Montblanc Elixir Parfumeur Marine Scent

[jean]

I received this ink for Christmas, here is a brief report. This line of ink runs quite a bit (ink?) of commentary because of its price. I’ve only seen a few images and reviews. Hence the latter. The price: after internet search it is 75CHF, 70 Euros and 85 $

 

High-end carton packaging. Apart from the lid, everything can be recycled. The inkwell is wide and deep enough to be comfortable. Its weight is such that there is little risk of toppling it by filling up the pen, even when shaking.

 

The lid is square, in black plastic, one can substitute another less massive and more discreet. But certainly the goal is to draw the eye towards this object (size, shape, logo).

 

Compared to Caran d'Ache this inkwell feel a little cheaper because of its massive plastic cover. But it’s only my feeling.

 

Well, what about the ink ?

 

From Monblanc: “The Montblanc Elixir Parfumeur collection embraces exquisite unisex fragrances, as well as the use of oils and the finest plants, to express maximum intensity. The scents stimulate emotions and memory through a reinterpretation of the most beloved raw material scents of all time. The perfumes of the Elixir marine ink feature a fresh and maritime aroma. The intense blue colour is inspired by the colours of the sea.”

This ink is perfumed «marine scent». Marine? This word reminds me of the smells of sunscreen, seaweed, gas-oil, fish. Nothing very attractive… . see: https://www.byrdie.com/what-is-calone-346209

The scent is powerfull, you have to love, it reminds me of low-end deodorants or a cleansing product. 24 hours on the paper after the ink still smells, though less strong. In a pen it holds more. After several rinses and the filling of a new ink it still smells, a little less certainly, but it is very perceptible 5 days later.

 

 

The color is a big disappointment. Where is “the intense blue colour” ? The fresh ink on the lid is a blue-gray.

 

1. Elixir Parfumeur Blue

2. Montblanc Midnight Blue

3. Pelikan Tanzanite

4. Pelikan Blue-Black

5. Caran d’Ache Magnetic Blue

6. Noodler’s Ellis-Island

 

And:

1. Elixir parfumeur Blue
2. Montblanc Midnight Blue
3. Hieronymus Blue 01
4. Monblanc Cool Grey
5. Iroshizuku Fuyu-Syogun
6. Noodler’s Ellis-Island
7. 

 

 

It is a grey-blue, so a sea with a cloudy sky with few blue. Well Montblanc did not tell us whether the weather was sunny or not above this sea. The color is not very intense, it as a pastel painting caracter.

 

The closest ink is the Hieronymus Blue 01. It is a little darker and a little more blue than the Elixir Marine. Note that the price of the Hieronymus is more advantageous (put the latter word in context.)

 

The ink is a little too fluid, it is not suitable for flexible pen pens. The ink makes the line a thicker (EF becomes F). The ink goes through this good-quality recycled paper. It dries relatively quickly. The problem is that with wet nib it could be darker, more readable. But its fluidity makes it behave badly on paper and spreads and crosses too much to my liking. Montblanc what did you do there?

 

1 Lamy italic 1,5 mm

2. Pelikan m400 B (1990)

3. Pilot heritage 912 FA nib

4. Pelikan m101n stub 0,5 mm

5. Pelikan m101n 0.1 mm

 

 

It is a very water resistant ink , almost waterproof (but yes it is a marine ink, I’m joking…) but fades with bleach.

 

If you are looking for a perfumed ink, tenacious, with a vaguely blue and very fluid pastel-grey tone, and in an inkwell with the Montblanc logo, then don’t hesitate, it’s for you.

If you like the color, then go to Hieronymus (https://www.hieronymus-cp.com/). Another alternative might be the blue-grey from De Atramentis ?

If members of the forum want a sample of this ink send me a pm with your address. I will be sending them out, as early as next week, until the inkwell is empty. Further opinions are welcome. Yes, I do not intend to use this ink, but to keep the inkwell for its stability.

 

 

 

 

 

[Tom Kellie]

~ jean:

 

I've been writing with Montblanc Elixir Parfumeur Marine for two months.

Your outstanding review captures the nature of this ink.

The descriptions, the images, the handwriting samples are all superb.

Please accept my highest compliments for this exemplary ink review.

Tom K.

[Eclipse157]

Thank you for this review, I love how detailed it is, the multiple comparison with other inks, and how you inked many pens to show the behaviour. Much appreciated.

[lapis]

Thanks for the good review. Especially your comparisons are very helpful. First thing I thought of was Pelikan's Tanzanite. But whatever one already has (or can still get), this ink of MB automatically renders itself superfluous because its price is outraging. And I thought that the price and shipment costs of Hieronymus inks were a turn-off. 70 Euros for 50 ml is almost twice as much. Sooo.... for this type of MB ink, it's easy for me to conclude.... Game Over!

