Fountain pen users, rejoice!

[DaveFromCampbelltown]

Permanent Skrip was an Iron Gall ink. As it dries and is exposed to oxygen, part of the ink turns into black Iron III Oxide particles. That's the permanent part. However, over time, the oxygen in the air turns the Iron III Oxide into brown Iron II Oxide. Bleach will fade it totally.

The only major company (yes, there are other, smaller, specialist ones) making that type of ink today is Pelikan with their 4001 Blue-Black.

 

[WriteNow]

I'm not surprised Sheaffer made iron gall ink, but I wonder if they also didn't make pigment based inks for some permanent ink colors.

I have no iron gall ink experience, but from what I've read, a lot of iron gall inks are not quite the same as iron gall ink used to be. As I understand it, a lot of modern iron gall ink is milder--but often apparently less water proof.

Pelikan blue-black might be interesting to try--I gather it's a classic--but seems to be hard to come by here in the US. Apparently, it wasn't available for years, due to concerns about compliance with safety regulations. It supposedly came back, but one dealer doesn't mention it on their site. Another has a "call for availability" notice on their site.

 

[DaveFromCampbelltown]

Yes, as mentioned, 'modern'* iron-gall ink tends to turn brown and fade over the years. I volunteer in a local herbarium and there is a display of labels written in the early 1900s, with I-G ink, because it was 'permanent' and would not fade. They are all fading.
Today, all museum labels and notes are written in either pencil (graphite = carbon) or carbon-based inks.

Platinum, Hero and Sailor all make carbon-based, fountain-pen-safe, pigmented inks. Of these, the Sailor Kiwaguro is probably the best. We know its permanent, because Egyptian and Chinese documents written using carbon pigment inks from over 2000 years ago are still crisp and black.



* i.e. from 1900 onwards

 

[WriteNow]

This week, I acquired a new fountain pen, which I need just as much as I need that clichéd hole in the head... But I couldn't resist. And, while my finances could be more robust--that's putting it mildly 😭 --it was very affordable at only $2.29.

Yes. You read that right. $2.29.

The pen is yet another cheap disposable. This time a Pilot Precision Varsity.

I've been curious about the Varsity pens, having heard a lot of good commentary. A lot of people like these as cheap fountain pens they can give away to "penable" others. I can imagine it's useful for other times when one wants a fountain pen, cheap--a pen to leave at the office, a daily carry that you don't worry about (this is what I'll probably use it for), etc.

I've only used it a bit, but I have to say I'm impressed. As others have said, it's a smooth writing pen. It can be bettered, obviously--but it's amazing when you think it was only $2.29. I like it better than the Zebra disposable I got a few months ago.

When the ink runs out, I'll try refilling it. It's not as easy as a regular fountain pen, but apparently quite doable.

Link to an Office Depot page for this pen:

Pilot Precise Varsity Fountain Pen Medium Point Black Barrel Turquoise Ink - Office Depot

Enjoy a classic writing experience with striking no maintenance pre filled Pilot Precise Varsity Fountain pens. Each pen features a modern barrel design with a medium size stainless steel fountain pen nib. Precise Varsity also features an advanced liquid ink system for smooth writing and a...

www.officedepot.com

 

[GerritV]

This week, I acquired a new fountain pen, which I need just as much as I need that clichéd hole in the head... But I couldn't resist. And, while my finances could be more robust--that's putting it mildly 😭 --it was very affordable at only $2.29.

Yes. You read that right. $2.29.

The pen is yet another cheap disposable. This time a Pilot Precision Varsity.

I've been curious about the Varsity pens, having heard a lot of good commentary. A lot of people like these as cheap fountain pens they can give away to "penable" others. I can imagine it's useful for other times when one wants a fountain pen, cheap--a pen to leave at the office, a daily carry that you don't worry about (this is what I'll probably use it for), etc.

I've only used it a bit, but I have to say I'm impressed. As others have said, it's a smooth writing pen. It can be bettered, obviously--but it's amazing when you think it was only $2.29. I like it better than the Zebra disposable I got a few months ago.

