Jump to content

ESSRI mixes


Sandy1

Recommended Posts

Hi,

 

Some Members were not so pleased that the beautiful medium Blue-Black of freshly written ESSRI shifted to a very dark Blue-Black as the ink oxidised and reacted with constituents of the paper over time. Consequently, there arose a perceived need (aka curiosity) to prepare these samples to determine if a greater Blue aspect could be generated from a mix, rather than [endlessly] seeking a pen+paper pairing that would reliably give the desired result. i.e. "Put the Blue back in Blue-Black".

 

As a preliminary undertaking, samples of ESSRI diluted with distilled water were generated, and posted in the Ink Comparisons, Scans & Tests sub-Forum: LINK http://www.fountainp...s-ink-dulution/

Those should also serve as a starting point for those who like the colour of ESSRI as it comes, but find the density too high with a given pen+paper combo.

 

As mixing can have quite unpredictable results, one should proceed with all due diligence, vigilance, PPE and a sense of humour. That goes at least double for mixing with inks with an iron-gall component.

 

Though ink mixing can be rewarding, it can also be a phenomenal time-waster. That goes at least treble for mixing with ESSRI, which seems to require waiting ten days or so for the ink to 'cure'.

 

These are initial trials that I thought were OK to briefly load into an expendable pen, promptly prepare the samples, then immediately give the pen a thorough wash in a solution of 10% unscented household ammonia + surfactant. No hanging about or composing haiku with a trial mix. (I doubt the Sahara would ever see a mixed ink.)

 

I do not suggest that the following sample mixes are 'guaranteed' or 'safe' in any way whatsoever. Sauf qui peut.

 

To off-set the density gain of stock ESSRI, hence 'submerging' of the Blue aspect, mixes included various amounts of water.

 

All recipes were acceptable in terms of writing experience.

There were no problems with bleed- show-through.

 

- - -

 

 

RECIPES:

 

Units of measure are volumetric units - eyedropper drips.

 

-0- : ESSRI Stock

-1- : (4 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Aurora Blue

-2- : (8 ESSRI + 2 Water) + 1 Pelikan Edelstein Topaz

-3- : (3 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 5 Rohrer & Klingner Verdigris

-4- : (8 ESSRI + 2 Water) + 1 Montblanc Royal Blue

-5- : (8 ESSRI + 2 Water) + 1 Parker Quink Blue-Black (Actually a Dark Blue.)

-6- : (1 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Herbin Bleu Azure

-7- : (1 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Pelikan 4001 Turquoise

-8- : (1 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Noodler's Ottoman Azure

 

= - = - =

 

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.

As the patches are neutral grey, that is what you should see.

Mac

Wintel PC

Grey Scale.

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

 

WRITTEN SAMPLES - Moby Dick

Ruling: 8mm.

 

Note: Ten to twelve days elapsed from writing the samples to scanning.

 

Figure 1.

Paper: HPJ1124

-0- : ESSRI as it comes.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/af2614a2.jpg

 

Figure 2.

Paper: HPJ1124

-1- . (4 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Aurora Blue

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/d58f2f8a.jpg

 

 

Figure 3.

Paper: HPJ1124

-2- . (8 ESSRI + 2 Water) + 1 Pelikan Edelstein Topaz

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/d58f2f8a.jpg

 

Figure 4.

Paper: HPJ1124

-3- . (3 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 5 Rohrer & Klingner Verdigris

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/db4458a0.jpg

 

 

Figure 5.

Paper: HPJ1124

-4- . (8 ESSRI + 2 Water) + 1 Montblanc Royal Blue

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/c5377a4d.jpg

 

Figure 6.

Paper: HPJ1124

-5- . (8 ESSRI + 2 Water) + 1 Parker Quink Blue-Black (Actually a Dark Blue.)

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/73636157.jpg

 

 

Figure 7.

Paper: HPJ1124

-6- . (1 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Herbin Bleu Azure

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/6c849656.jpg

 

 

Figure 8.

Paper: HPJ1124

-7- . (1 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Pelikan 4001 Turquoise

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/f018a77f.jpg

 

 

Figure 9.

Paper: HPJ1124

-8- . (1 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Noodler's Ottoman Azure.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/6344cda6.jpg

 

  • Recipes 6, 7 & 8 on Rhodia:

Figure 10.

