Noodler's Old Manhattan Black

[angelofmusic81]

Here is my latest review of Noodler's Old Manhattan Black. I hope it is helpful! You can find more thoughts, pictures, and a bonus evil clown over at my blog.

 

Edited August 28, 2013 by angelofmusic81

[amberleadavis]

Great review. Thank you.

[PenTieRun]

This is my everyday black ink at work. It's absolutely superb stuff. Thanks for the review.

[Cake]

Hmm, never thought about this one before. I like how you've reviewed the color. Thank you.

[PatientType]

Thanks for taking the time and thought to prepare and post this review. I have a bottle of this and like it. I should use this when water resistance is needed given the performance on your review.

[inkstainedruth]

Thanks for revewing OMBB. I got a bottle of this last winter, but have not used it much (I'm not much of a black ink person). But I definitely need to give this a proper workout.

I was wondering if you had any sort of experience or comparisons between OMBB with Noodlre's Black, as far as "blackness" and stuff like bleedthrough or dry times..

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[angelofmusic81]

Thanks for the kind words, guys! As for the question regarding comparisons to Noodler's Black, I have a complicated answer. I have a bottle of Noodler's Black, BUT my husband (trump321) pulled quite a magic trick with it and tipped HALF THE BOTTLE onto his desk without spilling a DROP on our beige carpet. However, since it was a mostly full bottle and he couldn't stand the sight of all that ink-waste, he filled the rest of it back up with water. It actually works really well and is still mightily black, but it's about half H2O. I might still do some side-by-side stuff soon between that mix, some OMBB, and HoD. From what I do remember of undiluted Noodler's Black, I'd say that they go in order of blackness OMBB>NB>>HoD.

[rizo52]

Great review. thanks.

[truthpil]

Just came across this great review!

 

One question, does OMBB smear after dry the way regular Noodler's Black does on any paper other than the crappiest newsprint?

I'm looking for a smear proof waterproof black and NB didn't cut it.

 

Thanks!

[UDog]

OMBB is the best for mixing, too; adds a certain je ne sai quio.

[truthpil]

OMBB is the best for mixing, too; adds a certain je ne sai quio.

 

But does is smear after dry?

[Mongoosey]

I have to say that I'm pretty impressed by this Black ink:

 

• It's smooth
• Flows well
• Permanent
• Doesn't smear
• Dark color
• Inexpensive

BUT...

• The color is OK: Doesn't make me fall in love like Heart of Darkness and Take-Sumi, and even Kiwa-Guro makes me feel "at home".
• A bit of a dirty ink as stated here: http://dwaynelively.com/?p=2341
• Does concern me with "lifetime"/better quality pens.

However

• I think it's a good workhorse permanent ink for a good value.
• Is it my favorite? No.
• I'll run through my typical algorithm of preferred inks before I choose this one.

My preferred permanent inks:

1. Kiwa-Guro - but flow can be too dry in some pens,
2. Souboku - but can be too light in some pens,
3. Heart of Darkness - But can write too fat a line and not good for most of my broader nibs.
4. Platinum Carbon Black - but maintenance can be a concern.
5. Old Manhattan Black - Made the list: The "if necessary" ink that feels good to write with.