Beautiful Fountain Pen Ink With Some Big Flaws!

[@tmwtpbrent14]

Here's a tip. When opening the bottle to ink up a pen, set it on a table with two semi-thick books bracing it on the front and the back.

[@williamcatalano1762]

Each of your bigger videos makes me feel like I'm learning something worthwhile and new about a place or something in history. Thanks Hemingway!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you very much! That’s very kind of you to say.

[@sunnycharacter]

Gorgeous ink. Reminds me of the patina teal blue of the copper roofing. Hopefully one day FWP will revisit their bottle design. Maybe something in the shape of the large Diamine or Iroshizuku (my favorite bottle design to date).

[@amariebeaubien]

i was just gonna say--the color is very much like the copper patina color of the roofing!

[@sunnycharacter]

@@amariebeaubien Which is a gorgeous combination when you have copper and the turquoise together. If you look at a color wheel, color theory suggests those two would be opposite and complimentary. Isn’t nature brilliant?!

[@isabelwinstanley5445]

I have their interesting “holder” for this ink bottle. Not sure it makes it more stable but looks good and it will tip the bottle to access last drop of ink.

[@Latinart]

I think your video was more than just an ink story it was a story telling experience. Thanks for sharing and the tips on how to have better success using Ferris ink bottles.

[@fountainpentherapy]

WOW! What a great video, combining travel with fountain pen inks. This was really enjoyable. This also has a special significance for me as not too long ago I had major court trial in Quebec City and I actually moved there for 4 months. My apartment was in the old city. A beautiful city and beautiful people. Although I can tell you that as a Montrealer, there is a big rivalry between the cities. But that is another story for another day. As to the ink, FWP has to change those bottles. Until then I am really reluctant to buy any. But Frontenac Blue hits home so its very tempting. Nice work. See you next Tuesday. Vincenzo Fountain Pen therapy.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you, My Friend! I am glad you enjoyed it. I bet living there was a wonderful experience. Canada is a wonderful country.

[@sleepawkeen]

I loved learning about the Frontenac. Your voice is mesmerizing when telling history and personal experience...very enjoyable.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks very much! That was very kind of you to say.

[@paulherman5822]

Seems like they're pushing form over function with their bottles. Especially the "pocket watch" ones. As iffy as Noodler's "overfilled so you have value" ones.😁 Looks like half their inks are made more for the art community instead of those who just write, but they're not the only ones (Sailor.) This ink looks like the latter. 😉 Thanks for the very beautiful picture, word and visual, of this ink!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you for the comment and for watching.

[@margaretbertoldi2271]

This is a wonderful video.I love the ink on the paper, and am mentally toying with ways to deal with the bottle as I promptly add it to my Christmas list!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you!

[@eileengoldenberg270]

Good job sketching with your pen and ink.. urban sketching! Many chapters in Canada!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much!

[@shane6242]

I don't buy FWP because of the non-functional bottle. I did really enjoy your sketch of the Chateau, you should absolutely sketch more in your videos :)

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks Man! I am working on that! I want to do more.

[@kuraicraft]

I had never heard of this place, but i can see what you like it so much

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you!

[@2000dcampos]

Very nice video and very well done. I just got my first bottle of Ferris Wheel Press ink, Peter Moss, that I plan to use for the summer. I'm glad I didn't throw away that seal but did just as you did and placed it in the cap. Thanks for all you do!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much! And thanks for watching!

[@karenholden4740]

Love the history and the ink. Thanks

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you for being here!

[@sruckel]

Another very classy video from the master, Hemingway Jones. You are absolutely right about the FWP bottles. The gold edged graphics and the bottles are beautiful, but sometimes function needs to be the most important design element, especially with fountain pen ink. Graf von Faber Castell bottles are great in both function and beauty-stable with heft and a larger opening.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I am so glad you enjoyed this.

[@EELinneman]

Beautiful review with an inspiring and scenic mini vacation for all of us. Well done HJ!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much, Eric!

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Hi HJ! Was not even considering this ink when it came out, because it seemed like it would be too light to write with. Now I am thinking about at least trying a sample of it. Thanks! Thanks also, for the stunning visuals around the Chateau and environs!

[@adrienneyoung898]

Similar to the colour of the copper roof on the chateau, perhaps?

[@HemingwayJones]

Maybe! It’s just not that similar. More blue than green. But why not!

[@GGMCreates]

Maybe the color of the snow in dusky light on the roof? They did describe it as icy.

