Very true, Liz. And for my money, two of the best Blues are Diamine China Blue ( very light, pastel hue ) and Akkerman's Israel's Zeeblauw ( pricey, but gorgeous bottle, and a lovely ink on paper )
As a Diamine ink fan, and lover of blue ink, thank you for the videos to see all of these blue inks together. I am now convinced to try the Kensington Blue.
Fascinating to see such a detailed comparison & analysis with the shading plus outlining. Very taken by the shading in Majestic. Just as well you didn't have the hound to contend with or she might have turned a bit blue too. Walking along Exeter Quay Basin met a couple of Spotty Dogs which reminded me of you!!
Thanks so much, Carla! I really appreciate your comments. It's always hard to tell whether you're making videos that genuinely appeal, and it's comments like yours that keep me going!
It is my pleasure, Jafar. I'm glad you find the comparisons useful - and Majestic Blue is a wonderful colour, especially with the sheen that stays on the page!
After being tempted by your latest videos of inks and stationery, I finally made my move: I bought five 30ml bottles of Diamine ink. In order: Majestic Blue, Eclipse, Sapphire Blue (I have the Pelikan Edelstein Sapphire ink, I'm curious to compare them), Sargasso Sea and last but not least, Ancient Copper. Mostly, I like writing in blue. I have always admired these colors from the screen but I was really undecided about which to choose, but in the end I chose! And I can't wait to try them! Diamine is not an unknown company for me, I write daily with the Diamine Safari that I love! Their vast selection does not help, I would like to try all the Diamine inks! Interesting colors and great prices! Thanks for you work and videos, Micheal!
It was partly because of the huge range of their inks that I decided it would be helpful to have them compared side-by-side. Judging by the comments I'm getting, other people feel the same! Thanks so much for the positive comments, Caterina, and I hope you really enjoy the colours you have ordered!
Very entertaining, I know not intentionally with the spillage. Also I’m glad we gave you a distraction from your edits. I love green and antique brown shades in inks, and have never used that much blue. However the Majestic was lovely and I also liked the Kensington. Thank you as always!
Many thanks, Paul. Yes, the spillage was ... actually quite amusing for me! The sense of ridiculous gormlessness involved in spilling that much ink made me laugh a lot. There are times when my incompetence astonishes me!
Love your cute coffee mugs you use to drink your tea from. Also I guess I need to stop asking you questions until I’ve watched all your videos because I was about to ask you about Presidential Blue because I have that one and love it and I see you are going to try it here;) I also very much love Twilight! I just bought that last week and I have Enchanted Ocean! I’m such a newbie regarding inks at the moment even though I’ve been using fountain ens for 30 years. I tend to be lazy and just go for the cartridges but as I get older I find I enjoy the ritual of cleaning and re-inking my fountain pens with different inks;)
I"m watching this video for the umpteenth time because... it's INKTOBER at Cult Pens! Even with shipping to U. S. it is a great bargain. Wonderful videos and I always find more inks that I need. Thank you and all the best, Donna
Many thanks for that, Donna - and I have to admit, Cult are one of my go to companies for all things pen and ink. I don't have any relationship with them, so I'm not just promoting them for money - they are a great company to deal with, and always reasonably priced and reliable.
FYI I got a 30 ml bottle at very reasonable cost from a shop in Germany called fountainfeder (online). Unfortunately, they are currently out of stock of both 30 and 90 ml bottles. Hopefully, they'll be getting more soon.
I'll have to keep an eye open - although with all the Diamine inks, and Akkermann (which I adore) I think my wife would be less than impressed if I started buying even more!
Love the lunacy Michael.. the camera work/quality really looks quite nice by the way.. I have a new bottle ovv Majestic that I'm enjoying. I love the Sapphire Blue.. got a bottle with my Bespoke British Pens Churchill.. but find it looks washed out in some pens. Get through that book proof please! Need to catch up with my friend Jack Blackjack! Enjoying my way through the Oath.. a very good read.. indeed! Best from Colorado! Frank from Boulder, Colorado, USA
Many thanks, Frank. The Majestic is astonishing ink, isn't it? I'll crack on with the next book now ... this will be a special, rather different novel with a new setting for me!
Lol. The speed up was fun. I use a black ink mostly. I guess I am too lazy to change it out. I just keep a journal and have for at least 40+ years. Need to get a blue ink just for a change. Don't want to get too wild. Have a wonderful day and thanks for your video. Always interesting.
I would strongly recommend that you should look at the Majestic Blue. Really astonishing sheen with that, which makes all writing look fabulously interesting!
Thank you for sharing your experience with the blue Diamine inks. I'm really impressed that there are so many blue inks. I see that you are using the Diamin blue black and it seems that there is another blue black ink from Diamine. I have the Diamine Registars ink. On the package is written Archival Registarts Ink. Probably you have it on your other videos? It starts writing with a normal light blue and turns to a quite dark blue black as it is a iron gall ink and should be quite waterresistent. I haven't done any water tests so far but this Registar ink seems to be another blue black that turns to get even more black over time similar to the Akkerman 10 Akkerman Ijzer-galnoten Blauw-Zwart.
Apologies for taking so long to respond - pressure of work, I'm afraid. Many thanks for the message. I haven't used Diamine archive inks - it's not supposed to be very good for the internals of pens, and I tend to use inks that can easily be flushed. Oh, and I personally mostly stick to Prussian Blue, which is a lovely colour, to my eye!
