Blues: Mb Unicef / Akkerman Zeeblauw / Pilot Kon Peki

[Skv]

I am interested in expending the blues in my modest ink collection.

 

Thus far I have a bright turquoise (Montblanc UNICEF) and a dark blue/black (Montblanc Midnight Blue).

 

The two inks that I am interested in are PW Akkerman Dutch Masters Zeeblauw (green/blue) and Pilot Iroshizuku Kon Peki (bright blue).

 

I am wondering if these 4 inks differ enough from each other to purchase them all. Or if not, if I should go Akkerman or Pilot. I like to use a very wet Visconti HS bronze with an M nib.

 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Edited November 2, 2019 by Skv

[bobje]

Easiest online comparison of ink colors is here.

https://andersonpens.com/ink-tool/

[Skv]

Didn't know that. Thanks!!

[DrDebG]

Kon-peki is darker and bluer than MB Unicef Blue.

 

There are hundreds (thousands?) of blues out there - from pale, pale baby blue to deepest blue gray. Many of the pen retailers have ink comparison sites (such as recommended above). You also need to consider your pen, ink and paper combo. Do you have wet nibs and need a drier ink? Do you write mostly on high quality paper, or inexpensive notebook paper? Are you a left handed overwriter? If so then dry time is likely a big consideration for you. Do you need a waterproof ink? Do you want the ink to sheen, or shade, or shimmer?

 

I am a huge blue fan, and have more blue ink that any other color. Some of my favorites include Stipula Calamo Deep Blue, Waterman Serenity Blue, Monteverde Malibu Blue, Pilot Iro. Asa Gao, Montblanc Royal Blue, Monteverde Horizon Blue, and Graf von Faber Castel Cobalt Blue. All of them are well behaved on most, good papers, and some have a degree of water resistance.

 

Whenever I am considering a new ink, I consult the Ink Reviews right here on FPN : https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/160612-index-of-ink-reviews/

 

I look at several reviews simply because I want to get a greater perspective on the ink.

[Skv]

Thanks for the suggestions! I write of FP friendly Clairefontaine 90g notebook paper and have some wet nibs. I prefer inks that are on the dry side. My current ink, Montblanc Sand of the desert, takes almost 60 seconds to dry. Not very convenient when Im trying to take some quick notes.

 

I think the four inks that I mentioned before are different enough from each other to justify having them all. Zeeblauw is more on the green/blueish side of the spectrum. And I follow your advice that Kon peki is substantially bluer than Unicef. :-)