[@debbypodgorski4144]

Lovely video! That is a pretty ink. I agree the FWP bottles are a challenge. Old Quebec is a beautiful city. Only spent part of a day there. It would be lovely to go back. Need to get my husband to watch this video!

[@HemingwayJones]

Hello Debby! Thanks so much for watching! I hope that you make it back. Thanks so much!

[@Digital_Potion]

This is my favourite shade of blue ink. But I gave-up on FWP inks because of the impracticality of their bottle shapes. Good alternate inks (sans the shimmer) are Diamine Steel Blue & Noodlers Blue Nose Bear. Beautiful , elegant video, as always! Thank you!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@fusadiluna]

Hi! On what paper do you use your blue nose bear? Mine feathers a lot and I don't know how to use it :(

[@kristiw.1823]

I have adored the FWP inks I've bought... Cabernet on the Lake is my current favorite. But I'm concerned about something and wondering if you could address it. Is it true that they've started relying on A.I. art for their bottles and merchandising materials?

[@HemingwayJones]

I honestly don’t know. That would be disappointing and surprising considering that they have a very talented marketing group over there. When I speak with them next, I’ll ask.

[@kristiw.1823]

@@HemingwayJones Thank you! I would really appreciate finding out. As a fledgling artist, who finds incredible inspiration in the many pen and ink artists that populate Reddit and other social media venues, it would be so discouraging for a fountain pen company to not be utilizing human skills for this sort of thing. I'm already dealing with watching Van Dieman's go that route. Love their ink, but....

[@ginopagnani7286]

Beautiful video HJ. Brings back many of my memories of the Chateau and my trips to Quebec in happier times. And I do think that bottle design is a disaster waiting to happen.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much, My Friend!

[@gailsbookishthings5191]

Now I want to go there too! I had no idea what an amazing city that would be to visit. 😃 You made a great point about the ink bottle design. It looks pretty but isn’t practical. I haven’t been drawn to too many of FWP inks because they seem too light or too dry for my writing preference but I have been enjoying their Royal Rhubarb. This was a beautifully done video.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much for watching! I am so glad you enjoyed it! I hope you make it to Old Quebec!

[@Calcprof]

Using only a Laguiole (French) pocket knife is essential. I had a wonderful beef cheeks Poutine when I ate there in August. (At that time the room rates were really expensive, so I stayed down the hill).

[@HemingwayJones]

That knife was perfect for the video, I thought. Nice that you know it. Love it there so much.

[@lisawilson7889]

Thank you for this video. I thought the roof colors of the castle might have inspired the ink color. It is lovely.

[@pamelaboxall7015]

Yes, me too - I mentioned it several times as I was watching the video, but apparently shouting "The colour of the roof!" at the screen has no effect on the reviewer's words. Clearly this social media thingy isn't as interactive as they'd have you believe.

[@HemingwayJones]

It’s possible, but the roof is aged copper green and the ink is much bluer, but it’s possible. Thanks!

[@lisawilson7889]

@@pamelaboxall7015 thank you so much for your reply; it had me laughing out loud at the end of a long day! 😁

[@spiderwrangler4457]

I thought people's complaints about their bottles were over blown, then I got my first bottle of FWP (an 80ml Wondrous Winterberry) and within 24 hours had my largest spill to date. Planning on carving an inking block out of wood with receptacle slots for various bottle types.

[@HemingwayJones]

That is very creative of you! We shouldn't have to go to these lengths.

[@spiderwrangler4457]

But if they didn't have obnoxiously tippy round flask bottles, no one would buy their $50 metal Ferris Wheel stands to fix the problem! A carousel for the big bottles? @@HemingwayJones

[@Tuilelen]

The detached seal is very annoying, as I feel like it makes putting the cap back on a bit stressful because I don't know whether the seal is staying centered or not. However, the stability of the bottles and the size of the opening never bothered me. I'm a pretty careful person so it never even occurred to me that it would be easy for the bottle to topple over. The beauty of their products is the main reason I purchase them, tbh. I spend most of my time at my desk and end up constantly looking at the bottles, so it's important to me that they're beautiful and set a nice atmosphere for me to work.

[@HemingwayJones]

I can appreciate that.They are very pretty indeed. Thanks for watching.

[@jolienkrispijn]

That's a really beautiful video, HJ! I think i need to visit Quebec some day

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much! It is lovely there. Thanks for watching.