Brilliant comparison of Blue inks and not only that, some proper cursive handwriting for a change. Great video of my favourite colour in inks! Thx Michael 😀👍🏻 I’ve had my eye on a bottle of the Akkerman Israel’s Zeeblauw for a while now (October ‘19) and I was hoping they’d be on a bit of a discount during Black Friday sales, alas, they were never included. Those Diamine inks are really good as long as they stay in the Blue range. Teal and such colours are not included imho. lol
writerlywitterings have you tried any of the Schaeffer Skrip inks? They have a teal you may enjoy. Oh dear! The name escapes me now and my bottle is at work. I’ll find it tomorrow and get back with you. I just saw online where someone started an ink journal and for each ink they did a swatch, a swab, a smear test and how it looks in broad and fine bibs and general thoughts on the ink itself. What a capital idea!
I just got my Majestic Blue, and you had commented it has a sheen to it, which is what I specifically want in a blue ink. However, my bottle doesn't have any sheen at all. It's just a nice darker than average blue. I'm using the TWSBI Go also. Maybe it's my paper? Odd.
Hi, Ryjox - I'm really surprised. I was using Tomoe River 50 or 60 gsm. I would have thought that any paper would have a similar result, but I'll try it on other papers and see if I find the same as soon as I get my computer back.
@@writerlywitterings I did some more tests and it's definitely the paper I was using. I have precious little Tomoe River so I wasn't using it at first, now that I've tested it there I see the red sheen you saw. I need to find a good source for Tomoe River paper here in the States. So far the nicest paper I've ever used for fountain pen writing. Smooth, doesn't bleed, and brings out the very best in the ink.
The only thing that kept me from Diamine inks was that they are not water resistant. But after watching this video I feel like giving at-least the 30ml bottles a try! Thanks for this informative video Mr Jecks! That inky accident only reaffirms the love we fountain pen addicts have towards our hobby :P
Thanks so much, Mudit. Yes, I really like Diamine, and although it's not generally perfectly colourfast, even in the event of a disaster, I find most of their inks are perfectly readable - I had a disaster this year, when my daily notepad was left in a tent while I was camping, and a gale blew my tent away, leaving the notebook open to the elements. I'll show it in the next video. It's not perfect, but I have to admit, it has a lot of character!
I spilled my ink not too long ago at university. I spent the whole day trying to get Noodler’s Black out of the carpet in my room. Glad I’m not the only one who has done this. Anyways, I enjoyed this video greatly and all your beautiful inks!
I was reading recently about J. Herbin's pen ink cleaner. You have to be careful, because it may take out the colour already there, but I've heard it's very effective? No, I don't have any. I just have plenty of inky stains everywhere! Many thanks, Kayla, and hope the degree is going well!
Wow! I would dearly love to, but I haven't got a bottle yet. The problem is, my wife already has issues with the number of books all over the house, and she's a little concerned that I'm going to have bottles of ink on every bookshelf too. Strange lady, my wife! I'll have to see if I can get a small bottle ...
I love the prussian blue, reminds me of my old Parker Blue Black, „contains solv x“, you could leave your pen open for ten minutes and continue writing without any problems.
Isn't YT wonderful? Just found someone obsessed with Diamine Inks as I am plus some wonderful reading material too. So looking forward to reading your books, Mr Jecks, and enjoying your ink musings immensely. I have today purchased 6, I think, Diamine inks from CultPens. 30ml mind you, as my last purchase was 3 full size shimmering ones last week. Bit hard on the pocket...
It really is! So glad to find another Diamine fanatic. They do have an amazing selection of colours. I have to admit, I still don't trust shimmering inks in my better pens, though. Just in case! And at least Diamine prices (especially from Cult) are very reasonable compared with just about any other manufacturer! Good to meet you here, and thanks for the comment!
writerlywitterings Yes I agree. The shimmers are rather disappointing. I loaded up Rockin'Rio...still want to call it r-robin but that's an age thing...in a Noodlers Creaper and Parker 95. It certainly isn't what I expected. Browny gold. Not pleasant. Very impressed with Tropical Glow which behaves very well in T- Eco and that stub nib is superb. Purchased Arabian Nights only because I love the books and that resides in Noodlers Ahab. But my overall impression is the shimmers are married to big nibs. And thanks for that- I now want and desperately need and must have the T- Go. Only £20...another Cult Pens casualty to my wallet! I stopped watching your videos at 2.30am! 😱🤣☕️🍻
@@sensemaya1 Ouch! I'm very sorry - I just cannot help this forcing viewers to incur debt! But I do agree. I've tried three of the shimmering inks from Diamine, and I entirely agree. I think a B or BB nib is needed to get the full impact. Personally I use my 1.1 stubs with T-Go pens, or my italic Kaweco Sport, which does a brilliant job. You need the acreage to get the full impact, don't you? My own favourite inks just now are Blu Mare from Rohrer & Klingner and Sepia from Diamine. Neither of them shimmers, but both have superb shading when used on a good paper like William Hannah (it has a coating of some sort that prevents bleed through and feathering, but does mean ink takes a little longer to dry). And do try to turn me off at night. Everyone needs more sleep! Seriously, thanks for the comments. Happy writing!
@@writerlywitterings No need to apologise. I was joking. PurePens has got my business this time. T- Go with stub is on the way occupied with a bottle of Diamine Majestic Blue which, in effect, I got for free! Best regards.
I absolutely love your videos! Have you considered filming this sort of videos in the windows at the back? I’m wondering about how they would look in natural light.
I have thought about it, but my set up is designed much more for the standing desk, which works really well for looking at pens and writing (I hope!). Plus the camera isn't happy with my face being too bright! One day I'll get hold of a camera that's better suited to making videos, which can cope with variations of light and dark better. Thanks so much for the comment, and for the positive approach. I hope to get better lighting before too long, which will help with the filming, hopefully. Failing that, I might remember to draw the curtains so that the camera doesn't have to hunt so much!
Veni, subscribi et ringybelli. So few around here appreciate fountain pens and inks, so thank heavens for YT. Amazing that, at the click of a pic, we can be addressed by a knowledgeable penophile from here in England, the USA, New Zealand, etc. I love my many pens but have been conservative about ink-usually Parker's or Waterman's. Ordering some sparkly British(!) Diamine varieties has been a novel experience (I love their website). Many thanks for your interesting, informative reviews.
