C. Roberson & Co Penman Ink – Classical Transparent: Grey Hematite

[cybaea]

C. Roberson & Co is a well-regarded supplier of artists' materials. Their 'Classical Transparent' series of Penman Inks come in 24 colours and are labelled as being suitable for fountain pens. The catalogue says:

 

These inks offer a wide spectrum of colours, made from the highest quality, full strength natural dyes to provide maximum resistance to light and ageing. The translucent colours have a bright, rich tone, are water-soluble and Ph neutral. The Classical Transparent ink range is suitable for use with: airbrush, dip, quill, reed, fountain, technical, ruling and automatic pens.

 

Note, however, that the bottle also says 'shake or stir well' which is normally a warning sign not to use it. I have used it in three Safaris for three days, and they still work perfectly and write instantly in the mornings.

 

The bottle is a utilitarian standard form circa 61mm high and 39mm diameter containing 30ml of ink. I got mine for £4.90 from Scribblers.co.uk (no affiliation).

 

This colour for some reason reminds me of Navy ships. I would call it grey-blue: grey dominates but with a noticeable blue undertone.

 

Suggested usage

 

DAILY WRITER: Very possible.

 

BUSINESS: Yes. I don't think even the strict 'Ms Blue-Black' (aka @Sandy1) would disapprove. Lower impact than black, for sure, but perfectly reasonable, especially, perhaps, where the user has a navy background.

 

NOTES AND JOURNALS: Yes.

 

INFORMAL LETTERS: Yes, but may feel a little cool.

 

FORMAL LETTERS: Unlikely.

 

LOVE LETTERS: No no no.

 

Review

 

 

Soak test

 

 

Writing on Rhodia No 18 dotpad

 

 

Writing on Rhodia 'R'

 

 

Writing on corporate 'cartridge' stock

 

 

I hope this is useful to someone.

[lapis]

Thanks, yes... I too like this more than the new CdA grey. This ink (the Roberson) somehow reminds me a bit about fuyu-syogun.

Mike

[rudyhou]

this is a cool blue-grey. reminds me a bit of pilot iroshizuku ink, somewhere between fuyu-shogun and shin-kai.

Edited July 24, 2013 by rudyhou

[amberleadavis]

Great review - as always.

[lovemy51]

nice review, thx! this bluish grey inks are more to my liking than the greenish ones.

[inkstainedruth]

Pretty color, if a bit light. Any way to tell if these really are FP safe? I know that Winsor & Newton ink claims to be FP safe but apparently isn't unless you flush the pen immediately after use.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Centopar]

Ha - I was also going to say it really reminds me of Fuyu-Syogun. I'd be too scared of the "shake before use" to put it in any of my pens, though. Shame; it's pretty!

[cybaea]

Pretty color, if a bit light. Any way to tell if these really are FP safe? I know that Winsor & Newton ink claims to be FP safe but apparently isn't unless you flush the pen immediately after use.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

Not sure how to test it, but at least the pens were easy to flush and clean with water which is a good sign. I do like their inks but I have not turned any of them into daily writers yet.