[@dotc3860]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you… you solved my issue with my FWP ink bottle. Sadly I threw away the plastic thingy but I put a piece of press’n’seal wrap over the neck and tightened the cap. For the moment it isn’t leaking but I put the bottle in a plastic bag just in case😺. Again thanks and I’ll know better next time

[@HemingwayJones]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@AMusset]

I was born in Quebec City and this video really "hit home" for me. Thank you for yet another wonderful video. As for FWP bottles I think they "really" want you to buy the bottle holder (I did) as it helps a lot!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you very much! You are from a magical place.

[@2000dcampos]

Lol I had no idea that the bottle holder even existed! Thanks for the heads up.

[@lizpilgrim1]

I had no idea either FWP has a bottle holder available for purchase. Thanks for the tip!

[@judyanderson1329]

They don’t make enough stock for everyone who wants them! The same with certain inks. It is very frustrating!

[@connieanderson6339]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing.

[@HemingwayJones]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@LauraKnotek]

That's a lovely ink that appears usable. I'm just not a fan of shimmering inks due to the pen maintenance necessary. That bottle just keeps me away from any of their inks, even if the inks don't have shimmer. When they had 85 ml bottles, those were not as unstable. I just know that if I had those current Ferris Wheel Press bottles, I'd have more ink on my desk, floor and hands than in my pen. I like inks that come in bottles that are practical. Practical bottles can still be pretty. The Diamine Inkvent 50 ml bottles are lovely as well as practical and stable.

[@HemingwayJones]

Hello Laura, thank you for watching! I agree. I love the J Herbin classic bottles! They are near perfect. Thanks so much!

[@johnmanuel2980]

Beautiful video of Quebec and the beauty of the Frontenac Hotel. I myself if I worked for FWP would have linked the color to the copper patina that the roof of the Hotel has. Maybe a dark green with copper shimmer. I think it would look really cool with the copper reflecting in the dried ink. What do you think? Good Job HJ.

[@HemingwayJones]

I think that’s brilliant! Great idea!

[@AtomicElf1]

Sky... frost... It's the color of the roof, man! 😄

[@LewisLittle66]

This is just what I was about to say.

[@HemingwayJones]

The roof is green like aged copper. It’s a whole different shade.

[@AtomicElf1]

@HemingwayJones Perhaps the camera does not do the color justice. In taking a look at the Ferris Wheel Press site, it's clear that the ink is a different shade than the prominent color on the box. The description only mentions the Chateau as sitting stoically in the distance, whereas (although still in the background) it seems to be a much more prominent part of the scene on the box. But instead of focusing on the Chateau, emphasis is given to the winter scene with carousel, skating rink, and twinkling bottle lights casting a soft glow on snow covered trees, all as seen in a snow globe. The name does make me wonder if the original inspiration was the roof of the Chateau, and then they decided to go in a slightly different direction in order to invoke a more relatable mystique.

[@amariebeaubien]

i agree!

[@sealine8717]

Both the bottle and the box are so difficult to handle!😂 I have their Writing Desk brown and the color is worth the extra care.

[@HemingwayJones]

I totally agree!

[@patrickblindeman5847]

I like the castle/hotel better than the ink, honestly I like slightly darker blue colors better. Maybe when you use it with a broad nib you will obtain slightly darker variations.... Or am I seeing it wrong ?

[@HemingwayJones]

Maybe! Thanks for watching! I appreciate it.

[@lizpilgrim1]

Another wonderful video, Tim! I love how you featured your family's visit to Quebec City with this Frontenac Blue ink. This is definitely a Quebecois colour. I haven't tried any of the Ferris Wheel Press inks yet. I was interested in what you said about needing to keep the seal. I wanted to refill a pen with a Wordsworth and Black ink recently and I found the cap had leaked. I was glad I had kept the bottle in cellophane in the box so it contained what had leaked. I can't remember if it had a seal. I had a mishap with my Oxblood sample because the sample vials are so small and light and it was filled to the brim; however, not a disaster as I had the vial sitting on paper towel. Of course my hands were inky but it really let me experience the ink in all its bloodiness and I love it. And I still have most of the sample. Thanks, again!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you! Thanks for watching! I am so glad you enjoyed it.

[@gleemonexrx]

Splendid video! I enjoyed learning about the history of the Frontenac and seeing those cozy snapshots from your vacations there. It was a bit like a "Rick Steves" travel video for fountain pen enthusiasts. Perhaps more of such travels in your future?