It's a constant source of surprise to me how many people love my videos - and it's good to know, of course! I do like the sparkly inks, but I'm always a little worried about whether they'll clog up my feeds. Have you had any issues?
Have you tried Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo? It’s a dark Blue that does kinda look like ‘Moonlight’ as per Pilot’s website description. This is my all time favourite ink. Blue is my favourite colour and I just cannot get away from Tsuki-yo or an ink that KWZI made for Kristine at Hippo Noto, which is Hawaii Blue. That is a nice, bright, ‘pop’ of a Blue I think.
Many thanks - and no, I haven't had a chance to try that Iroshizuku (yet). I'm having to be a bit more selective in my ink collection, mainly due to a total lack of space! Thanks for the comment, though, I think I'll have to give that a try.
When it comes to sheen, I might nudge you in the direction of Monteverde Horizon Blue. It appears to be a very close replica of the iconic Parker Penman Sapphire, which was one of the first "boutique" inks to become known for its red sheen. However, I suppose it's subtle in comparison with some of the sheening monster inks you can get now! As for hue, my present favorite blue is one you oddly missed... Diamine Asa Blue! It's a vivid blue that leans ever-so-subtly towards teal. I find it a nice alternative to all those purple-tinted blues.
Thanks for that. I haven't tried the Monteverde colours - yet! There's still time, I hope. I did review the Asa Blue - in fact it's one of my favourites too. I love the tone. It was on the third page of reviewed blues, just after Bilberry - but it was on the first "Blues" reviews - if you look at the Diamine summary video, I think it's pretty clear. And it's lovely! Thanks for the comment, Zobeid, I really appreciate it. Have a very Happy New Year!
I wondered how long it was before someone mentioned PPS. I've never been able to replicate although Sargasso Sea comes near? I dilute my PPS cartridges and they keep on giving and never clogs up my pens.
Michael, I know you have done a tone of ink comparisons so I feel confident that you will have an answer to this question: I am looking for an ink equivalent to or close to Akkerman’s Delfts Blauw. Are you aware of a Ink in a Diamine , Waterman or maybe Pilot that would fit the bill? At this time it is impossible to acquire Delfts Blauw from Akkerman due to a shortage from their supplier. Thanks for all of your ink reviews. Very interesting and I am sure very time consuming.
This is a question close to my heart because I have been searching for it myself. The nearest I can think of is Diamine's China Blue, which is a little more pale than Delft's Blauw to my eye, but which has similar shading qualities. But I have to admit, I am just looking forward to Akkerman making more of their inks!
@@writerlywitterings thanks Michael, I will check this one out. I have not used nor do I own anything broader than a Sailor medium 1911L or a Pelikan M800 fine with the exception of a medium , Waterman Carene so I don’t experience a lot of shading in my inks whereas I see you with the broader nibs with terrific effects. Diamine China blue might be just the one. Thanks for taking time out to respond to my question.
Yes! Majestic Blue is what I've been looking for. It looks a *tiny* bit to the far side of the red tinge but I've always loved darker blues that dry with a red sheen. The ideal would not show bits of obvious red without reflecting light off of it, but I've only found that in the four disposable cartridges that came with my Mont Blanc. I tried buying more of those disposable cartridges but they no longer had the red sheen (even though the number on the box was the same), so I assume they change their pigments over time. I've also tried Mont Blanc bottled blues with no luck. I'm going to try some Diamine Majestic Blue next. Again, many thanks for your efforts with ink tests.
I have Majestic Blue at home too and I love it's sheen. It comes out nicely on very smooth paper and with broader nib sizes (or stubs, flex nibs). I do have one of two pens that don't seem to like it and fail to start properly when inked up with Majestic Bue though.
@@sachakahn2052 Thank you for that info, might save me some trouble. Are you saying the pens that give you trouble are medium to fine nibs? I don't have any flex nib pens yet but I have the Go pen in a stub nib. I was hoping to use this ink in my Mont Blanc (medium nib but it flows like a stub with some inks).
It doesn't seem specific to certain nib sizes. I've seen it happen in a medium, a stub nib, No idea what causes it... I now have it in my stub Vac700 which has no issues with it. I just think the high saturation might be a thing: above agerage risk of clogging.
If you are in the UK Cult Pens have special edition Diamine shimmer inks in different colours. I suspect that “Little Mo” is very similar to Majestic Blue. It has a lovely red sheen on good paper.
Very interesting and entertaining video! Diamine Blue-Black is one of my favorites. You have inspired me to try their Prussian Blue. If you haven’t yet tried the Iroshizuku Shin-kai and Tsuki-yo, I can recommend them strongly. Ku-jaku is a slightly darker version of Diamine Marine and very nice. Also shampoo is very helpful in getting ink off your hands. Better than ordinary soap for some reason. Thanks for the video.
For all these tests I used a TWSBI Go with a 1.1 mm stub nib. Great little pen when you need to write a lot, and equally superb for reviews because it's enormously quick to empty, flush and refill.
You see, I'm a coward. I once read that you shouldn't mix inks, and that stuck in my mind! Which is daft, since I have a lot of pens that could easily be considered as more or less disposable. I'll have to try that, it's an interesting mix, from the sound of it. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@writerlywitterings As long as they're made by the same brand then you should be absolutely fine (don't quote me on that though! :) ), it's just when the pHs are different and then the two inks neutralise each other and the worst that can happen is they make a sandy type thing. I need to get around to reading one of your books, they sound like good reads. Cheers
@@Jamie_kemp Thanks for that - and yes, you really ought to try my books, but new, not second hand. Authors only earn a living when people buy them new! Cheers, and take care!
