Blue 72 - Franklin-Christoph

[visvamitra]

Please,allow me to start by saying thank you mmg112 for sending me samples of all new Franklin-Christoph's writing fluids (and much more!). I appreciate it a lot and I hope the reviews I've prepared are enough to repay you

 

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/3941/5Lb5cU.jpg

 

Franklin-Christoph is one of fairly new pen makers. I had three of their pens and they were all good writers. The company is headed by Scott Franklin and operates from North Carolina. I like company's approach to clients (sales directly to us) and they're designs.

 

Franklin-Christoph offers not only pens but also notebooks, pen cases, wallets and inks. I was huge fan of Olde Emerald from first generation of their inks. It used to be my favourite ink for a while. At the moment however the bottle's long gone and I keep fond memories of this exceptional writing fluid.

 

I was surprised to hear they've stopped producing first generation of their inks, especially after I took a look at new colors. First generation colors were rather unique, second generation colors are rather generic. And that's not an advantage to my eyes. Being boring in ink market may be safe when you're Pelikan or Sheaffer, but for smaller player it's risky. Just my opinion.

 

If you happen to know who makes they're ink, I'm eager to know.

 

The second generation of FC inks counts eight inks with uninteresting names (Black Magic, Dark Denim, Olde Emerald - those were cool names; Blue 72, Emerald 357 are NOT cool names)

 

1. Blue 72
2. Brown 732
3. Classic Black
4. Dark Chocolate
5. Emerald 357
6. Midnight Emerald
7. Noir et Bleu
8. Red 187

Blue 72 is named after the pantone number it's supposed to match. For me, it's just another boring blue in the sea of other blue inks. Nothing makes it stand out from the crowd. Safe and boring. Please check mmg112's review to see it can look more saturated in some pens.

 

Verdict: no, thank you. I'll choose something more interesting.

 

Ink splash

http://imageshack.com/a/img909/5457/jXXHkT.jpg

Drops of ink on kitchen towel

http://imageshack.com/a/img673/4268/VGTuGq.jpg

Waterproofness

http://imageshack.com/a/img910/1134/XenEBU.jpg

Software ID

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/9223/6H4qqT.jpg

Oxford, Kaweco Sport Classic, B

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/8537/478hhv.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/8464/u6S5rz.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/8515/yPiT63.jpg

Semikolon, Kaweco Sport Classic, B

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/7748/Ayr7Qm.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/9154/WgDk9o.jpg

Edited June 27, 2015 by visvamitra

[mehandiratta]

Great review as always and I second your opinion about ink too

[Cyber6]

WOW... If I remember correctly their first iteration of inks was quite successful. Olde Emerald, Dark Denim.. etc. Wondering if they change to a different manufacturer for their new line of inks. I haven't been impressed by their new colors.

 

Thanks for the review Vis!!

 

 

C.

[fountainpenlady]

Honest review of Blue 72.

I am looking forward to the others, particularly, Red 187. I am using ink from a bottle of it now in two of my fountain pens. Recently, Franklin-Christophe set up space at the Triangle Pen Show in North Carolina. I attended. In anticipation even before the show, I planned to simply see and touch the medium leather notebook cover. Several months ago, participated in a Massdrop of their medium notebooks and enjoy them so much, knew I wanted to make their notebooks my exclusive journals. I wanted the leather notebook cover to seal the decision. Well, ended up entering the Pen Show through the right door because they were few steps away from entryway. Ended up not only purchasing intended leather notebook cover, also their leather 6 Penvelope, an Intrinsic Fountain pen in Cinnamon Ice with an extra fine steel nib; one smaller notebook and a bottle of Red 187 ink.

Needless to say, the first twenty or so minutes can only be described as almost heavenly. All of the items were not all purchased during that one time; the smaller journal was purchased during one of the other days of the Pen Show. Lori and Scott were really nice. They are located in Winston-Salem North Carolina, several miles away from me in the same state. Really fantastic to know they exist, they are very customer friendly conscious, their products are top of the line in quality. I am a red aficionados continue to enjoy Red 187. It does not scream or excite, but it also is not one I do not mind filling one or two of my fountain pens with either. Curious to know what your impressions of it and others.

Edited June 27, 2015 by fountainpenlady

[visvamitra]

You'll know soon

[fountainpenlady]

You'll know soon

[J85909266]

Its okay. I guess.

[mmg122]

Excellent review. Thanks, Vis!

[Frank C]

Thanks for the review. Nothing special about this ink.

[ethernautrix]

Thanks for the review. Nothing special about this ink.

 

Yeah, not crazy about this blue.

[delano]

It's ok, but there is absolutely nothing about it that would make me want to buy it.

[eelldan]

Thanks for the review. Considering the number of blue inks out there you would think FC would bring something special to the table with this one. I will be passing on this ink