A Few Japanese Black Inks

[dcwaites]

I thought I would do a quick comparison between three Japanese Black inks I have.

 

 

And here is the result of running hot (60C +) over the ink for about 30 seconds

 

 

As you can see, the Pilot Black and Take-Sumi are quite water-resistant, while the Kiwaguro is absolutely untouched.

 

[visvamitra]

Kiwa-guro is fantastic ink. While I rarely use black, it's one of few I appreciate for its properties.

[mehandiratta]

That's nice comparison

[lapis]

Thanks for supporting that which I keep on raving about. Blacks in general aren't my favourites by any means but this one is my favourite blacks of all. And that isn't because it is the most waterproof of all

[white_lotus]

Kiwa-guro was my first ink and I used it exclusively for 1.5 years before getting any other ink.

[Tas]

We can never have enough reviews of blacks

 

 

(sorry visvamitra )

[ethernautrix]

I love black ink. Noodler's Black is still my favorite (boosted with a bit of Noodler's Old Manhattan Black), but I'm also using Platinum Carbon Black. But you know what?

 

You know what?

 

 

 

 

 

If I had the Sailor Kiwa-guro, I wouldn't use the Platinum Carbon Black. Probably.

 

I was sent a sample of the Sailor KG, and I really liked it. Very similar to Platinum CB, so I'm not sure why I'd prefer SKG. But I do.

[Drawing61]

Is there any black ink (not blue-black, etc.) that has significant shading properties?

[pen2paper]

Aurora black is my favorite, but.. I use it for letters that go through the postal system so it's easy to guess varied weather takes its toll.

 

So this Sailor ink that looks good with water resistance is also easy clean and kind to fountain pens? (P 3776)

 

Unsure, but DC's and ether's trusted influence may change my business ink.

[jmccarty3]

I would choose Kiwaguro for any application requiring water resistance. Otherwise, Take-sumi is my favorite black. It has, to me, an undefinably interesting look, and it flows beautifully.

[dcwaites]

Is there any black ink (not blue-black, etc.) that has significant shading properties?

 

Depending on your pen and paper, the Pilot Black (first in the scans above) shows some shading. (Click on the image so you can see it full-size)

I have also read that Noodler's Black was accused of shading, but I haven't seen it myself.

[UDog]

I love black ink. Noodler's Black is still my favorite (boosted with a bit of Noodler's Old Manhattan Black), but I'm also using Platinum Carbon Black. But you know what?

 

You know what?

 

 

 

 

 

If I had the Sailor Kiwa-guro, I wouldn't use the Platinum Carbon Black. Probably.

 

I was sent a sample of the Sailor KG, and I really liked it. Very similar to Platinum CB, so I'm not sure why I'd prefer SKG. But I do.

 

Boosted with Old Manhattan Black? How much? Why?

Edited January 9, 2017 by UDog

[ethernautrix]

Aurora black is my favorite, but.. I use it for letters that go through the postal system so it's easy to guess varied weather takes its toll.

 

So this Sailor ink that looks good with water resistance is also easy clean and kind to fountain pens? (P 3776)

 

Unsure, but DC's and ether's trusted influence may change my business ink.

 

I will offer the caveat that I use the PCB in pens that I can at least clean in a ultrasonic cleaner, but ideally friction-fit nibs that I can occasionally (if necessary) clean the underside of the nib. So, I haven't used PCB in a Nakaya for a few years. I didn't experience problems with PCB and Nakaya; I just didn't want to risk it. So far so good.

 

I think the SailorKG is somehow silkier. I can't quantify it, but something about it... I liked it better, but I didn't want to buy a bottle until I had used up my two bottles of PCB. (Still on the first one.) (Next time I'm in California, I'll probably buy the Sailor. Live a little, ya know.)

[ethernautrix]

 

Boosted with Old Manhattan Black? How much? Why?

 

I don't really measure. Maybe 1/5 or 1/6. Maybe 1/8. Not a lot. OMB is darker, so I boost the Black with a bit of it to enhance the darkness.

 

I don't remember if OMB feathers (maybe only rarely?), but NBlack hasn't feathered on me yet, which is why it's my preferred black ink. An OMB boost darkens NB without feathering (as far as I've noticed, which I would have).

[pen2paper]

 

I will offer the caveat that I use the PCB in pens that I can at least clean in a ultrasonic cleaner, but ideally friction-fit nibs that I can occasionally (if necessary) clean the underside of the nib. So, I haven't used PCB in a Nakaya for a few years. I didn't experience problems with PCB and Nakaya; I just didn't want to risk it. So far so good.

 

I think the SailorKG is somehow silkier. I can't quantify it, but something about it... I liked it better, but I didn't want to buy a bottle until I had used up my two bottles of PCB. (Still on the first one.) (Next time I'm in California, I'll probably buy the Sailor. Live a little, ya know.)

thanks for sharing your thoughts on this ether.. for the present being creative or fussy maintenance takes a back seat to daily use with pens that bring joy to simple tasks. Aurora MB Diamine I have already are competent for now. If the Sailor proves out in reviews here I'll sample it in less favored pens.

 

Interesting caparison DC thanks!

[oldrifleman]

I don't really measure. Maybe 1/5 or 1/6. Maybe 1/8. Not a lot. OMB is darker, so I boost the Black with a bit of it to enhance the darkness.

 

I don't remember if OMB feathers (maybe only rarely?), but NBlack hasn't feathered on me yet, which is why it's my preferred black ink. An OMB boost darkens NB without feathering (as far as I've noticed, which I would have).

Noodler's OMB is my go to ink (yes I know BORING, but then I am an Engineer) and I have never had it feather, maybe just the paper I use, but it is wonderful.