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much and I am glad you liked this! I do a lot of these and they are always my least watched videos, including this one. But I love making them regardless. So I appreciate it so much.

[@Moshavnik7272]

My wife and I spent our honeymoon at this hotel. It was magical. Quebec City is beautiful and we enjoyed it all! The Ferris Wheel Press artwork is incredible and I wish I could collect all the ink boxes. I get that the bottle is not as stable as it should but you can’t have everything…

[@HemingwayJones]

What a wonderful place to Honeymoon! So romantic!

[@inkyfingers1045]

Your such a nice man with such a lovely family

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much! You’re very kind.

[@oldladywithacamera]

I like the ink and the video!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you!

[@Pjohnson338]

Which Laguiole style knife are you using?

[@HemingwayJones]

It’s a fairly traditional, if large, folder with a punch. Made of bulls horn and brass. With my name engraved. It’s charming.

[@pauldavidartistclub6723]

I have such fond memories of the family vacation to Quebec in 1976 (part of our Niagara/Horseshoe Falls/Toronto/Montreal/Old Quebec/Ottowa sweep). I can still recall a quaint place where we had breakfast, and of course hunting for French language comic books. They didn’t seem as readily available as in the States, and found no homegrown publications (Comely Comics put out three self-published issues of the English language title Captain Canuck in 1975/76 but they were no where to be found during that trip…and weren’t published again until 1979 into the early 1980’s), though we finally discovered Canadian-licensed French-translated issues of Bat-Man, Spider-Man and The Hulk, all STILL in my aging comics collection. I also remember Paul McCartney’s then new “Let ‘em In” on the radio absolutely everywhere we went, so that song and Canada are forever locked together in my mind. Unusually for my parents, given their sightseeing habits, we didn’t go to see that hotel, and I sadly have never been back to Quebec City since (only Montreal on one trip, Toronto on another). But as usual, thanks so much for this ink review/travelogue video

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much for watching. I loved your memories. La Isla Bonita is matched with my first trip to Italy!

[@PaulSteMarie]

Interesting. I would have thought that the shimmer would make this ink only be suitable for dip pens.

[@HemingwayJones]

People put shimmer in all sorts of fountain pens. I only put it in affordable and easy to clean ones. Thanks!

[@dr.d723]

Very nice video, Tim. Thank you for putting it together. Being from the West, I have never been to Chateau Frontenac. I have had similar special moments at The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, and The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, and my very special favorite, the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton. It would be wonderful to see inks made for those.

[@HemingwayJones]

The Fairmont Banff Springs is on my list. That look amazing. If they make those inks, I may have an excuse to travel! Thanks for watching.

[@LaddGardner4]

Beautiful. Super fun to watch. I think you would make some amazing travelogue videos, regardless of the overarching subject matter (e.g., pens, journaling, cooking, whatever...). You have a gift for putting your viewer in the setting, alongside you, and that's both a function of excellent filmography and well-paced narration. And the poetic phrasings and soft vocalization don't hurt, either.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much, Ladd! Above all else, I make these to be entertaining. I am so glad you enjoyed it.

[@richardzak2140]

Hello HJ. Quebec City is on my bucket list of places to go. Very nice b roll throughout the video. I've never have purchased anything from Ferris Wheel, and teal is not one of my colors. The box, however, is a beautiful design with elegance. Good video. Keep them coming.

[@HemingwayJones]

Richard, My Friend! Thank you so much! Yes, Quebec is an amazing city. So full of culture, nice people, and excellent food. Thanks for watching!

[@brigitteloranger8692]

Love Quebec City, love Chateau Frontenac! Have spilled a full FPW ink bottle before , they are dangerous and impractical, but beautiful and fun. Keep sketching!

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much!

[@edwardrutledge2765]

I’m so tortured with FWP, their lovely bottles are horrible, the 20ml option impossible due to narrow neck opening. Their preponderance of rose gold glitter drives me nuts, overwhelming every shade it’s used in. Please, please FWP, exploit SHADING non glitter inks, and redesign those bottles!

[@HemingwayJones]

I am with you on the bottles and glitter. You can do a shallow fill. Let all the glitter sink to the bottom and fill at the top to miss it all!

[@afkoyuncu5886]

Hey HJ got a question for you. I have acquired my grail pens (149 and homosapiens bronze age) and now that I have them all other pens seem irrelevant. I do want to get more but everytime I look at a pen while shopping I just think what I have is already better so why bother. Have you experienced something like this?

