Dusky/smoky Blues?

[shinryu]

I'm trying to secure myself a new business ink because I'm a bit tired of the standard blue black. Guidelines say I can only do blue and black so I can't have something that leans too purple like Diamine Violet (plus I tend to dislike purple leaning blues anyway) or too green like Robert Oster Aqua. Plus I probably don't want something that looks too happy since hey, who's happy at work anyway?

 

So for a change of pace I'm currently looking for a slightly dusky to smoky blue. Of the ones I've tried Montblanc Tolstoy is nice, but it also costs $70 per bottle now. Diamine Misty Blue was decent in terms of colour but a bit too faint and washed out for use at work. Birmingham Oxidised Brass would have been cool if I can actually make out the blue in it. Herbin Vert de Gris and Noodler's Squeteague are awesome but probably stretching it in terms of green content. Are there any reasonably work appropriate dusky or smoky blues that you guys would recommend?

[Karmachanic]

You may find something to your liking here:

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/282538-inky-t-o-d-color-swatches-blueblack-please-post-your-pictures-and-tell-us-your-thoughts/?do=findComment&comment=3239951

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/278212-inky-t-o-d-color-swatches-blue-please-post-your-pictures-and-tell-us-your-thoughts/

[Darth_Roo]

Can't go far wrong with Diamine Prussian.

 

I recently bought a bottle of Diamine Misty but it only has character in broader nibs

[migo984]

De Atramentis Giuseppe Verde - a darkish grey-blue. Might feather on low quality paper though.....

 

Diamine Denim

 

Pure Pens Windermere

[Carrau]

Perhaps Kyonooto Aonibi, Noodler’s 54th Massachusetts or Bad Blue Heron (not always well behaved per some users), Pilot Shin Kai, Rohrer & Klingner Salix, KWZ Blue-Black are worth looking at.

[txomsy]

R&K Salix

 

Koh-I-Noor document blue (clear but water resistant and not expensive)

 

Monblanc Permanent Blue

 

Noodler's Polar blue (a bit chalky)

 

ESSRI

 

Note that I suggest permanent/water-resistant blues. That's because it is likely another work requirement: that the ink not be washable.

 

 

Pilot Blue Black

 

A large range of blacks from Noodler's (Black, Heart of Darknes, X-Feather...) plus Lexignton Grey

 

Plenty of choice.

[shinryu]

Thanks a lot guys, I've got Prussian Blue, Windermere, Bad Blue Gator, Midnight Blue and Permanent Blue samples in the cart now.

 

Looking at the blue thread I also found Dromgoole's Blue Steel to be quite attractive. Is there a way to get this ink in the UK? Dromgoole only seems to ship within the US...

[goodpens]

Birmingham cornflower comes to mind.

[Karmachanic]

Thanks a lot guys, I've got Prussian Blue, Windermere, Bad Blue Gator, Midnight Blue and Permanent Blue samples in the cart now.

 

Looking at the blue thread I also found Dromgoole's Blue Steel to be quite attractive. Is there a way to get this ink in the UK? Dromgoole only seems to ship within the US..

 

 

Well you could try calling them crying and pleading. Or get a US friend to forward it for you.

Edited April 23, 2019 by Karmachanic

[Sailor Kenshin]

Lamy Blue Black? J Herbin Bleu Nuit? Sailor Blue? Monteverde Blue Black? Reasonable prices, good behavior.

Edited April 22, 2019 by Sailor Kenshin

[uceroy]

Thanks a lot guys, I've got Prussian Blue, Windermere, Bad Blue Gator, Midnight Blue and Permanent Blue samples in the cart now.

 

Looking at the blue thread I also found Dromgoole's Blue Steel to be quite attractive. Is there a way to get this ink in the UK? Dromgoole only seems to ship within the US...

Vanness pens sells them too:

 

https://vanness1938.com/products/noodlers-dromgooles-of-houston-blue-steel

[ErrantSmudge]

Monteverde Ocean Noir is one of my favorite inks, a deep, dark blue with black undertones.

 

I'd also check out the Birmingham inks. I don't have any of these inks myself, but the Birmingham ink palette is chock full of dusky, smoky variants of all colors. For instance:

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/336643-birmingham-uss-requin-navy-blue/

Edited April 23, 2019 by ErrantSmudge

[shinryu]

Oh Vanness sells Dromgoole's inks? Might need to order something. Is there a way to get Birmingham inks outside the US as well?