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Diamine Bilberry


Sandy1

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For convenient viewing of the images, you may wish to scroll to the menu at the very bottom of this window, then change the FPN Theme to 'IP.Board Mobile'.

 

Please take a moment to adjust your gear to accurately depict the Grey Scale below.

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Grey Scale:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/InkyThoughts2010/INK576-1-2.jpg

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Figure 1.

Swabs & Swatch

Paper: HPJ1124 24 lb. Laser Copy.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/c7447141.jpg

 

Figure 2.

NIB-ism ✑

Paper: HPJ1124.

Depicts nibs' line-width and pens' relative wetness.

IMG-thumb:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/th_871eb97f.jpg

Pens: L ➠ R: PCP, 440, Slimfold, Carene, NPS, M200.

Figure 3.

Paper base tints:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Private%20Reserve%20Chocolate/86f3378c.jpg

L → R: HPJ1124, Rhodia, G Lalo white, Royal, Staples 20 lb.

 

WRITTEN SAMPLES - Moby Dick

Ruling: 8mm.

 

Figure 4.

Paper: HPJ1124.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/daf51d8b.jpg

Figure 5.

Paper: Rhodia.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/94197e67.jpg

Figure 6.

Paper: G Lalo, Verge de France, white.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/727cd2cf.jpg

Figure 7.

Paper: Royal - 25% rag.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/55301a72.jpg

Figure 8.

Paper: Staples 20 lb. multi-use

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/3c1febe1.jpg

Figure 9.

Grocery List

Paper: Pulp. One-a-Day calendar page.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/0f0e2ba7.jpg

 

 

OTHER STUFF

 

Figure 10.

Smear/Dry Times.

Wet Tests. ☂

Pen: Carene.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/a8765b77.jpg

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

 

Type:

  • Dye-based fountain pen ink.

Presentation:

  • Bottle.

Availability:

  • Released 2 Dec, 2011.

Daily writer?

  • Possible.

A go-to ink?

  • When a succulent Dark Purple is desired.

USE

 

Business:

(From the office of Ms Blue-Black.)

  • As it comes, DBil could be used for most correspondence, and offers an appealing mix of gravitas, stability and warm-blooded energy.
  • An easy pick for personal work product.
  • Would do well as an inky auxiliary to Medium Blue - Turquoise, but I would avoid Green - Brown.
  • Does not have the jump or juice for mark-up or editing, nor error correction / grading of assignments.

Illustrations / Graphics:

  • All manner of applicators seems to suit.
  • Good for primary figures, and may be used for grounds if greatly diluted for brush work.
  • It is sufficiently dense that it would be an alternative to Black, (YAY!), and at such high density rules out use as a transitional colour.
  • Line quality is excellent, for a non-I-G ink, on all samples. As no shading was seen, go ahead and use Bilberry when needing taught narrow lines, labels, diagrams, etc.

Students:

  • Bleed- show-through may prevent using both sides of low-cost paper. So if you want to use this stuff with such paper, a dry-ish nib seems necessary and a slightly narrow width should be considered.
  • The water resistance is of the sort that if it gets wet, it should be kept wet, then rinsed away, avoiding redeposit of ink that has come adrift.
  • A classy alternative to default (Blue - Black) inks for hand-written assignments.

Personal:

  • Yes please.
  • There is enough warmth in the depths to be personal, but not intrusive; still an 'on purpose' colour for me.
  • For pro forma personal business writing, DBil is far too nice; sic the Lamy Green on the undeserving.
  • If I were to receive personal correspondence written with this ink, I would think there must be something discretely juicy to read about.
  • Given the absence of shading, it is wide open for using all manner of shaped nibs. The combination of very high line quality, good flow and lubrication rolls out the carpet for narrow nibs on textured paper - a combination that few inks can manage to this degree.
  • Billets doux?

PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE & CHARACTERISTICS

 

Flow Rate:

  • High.
  • A wet ink.
  • Controlled.

Nib Dry-out:

  • Not seen.

Start-up:

  • Immediate.
  • With confidence.

Lubrication:

  • Excellent. :clap1:
  • Running narrow nibs on textured paper is more than just fine.

Nib Creep:

  • Not seen.

