Pilot Iroshizuku Chiku-Rin

November 3, 2012

Here's my review of Pilot's Iroshizuku Chiku-Rin ink. This is a pretty unique shade of green ink that would be very well suited for review or marking up (not necessarily marking, but marking up notes or a book) for the right person. It writes beautifully and has great shading as well as good water resistance (which was a nice surprise for the shade of ink). It could also be used in art very easily. I don't think it could be used as an everyday ink, but maybe for the right person that really wants a unique colour that they are known for.

Here's my review.

Here's the water test. For this I wrote on a small Rhodia pad and after letting the ink dry for several minutes ran it under tap water for a few seconds.

November 4, 2012

I love this ink, and your review reminds me that I haven't used it in a while. Must ink up another pen now!!!

November 7, 2012

Interesting,

I only got a sample, but I did see some feathering (Apica CD), some bleedthrough (most papers), and, the worst, spreading.

Loved the color but this is the first Iroshizuku ink I've tried that didn't have on par behavior for the brand.

I really, really want to have this ink, but my experience says no...anyone else or did I just end up with a fluke sample?

November 7, 2012

I tried this ink a few months ago due to my curiosity and a wonderful and generous FPN member. Thanks IWantThat

I then added a bottle to my wish list and will order a bottle with my next order. I found the ink quite pleasant to sketch with. Very Zen type of color.

November 8, 2012

Interesting,

I only got a sample, but I did see some feathering (Apica CD), some bleedthrough (most papers), and, the worst, spreading.

Loved the color but this is the first Iroshizuku ink I've tried that didn't have on par behavior for the brand.

I really, really want to have this ink, but my experience says no...anyone else or did I just end up with a fluke sample?

I also got started with a sample, but have since bought a bottle. The ink behaves very well for me on Rhodia & Clairfontaine papers, even when it's coming out of wet medium stub or OB nibs. No signs of any of the problems you've mentioned, either with Chiku-rin or with the rest of the Iroshizuku line-up (I got the full sample set). Sounds like your sample was off - give the ink another try!

Thanks to the OP for the review. I, too, initially thought that the ink's light colour would make it unsuitable for everyday use, but have since revised my opinion. When used with a broader nib, like the ones I mention above, and on clear paper (i.e. not densely lined or gridded), the text is very clear and pleasant to read. And that's great news since the colour is excellent