The name of this ink line is interesting. "Barock" in Hebrew means "lightning", though considering the longstanding anti-Semitism of the Germans, it seems unlikely that a company based in Dresden would knowingly use a Hebrew word.

So sick of brands trying to force you to stay locked in by unnecessarily giving you "unique" (proprietary) sizes and compatibility. No way I can support that, they did it intentionally to try to trap you in as a customer, don't accept that treatment.

I have the black one with <M> nib - I agree, it's a fantastic writer. I just syringe-fill the CON-40 or the cartridge for more capacity. Works just fine for me. Also, I don't mind the barely audible "rattle" from the converter, in fact when it gets a bit more noticeable (still not a bother) it tells me the ink level is going low :) FWIW, I got this via US Amazon a year or so ago, for just over $70 when the Yen-US$ exchange rate was in my favor, while other US online retailers were selling this for $140. My only gold nib, and such a pleasant writer. I enjoy your reviews - Happy 2025.

Unconventional choice, but you do make a good case for it.

Barock actually takes all three spots in my top three this year! Third place is Grünkohl, their collaboration with Fountainfeder, an excellent online shop from Germany. Second place is Barock Charleston. I love Diamine Honey Burst, but it has always been a bit of a dry ink. Charleston fixes that and also is a little less orange leaning, which I appreciate as well. First place is Barock Bordeaux. Just a stunning, deep burgundy red. It offers great performance and shades really nicely. It is basically married to my Kaweco Dia2 (my favourite pen). I gotta say, next time I order some ink I absolutely need a sample of Kaviar, it looks stunning!

I love them both!

Thanks for introducing me to a new ink.

My top 3 inks of 2024 Diamine Jet Black Robert Oster Dragon’s Night Robert Oster Grey Seas

Diamine Rosewood is my highlight of the year. Interesting you have an Aurora ink bottle in the thumbnail. Aurora inks don’t get the recognition they deserve. The black is especially good in finer nibs as it is so complex it doesn’t rely on just black dye.

Merry Christmas Mick! 🎄

Thank you that is a great ink

3 Oysters Purple Grey is similar. Really like this shade of ink.

In my pursuit of a great dark green ink I just bought Octopus fluids "write and draw" in Green Tiger and Octopus Fluids 'Tiefgrun' (Dark Green).

Thank you for this review, very interesting. If you haven’t already tried them, I recommend some of the inks in the Hongdian line, especially the Gray, Purple, Black, Brown, and Blackish Green. Their Blue is lovely, but there are a lot of lovely blue inks. (My favorites are Oxford Blue for a soluble blue and Noodler’s Anti-feather Blue for a waterproof one.) Their Brown is similar in color to Diamine Espresso, a blackish brown cooler in tone than the colors you seem to prefer. The Gray is quite deep, and the Black is also deep, with a purplish undertone. The Purple is gorgeous, deep and warm. The Blackish Green is a deep, dark teal. All these inks are intense, free-flowing, well-behaved, and quite inexpensive. They have just a bit of water resistance though mostly soluble. I highly recommend them. There are more colors in the Hongdian line, but I have not tried them.

I ‘discovered’ Octopus Fluids for the first time earlier this year. I was amazed to learn that they manufacture inks for all industries and mediums. Although I live in a city of over 450,000, there are only two small stores (a bookstore and a card shop) that sell a veeeeery limited selection of fountain pen inks. I was shocked that one of them had recently started carrying Octopus Fluids. I picked up a bottle of unicorn and I loved it so much that as I’d empty a pen, I’d refill yet another pen with Unicorn to see how it performed with a different make, model and nib. I’ve been blown away every time! I’m looking forward to rebuying this ink *many* times over!

Thanks for your Ink of the year. I thought I found one in Diamine Athol Purple but it was too light for my taste. So I just purchased Diamine Purple Bow. Have you used this ink? I know it is not a new release but Noodler's Navajo Turquoise is just stunning. Very stable ink. The worst for me was Visconti Blue. It was so viscous, it wouldn't flow through the feed or nib without vigorously shaking the pen to get the ink down through the feed. I ended diluting the ink and so far it is working. My only Christmas present that brought a smile to my face was the Kanwrite Mammoth X. What a big pen with a #9 nib and ebonite feed.

everyone’s different but I like a European no.6 nib so prefer my lovely Sailor pro gear, Platinum 3776 and Pilot ch912: all have EF nibs:)

Pilot 912 all the way ! Top 3 favorites, the WA, PO and SF nibs ! Regarding inks, Diamine all the way too ! Oxford blue, Blue Black and Prussian Blue !