First video of yours that I've watched, and this merits an instant subscription. I have a soft spot for eloquent people who don't take themselves too seriously. And you're a bit of klutz, like me! For years, I refused to write with blue ink, because that was the only color we were allowed to use in our fountain pens in school. After years of black, brown and red inks, I've returned to blue and now I can't get enough of them. Why is that shading and sheen is often most interesting in blue inks? May I ask what paper you were using for this test? If you mentioned it, I missed it and do apologize.
I know the feeling. I love Tomoe in notebooks for daily carry - it's so thin and works perfectly with fountain pens (no matter what the ink colour!). Sadly they're stopping making it. Now hunting for a suitable replacement!
@@writerlywitterings I am too! There are several other types of paper that I like, but I don't love, so the hunt continues. If you find a worthy replacement, please do let us know!
Ach - I have to admit, it's probably Imperial. I do like the sapphire, but it often seems just a bit too rich for daily use, if that makes sense. The Imperial has a sort of purple tone that just appeals to me. Hope that helps!
diamine majestic blue looks very similar to OS Nitrogen. Nitrogen smears a lot, even after couple of days. It just dont dry and stay on paper :) does majestic blue also has the same issue? if not i would love to replace nitrogen with diamine :)
No, not at all. Obviously there is a certain amount of drying time variation depending on your paper, but I've never found any Diamine ink to take more than a few minutes to dry perfectly. Certainly never a couple of days! I'd recommend trying Diamine. You can always get a smaller tester bottle to see how it works. Diamine standard bottles are 80 cc, but the testers are 30 cc.
My big costrel? I made that a while ago now. It's good, quite effective, and looks brilliant. All based on a a medieval drinking pottle, and a fair amount of effort to make, but worth it.
Of this blue inks I have that Midnight, Sapphire blue, Aqua blue, Oxford blue and Majestic blue. I really liked the Akkerman's Israel Zeebluwe but it is difficult to find here in India. What diamine ink you think is somewhat closer shade of Zeebluwe? I will be grateful for your advice.
I think that Diamine's Teal is the nearest to Zeeblauw. Teal is a little more blue shaded, while Akkerman's is more green, but the two are very similar - in fact many believe that the two are identical, and that Akkerman buys in Teal to fill their bottles, but from my own tests they're different. Hope you enjoy it!
@@writerlywitterings Thanks a lot sir. I will try Diamine Teal. For now I have ordered Diamine Eau de nil. Perhaps little bluer shade, but I am looking for that. Yes on page Zeebluwe and D-teal looks much different as you have demonstrated. Thanks again for your ink comparison videos and also it is so nice of you that you took time for reply.
Sorry it didn't work for you - I had a lot of trouble trying to get the camera to work over my shoulder - I think subsequent videos worked a bit better.
So many blues,so little time. This is why the fountain pen rules; endless color possibilities!
Very true, Liz. And for my money, two of the best Blues are Diamine China Blue ( very light, pastel hue ) and Akkerman's Israel's Zeeblauw ( pricey, but gorgeous bottle, and a lovely ink on paper )
If I could like this 10 times I would. Wonderful to see these inks together.
That has to be one of the best responses I've ever had to a video - thanks so much (and do, please, share etc!)
If it weren’t for mistakes, we would never learn. We are all twits from time to time. Proud to be a member.
I'm learning lots every ruddy day!
As a Diamine ink fan, and lover of blue ink, thank you for the videos to see all of these blue
inks together. I am now convinced to try the Kensington Blue.
Very glad the video was helpful, Kelley!
Fascinating to see such a detailed comparison & analysis with the shading plus outlining. Very taken by the shading in Majestic. Just as well you didn't have the hound to contend with or she might have turned a bit blue too. Walking along Exeter Quay Basin met a couple of Spotty Dogs which reminded me of you!!
I am keeping the Majestic well away from the pup. The thought of that sheening ink all over my wooden floors is not appealing!
Amazing comparison. I cannot say how much you have helped me with this. You provide a test that I really need but cannot find anywhere.
Glad I could help!
Most useful and interesting comparison I've seen. And I love blues! Many thanks.
Thanks so much, Carla! I really appreciate your comments. It's always hard to tell whether you're making videos that genuinely appeal, and it's comments like yours that keep me going!
Thank you for such an informative comparison!! Majestic Blue is oh so glorious.
It is my pleasure, Jafar. I'm glad you find the comparisons useful - and Majestic Blue is a wonderful colour, especially with the sheen that stays on the page!
After being tempted by your latest videos of inks and stationery, I finally made my move: I bought five 30ml bottles of Diamine ink. In order: Majestic Blue, Eclipse, Sapphire Blue (I have the Pelikan Edelstein Sapphire ink, I'm curious to compare them), Sargasso Sea and last but not least, Ancient Copper. Mostly, I like writing in blue. I have always admired these colors from the screen but I was really undecided about which to choose, but in the end I chose! And I can't wait to try them!
Diamine is not an unknown company for me, I write daily with the Diamine Safari that I love! Their vast selection does not help, I would like to try all the Diamine inks! Interesting colors and great prices!
Thanks for you work and videos, Micheal!
It was partly because of the huge range of their inks that I decided it would be helpful to have them compared side-by-side. Judging by the comments I'm getting, other people feel the same! Thanks so much for the positive comments, Caterina, and I hope you really enjoy the colours you have ordered!
@@writerlywitterings Michael, you're doing a great job and I'm extremely grateful! Thanks again!
I love ancient copper too!!
How did I miss this review?
Thank you. I've been revisiting some Diamine Blues today and this was most helpful.
Cheers
Glad it was helpful! I have to admit, I keep being drawn back to Diamine's blues!
Very entertaining, I know not intentionally with the spillage. Also I’m glad we gave you a distraction from your edits. I love green and antique brown shades in inks, and have never used that much blue. However the Majestic was lovely and I also liked the Kensington. Thank you as always!