[@HemingwayJones]

Yes! I wrote with 4 pens for a while with the 149 being my main pen. I get it. It’s better if you are all set. Eventually, I was curious about other pens.

[@wolf_ceit_witch]

Another awesome video HJ. I very much agree about the FWP bottles, it's why I don't collect the ink. I really would like to, the colors are up my ally, but the bottles are not great. I would almost have to decant into another bottle in order to use them. Some are rather light for my liking. The Frontenac Blue is lovely and I can see that it would be a drawing ink but not sure I would write with it. Thank you for sharing.

[@HemingwayJones]

Ceit! Thanks so much! I hope you are feeling better. I am so glad you enjoyed this video.

[@katzenfrau]

Chateau Frontenac is amazing!!! One of the coolest place I've stayed, I would love to go back!! I would say FWP missed the mark on this one, though it is a pretty ink on its own.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks very much! I am so glad you know that hotel. I love that place.

[@gihanzohdy3284]

The bottle may be poorly designed for reasons of function, but they're beautiful to look as they remind one of vintage perfume bottles when French production of scents was proverbial. I would not use this ink for writing, although I love the entire turquoise/ teal gamut I would chose only saturated, well behaved inks for my beloved pens.

[@jcortese3300]

Reminds me a bit of the verdigris patina on the copper roof ...

[@HemingwayJones]

That’s about as close as it gets except that in person, it looks much greener than this ink color.

[@moonlover1313]

You're absolutely right on the money about FWP bottles. Of all the ink I have, it's my FWP ink that I worry most about potentially spilling. As far as filling pens, I've mostly just given up trying to use the bottle for that, and will pour a bit into an ink miser to use that. Not quite as romantic or asthetic as filling directly from the bottle, but it is still possible to get some ink stains on my fingers without ending up with a huge amount of spilled ink to clean up. Steeped Umber is my go to, a lovely light brown, almost reminding me of faded ink on an ancient page of hand scribbled notes

[@ChrisSaenz13]

Hi Hemingway! The 38 ml bottles are kind of dangerous for tipping over ... lol ... I hollowed out a chunk of rigid packing foam to make a holder ... not pretty but it works. But, I noticed they made a ferris wheel themed brass holder for their 38 ml ink bottled but it was super limited edition so of course I missed out on that. There's someone in Canada who makes some ink bottle holders with a 3-D printer! This Frontenac Blue ink looks gorgeous. It seems to have enough saturation for writing which is a big plus. Hope you are enjoying winter ... I always love your videos!!!! ~Chris~

[@HemingwayJones]

Chris, My Dear Friend! Always a pleasure! I do hope you are keeping well. Thanks for checking in.

[@chocolatesandpasta]

It might be the camera but the colour looks a bit teal-grayish but I think it does describe the Chateau Frontenac well. (From what I can see in the video anyways. I would love to go to Canada to visit it one day.) I would also agree the way Ferris Wheel has designed the bottle is impractical for regular use. I would love to buy their inks one day but better packaging would help with that.

[@kch82566]

Love your videos! I have never thought about FWP bottles but you are right about the design. I do LOVE their colors however I am always a bit disappointed when I actually succumb to buying. Their inks always look too ethereal for real writing. They have no body. They will be good water paint inks I suppose. The blue you highlighted is lovely though

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you so much for the kind words and thanks for watching.

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

Is this one of the travel videos you mentioned in the Live? If so, it is lovely, and lovingly done. And now I want to go to Quebec. I enjoy Ferris Wheel Press inks, but the bottles are a problem. My current favorite is Tumultuous Tides. I didn't know you could draw like that. What a pleasant surprise.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you very much! You are very kind! Yes! This was one of the travel videos I mentioned. I do have a bunch of these now on a whole range of topics filmed wherever I happened to be at the time. I am so glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the kind words on my doodle! I am trying to get back into art.

[@margaretdecker8128]

Gorgeous color. I would set that bottle inside a coffee mug (of compatible color, of course) - let's see it fall over in there. I enjoyed the history/georgraphy info. I invest such time and care in my letter-writing that my letters deserve the fountain pen so from now on, they'll have it! Thanks for the nudge!

