I have just bought a Leonardo Blue Chinese Laquer pen. The pen itself is a beautiful cobalt blue, with a wonderful irridescent depth & sparkle to it. (See http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...em=150221525684 for the pen). The e-bay photo does the pen full justice, it really is that colour in daylight.

Now I need an ink that will look as good. Are there any irridescent Cobalt Blue inks available?
I have Diamine Sapphire Blue, but that's too dark. Turquoise is too light and flat. I've wondered a bit whether Noodlers Bay State Blue might do the job. Any comments?

Regards

Richard.

I think BSB is the one for you..... I haven't been brave enough to put it in my Aurora Mare, but I do use it in a vintage Parker 51 and a Sheaffer calligraphy pen.

Levenger Cobalt?

Thanks RogerB. Sort of confirms my feelings about it. Risky choice, but nice ink.

Lloyd. Do you know any European outlets for Levenger inks? Failing that, any outlets? It's not one I've seen at all.

Regards

Richard.

Private Reserve DC Electric Blue

Baystate is anything but flat and its colour may be what you want. Beware of its feathering potential, though. If you think Diamine Sapphire is too dark, you won't want Levenger Cobalt or PR Electric, which are darker still (besides, Cobalt may turn to sludge unless you mix it with something else). While they may be a bit darker than you're looking for (depends on how wet the pen is), I would suggest you try PR's Supershow Blue, American Blue or Lake Placid Blue.

Simon

Yes, when I tried to use BSB in the Traveling Journal ITJ02, it was like writing on blotting paper....very embarrassing, as only the second contributor, to make such a mess

It's great, in an EF, for writing my postcards, but I would be very cautious about using it in anything Broad/wet.

After your suggestions, and looking at the relavent reviews, I think I'll go for some of the Baystate Blue. I'll get it next month.

Regards

Richard.

Good luck...it's stunning, on compatible paper

I don't find Sapphire that dark, unless it's in a very wet pen...must try some comparisons with BSB and may post a scan!