[DrDebG]

Thank you for the excellent review! The color isn't too bad, and I like that it has a pastel character. But the price is simply untenable. Personally, however, I can not use fragranced inks, especially lingering ones. Most of them give me migraines. KWZ Inks are the worst for me. The only ones I have used that have not given me migraines are the DeAtramentis fragranced inks. But, I tend to avoid all of them.

 

So, for me, this is a pass.

[Tom Kellie]

Thank you for the excellent review! The color isn't too bad, and I like that it has a pastel character. But the price is simply untenable. Personally, however, I can not use fragranced inks, especially lingering ones. Most of them give me migraines. KWZ Inks are the worst for me. The only ones I have used that have not given me migraines are the DeAtramentis fragranced inks. But, I tend to avoid all of them.

 

So, for me, this is a pass.

 

~ DrDebG:

 

I'm sorry to learn that fragranced inks trigger migraine headaches for you.

Also, I wasn't aware that KWZ offered fragrant inks, as they're generally unavailable here.

Tom K.

[DrDebG]

 

~ DrDebG:

 

I'm sorry to learn that fragranced inks trigger migraine headaches for you.

Also, I wasn't aware that KWZ offered fragrant inks, as they're generally unavailable here.

Tom K.

 

KWZ inks do not offer fragranced inks, but their regular ink has a very strong vanilla type fragrance that, to me, is an overpowering scent which automatically triggers a migraine. Yes, this is a very strange malady, which seems to have occurred in only the last ten years or so.

Edited January 1, 2020 by DrDebG

[Tom Kellie]

KWZ inks do not offer fragranced inks, but their regular ink has a very strong vanilla type fragrance that, to me, is an overpowering scent which automatically triggers a migraine. Yes, this is a very strange malady, which seems to have occurred in only the last ten years or so.

 

~ DrDebG:

 

Thank you for the helpful clarification.

As most international search engines in any languages are unavailable in the area where I work, it's often problematic to obtain basic information.

I had no idea that KWZ inks had any scent, never having seen or written with them.

I'm truly sorry to know that you're adversely affected in such an unpleasant way.

**********************************************

My ink experience is limited. Until recently the only fragrant (encre parfumée) inks that I'd encountered were from J. Herbin and from Montblanc.

That changed one month ago when I learned of the scented inks offered by L’Artisan Pastellier.

It's a gradual process to become better acquainted with the qualities of scented inks. That's a pleasant activity I'm looking forward to enjoying in 2020.

Tom K.

[DrDebG]

 

~ DrDebG:

 

Thank you for the helpful clarification.

As most international search engines in any languages are unavailable in the area where I work, it's often problematic to obtain basic information.

I had no idea that KWZ inks had any scent, never having seen or written with them.

I'm truly sorry to know that you're adversely affected in such an unpleasant way.

**********************************************

My ink experience is limited. Until recently the only fragrant (encre parfumée) inks that I'd encountered were from J. Herbin and from Montblanc.

That changed one month ago when I learned of the scented inks offered by L’Artisan Pastellier.

It's a gradual process to become better acquainted with the qualities of scented inks. That's a pleasant activity I'm looking forward to enjoying in 2020.

Tom K.

 

 

Thank you, Tom. I certainly understand your situation.

 

While I can't try every ink, I certainly like to try a number of them.

[Tom Kellie]

Thank you, Tom. I certainly understand your situation.

 

While I can't try every ink, I certainly like to try a number of them.

 

~ DrDebG:

 

If you ever become aware of any ink manufacturers offering scented inks, would you please let me know?

To date, I'm only aware of J.Herbin, L’Artisan Pastellier and Montblanc.

Any others would be of interest to me.

Thank you.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

~ jean:

 

In returning to this thread to reply to DrDebG, I'm attracted by your superb photos again and again.

Your ink review, both text and images, is especially appealing to me.

May 2020 provide you with many pen and ink writing opportunities.

Tom K.

[lapis]

Some of the very best scentings in inks are those of De Atramentis, e.g. Ylang Ylang, Hyacinth, and Blackberry smell remarkably "authentic". A few others, however, are rather "off", like Jasmine, Tabacco (pipe tabacco) and Patchouli. Nevertheless, their prices are IMO more than "acceptable": the scented DeA inks come in at $14.98 for a 35-ml bottle, instead of 14.62 (for their "Standards").

[Tom Kellie]

Some of the very best scentings in inks are those of De Atramentis, e.g. Ylang Ylang, Hyacinth, and Blackberry smell remarkably "authentic". A few others, however, are rather "off", like Jasmine, Tabacco (pipe tabacco) and Patchouli. Nevertheless, their prices are IMO more than "acceptable": the scented DeA inks come in at $14.98 for a 35-ml bottle, instead of 14.62 (for their "Standards").

 

~ lapis:

 

Thank you for this useful information.

This is the first that I've read about such inks.