Many thanks, Paul. Yes, the spillage was ... actually quite amusing for me! The sense of ridiculous gormlessness involved in spilling that much ink made me laugh a lot. There are times when my incompetence astonishes me!
Love your cute coffee mugs you use to drink your tea from. Also I guess I need to stop asking you questions until I’ve watched all your videos because I was about to ask you about Presidential Blue because I have that one and love it and I see you are going to try it here;) I also very much love Twilight! I just bought that last week and I have Enchanted Ocean! I’m such a newbie regarding inks at the moment even though I’ve been using fountain ens for 30 years. I tend to be lazy and just go for the cartridges but as I get older I find I enjoy the ritual of cleaning and re-inking my fountain pens with different inks;)
Presents from the children, most of them, so I have to rotate their use on UA-cam to stop arguments!
I"m watching this video for the umpteenth time because... it's INKTOBER at Cult Pens! Even with shipping to U. S. it is a great bargain. Wonderful videos and I always find more inks that I need. Thank you and all the best, Donna
Many thanks for that, Donna - and I have to admit, Cult are one of my go to companies for all things pen and ink. I don't have any relationship with them, so I'm not just promoting them for money - they are a great company to deal with, and always reasonably priced and reliable.
Thank you. Very helpful!
Glad it was helpful! Next up will be more blues, this time from Dominant Industry!
Wonderful! Thank you for doing the work for us. This helps.
Glad it was helpful! The ink comparisons were very popular. I'll have to see if there are more I can do!
FYI I got a 30 ml bottle at very reasonable cost from a shop in Germany called fountainfeder (online). Unfortunately, they are currently out of stock of both 30 and 90 ml bottles. Hopefully, they'll be getting more soon.
I'll have to keep an eye open - although with all the Diamine inks, and Akkermann (which I adore) I think my wife would be less than impressed if I started buying even more!
I’m off to Germany in September so I will be looking for inks while I’m there;)
Love the lunacy Michael.. the camera work/quality really looks quite nice by the way.. I have a new bottle ovv Majestic that I'm enjoying. I love the Sapphire Blue.. got a bottle with my Bespoke British Pens Churchill.. but find it looks washed out in some pens. Get through that book proof please! Need to catch up with my friend Jack Blackjack! Enjoying my way through the Oath.. a very good read.. indeed! Best from Colorado!
Frank from Boulder, Colorado, USA
Many thanks, Frank. The Majestic is astonishing ink, isn't it? I'll crack on with the next book now ... this will be a special, rather different novel with a new setting for me!
Lol. The speed up was fun. I use a black ink mostly. I guess I am too lazy to change it out. I just keep a journal and have for at least 40+ years. Need to get a blue ink just for a change. Don't want to get too wild. Have a wonderful day and thanks for your video. Always interesting.
I would strongly recommend that you should look at the Majestic Blue. Really astonishing sheen with that, which makes all writing look fabulously interesting!
i enjoy how you do your ink reviews, and it saves me money on inks! i am going to buy your book because i like your style.
Thanks for that. Really glad you like the videos - and hope you like the books too!
Thanks for your very detailed opinion on all of these inks! I agree that Majestic Blue has s fantastic sheen when on good paper.
It does look good. An ink to be used carefully, though, I think, in an acrylic or similar clear pen!
Thank you for sharing your experience with the blue Diamine inks. I'm really impressed that there are so many blue inks. I see that you are using the Diamin blue black and it seems that there is another blue black ink from Diamine. I have the Diamine Registars ink. On the package is written Archival Registarts Ink. Probably you have it on your other videos?
It starts writing with a normal light blue and turns to a quite dark blue black as it is a iron gall ink and should be quite waterresistent. I haven't done any water tests so far but this Registar ink seems to be another blue black that turns to get even more black over time similar to the Akkerman 10 Akkerman Ijzer-galnoten Blauw-Zwart.
Apologies for taking so long to respond - pressure of work, I'm afraid. Many thanks for the message. I haven't used Diamine archive inks - it's not supposed to be very good for the internals of pens, and I tend to use inks that can easily be flushed. Oh, and I personally mostly stick to Prussian Blue, which is a lovely colour, to my eye!
ok i got 15 seconds in before i had to hit the like button. Cup of tea - i approve. even though i was looking for black ink.
Thanks so much - getting comments like this makes it all worthwhile!
This is the type of ink review that i am searching for and glad I found it.
Very glad you like it, Marc!
Brilliant comparison of Blue inks and not only that, some proper cursive handwriting for a change. Great video of my favourite colour in inks! Thx Michael 😀👍🏻 I’ve had my eye on a bottle of the Akkerman Israel’s Zeeblauw for a while now (October ‘19) and I was hoping they’d be on a bit of a discount during Black Friday sales, alas, they were never included. Those Diamine inks are really good as long as they stay in the Blue range. Teal and such colours are not included imho. lol
I can thoroughly recommend the Zeeblauw if you like good teals. It really is a lovely, slightly greenish blue, and currently still my favourite ink!
Yes! Cursive is a dying art and I’m glad I’m not the only one still keeping it alive;)
writerlywitterings have you tried any of the Schaeffer Skrip inks? They have a teal you may enjoy. Oh dear! The name escapes me now and my bottle is at work. I’ll find it tomorrow and get back with you. I just saw online where someone started an ink journal and for each ink they did a swatch, a swab, a smear test and how it looks in broad and fine bibs and general thoughts on the ink itself. What a capital idea!
Most blue look like in same tones ,but actually it is very clear,Mike thanks for educating and imparting valuable info to fountain pen lovers
Thanks, Hemant - it's amazing just how much variation there is between the various types of blue ink available!
