Montblanc Midnight Blue (Old Versus New)

[mhphoto]

Is it mean to say that something is utter (bleep)?

I don't think so.

 

Okay, okay. To be fair, the new version isn't that bad, as long as you're not looking for water resistance. But it doesn't have any ferric component, nor does it have the old ink's (surprisingly unique) deep crimson sheen. The new color leans distinctly towards periwinkle.

 

Before the pictures let me just say, if you're wanting to try and find the old ink out on the market before supply dries up, ask the seller for the product number. The old, iron gall ink's number is 105194. The new ((bleep)) ink's number is 109204. The sticker on the bottom of the new ink's bottle also says "non perma". In the bottle, the new ink looks unmistakably purple.

 

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/802/20n7.jpg

 

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/823/luzy.jpg

 

And let it be known that I didn't want the new version. I ordered what was listed (by its product number) as the old ink, but I ended up receiving the new ink. I would return it, but the seller is in Germany. It wasn't too expensive, so I I guess its just a big sample now.

 

So, let's hear it. Whatcha think?

[Tas]

I've still half a bottle left and now save it for special occasions.

I'll miss it. Just a thin little line would leave a ton of gorgeous colour to be delicately washed over but not away.

 

Oh well.

Carry on we must.

 

The new version looks like my Pelikan Blue Black (not in a good way - I'm not a fan)

[BillZ]

I still have a bottle of "old-old" Blue-black #12574. I only take it out on Sundays when the weather is nice!LOL

[Fountainer]

I'm not an ink specialist at all, but i just happen to have what i believe is the new version of that ink among my 5 bottles collection. I just bought it for the shoe bottle without knowing anything about properties. It's remarkably waterproof to me, when i compared it with my other inks. But it also dries a lot slower so i tend to use mostly other inks indoors. If i have more than one pen inked, there is a fair chance of MB midnight blue in use.

[Fakie]

Why did they change the formulation

[RudyR]

Why did they change the formulation

 

Really unknown as to why. I suspect because it is iron gall as a number of manufacturers have discontinued it's production. Maybe its too hard to get the best galls in the world which are Allepo galls and too many bullets or cannon shells to dodge to safely pick? Also, biocides have to be used in inks to extend shelf life and some have been banned in the UE and the US. A number of inks have had to be reformulated to accommodate the new biocides.

 

It wasn't a lack of popularity, as it is a highly regarded ink.

Edited February 12, 2014 by RudyR

[mhphoto]

 

Really unknown as to why. I suspect because it is iron gall as a number of manufacturers have discontinued it's production. Maybe its too hard to get the best galls in the world which are Allepo galls and too many bullets or cannon shells to dodge to safely pick? Also, biocides have to be used in inks to extend shelf life and some have been banned in the UE and the US. A number of inks have had to be reformulated to accommodate the new biocides.

 

It wasn't a lack of popularity, as it is a highly regarded ink.

 

That's a great point. I hadn't thought about that.

[Masque]

I suspect something more sinister.

 

MB now have two permanent inks - and selling at a price point that, until now, they had not touched. Remember when MB was a "premium" ink? Now Caran d'Ache and Iroshizuku command roughly twice the price of Mont Blanc's standard offerings. Perhaps their new permanent line could not be supported at the regular price point, but with Pilot and CdA selling, they decide to bring them now to market.

 

Why keep offering the less-expensive ink? Especially since those used to using it would have little incentive to switch?

 

I suspect, especially given the timing of this reformulation, that MB have decided that their permanent line needed no competition from its cheaper siblings.

[max dog]

I had better water resistance results with the new Midnight Blue ink. Here are samples in Rhodia (top left), Moleskine (top right), photo copy grade (bottom) papers. Each sample was soaked in water for 5 minutes. Even on the Rhodia paper, the Midnight Blue remained legible whereas the Faber Castell Cobalt Blue and Private Reserve Arabian Rose completely washed away. On the Moleskine and more absorbent papers the Midnight Blue did very well.

 

 

The new Midnight Blue may be less remarkable than it's predessor, but still a very good performing water resistant ink on it's own merits. I like it.

 

MB should have named it something else like Twilight Blue as it's no longer the very well regarded Iron Gal Midnigt Blue ink.

Edited February 13, 2014 by max dog

[JeanManuel]

I suspect, especially given the timing of this reformulation, that MB have decided that their permanent line needed no competition from its cheaper siblings.

Good point.

Well. Fortunately there are competitors.