Staining (pen):

  • Not seen, though contact time was just three days.

Clogging:

  • Not seen.
  • Seems unlikely.

Bleed- Show-Through: :glare:

  • HPJ1124: Minor from the Slimfold, Carene, NPS & M200.
  • Royal: Minor from the Carene & M200.
  • Staples 20lb.: Carene. LINK
  • Two-sided use on the HPJ1124 should be OK for own use, but the Royal and Staples would be single-sided only.

Feathering / Woolly Line:

  • Not seen.

Aroma:

  • Very faint.

Hand oil sensitivity:

  • Not evident.

Clean Up:

  • About normal speed and thorough with plain water.

Mixing:

  • No stated prohibitions.
  • Dilution may reduce likelihood of bleed- show-through.

Archival:

  • Not claimed.

Water Resistance & Smear/Dry Times:

  • As shown in Figure 10 above.

THE LOOK

 

Presence:

  • Quite reserved, but convivial.
  • Draws one close, but not too close.
  • Lustrous.

Saturation:

  • High.
  • Solid.

Shading:

  • None - as in Zero.

Variability:

  • Pen+nib combos used:
    • Not that much at all - typical of a dark saturated ink.

    [*]Papers used:

    • Just a bit.

    [*]Malleability:

    • Very low indeed, which makes DBil attractive for use as a daily writer, and may be worth a bit of wrangling.

Hi-Res Scans:

Originals are 48x30mm.

 

As I do not wish to be known as 'Queen of The Bandwidth Bandits', these are IMG-thumbs only.

 

PCP on HPJ1124

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/th_1a5b8420.jpg

Slimfold on Rhodia

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/th_f9c88f12.jpg

Carene on G Lalo

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/th_cbcc8746.jpg

Safari on Royal

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/th_cd8c04ad.jpg

FIDELITY

 

Is the name appropriate?

  • As with most inks with a vegetal name, there is considerable leeway, so its more a matter of being evocative rather than accurate.

Are swabs/swatches accurate?

Note: The Blue-Purple balance can be limited by the extent that one can see colours towards the UV end of the visual spectrum. This is not colour blindness, rather a truncated range, similar to the ability to hear very high or low frequency sounds. See also: http://neuronresearc...otopiceffic.htm

OTHER INKS

 

Comparisons:

  • My ink shelves are not overtaxed by Purple inks, so a modest pair.

Swab Swami:

IMG-thumb:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/77e218db.jpg

Left: PR Tanzanite. Right: GCE Orchid.

PAPERS

 

Lovely papers:

  • Ran exceptionally well on all papers - if one can forgive instances of bleed- show-through.
  • For fine results one should choose those papers which suppress bleed- show-through.

Trip-wire Papers: ☠

  • Those that cannot suppress bleed- show-through.
  • The Smear/Dry Time on Rhodia was a bit bothersome. While I enjoy using the FP-friendly hard surfaced papers, I suggest sampling a bond paper of greater than 24lb which may keep the S/DT low and suppress bleed- show-through.

Tinted Papers:

  • Seems a very good pick, given the high density and absence of shading.
  • I would be a bit reluctant to use DBil on anything more yellow-orange than Ivory-Champagne.

Pre-Printed Papers:

  • Forms, etc.
    • Not the best pick: the density is too close to the Black-printed text of most forms.

    [*]For charts & graphs:

    • As this could be an alternative to Black or very dark Blue, I would not use it in conjunction with such.

Is high-end paper 'worth it'?

  • Possible, but may not be required to avoid bleed- show-through.
  • Lubricity is high, so such papers may not greatly improve the writing experience.
  • As there is no shading to encourage and native line quality is very high, a copy paper over 24lb. may be sufficient - rather than resorting to top-tier paper.

ETC.

 

Majik:

  • I'm afraid not - the ink is just not sufficiently malleable.

Personal Pen & Paper Pick:

  • Carene on the G Lalo.
  • Given the low malleability of the ink, the choice involves some hair-splitting.
  • I prefer the % coverage from the Carene.
  • The Verge de France natural base tint adds more warmth to the page, and the textured surface provides subtle contrast which shows-off the high line quality.