Oy my heart jumped when that ink slid! Wow, you handled that well. I’d have called myself bad names. 🤭🫣
YOUR heart jumped? Imagine what mine was doing!
@@writerlywitterings Haha, just remember it could have been so much worse.
I just got my Majestic Blue, and you had commented it has a sheen to it, which is what I specifically want in a blue ink. However, my bottle doesn't have any sheen at all. It's just a nice darker than average blue. I'm using the TWSBI Go also. Maybe it's my paper? Odd.
Hi, Ryjox - I'm really surprised. I was using Tomoe River 50 or 60 gsm. I would have thought that any paper would have a similar result, but I'll try it on other papers and see if I find the same as soon as I get my computer back.
@@writerlywitterings I did some more tests and it's definitely the paper I was using. I have precious little Tomoe River so I wasn't using it at first, now that I've tested it there I see the red sheen you saw. I need to find a good source for Tomoe River paper here in the States. So far the nicest paper I've ever used for fountain pen writing. Smooth, doesn't bleed, and brings out the very best in the ink.
The only thing that kept me from Diamine inks was that they are not water resistant. But after watching this video I feel like giving at-least the 30ml bottles a try! Thanks for this informative video Mr Jecks! That inky accident only reaffirms the love we fountain pen addicts have towards our hobby :P
Thanks so much, Mudit. Yes, I really like Diamine, and although it's not generally perfectly colourfast, even in the event of a disaster, I find most of their inks are perfectly readable - I had a disaster this year, when my daily notepad was left in a tent while I was camping, and a gale blew my tent away, leaving the notebook open to the elements. I'll show it in the next video. It's not perfect, but I have to admit, it has a lot of character!
That phenomenon is actually called outlining, where the ink shades darker at the edges. Great video!
:-)
I spilled my ink not too long ago at university. I spent the whole day trying to get Noodler’s Black out of the carpet in my room. Glad I’m not the only one who has done this. Anyways, I enjoyed this video greatly and all your beautiful inks!
I was reading recently about J. Herbin's pen ink cleaner. You have to be careful, because it may take out the colour already there, but I've heard it's very effective?
No, I don't have any. I just have plenty of inky stains everywhere! Many thanks, Kayla, and hope the degree is going well!
Great review! Keep them coming!
Cheers, Andy! Will do!
P.S. Have you tried the Diamond Skull and Roses? Lovely sheen too.
Wow! I would dearly love to, but I haven't got a bottle yet. The problem is, my wife already has issues with the number of books all over the house, and she's a little concerned that I'm going to have bottles of ink on every bookshelf too. Strange lady, my wife! I'll have to see if I can get a small bottle ...
@@writerlywitterings I thought just for an instant, I‘ll have to see if I can get…a new wife…
I love the prussian blue, reminds me of my old Parker Blue Black, „contains solv x“, you could leave your pen open for ten minutes and continue writing without any problems.
Yes, Diamine make a particularly good Prussian Blue. It's still, I think, my favourite blue. I like many others, but always return to Prussian!
Isn't YT wonderful? Just found someone obsessed with Diamine Inks as I am plus some wonderful reading material too. So looking forward to reading your books, Mr Jecks, and enjoying your ink musings immensely. I have today purchased 6, I think, Diamine inks from CultPens. 30ml mind you, as my last purchase was 3 full size shimmering ones last week. Bit hard on the pocket...
It really is! So glad to find another Diamine fanatic. They do have an amazing selection of colours. I have to admit, I still don't trust shimmering inks in my better pens, though. Just in case! And at least Diamine prices (especially from Cult) are very reasonable compared with just about any other manufacturer! Good to meet you here, and thanks for the comment!
writerlywitterings Yes I agree. The shimmers are rather disappointing. I loaded up Rockin'Rio...still want to call it r-robin but that's an age thing...in a Noodlers Creaper and Parker 95. It certainly isn't what I expected. Browny gold. Not pleasant. Very impressed with Tropical Glow which behaves very well in T- Eco and that stub nib is superb. Purchased Arabian Nights only because I love the books and that resides in Noodlers Ahab. But my overall impression is the shimmers are married to big nibs. And thanks for that- I now want and desperately need and must have the T- Go. Only £20...another Cult Pens casualty to my wallet! I stopped watching your videos at 2.30am! 😱🤣☕️🍻
@@sensemaya1 Ouch! I'm very sorry - I just cannot help this forcing viewers to incur debt! But I do agree. I've tried three of the shimmering inks from Diamine, and I entirely agree. I think a B or BB nib is needed to get the full impact. Personally I use my 1.1 stubs with T-Go pens, or my italic Kaweco Sport, which does a brilliant job. You need the acreage to get the full impact, don't you? My own favourite inks just now are Blu Mare from Rohrer & Klingner and Sepia from Diamine. Neither of them shimmers, but both have superb shading when used on a good paper like William Hannah (it has a coating of some sort that prevents bleed through and feathering, but does mean ink takes a little longer to dry). And do try to turn me off at night. Everyone needs more sleep! Seriously, thanks for the comments. Happy writing!
@@writerlywitterings No need to apologise. I was joking. PurePens has got my business this time. T- Go with stub is on the way occupied with a bottle of Diamine Majestic Blue which, in effect, I got for free! Best regards.
I absolutely love your videos! Have you considered filming this sort of videos in the windows at the back? I’m wondering about how they would look in natural light.
I have thought about it, but my set up is designed much more for the standing desk, which works really well for looking at pens and writing (I hope!). Plus the camera isn't happy with my face being too bright! One day I'll get hold of a camera that's better suited to making videos, which can cope with variations of light and dark better. Thanks so much for the comment, and for the positive approach. I hope to get better lighting before too long, which will help with the filming, hopefully. Failing that, I might remember to draw the curtains so that the camera doesn't have to hunt so much!
