I figure we need something to get the conversation going.
We hear a lot about popular inks like Iroshizuku Kon-Peki, Noodler’s Black, and Waterman Serenity Blue all the time. Let’s start talking some inks that sadly don’t get as much attention as they actually deserve.
What’s your favourite underrated ink?
I think workhorse type inks are some of my favourite underrated inks. Aurora Black doesn’t get as much love as it actually deserves. It’s a great workhorse ink. Nothing really fancy, but it just works. I like Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue way more than I thought I would. It’s very dry and does a great job of controlling some of the firehose pens in my collection.
Parker Quink. It dries quickly, flows well and generally behaves well in most pens, even those otherwise prone to clogging. It’s inexpensive, decent looking ink. Nothing special or fancy, just good ink.
I think it depends on surfaces as well. Noodler’s Xfeather dries up pretty quick but not on stuff like hard plastic.
Sitting on two bottles of their stuff that I’ve used once each - and then I was made aware of some relevant things I found personally unsettling. If you’re not already aware, I’m sure you can search it in r / fountainpens
He already has my money, don’t get me wrong, I just don’t like using it because I come back to that same personal struggle every time, instead of focusing on the pen, ink, and paper in front of me.
Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use it, I find there are plenty of other options out there that meet my needs/wants better anyway but that’s intensely personal.
