Vector's Favourite Ink

[nigelicious]

The Parker Vector––a pen that seems to be quite controversial in these forums. Luckily, a debate is what I'm looking for.

I'm curious what bottled inks are the best in a Vector fountain pen. To start it off simply, the inks I'm really curious about are:

Noodler's Bulletproof Black

A mainstay of inky goodness; contemporary, with an apparent classic feel.

http://www.eclipse-creations.com/shop/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/NoodlersBottle01-2.jpg

Noodler's X-Feather

A feather-free option with a wicked-cool label, and a certain je ne sais quoi.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4ewKpq2P5Q/SRg-EuAusMI/AAAAAAAABDQ/USUAuuJ6g5Q/s400/noodlers_19046_x-feather_black.jpg

Of course, feel free to open it up to other inks, should another be more suitable to the pen.

[Ernst Bitterman]

I may face charges of heresy myself, but since you've started off with liking Vectors we'll save on bonfires. I find that Quink black passes through the Vector quite nicely, even coming across as... well, black when used in one of the broad italic points. My go-to blacks are Herbin and Pelikan, which seem to go in any pen well. All are somewhat more expensive than Noodler's on a per-volume basis, but they lack the tendency toward feathering (in the former) or slow-drying (in the latter) that tends to get people cranky about the US domestic brand. I haven't tried those particular Noodler's items, so I'm basing what I say on reviews and some experience with the other Noodler's bulletproof inks.

 

In general, the Vector is sort of the AK47 of Parker's line-up, though; not very pretty, probably not what most people would reach for first, but hard to wreck and willing to work in most conditions. It's less likely to get stroppy about one ink or another than many other pens.

Edited February 22, 2012 by Ernst Bitterman

[KrazyIvan]

I have used nothing but Noodler's Blue in mine.

[Markk]

I haven't had any problems with any inks from Waterman or Pelikan and Parker quink blue, black, and blue-black.

 

I agree with the AK47, this thing just keeps on going.

[jwar2003]

I haven't had any problems with any inks from Waterman or Pelikan and Parker quink blue, black, and blue-black.

 

I agree with the AK47, this thing just keeps on going.

 

I find vectors way to thin, and the converter would probably cost as much a the pen, and the ink even more so. I think it would be better to get a Parker I M and use the quink black cartridges that come with it than spend all that money on the extras?

 

But use what you feel is right and works best for you.

Edited February 27, 2012 by jwar2003

[fiberdrunk]

Of course, feel free to open it up to other inks, should another be more suitable to the pen. [/font]

 

I (and others on this forum) have had excellent results with iron gall inks in the Parker Vectors. Usually iron gall inks feel "dry" but not so in the Vector. Specifically, the brands I've tried are Chesterfield Archival Vault (repackaged Diamine Registrar's Ink), R&K Scabiosa, and Montblanc Blue-Black. My homemade traditional iron gall inks work well in the Vector, too, even though they're meant for dip pens. My Vectors are my "designated" iron gall pens. I have several Vectors, and I don't put anything else in them.

Edited February 28, 2012 by fiberdrunk

[GClef]

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m496/gclef1114/Scans/PTDC0030-1.jpg

 

 

Waterman Blue-black

 

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m496/gclef1114/photobucket-5923-1330503174347.jpg

 

[nigelicious]

All of your responses were really helpful, and I've decided that I am going to order the Noodler's Bulletproof Black, even just as a point of reference to start from.

 

But I've been faced with another problem –– apparently the eBay merchant from whom I was getting a converter for the pen went kaput. Not sure what happened, or why, but it looks like I'm screwed.

 

Anyone know where to get a good Parker converter that'll fit the Vector, in Canada? More specifically, Toronto.

[picautomaton]

I fill cartridges with Sailor Nano black and find that to be sweeeet in me stainless Vector.

[Ernst Bitterman]

Anyone know where to get a good Parker converter that'll fit the Vector, in Canada? More specifically, Toronto.

 

AS I'm very far from there, I say "Laywines?" with a very uncertain tone. I suspect Stylus in Edmonton would be able to provide, too.

 

edit; an extra synapse fires-- Nota Bene, to the east of you, is a place I've heard good things of.

Edited February 29, 2012 by Ernst Bitterman