In the area where I work the De Atramentis inks aren't offered.

I'll quietly inquire with friends to see if it might be possible to acquire a bottle or two.

Ylang Ylang, Hyacinth and Blackberry all sound highly interesting.

Many thanks!

Tom K.

[DrDebG]

DeAtramentis inks, whether scented or not, are wonderful. They are not well publicized, but they have been around for awhile. For a very long time, DeAtramentis was my favorite brand of ink.

 

DeAtramentis Pearl Violet is probably my favorite, and one of my top 5 favorite inks. I also love Steel Blue, Mint Turquoise and Emerald Green. There are all unscented. Of the scented inks I have tried, Hyacinth was nice. It wasn't overly strong. I also tried Lilac, which was too strong for me.

 

DeAtramentis also has a line of "wine" inks that are actually made of wine, and a line of "beer" inks. I confess I haven't tried either.

[tamiya]

@OP great review as always.

 

Boring ink "stormy grey"

 

 

~ DrDebG:

 

 

If you ever become aware of any ink manufacturers offering scented inks, would you please let me know?

To date, I'm only aware of J.Herbin, L’Artisan Pastellier and Montblanc.

Any others would be of interest to me.

Thank you.

Tom K.

Blackstone make a range of stinky ink too.

http://www.blackstone.ink/index.php/scents-of-australia

 

But they aren't easy to find retail downunder, let alone overseas.

[Tom Kellie]

DeAtramentis inks, whether scented or not, are wonderful. They are not well publicized, but they have been around for awhile. For a very long time, DeAtramentis was my favorite brand of ink.

 

DeAtramentis Pearl Violet is probably my favorite, and one of my top 5 favorite inks. I also love Steel Blue, Mint Turquoise and Emerald Green. There are all unscented. Of the scented inks I have tried, Hyacinth was nice. It wasn't overly strong. I also tried Lilac, which was too strong for me.

 

DeAtramentis also has a line of "wine" inks that are actually made of wine, and a line of "beer" inks. I confess I haven't tried either.

 

~ DrDebG:

 

It seems that in 2020 it'll be necessary to look into De Atramentis inks.

The Hyacinth, Ylang Ylang and Blackberry inks all interest me.

Thank you for your positive recommendation. I trust yoir good taste and sound judgment.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

Blackstone make a range of stinky ink too.

http://www.blackstone.ink/index.php/scents-of-australia

 

But they aren't easy to find retail downunder, let alone overseas.

 

~ tamiya:

 

What does ‘stinky ink’ mean?

You've found that they have a disagreeable odor?

I've never heard of Blackstone Ink before.

Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Tom K.

[Jamerelbe]

 

~ tamiya:

 

What does ‘stinky ink’ mean?

You've found that they have a disagreeable odor?

I've never heard of Blackstone Ink before.

Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Tom K.

 

I think Tamiya means scented inks - Blackstone have a "Scents of Australia" range that perform wonderfully as inks, and have distinctive bouquets that are meant to be evocative Australian flora. [Australian Bush, for example, smells of eucalyptus - ironically, most of the bush around here smells more of smoke at the moment though... ]

[tamiya]

I think Tamiya means scented inks - Blackstone have a "Scents of Australia" range that perform wonderfully as inks, and have distinctive bouquets that are meant to be evocative Australian flora. [Australian Bush, for example, smells of eucalyptus - ironically, most of the bush around here smells more of smoke at the moment though... ]

Yup, IMHO inks don't need added smells. Every unnecessary volatile agent is one extra pollutant in the atmosphere, most of which nobody has any real idea what long term exposure does to ones health. There's already unprecedented levels of allergies & intolerances... what's causing it?

 

And yes, another precedence being set by Australia's bushfire catastrophe at present I'm afraid. Melbourne CBD was hazy with smoke today; 15 million acres of bush has been razed and 500 million animals supposedly lost their lives... and manifold more will perish from loss of habitat.

 

Australian sky is usually blue (per Robert Oster's charts) but it's now Browns & Reds.

What we do need is a Stormy Grey sky and a torrential downpour to give everything a good soaking. Haven't seen proper rain for many months, humidity is down to 10%, everything is dry as tinder.

[jean]

Thanks for the good review. Especially your comparisons are very helpful. First thing I thought of was Pelikan's Tanzanite. But whatever one already has (or can still get), this ink of MB automatically renders itself superfluous because its price is outraging. And I thought that the price and shipment costs of Hieronymus inks were a turn-off. 70 Euros for 50 ml is almost twice as much. Sooo.... for this type of MB ink, it's easy for me to conclude.... Game Over!

Hello,

 

For a similar shade it's possible to mix 6 part Parker Quink blue (permanent ?) and 1 part Parker Quink Black (permanent ?), this is Tass's recipe (see Hieronymus Blue01 review).

 

Anyone interested in a sample?