Can anyone comment on the difference between Swishmix inks (like Tahitian Pearl) vs. non-Swishmix but waterproof swisher inks? I'm wondering if both sets of inks will have the same flow and lubricating characteristics.

I really like the way Tahitian pearl makes a nib flow so smoothly. It also seems to make it look a bit wider than with other inks.

Swisher sells (Noodlers makes for them) a Nile ebony (a swishmix ink) and also a waterproof black. I'm wondering if these are different ...

Stephen

Swisher's waterproof black isn't exclusive to Swisher; it's the same Noodler's Black that all Noodler's vendors sell. The two Swisher exclusives are (1) Midnight Black, a quick-drying, non-waterproof ink designed for use on high-quality paper (with a tendency to feather on cheaper paper); and (2) Swishmix Nile Ebony, a 50-50 mix of Midnight Black and Noodler's Black, intended as a best-of-both-worlds balance of the two components. I can't comment on Midnight Black, but Swishmix Nile Ebony is quicker-drying and more free-flowing than straight Noodler's Black, with a somewhat greater tendency to spread and feather than straight Black. For me the ideal mix is 2 parts Noodler's Black and 1 part Nile Ebony, which parses into 5 parts Noodler's Black and 1 part Midnight Black. :doh: Obviously, these proportions can be tweaked to taste. Hope this helps.