Paper: Rhodia

-6- . (1 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Herbin Bleu Azure

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/7124d671.jpg

 

Figure 11.

Paper: Rhodia

-7- . (1 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Pelikan 4001 Turquoise

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/e99a4f01.jpg

 

 

Figure 12.

Paper: Rhodia

-8- . (1 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Noodler's Ottoman Azure.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/f959501c.jpg

 

  • Recipes 6, 7 & 8 on Staples 20 lb:

Figure 13.

Paper: Staples 20 lb.

-6- . (1 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Herbin Bleu Azure

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/8973f430.jpg

 

 

Figure 14.

Paper: Staples 20 lb.

-7- . (1 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Pelikan 4001 Turquoise

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/d9b5d4b8.jpg

 

 

Figure 15.

Paper: Staples 20 lb.

-8- . (1 ESSRI + 1 Water) + 1 Noodler's Ottoman Azure.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/a631ab49.jpg

 

 

 

FULL SHEETS:

Written Samples, Swabs, Smear/Dry Times & Wet Tests.

 

 

Figure 16.

Recipes 1 & 2 on HPJ1124.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/e6803159.jpg

 

 

Figure 17.

Recipes 3, 4, & 5 on HPJ1124.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/f8a60ce3.jpg

 

 

Figure 18.

Recipes 6, 7, & 8 on HPJ1124.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/32b1c74e.jpg

 

 

Figure 19.

Recipes 6, 7, & 8 on Rhodia.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/280e8b42.jpg

 

 

Figure 20.

Recipes 6, 7, & 8 on Staples 20 lb.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%20Recipies%201%20TO%208/ba320594.jpg

 

 

 

= = = = = =

 

NUTS & BOLTS

 

Links:

______

Pen: Rosetta Magellan + Schmidt g-p steel nib.

______

 

Papers:

  • HPJ1124 - 24lb. Laser Copy.
  • Rhodia.
  • Staples 20lb multi use.

______

 

Images:

  • Scans were made on an Epson V600 scanner; factory defaults were accepted.
  • Written Samples were scanned at 200 dpi & 24 bit colour.
  • Scans were not adjusted, other than dumb-down by Photobouquet and IP.Board.

______

 

Fine Print:

 

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 mix recipe ESSRI Ecclesiastical Stationery Supplies Registrars Ink Sandy1

Edited by Sandy1

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

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
  • Replies 27
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • Sandy1

    12

  • UDog

    4

  • Bo Bo Olson

    2

  • RobbW

    2

The work you have done Sandy1 is simply astounding. At least for me, I like ESSRI just as it is. However, I do like your No.8 mixture. I might give it a try myself. Thank you for your effort and your tenacity.

Walk in shadow / Walk in dread / Loosefish walk / As Like one dead

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The work you have done Sandy1 is simply astounding. At least for me, I like ESSRI just as it is. However, I do like your No.8 mixture. I might give it a try myself. Thank you for your effort and your tenacity.

Hi,

 

You're welcome! And thanks for the compliment!

 

At the instigation of Messmer, http://www.fountainp...ost__p__2235518, a mix using a bulletproof ink was also done.

 

Recipe -9- is a bit pale for general use, but its a trial run with an encouraging result. More choices, yes?

 

None of the ESSRI recipes are guaranteed to be 'safe'!

 

Bye,

S1

 

 

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%209%20and%20Up/ffd74b10.jpg

 

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Mixes%20-%20ESSRI%209%20and%20Up/477b97e1.jpg

Edited by Sandy1

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

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sandy, is the ESSRI Ottoman's Azure as amazing in person as it looks on screen? It really stands out on my laptop screen on white and ivory paper. Is it close to Noodler's Manhattan Blue or Iroshizuku Tsuki Yo?

 

Thanks for all your work, I have a sample of Ottoman and think I'll go ahead and purchase ESSRI.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sandy, is the ESSRI Ottoman's Azure as amazing in person as it looks on screen? It really stands out on my laptop screen on white and ivory paper. Is it close to Noodler's Manhattan Blue or Iroshizuku Tsuki Yo?

 

Thanks for all your work, I have a sample of Ottoman and think I'll go ahead and purchase ESSRI.

Hi,

 

Mix -8- does look like an interesting avenue of pursuit for those who like dark inks with a bit of something extra.