Yickity Yackity:

  • An encouraging re-introduction to a colour that I had largely ignored.
  • And really - how on earth could I be tempted to depart from wide-ish nibs and shading ink!
  • A bit drier pen please, then we should have smooth sailing.
  • Ah kushbaby, don't doze through this one!

======

 

NUTS & BOLTS

 

Pens:

IMG-thumb:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Bilberry/th_2a990e81.jpg

  • Platinum Carbon Pen + g-p steel über narrow nib.
  • Sheaffer 440 + steel F nib.
  • Parker Slimfold + unnumbered 14K nib.
  • Waterman Carene + 18K M nib. *swoon*
  • Notorious Pink Safari + steel B nib.
  • Pelikan M200 + Binderised g-p steel 1.0 Stub.†

† A hand-ground stock nib from richardpens. (OoooLaLa!)

  • Lines & labels: Pelikan Turquoise from a Pilot Penmanship + EF.

______

 

Papers:

  • HPJ1124 24 lb. Laser Copy.
  • Rhodia.
  • G Lalo, Verge de France, white.
  • Royal, 25% cotton rag.
  • Staples 20 lb. multi-use.
  • Pulp. One-a-Day calendar page.

______

 

Images:

  • Scans were made on an Epson V600 scanner; factory defaults were accepted.
  • Figures shown were scanned at 200 dpi & 24 bit colour.
  • HiRes Images linked were scanned at 300 dpi & 24 bit colour.
  • Scans were not adjusted post-capture, so went straight to the file sharing thingy.

______

 

Densitometer Readings:

(HPJ1124)

  • Red 77
  • Grn 76
  • Blu 154
  • Lum 93

______

 

Fine Print

The accuracy and relevance of this Review depends in great part upon consistency and reliability of matériel used.

Ink does not require labelling/notice to indicate (changes in) formulation, non-hazardous ingredients, batch ID, date of manufacture, etc.

As always, YMMV, not only from materials, methods, environment, etc., but also due to differences between the stuff I used, and that you may have.

Also, I entrust readers to separate opinion from fact; to evaluate inferences and conclusions as to their merit; and to be amused by whatever tickles your fancy.

 

-30-



Tags: Fountain Pen Ink Review Diamine Bilberry Purple Violet Sandy1

Edited by Sandy1

The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

 

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very nice review as usual Sandy1.

 

I just got this as a sample from the Goulets and I have put it in my Lamy 27 oblique broad nib. It lays down a nice wet line but unfortunately the dry time even on the cheap papers is not that great. My colleagues are impressed with the color but the not the smearing :embarrassed_smile: .

 

overall a beautiful color and a full bottle worthy ink.

http://www.ishafoundation.org/images/stories/inner/ie-logo.gif

 

Inner Engineering Link

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Sandy..thank you for the time asnd effort you put into each of your reviews...it is greatly appreciated!

This was on my must buy list but has now been elevated to my must buy NOW list!

This post contains 100% recycled electrons

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This was the new Diamine that jumped out to me, in addition to Eclipse (which I love). I have been hesitating, as I've gotten about 8 new inks lately and haven't used them all yet. I will hesitate no longer ;) Thanks for the awesome review, as always.

Tamara

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very nice review as usual Sandy1.

 

I just got this as a sample from the Goulets and I have put it in my Lamy 27 oblique broad nib. It lays down a nice wet line but unfortunately the dry time even on the cheap papers is not that great. My colleagues are impressed with the color but the not the smearing :embarrassed_smile: .

 

overall a beautiful color and a full bottle worthy ink.

Hi,

 

Thank-you for the kind compliment!

 

As to the dry time:

  • I think this is another one of those 'YMMV' aspects.
  • The samples show the typical <5 seconds on Staples to a longish <25 on the Rhodia.
  • The result on the HPJ1124 was a bit unusual, as DBil went from very wet to dry within a few seconds.
  • I have found there is no point sampling at a finer granularity - other factors likely override time.

The S/DT is another performance element that indicates DBil may run best on a heavier-weight bond, rather than a hard surfaced paper such as Rhodia or Clairefontaine Triomphe. (Also a bit of dilution and/or a drier pen, but I would be loathe to compromise the solid aspect of the ink.)

