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Diamine Merlot


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 to ensure the FPN Theme is http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/ecb8726d-1.jpg.

 

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http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/b4a04182.jpg

 

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Figure 1.

Swabs & Swatch

Paper: HPJ1124 24 lb. Laser Copy.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/6cf27485.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_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/th_db8de70b.jpg

Pens: L → R: LJ-1, 600, Skyline, Waterman, Insignia, C74.

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_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/07301a9e.jpg

 

 

Figure 5.

Paper: Rhodia.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/2b64845c.jpg

 

 

Figure 6.

Paper: G Lalo, Verge de France, white.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/5a035663.jpg

 

Figure 7.

Paper: Royal - 25% rag.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/c21aff59.jpg

 

 

Figure 8.

Paper: Staples 20 lb. multi use.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/4575616e.jpg

 

Figure 9.

Grocery List

Paper: Pulp. NYT daily calendar page.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/a92ea1dc.jpg

 

 

OTHER STUFF

 

Figure 10.

Smear/Dry Times & Wet Tests ☂

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/993d0824.jpg

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

 

Type:

  • Dye-based fountain pen ink.

Presentation:

  • Bottle.

Availability:

  • Released March 2012.

Daily writer?

  • Not really.

A go-to ink?

  • Yes - when a stable warm ink is desired.

USE

 

Business:

(From the office of Ms Blue-Black.)

  • Some may consider any Red-centric ink inappropriately personal / invasive for business use, so kindly be aware of one's corporate culture and protocols, and avoid sending mixed messages.
  • DMer does not have the gravitas of a typical business ink, especially those used for correspondence, so seems likely to be used for other purposes.
  • Performance on the Staples 20lb was quite good, but compromised by bleed- show-through. So for own-use, working on one side of the sheet is certainly possible.
  • With its high readability and stability on the page at medium to high density, this ink would be grand for personal work product; and just might appeal to those whose personal palette includes a warm Brown ink. (!)
  • With its high line quality, DMer seems possible for marginalia, but it comes off the plane of the page just a bit too much for teeny tiny writing.
  • A good option for editing & mark-up of text in medium density Blue-centric colours, but doesn't cut the mustard with Black-printed text.
  • Not nearly enough zap for grading or error correction.

Illustrations / Graphics:

  • As with inks whose role can be changed according to density, the use of all manner of pens, brushes and other applicators seems inviting.
  • DMer stays in character at most densities, but can blush Pink when very dilute.
  • Solid and stable enough for secondary figures, and to gently accent primary figures.
  • Line quality remained very high even as density increased, but was slightly compromised on the Royal - which is not the least bit surprising.
  • Water resistance is very low, so cannot be used as a foundation for wet work, but is not so low that it could be re-worked. YMMV.
  • When used for labels, taut lines or diagrams, the slight effort to suppress shading may be beneficial.

Students:

  • Not really.
  • While DMer is very comfortable to read, bleed- show-through on 'lowest bidder' papers and lack of water resistance are enough to have one looking elsewhere for a general use ink.
  • Not likely to be acceptable for assignments.

Personal:

  • This is one of the new arrivals, so I cannot speak from experience - only good intentions.
  • Thanks to moderate use of the more subtle warm inks, (Damson, Poussière de Lune and Storm), it is not a stretch for me to welcome DMer as part of my inky array for personal 'personal' writing, but would be destined for close family and friends.
  • Nigh on impossible for pro forma personal business writing, so use any particularly nasty Blue instead.
  • There is a useful range to explore pens of different wetness, and nibs of various width and shape. I think this is one of the inks that can be splashed about from wide nibs - not a 'screaming' Red by any stretch of the imagination, (NBsBl has that covered.)
  • Billets doux? Not quite enough whimsy.

PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE & CHARACTERISTICS

 

Flow Rate:

  • Middling.
  • The C74 had a spot of trouble on the G Lalo.

Nib Dry-out:

  • Not seen.

Start-up:

  • Prompt.
  • At the first stroke, there was slight virga from the 600 and Skyline on the Rhodia.

Lubrication:

  • Comfortable.

Nib Creepers:

  • Not seen.

Staining [pen]:

  • Not seen after two days.

Clogging:

  • Not seen.