 

As for its similarity to the other inks, well, I'll leave that to you. B)

 

ESSRI is not a simple highly predictable ink. It was aptly described as 'sneaky' by BoBo Olson. LINK http://www.fountainp...ost__p__2189962

 

If you decide to purchase some ESSRI, expect the unexpected.

 

EDIT- to add: Please see this Post re: pH of dyes/inks to mix with ESSRI. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/213587-super-ink-or-super-goo/page__view__findpost__p__2237885

Problem being a dearth of current pH data available, but we have another usable aspect well-defined.

 

Bye,

S1

 

Some Swabs

 

Noodler's Manhattan Blue - Exclusively at Art Brown NYC USA:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Comparison%20ESSRI%20Mix%208%20to%20NOA%20to%20NManBl%20to%20PILOTt/7ec2f8e3.jpg

ESSRI Recipe -8- appears on the even numbered rows, interlaced with NOA :

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Comparison%20ESSRI%20Mix%208%20to%20NOA%20to%20NManBl%20to%20PILOTt/78c4151a.jpg

Pilot tsuki-yo:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Comparison%20ESSRI%20Mix%208%20to%20NOA%20to%20NManBl%20to%20PILOTt/81be2a0b.jpg

Edited by Sandy1

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

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow Sandy, you're fast and thorough! Thanks for the scans, they were a nice surprise. I didn't expect that level of response.

 

On my monitor, your ESSRI Mix #8 looks remarkably like Tsuki Yo. I'll get some and see how the shading and other characteristics compare. Your scans do a good job of picking out differences in color. In my pens, Manhattan Blue and Tsuki Yo look similar. Your scans show the differences well.

 

Thank you.

 

Hi,

 

Mix -8- does look like an interesting avenue of pursuit for those who like dark inks with a bit of something extra.

 

As for its similarity to the other inks, well, I'll leave that to you. B)

 

ESSRI is not a simple highly predictable ink. It was aptly described as 'sneaky' by BoBo Olson. LINK http://www.fountainp...ost__p__2189962

 

If you decide to purchase some ESSRI, expect the unexpected.

 

EDIT- to add: Please see this Post re: pH of dyes/inks to mix with ESSRI. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/213587-super-ink-or-super-goo/page__view__findpost__p__2237885

Problem being a dearth of current pH data available, but we have another usable aspect well-defined.

 

Bye,

S1

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

Now THIS looks like fun. Cool inks that may yet be water-ummm-kind-of-resistant...ish. Well, at least will leave a readable line.

 

I do happen to have a few expendable pens to experiment with (and can make several more...), so I think I will have a go at some of this fun...

 

Ken

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Well I did like the Aurora blue mix...but have none. :headsmack:

 

It's real easy to like a mix with an ink you have like the Topaz. :rolleyes:

In reference to P. T. Barnum; to advise for free is foolish, ........busybodies are ill liked by both factions.

 

 

The cheapest lessons are from those who learned expensive lessons. Ignorance is best for learning expensive lessons.

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well I did like the Aurora blue mix...but have none. :headsmack:

 

It's real easy to like a mix with an ink you have like the Topaz. :rolleyes:

Hi,

 

I do encourage to try mixing with inks that one has to hand, just to do a 'proof of concept'.

 

So, if one has a Violet-Blue ink that is similar in colour to Aurora Blue, then that would be my next step. Ditto for a Turquoise: if I liked the mix with P4T, but only had Sheaffer Turquoise, I'd try the Sheaffer . . .

 

Bye,

S1

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

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

I recently purchased ESSRI and have been quite impressed with it. However, it can be hard-starting, so I hope to try a mix that will give it a higher degree of "lubricity." Will an ink with great flow characteristics bring those qualities to a mix? Any recommendations?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I recently purchased ESSRI and have been quite impressed with it. However, it can be hard-starting, so I hope to try a mix that will give it a higher degree of "lubricity." Will an ink with great flow characteristics bring those qualities to a mix? Any recommendations?

 

Hi,

 

I've been using ESSRI on and off for a fair while in various pens. I have noticed the ink on the tip of the nib can become dry quite quickly, but the ink in the feed is ready to go. So one might 'nudge' the nib if the pen is left uncapped for too long during a writing session, but I've not found the need to dip the pen in water to prime the nib+feed. (When a Plumix + ESSRI is left capped for several days, it starts immediately.)

