Blackstone Barrister Black

[Jamerelbe]

A couple of months ago I received a sample vial of Blackstone Barrister Black, and have had one of my pens (a TWSBI Diamond 580) constantly inked with it ever since. I didn't know at the time that it was nano-pigement based, only that it was supposed to be permanent (and may require more frequent flushing to be safe). I've actually found it to be a very well-behaved ink - good flow, minimal clogging, fantastic waterproofness. A little slow-drying, and sometimes needs a little 'encouragement' to get started writing after a weekend layoff, but otherwise I'm really impressed.. I'll try and upload some photos of papers that I've soaked later - for now, I'm attaching a scan and a photo of my review sheet.

 

Scan:

 

 

 

 

Photo:

 

 

If you're wavering about trying this out, I'd suggest ordering a sample vial - available from JustWrite.com.au in Australia, or Anderson Pens in the US. My 30ml bottle (purchased out of my own funds) has just arrived - this'll be one of my two go-to Black inks for the foreseeable future!

[Cyber6]

Yep.. I have been quite impressed with both Barrister Black and Barrister Blue.. Blue is coming soon...

 

I was also extremely surprised is nano pigmented ink. It behaves quite flawlessly. :wub:

 

 

My daughter just made a sketch with it... I should posted.

 

 

 

C.

[Jamerelbe]

Yep.. I have been quite impressed with both Barrister Black and Barrister Blue.. Blue is coming soon...

 

I was also extremely surprised is nano pigmented ink. It behaves quite flawlessly. :wub:

 

 

My daughter just made a sketch with it... I should posted.

 

 

 

C.

 

I've just gotten a sample of Barrister Blue with my latest order from JustWrite (I just purchased the Barrister Black, some pen flush, and a dip pen). True confession, I asked if he would be happy to send me a sample when I read your mention of it on another thread - and I agree, it's a pretty nice ink. Not as 'colourful' as the 'Colours of Australia' inks, but a really solid 'workmanlike' ink. I need to put it through its paces some more, though...

[Jamerelbe]

OK, here are some writing samples that demonstrate the ink's waterproofness. Written on Clairefontaine 90 gsm paper, allowed to dry for 10 or 20 min, then sprayed (and wiped) or soaked in water:

 

 

There seems to be some 'surface wash-off', which can be completely wiped away, or which slowly dissipates with the longer soaking - leaving a pretty indelible 'imprint' on the paper. I don't know if the ink would bind more firmly if I left it longer, and/or used a more absorbent paper - but I think this gives a pretty good picture of how waterfast the ink is. Very impressive, in my books!

 

[Edited to add: The blue 'wash' on the third sheet is extraneous and unrelated to the black ink - I set the sheet down to dry on another piece of paper, and the (non-waterproof) ink from that paper soaked through...]

Edited June 28, 2016 by Jamerelbe

[visvamitra]

Nice review. What does it mean "minimally clogging"?

[Jamerelbe]

Nice review. What does it mean "minimally clogging"?

Good question - that was probably poorly worded! I was warned the ink may clog because of the nano-particles, but I haven't had any issues, apart from the occasional hard start after a few days of non-use. So" minimal clogging" really means none...

[visvamitra]

OK

[inkstainedruth]

Thanks for the review. I don't really need another black ink, but this one looks good.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[mostlyutalitarian]

Has anyone performed a fading test on this ink? Would love to see that before I grab some.

[hsianloon]

Thanks for the reviews...I think youre one of the users who've single handedly reviewed most of the blackstone inks !

 

Usual questions with these 'permanent' inks, any issues with clogging ? I know they say its all nano pigments etc but that questions instinctively comes up. I had the Sailor nano pigments and they were solid performers albeit at a steep cost.

[Jamerelbe]

I have not experienced problems with clogging - but did have a problem with some of the nano pigment adhering to the wall of my TWSBI Diamond 580. My fault for leaving it in there for 3 months or more without cleaning - but I now have it in a Lamy Safari instead...