OK, so I have to admit that since I have used fountain pens (+/- 11 years), I have always used Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue in cartridges. My current primary pen is a Rotring Newton with a medium steel nib.

In reality, I am very satisfied with the Pelikan but I am curious to try something else. I'm not sure that I will ever fully abandon 4001 Royal Blue because I like that it is so washable. I tend to stick my pen in my pants pocket (which is why I use a Newton-cheap and strong) and I am just waiting for an accident.

That said, I would like to try a more permanent ink that I can use for envelopes and checks which will be used in a pen that I leave at my desk. I am willing to try bottled ink but not sure where to start. I look at Noodler's selection and they have many blues but many seem too light while others are too dark. I think I would like Noodler's Luxury Blue but there seem to be mixed reactions here about it. Upper Ganges blue looks too light to me. I'm tempted by Aurora's blue but I can't find any comments on its permanence.

Also, while it's off-topic, as long as it fits, does the converter really make a difference?

Thanks for your help!

Richard

Be careful when you go for Luxury Blue because it's bulletproof, meaning from the point of washing out with water, it's at the other end of Pelikan Royal Blue. When it gets to your clothes, it will stay until you ruin it. So don't wear anything expensive when you've sticked the pen in your pocket

The Blue Noodlers bulletproof inks I have are Polar Blue, Glacier Blue (Swisher ink) and Baystate Blue. My opinion, not confirmed by any personal testing, is Glacier and Luxury are similar. Glacier less expensive, or more ink for the price.

Polar does dry chalky looking. Glacier is better, I like it, but not a dark blue. Baystate not chalky, quite lively and bright, not mixable with other inks.

Oh, forgot I have Legal Lapis, it's a blue, but more of a old fashion blue-green ink, not chalky. I love the color, but may not be what you are looking for.

Now if you want to do a Near Bulletproof, the blue will run, the Black will stay so the address, writing is readable, you can consider Noodlers Navy, Blue-Black, even Zhivago, but that's going really Black/Green.

Study the scans.

Converter...not certain of your question. I do refill cartridges once they are cleaned. Use a syringe from my vet. A converter works well and maybe easier for some to use for bottle filling instead of the syringe.

I have been looking at Noodler's "Upper Ganges Blue" as a selection for a permanent blue. However, I have not made my final decision on buying a bottle at this time or not.

Thanks for the replies.

I plan to continue using Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue in the pen that I stick in my pocket. I'll have another pen that I leave at my desk loaded with the ink I eventually choose.

My question regarding the converter is meant to ask if all converters are of the same quality. Will some converters write better than others or are they just a receptacle for holding ink?

For the record, Aurora isn't permanent - it washes right away. It's a nice blue with a red-shift towards purple, but I'm not a big purple fan of any shade or tone so I'm not partial to it. I just got finished with the one bottle I had and won't be buying any more.

Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll try it someday to replace the Pelikan.

Swishmix Glacier Blue and Noodler's Baystate Blue are not bulletproof inks.

I like Noodler's Gulf Stream blue -- I think it's a Swisher exclusive. The other thing is that it is very free flowing so I use it in my "dry" pens. Bulletproof, and a nice, cold, blue with no green tinge. Bright and saturated, but not dark. But if you find Noodler's chalky (I don't), you may find this chalky too.

Doug

another one to consider is Pilot/Namiki blue, which isn't billed as waterproof, but has good water resistance anyway. I'm pretty sure there's a scan here that shows how well it shows up after a soak.

I've also found Diamine Prussia Blue very water resistant, but it might not be blue enough for what you're looking for.

I have not been happy at all with Polar Blue - strange flow, and dull/chalky color.

Visconti Blue.

Much depends upon your use. Aurura was, for some time (2 bottles) my favorite but I used it at work and it is liable to smudge even some time after with a greasy hand. Diamine Shappire is nice (brighter) and Sailor Blue darker and heavier in tone. My vote, always is visconti - It is very reliable (with all the pens I have used) and a good, safe, blue (from a work perspective). I also find it's classic blue suits me without it being dull.

I agree that Visconti blue is great. But is it me or does it stain? I feel like my converter is a bit stained...

I stand corrected. They are waterproof to some level. See the reviews to explain.

Thank you for the correction.

No, but Glacier blue is quite water resistant if that's what you want.

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'll spring for a bottle of Upper Ganges. The bulletproof is important. I might also pick up a bottle of Eternal Brown. I've always wanted to try a brown ink!

I have 40 or so Pelikan cartridges left that I want to run through before buying something else there. Is the Visconti ink above very washable? I like its color but it would have to be as washable as the Pelikan.

Again, thanks all the help.

OK, since I started this thread, I went a little nuts and ordered $100 worth of ink from Pendemonium. My order included (all in bottles):

1.) Waterman Havana Brown
2.) Visconti Blue
3.) Aurora Black
4.) Noodler's Legal Lapis
5.) Noodler's Squeteague
6.) Noodler's Upper Ganges Blue
7.) Noodler's El Lawrence
8.) Shaeffer Blue Black
9.) Private Reserve American Blue

I've only inked the first five (flushing 5 pens is enough fun for one night) and so far the first two are in the lead for my favorite.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I kind of lament finding this site; I was happy with my Pelikan Royal Blue. I need another hobby like a hole in the head!