 

Bye,

S1

The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

 

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Sandy..thank you for the time asnd effort you put into each of your reviews...it is greatly appreciated!

This was on my must buy list but has now been elevated to my must buy NOW list!

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

I would have thought that DBil would have better manners than to jump the queue! :lol:

 

(But some things are time sensitive!)

 

Bye,

S1

The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

 

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  • Billets doux?

 

Hawt.

 

On the other hand, the name sounds like an ink for Hobbits!

 

All that aside, another very nice review. Not a color for me, but I always enjoy your thoroughness.

"When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick; and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

~ Benjamin Franklin

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This was the new Diamine that jumped out to me, in addition to Eclipse (which I love). I have been hesitating, as I've gotten about 8 new inks lately and haven't used them all yet. I will hesitate no longer ;) Thanks for the awesome review, as always.

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

The DBil was a bit of a mystery: as good as scans & samples can be, this one really has to be seen ink-from-pen-on-paper-in-person to experience the lustrous aspect.

 

Somehow the Eclipse didn't jangle my bangles, so I let that one go (for now).

 

I take my cue from WOBentley - there can be no waiting for some inks.

 

Bye,

S1

The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

 

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Just purchased this ink last Thursday and am trying it out in my new Noodlers Ahab pen. Liking it so far!

PAKMAN

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Thanks, S1. Very nice review (as usual).

 

I like this color, although it may be pretty close to the PR Black Magic Blue I already own. I'll have to order a sample and compare.

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yikes! I tried the calibrate program.. my eyes were unable to adjust to the change, had to readjust to what I recalled were the original settings.. guess my eyes prefer my monitors rendition of the world of colors blink.gif

Hi,

 

I have a similar experience when I remove my rose-coloured glasses. B)

 

Bye,

S1

The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

 

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Just purchased this ink last Thursday and am trying it out in my new Noodlers Ahab pen. Liking it so far!

Hi,

 

Many thanks for letting us know of a good match to this ink! :thumbup:

 

I thought of doing a sample from a flexi, but as I couldn't see any shading from the ink, I was satisfied with the line-width variation from the Italic-shaped nibs.

 

Bye,

S1

The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

 

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Thanks, S1. Very nice review (as usual).

 

I like this color, although it may be pretty close to the PR Black Magic Blue I already own. I'll have to order a sample and compare.

Hi,

 

You're welcome! (as ever)

 

Please let us know of your findings from the comparison.

 

Bye,

S1

The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

 

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Thank you for the excellent review. I immediately thought of PR Tanzanite when I saw this review, but I see from your comparison that it's a bit more blue. Another interesting color from Diamine!

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snip

Hawt.

 

On the other hand, the name sounds like an ink for Hobbits!

 

All that aside, another very nice review. Not a color for me, but I always enjoy your thoroughness.

 

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/6d3691c4-1.jpg

If someone on the Diamine ink-naming team is channeling JRRT, that would explain a lot of things . . .

The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

 

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Thank you for the excellent review. I immediately thought of PR Tanzanite when I saw this review, but I see from your comparison that it's a bit more blue. Another interesting color from Diamine!

Hi,

 

Prior to receiving the ink, I was uncertain about its position on the Blue-Purple stretch of the spectrum/colour wheel.

 

As for Tanzanite, I use it primarily for mixing into Blue inks that I thought too dry or chilly. e.g. Added to Salix, we get 'Tarzanite'.

 

I doubt DBil will be relegated to the Mixing Corral - as you say, it is interesting. I have made room for it right next to the PR Midnight Blues.

 

Bye,

S1

Edited by Sandy1

The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

 

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absolutely phenomenal review...

 

Thank you for answering so many questions I had about this mysterious new ink that’s impossible to capture in photos... :thumbup:

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I've been curious about this ink too, so your excellent review is very timely. It looks a bit brighter than Diamine Damson, my current favourite purple.

"Life would split asunder without letters." Virginia Woolf

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absolutely phenomenal review...

 

Thank you for answering so many questions I had about this mysterious new ink that's impossible to capture in photos... :thumbup:

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

It seems that the darker inks are not so easy to depict in a swab or dip pen sample - one needs to see them from an FP, preferably the one in your own hand!

 

Bye,

S1

The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

 

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