Bleed- Show-Through: :glare:

  • 20 lb: Waterman. LINK
  • HPJ1124: Insignia & C74. LINK
  • Royal: C74.
  • All other pairings were OK for two-sided use.

Feathering / Woolly Line:

  • Only when density is very high.
  • (See the Hi-Res scan of the C74 on Royal.)

Smell:

  • Inky sweet.
  • Very faint.

Hand oil sensitivity:

  • Not apparent.

Clean Up:

  • Thorough and prompt with plain water from recently inked pens.

Mixing:

  • No stated prohibitions.
  • Slight dilution seems possible.

Archival:

  • Not claimed.

Smear/Dry Times & Wet Tests:

  • Please see Figure 10 above.

 

THE LOOK

 

Presence:

  • Firm.
  • Invites reading, and holds the reader's attention.

Saturation:

  • Quite high.
  • Feint lines on Rhodia were over-written.

Shading:

  • Modest potential, but quite good for an ink of this saturation.
  • Attractive when it appears - even the 600 on Rhodia showed shading. :)

Variability:

  • Pen+nib combos used:
    • About as expected, given the extreme range of pens used.

    [*]Papers used:

    • A bit more than expected.
    • More than most inks, DMer responds to choice of paper according to its base tint and surface properties.
    • Contrary to typical practice, the wily practitioner would likely choose the paper first, then select their writer.

    [*]Malleability:

    • Typical of a fairly saturated ink, the appearance of DMer can be altered within a useful range, which may be enlarged by slight dilution.

Hi-Res Scans:

Originals are 60x30mm.

 

As I do not wish to earn the sobriquet 'Queen of The Bandwidth Bandits', these are IMG-thumbs only.

To view as intended, please click on the image.

 

LJ-1 on HPJ1124:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/th_48f3948e.jpg

 

Skyline on Rhodia:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/th_9efe7117.jpg

 

Waterman on G Lalo:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/th_83491e76.jpg

 

C74 on Royal:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/th_860bfb8f.jpg

 

 

FIDELITY

 

Is the name appropriate?

  • Fine with me.
  • I shall leave the ink-to-wine visual comparison to those in our midst who practice various forms of oenophilia.
  • Wiki: LINK

Is the marketing company's depiction/s accurate?

  • The Diamine site sample, LINK, shows a swab that is of lower chroma and lustre, and a bit cooler than the ink used in this Review.

OTHER INKS

 

  • To enable ad hoc comparison, my Reviews of Red-centric inks from 24 April 2011 onward share the same Written Sample layout, atrocious handwriting, and some papers & pens. Manipulation of web browser windows allows simultaneous viewing of Written Samples of several inks.
  • That said, should you feel a specific aspect deserves to be depicted in a separate Topic or Post, your PM will be welcomed.

Swab Swami

IMG-thumb:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/th_317f7478.jpg

More for contrast than a match.

Left → Right: Diamine Syrah, Herbin's Larmes de Cassis, PR Black Cherry & Noodler's Burgundy, in densities from 3, 2 & 1 passes, interlaced with lines of DMer.

PAPERS

 

Lovely papers:

  • Smooth surfaced variants of white.
  • Looks quite good on the two copy papers used, so may shrug-off the side-effects of optical brightening agents.

Trip-wire Papers: ☠

  • Those that cannot suppress bleed- show-through.

Tinted Papers:

  • I suppose.
  • The relatively high opacity and saturation of the ink could manage a range of pale tints / pastels, but DMer does not have the snap necessary to pair with stronger tints.

Pre-Printed Papers:

  • Forms:
    • A fairly good pick, especially for anomalous or emphasised entries.
    • The density makes for easy reading, and separation from typical Black-printed text is achieved by both colour and tone that lifts what's written slightly above the plane of the page.
    • The high line quality suits very narrow nibs that are often needed on poorly designed/cluttered forms.

    [*]Charts & graphs:

    • Easily.
    • High line quality and ability to calmly claim space are very desirable.

Is high-end paper 'worth it'?

  • Quite possibly if one prefers wet writers or pursues shading.
  • A copy paper that is more resistant to bleed- show-through than the 24lb HPJ1124 would be attractive.

ETC.

 

Majik:

  • Unlikely.
  • While malleable within a roomy performance envelope, DMer is a bit low on innate energy and somewhat limited by its saturation.