 

Lubricity is not related directly to the start-up: Lubricity comes into play primarily in the writing experience - how smooth the ink feels.

 

Start-up is more a matter of how the ink behaves (dry out) in a given pen. I've noticed that with the same ink, different pens of the same make model & nib can behave differently. :wacko:

 

Typically an ink with greater flow will also have greater lubricity: As there's more ink flowing, there's more liquid at the nib to paper interface. (Also influenced by the absorbency & texture of the paper.)

 

It might be the case that an ink with greater flow will leave lots of ink on the nib, so that it won't dry out as quickly, hence make for more reliable start-up.

 

Inks that comes to mind are Sailor Sky High for a pale ink, and the top-shelf Visconti Blue for a darker ink.

 

Bye,

S1

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

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

Japanese ink can cost €50 over here in Germany.

I had wanted that Noodler's Ottoman Azure as was...one of three Noodlers, I needed and stupidly did not have mailed to me when I was in the States this last spring; with the other two. Time can really fly.

It has been added to my short list of inks.

I do have a long list.

Aurora Blue has been added to my 'collection. It and Topaz seemed to 'add the blue'. MB even more...surprising was how nice Parker Quink Blue-Black was.

 

 

Even if they are no where near a blue black.

Then came the Pelikan Turquoise...that I have and will try out.

Ottoman Azure mix seems to be something real special.

Something more than I saw the last time I visited this thread.

 

Now I find out I can save €38 by ordering a bottle of expensive imported Noodlers (€12) and make a Japanese clone ink. :thumbup:

 

 

First I have a mix of Pelikan black & blue that I tried to make a blue-black ink with. I have added some ESSR and a bit of water to a bit in an inkwell.

Both with Easy Full Flex nibs.

 

:headsmack: The other pen only 'looked' clean, some sort of tiny remains of a green was in the piston chamber even if I didn't notice it. :blink:

It is black-tad of green to the other's 'blue' start, long wet too, compared to the uncontaminated ink.

It don't take much contamination to really make color's different.One dried to a 'black' fast, the other has remained 'blue' like the first couple of Sandy's samples.

 

The nib is so much better in that second pen; finer, more flexible even if they are both Degussas. Odd I'd not noticed it before.

 

Do you have to dilute with water????

Or why is a water dilution needed?

Edited by Bo Bo Olson

In reference to P. T. Barnum; to advise for free is foolish, ........busybodies are ill liked by both factions.

 

 

The cheapest lessons are from those who learned expensive lessons. Ignorance is best for learning expensive lessons.

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 years later...

I realize this is an older thread, but what a lot of work you put into this mixing of inks, Sandy1. Wow! As always, your contributions are invaluable. Many thanks!

_________________

etherX in To Miasto

Fleekair <--French accent.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I realize this is an older thread, but what a lot of work you put into this mixing of inks, Sandy1. Wow! As always, your contributions are invaluable. Many thanks!

 

Hi,

 

You're most welcome!

 

This time Curiosity Cat perched on my shoulder and started to restyle my hair. Perhaps CC sensed the ideas gallivanting between my ears and was trying to winkle them onto paper.

 

Most of the time CC is in the barn catching mice or chasing them out of the barn so that a resident owl might feed upon them.

 

Always something new :)

 

Bye,

S1

Edited by Sandy1

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

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sandy1,

 

You're an inspiration. I made up a mix of ESSRI(2) + Ni Blue Eel(1) + PR Electric Blue(1). I call it "Electric ESSRI." When i get the time, I'll scan it and put it up here.

Walk in shadow / Walk in dread / Loosefish walk / As Like one dead

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sandy1,

 

You're an inspiration. I made up a mix of ESSRI(2) + Ni Blue Eel(1) + PR Electric Blue(1). I call it "Electric ESSRI." When i get the time, I'll scan it and put it up here.

 

 

 

Hi,

 

I notice there's no water in your recipe - not too too dark?

 

As always, I welcome and encourage sharing adventures and showing us what came to be.

 

Bye,

S1

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

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

 

Hi,

 

I notice there's no water in your recipe - not too too dark?

 

As always, I welcome and encourage sharing adventures and showing us what came to be.

