Either of these inks would work perfectly well as a dark black ink, but they are substantially different in ways that might interest pen and ink nuts aficionados. Here, then, are some thoughts about J. Herbin Perle Noire and S.T. Dupont black ink:

These two inks are different in some ways that do not show in the following scans. One way is color. Although both inks, viewed apart, look true black, viewed together some differences emerge. The Dupont is a colder color, more like Aurora's black but not as blue as Sailor's black. The Herbin black has the vague quality of a black ink that has been on paper for years: not brown or at all faded, but a slightly warmer color.

The Herbin black has always been my benchmark for easy flow and lubrication, but the Dupont seems a little smoother on both counts. It's quite a pleasure to write with, so much so that it might even have too little viscosity for wet pens. Notice in the scans that the enclosed parts of some letters are more often filled in the Dupont sample than the Herbin.

Herbin's black is notably water- and fade-resistant. I cannot comment on Dupont's stability with sun or age, but it shows exceptional water-resistance. One set of comparison scans shows writing after having been splashed with water, which is a real-world test that I think reveals more than a soak test. Another set of scans shows the writing after having been soaked and agitated in hot water for about four minutes. The paper is the HP 22 lb. white stock.

The Dupont is not as matte as Aurora or Sailor; it is on a par to my eyes with the Herbin. (girlieg33k sees a silkiness in the Dupont that I do not see, but then she perceives a purple note in the J. Herbin Bleu Nuit that escapes me, all of which may suggest how perceptive she is.)

Until now, every black ink I have tried in comparison to the Herbin has wound up being sold or flushed. (I have not yet tried PR's Velvet Black.) The Dupont is the first I plan to keep and use. For those planning a similar purchase, two warnings: The bottle is ill suited to large nibs. I'm not sure a large Visconti nib could even drink from the bottle. And the ink is a little spendy, averaging US$18 for 50 ml.

Thanks! This is a very useful comparison.

Very nice and useful review. In my monitor the color of both inks is pretty much the same? Cannot enlarge image to check it closer. Your comments are very interesting and accurate. And I just love the pic in your avatar.....

Don't see too many reviews of the Herbin base colors or of any Dupont inks at all. Thanks~!

Joe, exceptional review. Thanks for the head's up on it. I really appreciate it. In fact, it's the only reason I logged on!

I don't have Herbin Perle Noire -- but now I'm tempted to get it to do the same comparison. I agree with your assessment that Dupont Black has the same colour as Aurora black. Instead of "colder," I think of it as darker and richer in hue. Your description of Perle Noire as warmer intrigues me though.

Dupont inks (not just black, but blue and blue-black as well) does flow quite wet and generously. This is one of the reasons I like it so much. On those occasions when I reach for black ink, I'll mainly use it with EF and F nibs. The flow and lubricating properties of Dupont make nibs very smooth (like Dupont nibs themselves).

Quite glad to hear that you'll be keeping Dupont Black in your ink rotation. Along with Sailor Black and Aurora Black, it's my go-to black ink. I may be adding Herbin Perle Noire to that line-up as well now.

Thanks again for the comparison.

Kate

Isn't Dupont OEM'd from one of the ink manufactures, maybe Waterman (France)? I can not recall Dupont being on one of the lists of ink mixers.

Excellent review! The four black inks that I like are: Pelikan, Aurora, Dupont, and Sailor.

Black inks that I've tried and don't like are: Waterman, Montblanc, Visconti, Omas, and Noodlers.

Black inks that I've never tried are: Parker, Sheaffer, Lamy, Conway Stewart, Herbin, Diamine. Pilot, and Private Reserve.

After the review above, I'm thinking of trying the Herbin. I'm also thinking of trying the newer of the two Diamine black inks, based on another favorable FPN review.