Personal Pen & Paper Pick:

  • Insignia on HPJ1124.
  • Well anchored on the page by high density and a wide-ish line from a responsive nib, there is enough line variation and shading to animate the line.
  • The somewhat cool-neutral base tint gives a bit of contrast, which gives the ink good separation from the page surface.

Yickity Yackity:

  • Looks like there's going to be some inks shifted about. Not bound for the top shelf (yet).
  • Ah kushbaby, perhaps too calm for you?

======

 

NUTS & BOLTS

 

Pens

IMG-thumb:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/th_60e8a14f.jpg

 

Written Samples:

  • Sheaffer (Sailor) Japan LJ-1 + steel F4 nib.
  • r
    o
    tring 600 + steel F nib.
  • Eversharp Skyline + 14K nib.
  • Waterman + two-tone steel M nib.
  • Parker UK Lady Insignia.
  • Pilot Custom 74 + № 5 14K three-tine MS nib.

Lines & Labels:

  • Pelikan 4001 Brown from a Pilot Penmanship + XF nib.

Papers:

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

Images

  • An Epson V600 scanner was used to produce jpg files using the bundled Epson s/w at factory default settings.
  • Figures shown were scanned at 200 dpi & 24 bit colour.
  • Hi-Res Images linked were scanned at 300 dpi & 24 bit colour.
  • No post-capture manipulation of scanner output was done, other than dumb-down by Photobucket & IP.Board s/w.

Densitometer Readings:

(HPJ1124)

  • Red 153
  • Grn 65
  • Blu 107
  • Lum 91

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 Merlot Wine Red Sandy1

Edited by Sandy1

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

 

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Hi,

 

Additional comments may be found next door in the ICS&T SubForum : LINK

 

Bye,

S1

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

 

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This one is definitely on my to-buy list! Thank you for another stellar and comprehensive review :)

Tamara

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Interesting. It looks be slightly bluer, and perhaps a tad less saturated, than Syrah. Comparing your scans of Merlot to scans from others (always a dubious proposition...), I think the colour of Diamine Merlot is close to R&K Alt Bordeaux? Interestingly reviews suggest that ink also bleeds through cheap papers.

 

I picked up a bottle of Alt Bordeaux on sale, so I doublt I'll buy a full bottle of Merlot; however, there's a good chance I'll get a sample in order to compare the two inks.

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This one is definitely on my to-buy list! Thank you for another stellar and comprehensive review :)

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

Is it time for more ink shelves??

 

Bye,

S1

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

 

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Interesting. It looks be slightly bluer, and perhaps a tad less saturated, than Syrah. Comparing your scans of Merlot to scans from others (always a dubious proposition...), I think the colour of Diamine Merlot is close to R&K Alt Bordeaux? Interestingly reviews suggest that ink also bleeds through cheap papers.

 

I picked up a bottle of Alt Bordeaux on sale, so I doublt I'll buy a full bottle of Merlot; however, there's a good chance I'll get a sample in order to compare the two inks.

Hi,

 

I agree that comparing scans from various sources is not all that reliable.

 

However, I do have R&K Alt Bordeaux in my array, so have provided a swab comparison below. Alt Bordeaux appears on the odd-numbered rows:

 

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/722baed3.jpg

 

ABor is one of my go-to warm inks, so I have gained more experience with it over the years. It is very much in the 'house style' of R&K in terms of flow, saturation, etc. It is significantly less likely to demonstrate bleed- show-through than DMer, especially on lowest bidder copy paper.

 

My To Do list includes a Review of ABor.

 

Bye,

S1

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

 

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Interesting. It looks be slightly bluer, and perhaps a tad less saturated, than Syrah. Comparing your scans of Merlot to scans from others (always a dubious proposition...), I think the colour of Diamine Merlot is close to R&K Alt Bordeaux? Interestingly reviews suggest that ink also bleeds through cheap papers.

 

I picked up a bottle of Alt Bordeaux on sale, so I doublt I'll buy a full bottle of Merlot; however, there's a good chance I'll get a sample in order to compare the two inks.

Hi,

 

I agree that comparing scans from various sources is not all that reliable.