 

Bye,

S1

 

Hi Sandy1 (love that avatar),

 

You'd think it would be very dark, but it's not. The Ni Blue Eel lightens it enough, at least for me. The shading is quite nice, too. If it weren't such a hassle to set up the scanner, I would include a jpeg of it. As soon as I get a little time, I'll do it and PM you.

 

Don

Walk in shadow / Walk in dread / Loosefish walk / As Like one dead

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

Okay...but it's never too late, is it?

 

Mix of ESSRI(2) + Ni Blue Eel(1) + PR Electric Blue(1) + Distilled water(0.25)

 

 

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz315/dsatco/EssriElectric.jpg

Edited by UDog

Walk in shadow / Walk in dread / Loosefish walk / As Like one dead

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Sandy, I've never noticed this post before. WOW, this is wonderful. Thank you.

Fountain pens are my preferred COLOR DELIVERY SYSTEM (in part because crayons melt in Las Vegas).

Create a Ghostly Avatar and I'll send you a letter. Check out some Ink comparisons: The Great PPS Comparison 

Don't know where to start?  Look at the Inky Topics O'day.  Then, see inks sorted by color: Blue Purple Brown Red Green Dark Green Orange Black Pinks Yellows Blue-Blacks Grey/Gray UVInks Turquoise/Teal MURKY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Okay...but it's never too late, is it?

 

Mix of ESSRI(2) + Ni Blue Eel(1) + PR Electric Blue(1) + Distilled water(0.25)

 

 

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz315/dsatco/EssriElectric.jpg

 

 

Hi,

 

Many thanks for the show and tell. :thumbup:

 

It seems to me that as you have little to none DWater in the recipe you can keep the Hue of the ink constant by keeping the inky ratio constant; and for a given pen+paper combo vary the ratio of DWater in the blend to tune the Value (light-dark) to give the desired result. e.g. wet pen+absorbent paper : add more DW. For dry pen+hard paper : add less DW.

 

That is a quite a different approach than I took: My point of departure was the set of diluted ESSRI samples mentioned and linked above, then blend with one other ink. In part that was intended to moderate the pH of ESSRI prior to blending.

 

We learn by doing and sharing, which is so very FPN.

 

Wheee!

 

Bye,

S1

Edited by Sandy1

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

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Most Contributions

    1. amberleadavis
      amberleadavis
      43844
    2. PAKMAN
      PAKMAN
      33501
    3. Ghost Plane
      Ghost Plane
      28220
    4. inkstainedruth
      inkstainedruth
      26627
    5. jar
      jar
      26101
  • Upcoming Events

  • Blog Comments

    • Shanghai Knife Dude
      I have the Sailor Naginata and some fancy blade nibs coming after 2022 by a number of new workshop from China.  With all my respect, IMHO, they are all (bleep) in doing chinese characters.  Go use a bush, or at least a bush pen. 
    • A Smug Dill
      It is the reason why I'm so keen on the idea of a personal library — of pens, nibs, inks, paper products, etc. — and spent so much money, as well as time and effort, to “build” it for myself (because I can't simply remember everything, especially as I'm getting older fast) and my wife, so that we can “know”; and, instead of just disposing of what displeased us, or even just not good enough to be “given the time of day” against competition from >500 other pens and >500 other inks for our at
    • adamselene
      Agreed.  And I think it’s good to be aware of this early on and think about at the point of buying rather than rationalizing a purchase..
    • A Smug Dill
      Alas, one cannot know “good” without some idea of “bad” against which to contrast; and, as one of my former bosses (back when I was in my twenties) used to say, “on the scale of good to bad…”, it's a spectrum, not a dichotomy. Whereas subjectively acceptable (or tolerable) and unacceptable may well be a dichotomy to someone, and finding whether the threshold or cusp between them lies takes experiencing many degrees of less-than-ideal, especially if the decision is somehow influenced by factors o
    • adamselene
      I got my first real fountain pen on my 60th birthday and many hundreds of pens later I’ve often thought of what I should’ve known in the beginning. I have many pens, the majority of which have some objectionable feature. If they are too delicate, or can’t be posted, or they are too precious to face losing , still they are users, but only in very limited environments..  I have a big disliking for pens that have the cap jump into the air and fly off. I object to Pens that dry out, or leave blobs o
  • Chatbox

    You don't have permission to chat.
    Load More
  • Files






×
×
  • Create New...