[@crouserm]

Nice invitation into a happy time at the Chateau. Thanks! Also, splendid review of the ink. Teal, like cyan, just doesn't do it for me. I don't know why. I love blue and green. As to the funky bottles . . . one of your videographic commentator colleagues has a son who has devised "ink buddies" to stabilize the bottle. FYI. Always appreciating your work.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks for watching! It’s always nice to see you in the comments.

[@martscapes]

Great video and the ink✨️✒️. Many thanks. Greetings from Poland and Germany🖐

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@stationerystream]

I do enjoy using the FWP inks for sketching and drawing study diagrams or labelling things in my notes that are more "FYI" instead of to be highlighted. In terms of the bottles, I do prefer their large 85ml spherical ones more, I'm glad they're bringing them back. The 38ml bottles I've figured how to use by stabilising with my left hand, but I have some dexterity and flexibility due to playing piano and practice balancing precious vials of fluids with fingers, so I'm likely the exception in my experiences with their bottles. They're certainly not stable, but their not the most unstable bottles I've ever had to refill from.

[@robinpennell1594]

I see it as the verdigris on the copper roof. And the bottle is designed to sell the bottle holder...

[@HemingwayJones]

Hear hear!

[@fossilimprint2954]

Lovely folding knife you used there, is it a Laguiole knife? Sadly for me that bottle design is a deal breaker. It is like they intentionally made the most unstable bottle just so you spill and have to buy more inks from them.

[@HemingwayJones]

It is a Laguiole and with my name on the blade. I love that one.

[@Agent_Orange_Peel]

Love that laguiole. That and Swiss Army knives are the only knives I buy that aren’t American made.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much! Have you tried Scandinavian? I have a Helle that is frightfully sharp and very beautiful. It pops up in these videos now and again. Thank you.

[@Agent_Orange_Peel]

@@HemingwayJones Haven’t picked up anything Scandinavian yet. I’m a big fan of puukko knives, so I probably should. I also keep hearing that Fällkniven makes some amazing knives. Maybe one day I’ll grab one. Oh cool. I’ll have to keep my eye out for that in one of your videos.

[@michaelfourie345]

I do the majority of my writing on Rhodia cream. If it is possible, could you do some of your future ink reviews with a line or two on Rhodia cream? No other ink or pen reviewer writes on it even though (as far as I can tell) it is a very popular paper color choice.

[@rv6847]

I love FWP inks, but i stick to darker, more saturated ones, as i do with other brands as well. Their bottles are beautiful, but a little scary. They don't handle frost very well (don't ask me how i know😢). When I saw Frontenac blue, i thought of the roof and the vert-de-gris of copper patina, but i have yet to get my hands on a bottle. Beautiful video, bringing back many memories of growing up in QC.

[@HemingwayJones]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks.

[@karmesindryade]

The FWP bottlers are beautiful bad dangerous as you mentioned. I think that Doug at Inkquiring Minds designed a bottle holder called "Ink Buddy" for them. I found this idea so clever that I created one myself. It is made from a rectangular block of wood (mahogany) and has 3 semicircular cutouts so that I can put 3 FWP bottles inside. For even more stability, I mounted it on a brass plate. The small opening of the bottler is still an issue and I use FWP inks mostly on pens with a converter which I fill with a syringe.

[@HemingwayJones]

That is way too much work for me! Plus, I evaluate things as I find them. I applaud your ingenuity! Well done!

[@bob87776]

Same here, syringe.

[@edwardwiper1323]

Great video HJ,pity it was some what spoiled by FWP inks & their inexplicable shaped bottles.You’ve guessed I’m not a fan.

[@HemingwayJones]

As longed as you liked my video, I am happy!

[@jpfanfic4226]

I love my ferris wheel press inks, but I agree. Filling up my pens is terrifying.

[@HemingwayJones]

So true!

[@SusanElizabethJonesArt]

I purchased two large bottles of Ferris Wheel Press ink and one of their fountain pens, and was so happy when it arrived. The inks had gold cast to them, and of course I immediately filled the pen to practice writing. The ink wouldn't come out of the pen. I wanted to return my purchase because it didn't work, and was told the ink I purchased was for dip pen use only. However, when I opened their website to read the description of the ink, it never mentioned the ink was for dip pen use only. I brought this to their attention, and they said they would add the information to the page, but still no compensation for the ink that doesn't work. This makes me very sad. I purchased a few beautiful hand-blown glass dip pens so I can use the ink, but I didn't purchase them from FWP. In fact, I've learned my lesson. I will never purchase anything ever again from this company. I do love their packaging and beautiful advertising. And the Frontenac blue ink you are holding is a stunning color.