 

However, I do have R&K Alt Bordeaux in my array, so have provided a swab comparison below. Alt Bordeaux appears on the odd-numbered rows:

 

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/722baed3.jpg

 

ABor is one of my go-to warm inks, so I have gained more experience with it over the years. It is very much in the 'house style' of R&K in terms of flow, saturation, etc. It is significantly less likely to demonstrate bleed- show-through than DMer, especially on lowest bidder copy paper.

 

My To Do list includes a Review of ABor.

 

Bye,

S1

 

Thanks for the side by side comparision - the difference between them is much greater than I expected. Thanks to Nordic Pens' recent R&K clearance sale there's a bottle on Alt Bordeaux en route to me. When it arrives it'll be interesting to see how it compares to Diamine Syrah.

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  • 2 months later...

Sandy - have you had an opportunity to compare Diamine Merlot to Waterman Havana Brown (or whatever it is called these days... Absolute Brown I believe)?

 

I would expect the Merlot to be a little more purple but I think it would make a good alternative if you reached over to the ink shelf and discovered a Havana Brown shaped gap.

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Sandy - have you had an opportunity to compare Diamine Merlot to Waterman Havana Brown (or whatever it is called these days... Absolute Brown I believe)?

 

I would expect the Merlot to be a little more purple but I think it would make a good alternative if you reached over to the ink shelf and discovered a Havana Brown shaped gap.

 

Hi,

 

If I were to discover a "Havana Brown shaped gap", I would round-up the usual suspects - the Ink Putti. Perhaps they'd been spending too much time within range of the old Tipp-Ex bottle. :wacko:

 

Those inks are of quite different hues, with Havana having a greater Green component.

 

DMer :

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Comparison%20-%20Waterman%20Havana%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/88cc9df9.jpg

 

WH :

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Comparison%20-%20Waterman%20Havana%20-%20Diamine%20Merlot/7831c280.jpg

 

 

Bye,

S1

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

 

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Thanks for the review S1. This ink has quickly become one of my favorite burgundy's.

Hi,

 

You're welcome.

 

Glad you are enjoying your bottle of Merlot!

 

Bye,

S1

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

 

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Thanks for the Review.....Diamine Merlot has become my "GoTo" ink for my favorite Fountain Pens!

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Thanks for the Review.....Diamine Merlot has become my "GoTo" ink for my favorite Fountain Pens!

 

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

You must let us know if you find a particularly good pen+paper combo for this ink.

 

Bye,

S1

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

 

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Love the color ... I love to change inks as much as changing pens ... Thanks for such a thoughtful review ...

 

Scott

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Thanks for the Review.....Diamine Merlot has become my "GoTo" ink for my favorite Fountain Pens!

 

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

You must let us know if you find a particularly good pen+paper combo for this ink.

 

Bye,

S1

 

 

Hi Sandy 1

 

The paper I ALWAYS use is Rhodia, and the pens that I use with this ink are my Danitrio's, Genkai and Mikado.

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Thanks for the Review.....Diamine Merlot has become my "GoTo" ink for my favorite Fountain Pens!

 

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

You must let us know if you find a particularly good pen+paper combo for this ink.

 

Bye,

S1

 

 

Hi Sandy 1

 

The paper I ALWAYS use is Rhodia, and the pens that I use with this ink are my Danitrio's, Genkai and Mikado.

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very good review :thumbup: looks very close to private reserve burgundy myst

Pens are like watches , once you start a collection, you can hardly go back. And pens like all fine luxury items do improve with time

 

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Thanks for the Review.....Diamine Merlot has become my "GoTo" ink for my favorite Fountain Pens!

 

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

You must let us know if you find a particularly good pen+paper combo for this ink.

 

Bye,

S1

 

 

Hi Sandy 1

 

The paper I ALWAYS use is Rhodia, and the pens that I use with this ink are my Danitrio's, Genkai and Mikado.

 

Hi,

 

Thanks for naming the names!

 

I'm liking the results on Rhodia as well; and found nibs about the width of an Asian B suit me. (There's a Parker UK Duofold that is a wonderful match!)

 

Bye,

S1

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

 

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very good review :thumbup: looks very close to private reserve burgundy myst

Hi,

 

Thank you!

 

Thanks also for mentioning a similar ink.

 

Bye,

S1

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

 

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