by some to show it wasn't photocopied. Haven't heard that since color photocopiers became more common.
Rhody
I'm a Lumberjack.
X2
This is my go to ink & color
This brand never gunks up my pen either. Frequently i ink up an forget to use it over time the ink evaporates. All i have to do is fill it back up and good to go.
I'd forgotten how good this ink is, thanks for the reminder. I use it with steel nibs, no corrosion issues yet.
Same experience and I shall reconfirm soon. I emptied the pen I had it in and forgot to refill or clean it for a few days, and then was away for 10 days. See what happens if I just try to fill it this afternoon...
Rhody
I'm a Lumberjack.
i filled my favorite fc last week. Used it one day. Picked it up today and it worked luke a charm
I wonder what all the fuss is about cleaning the pen is lol
Maybe it enables my laziness
Hey John, did you ever end up trying this ink? Thinking I may need to pick up a sample. I’m curious as to your thoughts on it. Also, if you did how’s it compare to Asa-gao? I see that is one of your favorites
I have a feeling one of these will end up being a whole bottle purchase. I have a sample of the Asa-gao, I see what you mean about how you feel like your yelling when you write with it lol. It is very bright/vibrant ink!- Thread starter
- #34
tankerjohn
A little poofier than I prefer
Oh no, I haven't. Has it been three years? Geez! I'm still working through the inks I already have and haven't felt the need for more yet.Hey John, did you ever end up trying this ink? Thinking I may need to pick up a sample. I’m curious as to your thoughts on it. Also, if you did how’s it compare to Asa-gao? I see that is one of your favorites
Glad you like Asa Gao! The Iro inks really are fantastic and the bottles are works of art.
Gotcha! I ordered a sample of the Blue Velvet and the Visconti Blue, and a few others based on recommendations.
The Asa Gao is great, super vivid and interesting ink. I will more than likely end up getting a full bottle of it.
I appreciate your response! Have a great rest of your day sir!
Rhody
I'm a Lumberjack.
I’m using noodlers legal lapis ink. Really great blue