When the ink runs out, I'll try refilling it. It's not as easy as a regular fountain pen, but apparently quite doable.

Link to an Office Depot page for this pen:

Pilot Precise Varsity Fountain Pen Medium Point Black Barrel Turquoise Ink - Office Depot

Enjoy a classic writing experience with striking no maintenance pre filled Pilot Precise Varsity Fountain pens. Each pen features a modern barrel design with a medium size stainless steel fountain pen nib. Precise Varsity also features an advanced liquid ink system for smooth writing and a...

www.officedepot.com

Congratulations.
From what I hear, Pilot is famous for putting quality nibs on all of their pens.
I don't own any myself, but perhaps that may change ;-)

 

[WriteNow]

From what I hear, Pilot is famous for putting quality nibs on all of their pens.

I've been happy with all the Pilot nibs I've had. The characters vary, but they've always worked well for me.

I don't have a higher end pen to compare them to, but it's interested me that some people who do have such a pen say they are still happy using (say) a Pilot Kakuno.

Although I'm thinking I'd like to try some other brand one of these days, just for some variety.

I don't own any myself, but perhaps that may change ;-)

I seem to recall you like the Iroshizuku ink. That ink be happiest when used in a Pilot pen!

 

[GerritV]

I seem to recall you like the Iroshizuku ink. That ink be happiest when used in a Pilot pen!

Good tip, I will keep that in mind for sure ;-)

 

[Sunset Cassette]

Can confirm that Iroshizuku ink performs very nicely in Pilot, but really any Japanese pens in general as they seem to have smaller nib sizes compared to European pen makers. Iroshizuku is a really wet ink (go figure) and I find it can get quite gushy/leaky in the wrong pens.

I do find them to be some of the most beautiful inks out there though, so their fickle nature is worth the trade-off.

 

[DaveFromCampbelltown]

Can confirm that Iroshizuku ink performs very nicely in Pilot, but really any Japanese pens in general as they seem to have smaller nib sizes compared to European pen makers. Iroshizuku is a really wet ink (go figure) and I find it can get quite gushy/leaky in the wrong pens.

I do find them to be some of the most beautiful inks out there though, so their fickle nature is worth the trade-off.

This applies to many 'modern' inks, like Iroshizuku, Noodler's, Monteverde, Sailor, Private Reserve, Akkerman, Pelikan Edelstein. To get the brilliance they have to have a higher die load, therefore more surfactant (detergent) to help them flow freely through the pen.

The 'traditional' inks like Parker Quink, Pelikan 4001, Waterman and Sheaffer Skrip are much drier. These inks are less vibrant because they have less dye, less surfactant, etc., but they behave better in some pens, and are much better for dip pens.

Diamine and Visconti seem to be somewhere in between.

 

[WriteNow]

Can confirm that Iroshizuku ink performs very nicely in Pilot

Maybe I'll have to treat my Kakuno to some Iroshizuku...

but really any Japanese pens in general as they seem to have smaller nib sizes compared to European pen makers.

The line I've heard is that Japanese nibs are generally equal to European nibs one size lower (e.g., Japanese medium = Euroopean fine), although I think someone suggested this may not apply to broader sizes.

Iroshizuku is a really wet ink (go figure) and I find it can get quite gushy/leaky in the wrong pens.

Interesting! Particularly since I've heard some people consider Iroshizuku their "standard" ink--that is, the ink that will perform well in any pen, and if there are problems, it's the pen. Of course, these people might only be using Japanese pens. Plus it seems like it's a specific Iroshizuku ink they lock on (I am thinkjing, but can't swear, that Kon-Peki is one that gets mentioned.)

 

[WriteNow]

This applies to many 'modern' inks, like Iroshizuku, Noodler's, Monteverde, Sailor, Private Reserve, Akkerman, Pelikan Edelstein. To get the brilliance they have to have a higher die load, therefore more surfactant (detergent) to help them flow freely through the pen.