I got the Asvine V126 as a present. It will be good as an EDC, utility pen. I was comparing the feel of the Asvine to my Pilot Custom 74 and Custom 912 (I don't have the 823) and somehow the texture of the Asvine felt lower quality in a way other similarly priced pens don't. But mine writes very well and I think it will be a good workhorse pen, even if it's not a fancy thoroughbred.

I like these top video's. So thanks a lot. :-)

Agreed on two: Sapiens and Lamy 2000. My third is really a brand, and any of the four I have: Platypus, which I know you know well. Partly because Michael is great, but writing quality, texture/weight and just the uniqueness of the 3D printing within the industry. And my honorable mentions are multiple metal Kaweco Sports. Interesting to see these lists - cheers!

RUNNER UPS: Twsbi Eco; Kaweco Sport ; Esterbrook Camden ; Pilot Custom 823 ; Gravitas Delrin WINNERS: Visconti Homo Sapiens bronze age ; Lamy 2000; Pilot Custom 74 INK; Robert Oster Tranquility ; Lamy Black; Diamine Oxford Bleu

I find these end of the year videos very interesting and useful. It has inspired to keep track of my top pens as well. Thank you for the video!

I recently purchased a Piano fountain pen after reading that Indian school children use them. As the pen cost about £1/50, I wasn't expecting anything great, however, I have been delighted with the 1.5 nib and general performance of my least expensive pen. I have a wide range of fountain pens from medium to high-value, however, my modest £1.50 Piano pen gives great results that equal those of my more high value pens.

Great video Mick, have a great New Year 🎉🎉🎉

Thanks Mick. I've been enjoying your channel this year. Hope you have a very successful tour, and have time for yourself and your loved ones.

Do you have a recommendation for an affordable but not-terrible pen with stub nib which is easily cleaned - for use with sheening and shimmer inks? I'm told TWSBI Eco (I have two) are liable to clog the feed with those type of inks. Someone said I ought to get something with a JoWo 6 nib, and could even use a 'Flexible Nibs' ebonite feed and housing. I'm not sure what pen would suit? Any advice welcome :) I do love deonstratpr pens but could the potential for staining etc be a reason to steer clear of such pens in this use case?

Interesting video again, thank you Mick.

I’m always keen to see these type of year-end videos listing most-loved/used etc pens. And this list of your top 3 was even more revealing and interesting because you have actually covered 5 years, not just this year. Not surprised about Lamy 2000 or the Oxford Blue and RO Tranquility inks. The Visconti HS is a welcome inclusion. But the PC 74 floored me. Couldn’t have guessed that one at all - despite your very favorable review comments about the pen, in the past. Mick, have you ever considered getting the flat-ended, piston-filling sibling of the 74, the 92 (w/identical nib) but more expensive, though? I have the clear demo 92. I just prefer it to the 74.

I am not a a blue or black ink person. I love brown inks and all shades of brown . My go to ink atm is a Robert Oster - Melon Tea.

Another excellent video! Thank you. Now that I've collected all my grail pens, I'm returning to some every day pens and have found the TWSBI Eco T to be a superb writer, as well as the Lamy AL-Star.

I'd love to know WHY the 74 won. ie. why it was used more than others.

The pilot Custom 74 that was a shock,

Interesting, Mick, and thank you for sharing. Not surprised about the Lamy 2000 nor am I about Diamine Oxford Blue. Both are very high on my list as well. Happy holidays to you.

Merry Christmas Michael! Thanks for all the content this last year!

Merry Christmas to you!

Thanks Mick. I love and appreciate the content and what you do for the local pen community.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

I just got one, does anyone know how to use the fountain pen. I just put the cartrage in.

De Atramentis Lilac is my favorite purple, and I enjoy the lovely scent, also. I tend to prefer "true" colors, ie, colors that are just what they say they are. I have never understood the attraction of a "purple" ink that is grey or pink or brown, etc.

Merry Christmas Mick.

What is the. Color name?

Same to you Mick. Take care.

Connor shirt?

I have the original Folio in Ocean Blue. If I'd known an expanded version was coming out, I'd have waited on my purchase, but I still really enjoy using mine.

Another wonderful, entertaining and educational discussion. Diamine Oxford Blue is my favourite ink for my Mont Blanc and Pelikan pens. Thank you so much. RS. Canada

What was the name of the Robert Oster blue ink please ? Anyone know ? Thanks RS. Canada

Great review. Lovely wallet friendly pen. I see they have a page on the Canadian amazon site. I really like it, and think I'm going to buy one for the office. Thanks Mike.

I always like to have a purple on me. My current favourite is Diamine Monboddo's Hat, but there are a couple of tempting options here.