Waterman Inks

[pbhat]

I have come across Waterman Inks with different label style (one with wavy patterns vs plane with a loop design) and slighly different names. For eg. the wavy labeled Black ink is just named 'Black Ink' while other type is designed as 'Black ink Intense'. Are they one and the same or are they different with different properties.

Pbhat

[Moshe ben David]

Towards the end of 2011 Waterman re-named their inks and changed packaging. Waterman had stated that the formulations did not change; but as with many other things at FPN, some members (at least at the time) were convinced that some of the ink formulas had in fact changed. I personally have no opinion on that.

 

Here is a link to one of many threads from the time of the changeover: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/209701-waterman-inks/

 

If you use the search function on FPN and ask for something like "Waterman ink name change" you'll uncover quite a few more threads.

 

I am currently using the Black Intense in a Sheaffer Targa which I think is a M nib. In that pen, on most papers, it is a very wet writer.

 

Good luck

[pbhat]

Thanks for the link Moshe, i have got my answer, will be buying the Waterman Intense Black as soon as I can. Just wish to know whether it is reasonably water resistant, this property is very important to me.

By the way I am also having a Sheaffer Targa in Fine point purchased few years back NOS and it is infact my all round best pen.

pbhat

[haziz]

Thanks for the link Moshe, i have got my answer, will be buying the Waterman Intense Black as soon as I can. Just wish to know whether it is reasonably water resistant, this property is very important to me.

By the way I am also having a Sheaffer Targa in Fine point purchased few years back NOS and it is infact my all round best pen.

pbhat

None of the Waterman inks are particularly waterproof, but please do not let that stop you. They are absolutely superb inks and are completely trouble free. Their flow is also exemplary. For most people they are the standard inks by which other inks are compared, and the one they test their pens with. It should be water resistant enough to leave a definite and readable impression on the page. Why do you feel the need to check if it is particularly water resistant?

[framebaer]

Also most of them wash off your hands quite easily

Which I consider a very good thing.

[carlos.q]

If you need a reasonably water resistant black ink you should try Pelikan 4001 Brilliant Black (for wet pens) or Herbin Perle Noire (for all other pens). Also Skrip black.

If you're looking for a waterproof black ink do try Noodler's bulletproof black or the new Montblanc Permanent Black.

[estie1948]

I have used fountain pens for many years. I never considered whether or not my ink was "waterproof" or "bulletproof" until the arrival of Noodler's Inks. I like my inks to be dark. So, I chose a dark black or a dark blue over an ink that was lighter. I can't say that I every had any trouble because my ink was not "waterproof" or "bulletproof". Waterman's Black Ink is one of those inks I used. Good ink, in my opinion. Having said that, I will admit that my favorite inks today are all relatively "waterproof" and two of them are considered "bulletproof". Just coincidence.

 

-David.

[haziz]

I have used fountain pens for many years. I never considered whether or not my ink was "waterproof" or "bulletproof" until the arrival of Noodler's Inks. I like my inks to be dark. So, I chose a dark black or a dark blue over an ink that was lighter. I can't say that I every had any trouble because my ink was not "waterproof" or "bulletproof". Waterman's Black Ink is one of those inks I used. Good ink, in my opinion. Having said that, I will admit that my favorite inks today are all relatively "waterproof" and two of them are considered "bulletproof". Just coincidence.

 

-David.

 

I do not understand this obsession on this forum with inks being waterproof or at least water resistant. People have used inks for centuries that have been water resistant and others that are washable. Civilization survived. By making it a primary requirement, people are shutting out some superb inks without even trying them.

Edited March 7, 2014 by haziz

[casualmerlinconstant]

Waterproof = I still have my notes when I spill coffee on it

 

Non waterproof= extra 30min fixing my notes .

 

My favorite colors Dont have a shred of waterproofness however. Btw, civilization used to use iron gall ink which is waterproof so maybe that helped

Edited March 7, 2014 by superglueshoe

[pbhat]

As I have to sign several official papers every day water resistance becomes essential to prevent any problem due to getting wet to those I issue (we do have heavy monsoon in the part of India I live). Similarly inks required by me should be dark enough to come clearly on photostats. This rules out some excellent ink for official use for me like the Pelikan violet which I really liked.

pbhat

[dcwaites]

 

I do not understand this obsession on this forum with inks being waterproof or at least water resistant. People have used inks for centuries that have been water resistant and others that are washable. Civilization survived. By making it a primary requirement, people are shutting out some superb inks without even trying them.

 

Washable inks were only developed in the late 1800s. Before that all inks (Iron Gall and Carbon based) were waterproof, permanent and archival. It is only because of that feature that Civilisation has any history, or, indeed, that Western Civilisation survived the Dark Ages.

 

Many of us use Noodler's Black, not because of it's waterproof properties, but because it is feather-resistant, bleed-resistant, looks good and is a brilliant all-round Black ink. Its waterproofness is another benefit. It's the same for the other bulletproof inks, we use them because we like the colour or some other property. Sometimes we use an ink because of it's permanence or fraud-resistant properties.

 

I also use Waterman Florida Blue, not because of its washable property, but because it behaves well on poor quality paper and it looks nice.

 

The washability or waterproofness of an ink just another property to be called upon when necessary.