[@HemingwayJones]

I am so sorry that you went through all of that. Thanks for watching the video. This is a great color.

[@schawo2]

Calligraphy ink? It is always for dip pens. All the brands categorize their dip inks as "calligraphy". I'm sorry for your experience with fwp. They should have accept a return.

[@SusanElizabethJonesArt]

@@schawo2 I've learned that lesson now, but regretfully I didn't know at the time calligraphy ink was code for dip pen only. How hard would it be to mention that snippet of information in the description for those of us new to the tribe? For a new enthusiast, I now have hard feelings towards this brand.

[@johnnyragadoo2414]

This is a video with atmosphere, the ethos of academia. More, please.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching.

[@ichirofakename]

Nice ink, nice town.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you! Always a pleasure to hear from you.

[@minkademko2335]

The bottle is obviously shaped hinting toward a ferris wheel.

[@Vermiliontea]

This is an ink I'll probably never permanence test. FWP's enormous attention to surface glitz paired with flagrant disregard for user quality in their packaging, already has me suspicious enough about the ink. It might be good, the possibility exists, but I'll never know. There are enough inks in the world.

[@HemingwayJones]

I appreciate you watching!

[@Keasha274]

I liked the inks i got from them, they have nice grays, dark blues and blacks , their fountain pens are trash tho, i used a syringe to draw out ink and put it in another glass container to fill my fatter pens

[@archivist17]

I've never been to Québec, sadly, but I have been to many of the châteaux of the Loire. My own favourites were Chaumont, with it's commanding elevated position, and series of connected towers like the lower part of Fronténac, and Chenonceau, whose main section is echoed in the huge tower. My favourite part of Chenonceau is the fact that it quirkily spans a river, like the most over-ornate bridge ever, but obviously that wasn't part of the architect's vision for the hotel 😄

[@carolwelcome3348]

As much as we love to hate the bottles, we still keep buying them. They are beautiful and it has almost become a privilege or point of status that we can obtain and use a pretty bottle of ink that we will likely spill half of.

[@HemingwayJones]

Quite possibly. Thanks so much!

[@mikri2008]

Your words make me go into raptures. Thoughts of my days in Quebéc 10 years ago. My wife and I spent 7 great weeks in eastern Canada. But Quebéc was certainly one of the highlights.

[@HemingwayJones]

Thank you very much. I obviously adore that city. Thanks very much for watching.

[@norm7257]

Very interesting video! When you have time to read a book, find a copy of William Kirby’s “The Golden Dog” (Le Chien d’Or), which describes life in the 1760’s in Quebec City. Le Chien d’Or was a tavern frequented by the French troops. A British spy overheard the troops talking about a winding trail from the Plains of Abraham to the shore of the St. Lawrence River. The troops used this trail to go down the side of the cliff for a swim in the cool river. The British used the trail to invade the Plains of Abraham and conquer the French troops as they slept. Le Chien d’Or still exists in Le vieux Quebec, although last time I visited the city, Le Chien d’Or was a bookshop - but the sign still hangs above the door.

[@HemingwayJones]

That books sounds great. Thank you very much!

[@PeterLove-oc7ys]

Not a fan of FWP love the travelogue do more of that!

[@HemingwayJones]

I do a lot of this on this channel, but usually no one watches them! (No one is really watching this one either!). Check out this video for instance: studio.kzbin.infoRCPBCqh0QfM/edit

[@PeterLove-oc7ys]

LOL don't judge your videos by views but the fun you have making them and the fact that some people do appreciate them ... @@HemingwayJones

[@briwinter5098]

Actually I don't feel (very) inclined to buy the ink in the very near future. But I definitely will think about visiting Quebec now. 🤣

[@HemingwayJones]

Wonderful! Quebec is awesome! I never want you to buy anything. I am not a pen seller.

[@spoonierv1543]

When I was well and physically able I had several lovely work trips walking around the city and stayed in the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. For whatever reason the hotel gave me a rubber duckie that I still have. As for Ferris Wheel, I have tried some samples and if it is still being sold might buy one. But I’m inclined not to because this constant churning of products and fake urgency of purchase I find obnoxious.

[@Xingqiwu387]

This instantly gives me a terrible case of Seasonal Affective Disorder! Give me Arizona reds and yellows any day.