The 'traditional' inks like Parker Quink, Pelikan 4001, Waterman and Sheaffer Skrip are much drier. These inks are less vibrant because they have less dye, less surfactant, etc., but they behave better in some pens, and are much better for dip pens.

Diamine and Visconti seem to be somewhere in between.

Interesting that Pelikan has an ink line on both lists.

It's worth noting that I've heard comments urging the use of the "traditional inks" in vintage pens. One assumes performance would be better, since the ink is more likely to match what the pen was designed for, but the big point is that these inks are considered safer for the pen. (Most common recommendation is Waterman Serenity Blue.)

 

[GerritV]

Interesting that Pelikan has an ink line on both lists.

It's worth noting that I've heard comments urging the use of the "traditional inks" in vintage pens. One assumes performance would be better, since the ink is more likely to match what the pen was designed for, but the big point is that these inks are considered safer for the pen. (Most common recommendation is Waterman Serenity Blue.)

IMHO Waterman Serenity Blue is an allrounder, a safe choice for any fountain pen.

 

[WriteNow]

IMHO Waterman Serenity Blue is an allrounder, a safe choice for any fountain pen.

It seems like it's the #1 ink I hear mentioned as a standard "works in any pen--if this doesn't work, something is wrong with the pen!" ink.

 

[WriteNow]

I had a single cartridge of Serenity Blue, which came with a Waterman Allure. I really liked it. (Maybe as a blue, "traditional" ink, it reminds me of the blue Sheaffer Skrip I once used?) I have thought since that "someday" I'll have to get a bottle.

Waterman is also attractively priced, at least in my market. I don't use ink up very fast these days, but if I did, I'd probably want something like Waterman as a daily driver ink.

 

[WriteNow]

I got some ink samples this week, which gives me my first chance to try Iroshizuku ink. I've been curious about Ironshizuku, having heard so many positive comments. Part of me is hoping I like it. But part of me is also afraid of liking it, given how much this ink costs. (A 50 ml bottle runs $20-something most stores. I amuse myself thinking Iroshizuku is Japanese for: "This ink costs HOW much?" LOL)

I put some Asa-gao in my Pilot Kakuno (with medium nib). The Kakuno seems happy. Past that, there is something that I really like about the color. $20-something or not, a full bottle may be in my future...

A review someone did on this ink:

Ink Review #989: Pilot Iroshizuku Asa-gao — Mountain of Ink

We are going to take a look at one more Pilot Iroshizuku this week before we move onto something else, Pilot Iroshizuku Asa-gao, aka Morning Glory . I purchased my bottle of ink at Pen Chalet .

mountainofink.com

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I got some ink samples this week, which gives me my first chance to try Iroshizuku ink. I've been curious about Ironshizuku, having heard so many positive comments. Part of me is hoping I like it. But part of me is also afraid of liking it, given how much this ink costs. (A 50 ml bottle runs $20-something most stores. I amuse myself thinking Iroshizuku is Japanese for: "This ink costs HOW much?" LOL)

I put some Asa-gao in my Pilot Kakuno (with medium nib). The Kakuno seems happy. Past that, there is something that I really like about the color. $20-something or not, a full bottle may be in my future...

A review someone did on this ink:

Ink Review #989: Pilot Iroshizuku Asa-gao — Mountain of Ink

We are going to take a look at one more Pilot Iroshizuku this week before we move onto something else, Pilot Iroshizuku Asa-gao, aka Morning Glory . I purchased my bottle of ink at Pen Chalet .

mountainofink.com

A fascinating post - I love this thread.

Have you ever used (written on) on Japanese paper?

From what I have read, the same applies - exceptional quality but comes complete with a price that may cause one to wince.

In may case, the paper I use (most of the time, other than when I use post-its - and yes, I write with my fountain pen on post-its, my lists are very elegant and exceedingly legible) is German, (Leuchtturm1917), and I find it excellent.