Veni, subscribi et ringybelli. So few around here appreciate fountain pens and inks, so thank heavens for YT. Amazing that, at the click of a pic, we can be addressed by a knowledgeable penophile from here in England, the USA, New Zealand, etc. I love my many pens but have been conservative about ink-usually Parker's or Waterman's. Ordering some sparkly British(!) Diamine varieties has been a novel experience (I love their website). Many thanks for your interesting, informative reviews.
It's a constant source of surprise to me how many people love my videos - and it's good to know, of course! I do like the sparkly inks, but I'm always a little worried about whether they'll clog up my feeds. Have you had any issues?
Fantastic efforts
Many thanks, Gaurav. I really appreciate the comments!
MY HEART SANK WHEN THE INK SLASHED ACROSS YOU MANUSCRIPT...... A TEAR JERKED A LITTLE.....
That was (roughly) my feelings too!
Did i miss Diamine blue Velvet? Is one of the best diamine blue inks. Nice review
I haven't seen Blue Velvet. I'll have to have a hunt for that one - likewise I was recommended Oxford Blue, and I've not seen that anywhere either!
writerlywitterings it s the new anniversary ink in a special bottle shape. Look on their site or on cultpens.com
Many thanks - I will!
Have you tried Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo? It’s a dark Blue that does kinda look like ‘Moonlight’ as per Pilot’s website description. This is my all time favourite ink. Blue is my favourite colour and I just cannot get away from Tsuki-yo or an ink that KWZI made for Kristine at Hippo Noto, which is Hawaii Blue. That is a nice, bright, ‘pop’ of a Blue I think.
Many thanks - and no, I haven't had a chance to try that Iroshizuku (yet). I'm having to be a bit more selective in my ink collection, mainly due to a total lack of space! Thanks for the comment, though, I think I'll have to give that a try.
I must agree that Prussian Blue is amazing. It’s become my favorite ink!
Ah, another convert!
Yes, as a watercolorist I’ve loved both it and Payne’s Gray or Grey in the UK for some time, but now I love sketching with Prussian Blue ink
When it comes to sheen, I might nudge you in the direction of Monteverde Horizon Blue. It appears to be a very close replica of the iconic Parker Penman Sapphire, which was one of the first "boutique" inks to become known for its red sheen. However, I suppose it's subtle in comparison with some of the sheening monster inks you can get now!
As for hue, my present favorite blue is one you oddly missed... Diamine Asa Blue! It's a vivid blue that leans ever-so-subtly towards teal. I find it a nice alternative to all those purple-tinted blues.
Thanks for that. I haven't tried the Monteverde colours - yet! There's still time, I hope.
I did review the Asa Blue - in fact it's one of my favourites too. I love the tone. It was on the third page of reviewed blues, just after Bilberry - but it was on the first "Blues" reviews - if you look at the Diamine summary video, I think it's pretty clear. And it's lovely!
Thanks for the comment, Zobeid, I really appreciate it.
Have a very Happy New Year!
I wondered how long it was before someone mentioned PPS. I've never been able to replicate although Sargasso Sea comes near? I dilute my PPS cartridges and they keep on giving and never clogs up my pens.
Michael, I know you have done a tone of ink comparisons so I feel confident that you will have an answer to this question: I am looking for an ink equivalent to or close to Akkerman’s Delfts Blauw. Are you aware of a Ink in a Diamine , Waterman or maybe Pilot that would fit the bill? At this time it is impossible to acquire Delfts Blauw from Akkerman due to a shortage from their supplier. Thanks for all of your ink reviews. Very interesting and I am sure very time consuming.
This is a question close to my heart because I have been searching for it myself. The nearest I can think of is Diamine's China Blue, which is a little more pale than Delft's Blauw to my eye, but which has similar shading qualities. But I have to admit, I am just looking forward to Akkerman making more of their inks!
@@writerlywitterings thanks Michael, I will check this one out. I have not used nor do I own anything broader than a Sailor medium 1911L or a Pelikan M800 fine with the exception of a medium , Waterman Carene so I don’t experience a lot of shading in my inks whereas I see you with the broader nibs with terrific effects. Diamine China blue might be just the one. Thanks for taking time out to respond to my question.
Yes! Majestic Blue is what I've been looking for. It looks a *tiny* bit to the far side of the red tinge but I've always loved darker blues that dry with a red sheen. The ideal would not show bits of obvious red without reflecting light off of it, but I've only found that in the four disposable cartridges that came with my Mont Blanc. I tried buying more of those disposable cartridges but they no longer had the red sheen (even though the number on the box was the same), so I assume they change their pigments over time. I've also tried Mont Blanc bottled blues with no luck. I'm going to try some Diamine Majestic Blue next. Again, many thanks for your efforts with ink tests.
I have Majestic Blue at home too and I love it's sheen. It comes out nicely on very smooth paper and with broader nib sizes (or stubs, flex nibs). I do have one of two pens that don't seem to like it and fail to start properly when inked up with Majestic Bue though.
@@sachakahn2052 Thank you for that info, might save me some trouble. Are you saying the pens that give you trouble are medium to fine nibs? I don't have any flex nib pens yet but I have the Go pen in a stub nib. I was hoping to use this ink in my Mont Blanc (medium nib but it flows like a stub with some inks).
It doesn't seem specific to certain nib sizes. I've seen it happen in a medium, a stub nib, No idea what causes it... I now have it in my stub Vac700 which has no issues with it. I just think the high saturation might be a thing: above agerage risk of clogging.
If you are in the UK Cult Pens have special edition Diamine shimmer inks in different colours. I suspect that “Little Mo” is very similar to Majestic Blue. It has a lovely red sheen on good paper.