[@HemingwayJones]

Then you need to watch this! You Won’t Believe What Helped My Seasonal Depression! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKrZq3lqes99Z7c

[@potandpens]

FWP I only have one bottle-misguided mistletoe I don’t have an issue with the bottle. If you wanna talk about difficult ink bottles do a video on them sample vials lbvs

[@kurtgeisinger2012]

The Ferris Wheel Press bottle, albeit beautiful, is a disaster waiting to happen. Best to decant the ink into something more substantial. The ink is beautiful and I liked the B-roll footage. Also, that is a nice knife; it looks handmade.

[@HemingwayJones]

Hello Kurt! Absolutely! My thoughts exactly! The knife was made for me from a company in Laguiole. You can just about make out my name engraved on it in the video. Thanks!

[@blktauna]

I fill from a syringe so their stupidly small bottle necks aren't a problem for me.

[@kathleens1708]

The bottles are the main reason I rarely buy Ferris Wheel Press. It is unfortunate because they make interesting colors. Would you have bought the ink if you didn’t have a connection to your family?

[@HemingwayJones]

No, not at all. I only bought it because of the Chateau. And because I knew I could make this video. It was all for the art of it.

[@m.muzinski7842]

Next thing to do.. visit Poland and bring back couple of KWZ inks with special places’ names! :-)

[@HemingwayJones]

That would be amazing.

[@ruiramos1521]

O prefer the simple design bottle of Parker Quink rather then this design

[@HemingwayJones]

That is a sensible bottle.

[@Holger_Der_Erpel]

For me: City and hotel i love a much. And the ink? No. Too thin, watery (is this a word?).

[@HemingwayJones]

Watery is definitely a word and yes! I get it. I am so glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@Holger_Der_Erpel]

@@HemingwayJones when i was joung, i study hotelmanagement here in Germany and for us your hotel and the Penisula Hongkong, Dorchester London, Glenaegles Scottland, Breidenbacher Hof Düsseldorf, etc… are the target of our dreams.

[@ClarkFralicksceart1]

I can't figure FWP out. They have some great inks. They also have some not-so-great inks. But that's normal for any ink manufacturer. Their design and marketing are topnotch as well and yet they have these really badly designed bottles. Hasn't anyone ever mentioned this to them before? I guess they are more form than function. Imagine if they just widened the mouth of their bottles to fit 75% of the fountain pens available? or replaced the cap with an ABS plastic cap? Some of the inks and the story association to the inks are incredible but that gets lost in the execution. I will continue to buy ink from FWP because the Fairytales inks are generally really good.

[@HemingwayJones]

I am with you on all counts!

[@MissMarilynDarling]

Great video I would not purchase a bottle of their 30 ml ink cause their just tooo topsy a sample on the other hand I will take all those lol I need to have Doug Rathbun's kid make me a fwp Inkbuddy but I just haven't had the pennies laterly not that their expensive but I just bought a new phone and I got sick and all these things that have been stealing my pennies lately ugh.. I love this ink i think it reminds me of another ink cant remember which Ill have to look in my collection and get back to you my brain is all squirrly sense i've been sick

[@HemingwayJones]

Thanks for watching, My Friend. I am so sorry that you sick. I hope you snap back soon!

[@March22012]

Really, the bottles are not soch a problem. Get an Ink Buddy built for it. Then I have a mini measure that I simply pour the ink into, fill my pen and pour it back into the gorgeous bottle. A mini ritual I thoroughly enjoy. The glitter? Well, pour it through a coffee filter and be rid of it.

[@HemingwayJones]

I would literally never do that and I am the king of embracing complications! But I am glad that you find joy in it. Thanks so much for watching and for commenting! I appreciate it.

[@PlanYourOneLife]

They definitely need to widen the throat of the their bottles. I love the way their spherical bottles look, but I agree with you, they need to change the shape for better functionality. Since I do like some of their inks, I'll still buy them in the meantime.

[@martham9980]

FWP offers fountain inks in bottles that are not practical for use with actual fountain pens. Not for me.

[@HemingwayJones]

Agree.

[@frankmarek9921]

Nice ink but bottle may tip over,frank in Oswego,ill

[@catherinehubbard1167]

For an object that will be handled and used, artistic esthetics need to be combined with realistic engineering.

[@HemingwayJones]

Hear, hear!

[@michellek649]

Love their inks. Hate the bottle designed. The little ones are even more annoying. I don't get it.

[@HemingwayJones]

Me too!