 

[GerritV]

I got some ink samples this week, which gives me my first chance to try Iroshizuku ink. I've been curious about Ironshizuku, having heard so many positive comments. Part of me is hoping I like it. But part of me is also afraid of liking it, given how much this ink costs. (A 50 ml bottle runs $20-something most stores. I amuse myself thinking Iroshizuku is Japanese for: "This ink costs HOW much?" LOL)

I put some Asa-gao in my Pilot Kakuno (with medium nib). The Kakuno seems happy. Past that, there is something that I really like about the color. $20-something or not, a full bottle may be in my future...

A review someone did on this ink:

Ink Review #989: Pilot Iroshizuku Asa-gao — Mountain of Ink

We are going to take a look at one more Pilot Iroshizuku this week before we move onto something else, Pilot Iroshizuku Asa-gao, aka Morning Glory . I purchased my bottle of ink at Pen Chalet .

mountainofink.com

Iroshizuku Tsuki-Yo is my absolute favorite.

 

[GerritV]

A fascinating post - I love this thread.

Have you ever used (written on) on Japanese paper?

From what I have read, the same applies - exceptional quality but comes complete with a price that may cause one to wince.

In may case, the paper I use (most of the time, other than when I use post-its - and yes, I write with my fountain pen on post-its, my lists are very elegant and exceedingly legible) is German, (Leuchtturm1917), and I find it excellent.

MD Midori is one of my favorite paper brands, and relatively affordable IMHO.
I also like the minimalistic design of their notebooks.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

MD Midori is one of my favorite paper brands, and relatively affordable IMHO.
I also like the minimalistic design of their notebooks.

I am currently browsing their fascinating - and very attractive - website; thank you for the suggestion and recommendation.

 

[GerritV]

I am currently browsing their fascinating - and very attractive - website; thank you for the suggestion and recommendation.

Japanese branding at its best ;-)

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Japanese branding at its best ;-)

The Japanese do that glorious fusion of form and function exceedingly well in a great many of the things that they produce.

And this website is an absolute pleasure to read, and explore; thank you for the recommendation.

Actually, I am sorely tempted to buy something from them, but shall wait until after Christmas (not least to ensure one doesn't get swallowed up in the vast volume of Yuletide mail) before proceeding any further.

 

[stanza.richi]

I’m using daily Iroshizuku Ink with my pens (at the moment, three Montblanc 149s and two Pilot Capless): Asa Gao, Yama Budo, Shin Ryoku. Great inks in my opinion!

 

[WriteNow]

I love this thread.

I do, too.

Have you ever used (written on) on Japanese paper?

From what I have read, the same applies - exceptional quality but comes complete with a price that may cause one to wince.

In may case, the paper I use (most of the time, other than when I use post-its - and yes, I write with my fountain pen on post-its, my lists are very elegant and exceedingly legible) is German, (Leuchtturm1917), and I find it excellent.

I mostly use cheap paper that causes fountain pen users of today to cringe! (Although I do have some Rhodia that I use when I want something better.) I'm so cheap that I make pre-ghost Scrooge look like a spendthrift. LOL Plus it's fun trying different cheap papers. You know certain "approved" paper products (e.g., Rhodia) will work--one might not like them, but they will work--but it's more of an adventure when trying a cheap notebook from Target.

Plus I'm not old enough to remember the era when fountain pens were the standard, but I am old enough to probably have been influenced by that era in thinking these are pens, and thus should be used as pens. I currently use them for most of what I use a pen for--everything from nice notes down to grocery lists hastily scribbled on a piece of scrap paper.

 

[WriteNow]

Iroshizuku Tsuki-Yo is my absolute favorite.

I thought I recalled you liking (and posting about) some Iroshizuku ink.

 

[WriteNow]

MD Midori is one of my favorite paper brands, and relatively affordable IMHO.
I also like the minimalistic design of their notebooks.

I like the looks of those notebooks. Not cheap, but they do look good. And probably not bad value, given the apparent quality.