Less "thought"; More "hey, Look!"

[ethernautrix]

Once upon a time in fpn, someone asked what was everyone's favorite ink color or what would it be if it didn't exist. I said, "harbor twilight." I wanted a blue of a darkening twilight sky that was also waterproof (or water-resistant).

 

I've seen blue inks that have come close, but not close enough, until this ink - created by a Ph.D. chemistry student from Warsaw who brands his inks KWZ Inks. He and his partner sat at the table next to mine at the Poland Pen Show in Katowice, and if I had returned on Sunday, I would have taken a dozen photos and bought more inks.

 

I can order the inks, though, so I am not berating myself too badly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I only met KWZI at the show, but he told me that he is a member of fpn who isn't particularly active here; he's more active on the Polish fountain pen board, and he's busy making these gorgeous inks. I will ask him to take a photo of his ink colors and share them with us - along with ordering information or details about his inks.

 

At least four of his inks darken - over a day, over a month. This ink. Blue #3, isn't one of them, but what's better is that it stays the same dark, beautiful blue and doesn't change to teal, for instance (I'm looking at you, Waterman Mystere Bleu). There was testing of the waterproofness at the show, and the blue held fast, and while there was some washing off, legibility was not affected at all, and the washed ink was still blue. The water-resistant blue inks I've tried and tested leave black ink, which, you know, is better than nothing. But this blue remains blue.

 

As the photos show, I'm using Blue #3 (I love this name) in a Pelikan Toledo 710 with a Mottishaw stub fine nib on Tomoe River Paper. I scribbled notes on a cheap notepad - no feathering. I didn't test the ink more than that, and this is not a review or an "Inky Thought." It's more of a Show-and-Tell.

 

I love this blue ink!

[MBFan]

Nice blue indeed.

[amberleadavis]

Okay, where do I order? I need another blue ink! And I need to add them to the next fade tests.

[ethernautrix]

Okay, where do I order? I need another blue ink! And I need to add them to the next fade tests.

 

That would be great, AmberLea! I've written to KWZ and asked if he might post a photo of all his inks (there were at least 20, I think) and maybe more information.

 

He had granted me permission to share his e-mail address, but I've asked him again if it's okay. (I will PM you his e-mail. I think that would be fine.)

[amberleadavis]

I asked him about acquiring the complete collection...I was channeling Saskia Manning. Maybe I should have started with the blues.

[hypnostene]

On this is lovely. And he's from my city too? I will have to get in touch!

[kwzi]

In short words, I made this!

Making is a great hobby for me, and I find a great pleasure when someone enjoys using them

[hot cocoa]

Blue normally doesn't rock my world, but oooo, this is nice! Looks like there's some shading, too!

 

Really really curious to see the other colors in the lineup from your ink prodigy friend.

[setriode]

I want some

[Uncle Red]

lovely blue. I'd love to see the other colors

[MKeith]

Very nice ink and thanks for sharing Lisa. I always wonder if some chemist could replicate Sheaffers Peacock Blue and Parker Penman Sapphire. I'm anxious to see any other colors he has.

Edited April 15, 2014 by MKeith

[amberleadavis]

If a group buy were organized ... anyone interested?

[ravantra]

I would be interested in a group buy.

[DrCodfish]

If a group buy were organized ... anyone interested?

I don't know about a group buy, but I'd be in for a bottle of that blue #3.

 

lemmeno

[dcpritch]

Lisa, I didn't need another inky distraction, but thanks for posting the KWZI sample - it is gorgeous and I share your affection for this creation.

 

Amblerlea, I'm in for a group buy, but if that doesn't work out I'll buy some on my own. Please keep me in the loop.

[PJohnP]

In short words, I made this!

Making is a great hobby for me, and I find a great pleasure when someone enjoys using them

 

Could we see some other inks of your making ?

[UDog]

If a group buy were organized ... anyone interested?

 

I'm in.

[MisterBoll]

If a group buy were organized ... anyone interested?

 

I'm in, thanks! This is an amazing shade of blue.

[Sblakers]

Wow. Gorgeous. How does it wash out of pens? I would be interested In a group buy as well.

[ethernautrix]

Kwz said it was all right for me to post his e-mail address, thus: kwzi86 (gmail). But wait until after I have secured another bottle of Blue #3!

 

Here are a couple of photos of the original sample after I held it under running water this morning for about "20 elephants":

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe I should soak it....

 

The paper has dried by now, and while the ink isn't as dark and vibrant as it was before the water test, it is still dark and very much legible. And blue.

 

 

I haven't flushed out the pen, so I don't know how easy it will be to clean the feed and nib thoroughly, and I'm reluctant to do so when I still have a nearly full fill in the pen. This test will have to wait.