:-)
Very interesting and entertaining video! Diamine Blue-Black is one of my favorites. You have inspired me to try their Prussian Blue. If you haven’t yet tried the Iroshizuku Shin-kai and Tsuki-yo, I can recommend them strongly. Ku-jaku is a slightly darker version of Diamine Marine and very nice. Also shampoo is very helpful in getting ink off your hands. Better than ordinary soap for some reason. Thanks for the video.
I have a horrible suspicion I'll be trying your shampoo wash very soon! Thanks, Clifford!
Hi. Thirst of all, thank you for the video. And a question: what fountain pen do you use?
For all these tests I used a TWSBI Go with a 1.1 mm stub nib. Great little pen when you need to write a lot, and equally superb for reviews because it's enormously quick to empty, flush and refill.
@@writerlywitterings thank you so much!
I love diamine inks but on some pens it leaves crusts that form on the nib. This usually happens if I leave the pen in particular for a few days.
Yes, I think many pens can leave deposits, but I find that with almost all my inks!
Really nice video ,it will be perfect if there’s a secondary camera zoom in the writing page 😀
That's a great idea - alas finances don't permit that kind of purchase! A second camera would cost at least £600 to work with auto focus etc.
Diamine Majestic Blue is just outstanding. . .
Very true! Thanks, Nayan!
I mixed 1:1 Eau de Nil and Turqouise and got the perfect blue shade ever! For me at least.
You see, I'm a coward. I once read that you shouldn't mix inks, and that stuck in my mind! Which is daft, since I have a lot of pens that could easily be considered as more or less disposable. I'll have to try that, it's an interesting mix, from the sound of it. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@writerlywitterings As long as they're made by the same brand then you should be absolutely fine (don't quote me on that though! :) ), it's just when the pHs are different and then the two inks neutralise each other and the worst that can happen is they make a sandy type thing. I need to get around to reading one of your books, they sound like good reads. Cheers
@@Jamie_kemp Thanks for that - and yes, you really ought to try my books, but new, not second hand. Authors only earn a living when people buy them new! Cheers, and take care!
@@writerlywitterings Good point, thanks for the info and the videos
First video of yours that I've watched, and this merits an instant subscription. I have a soft spot for eloquent people who don't take themselves too seriously. And you're a bit of klutz, like me! For years, I refused to write with blue ink, because that was the only color we were allowed to use in our fountain pens in school. After years of black, brown and red inks, I've returned to blue and now I can't get enough of them. Why is that shading and sheen is often most interesting in blue inks?
May I ask what paper you were using for this test? If you mentioned it, I missed it and do apologize.
Found the answer if your "Ink Comparisons: the Summary" video! I had a feeling it might be Tomoe River. I'm slightly obsessed by it. :)
I know the feeling. I love Tomoe in notebooks for daily carry - it's so thin and works perfectly with fountain pens (no matter what the ink colour!). Sadly they're stopping making it. Now hunting for a suitable replacement!
@@writerlywitterings I am too! There are several other types of paper that I like, but I don't love, so the hunt continues. If you find a worthy replacement, please do let us know!
@@darkchocolate4643 I promise I will! Keeping my eyes open now.
I am torn between Imperial and Sapphire blue!! Watched the video so many times still cant decide. Which one is your favorite between the two?
Ach - I have to admit, it's probably Imperial. I do like the sapphire, but it often seems just a bit too rich for daily use, if that makes sense. The Imperial has a sort of purple tone that just appeals to me. Hope that helps!
@@writerlywitterings that does help! Thank you.
A lot of work to do this review, Respect. I think I will order a bottle of Indigo. I like it a lot, but do not know why....😂😂😂
I am really enjoying the Grape just now. I hope you enjoy the ink when you get it, my friend!
diamine majestic blue looks very similar to OS Nitrogen. Nitrogen smears a lot, even after couple of days. It just dont dry and stay on paper :) does majestic blue also has the same issue? if not i would love to replace nitrogen with diamine :)
No, not at all. Obviously there is a certain amount of drying time variation depending on your paper, but I've never found any Diamine ink to take more than a few minutes to dry perfectly. Certainly never a couple of days! I'd recommend trying Diamine. You can always get a smaller tester bottle to see how it works. Diamine standard bottles are 80 cc, but the testers are 30 cc.
You've ignored my favorite Diamine velvet blue
Sorry, I didn't get that one - I am not sure it's on sale in the UK. I've never seen it available on Cult Pens, for example?
Diamine Blue Velvet is my favourite too. I bought it in the UK. I believe from Diamine direct.
Which brand notebook are you using for this experiment ?
It's a Goulet cahier using 68gsm paper.
Sorry to take so long to respond - ill health and deadlines!
I also want to know more about that wine skin to be honest.
My big costrel? I made that a while ago now. It's good, quite effective, and looks brilliant. All based on a a medieval drinking pottle, and a fair amount of effort to make, but worth it.
Of this blue inks I have that Midnight, Sapphire blue, Aqua blue, Oxford blue and Majestic blue. I really liked the Akkerman's Israel Zeebluwe but it is difficult to find here in India. What diamine ink you think is somewhat closer shade of Zeebluwe? I will be grateful for your advice.
I think that Diamine's Teal is the nearest to Zeeblauw. Teal is a little more blue shaded, while Akkerman's is more green, but the two are very similar - in fact many believe that the two are identical, and that Akkerman buys in Teal to fill their bottles, but from my own tests they're different. Hope you enjoy it!
@@writerlywitterings Thanks a lot sir. I will try Diamine Teal. For now I have ordered Diamine Eau de nil. Perhaps little bluer shade, but I am looking for that. Yes on page Zeebluwe and D-teal looks much different as you have demonstrated. Thanks again for your ink comparison videos and also it is so nice of you that you took time for reply.
Need to reposition the camera. Can't see the writings and colours properly.
Sorry it didn't work for you - I had a lot of trouble trying to get the camera to work over my shoulder - I think subsequent videos worked a bit better.