Review: Kuretake Synthetic Brush Pen (DT140-13C)

[@suzalasuzala1135]

I have both the synthetic as well as the sable brushes and I use DeAtrimentis Document Black ink in it. This ink is waterproof on every paper brand I have tried, (s&b, Fabriano artictico, Arches leuchtum and stratmore 500).It works perfectly with watercolors

[@HumbleBearcat]

Is the black very dark or is it fainted?

[@suzala]

Black black

[@brigette3004]

I have a Kuretake brush pen in red. I love it. I am using it to learn brush lettering as one of my new years resolutions. I clean mine with water and a bulb syringe, but only when it feels like I need to clean it. Mostly I can just keep refilling the pen. I am using noodler's heart of darkness for lettering practice.

[@AllanEngelhardt0]

They are Platinum cartridges - I used them with Platinum Carbon Black ink which is water- and bomb-proof. Cartridges are handy for travel and there is the converter for home.

[@higherground711]

Nice brush pen. Cool effects one can get with it. Thanks for the great review Teoh. 👍 😄

[@robineliason7850]

I have the somewhat cheaper number 8 pen, which I absolutely love. I just use Platinum Carbon ink in mine, it is waterproof and comes either in the cartridges or in a bottle that you can refill the converter from. I have had it for several years now and have had no problem with it clogging. Thank you for the review of this pen, I may have to pick one of them up.

[@Drumaier]

So the platinum regular carbon ink cartridges do not fit in the the n8 right?

[@smoonpack]

Quick tip, when you take off the gold ring on the Platinum Converter, it will fit snugly into the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen.

[@DanCrista]

I was skeptic first, because i have a lot of watercolor brushes (with natural hair) that I an proud of and a synthetic one can't do better. But I have to thank you for the review, it is a gorgeous pen (and I love fountain pens) and you can can draw really nice with it ( you can ink drawings, you can draw directly, you can doodle) I love it now ! Thanks again.

[@kuracarpenter2411]

Love the variety of strokes, and the texture looks great. Thanks for sharing your experience :)

[@RynoDBones]

I got my first brush pen last month. I don't know how I ever drew with anything else.

[@10418]

I agree :)

[@jenniefiedler9854]

I like your sketch, I have been experimenting with brush pens and have found them to be a really nice way to warm up before working on illustrations. They are fun to use. 😊

[@bluechromemina]

I have Kuretake No. 8 which is a longer version of this with a roll stopper instead of a clip, I think. I wonder if I can just purchase platinum preppy ink cartridges and use that for this brush pen.

[@ronrizzi6619]

Camilla Mae Lib

[@Tardonis]

You have a great channel , its been so helpful. Decided to go with this pen after your video comparing all types

[@Deathmoths]

do not use warm water, it'll damage it. use normal water on the synthetic one with hand soap, and room temp water on the sable with brush soap, or gentle hand soap. you can even use shampoo. all this applies to traditional brushes. but... I can't recommend you washing these... unless for some reason you want a different color ink. also, do not use high carb or shellac inks. anything low quality that just says "indian" or "Chinese" ink. Dr.ph martin's black star works, and noodler's waterproof/bulletproof inks.

[@KimberlyCrick]

Nice brush pen! I got one to use with my Bombay India Inks since those don't play nice with most of my other fountain/tech pens. This style of brush pen is so good for keeping the tip moist when you have harsh india or waterproof inks that might otherwise dry out easy.

[@teohyc]

Inks that dry with crusty bits will clog the brush pen.

[@rustythoughts]

I have Platinum Carbon Black water proof ink in a charger in mine. It flows beautifully and has also survived quite long periods unused in storage.

[@Jorigin]

Would love to see a side by side comparison review with the Pentel pocket brush pen!

[@teohyc]

I've already made a comparison video that's coming soon

[@Jorigin]

@@teohyc awesome!

[@azzuparis]

Hi Teoh, I love drawing with brush pens and this one looks great. I like the dry-brush effect. I'll have to try it. Thanks for the review 😊

[@AtomekKotalke]

I really love kuretake brush pens though I love the ones with natural brush. They are really good for sketching and playing around with ink. Nice review! Also Kuretake Cambio ink is waterproof.

[@leanneland]

SO excited about this video. I just got this brush pen in the mail tonight and I haven’t opened it yet! 🤗

[@lindamullahy5752]

Very interesting and helpful video also liked the painting you did as well so keep the videos coming and thank you so much for sharing your videos with us.

[@jenniferaboufadle7118]

I’m never disappointed when I see your videos ❤️

[@teohyc]

Thanks 😁

[@dianneandstevehorvath2681]

Thank you Teoh Yi Chie, very helpful as always.

[@teohyc]

Welcome 😊

[@dannygreen1964]

The Kuretake cartridges you get with the #13 pen is very water soluble. It works well with a Pentel Aqua Brush on watercolor paper to make nice inkwash gradations

[@elKachivache]

I want to buy everything you feature ):!

[@esthers5876]

I liked this pen so much that I bought the one with the sable brush. I use platinum carbon ink with it. It's my go-to brush pen with watercolor. Thanks for this review, Teoh!

[@elainemagliacane]

I use Carbon Ink cartridges in my pen like this. I really love it.

[@mh1art870]

Thank you so much for all your reviews, you are the man🙏.

[@AKB-1111]

I might try these out one day.

[@arcuda2001]

I’ve been using the 50 style with the sable brush... I got the converter and I’ve been using Noodlers’ bulletproof ink .. I absolutely love this brush pen .. it does take getting used to, but it feels so nice to hold and draw with.. i just wait a bit longer than usual, to be sure the ink is dry, before using watercolors on top of the lines.. I bought it awhile ago, because of your recommendations ;-))))

[@0chibijulie0]

I took your advice and ordered the noodlers ink. I love the results and the waterproof quality of the ink. Thank you again for your help :)

[@arcuda2001]

*Chibijulie * oh that’s great !! I’m so glad you are enjoying it!!! Noodlers is great ink( the bulletproof ones) Also deatramentis document inks :-)) just be careful with allowing adequate drying time , if you’re intending to use any kind of watercolors on top of the line work ... enjoy :-))) I’ve been discovering so many great supplies for urban sketching and my watercolors. Just having a blast :-)))) Have fun with it all ... my name is Nora :-)

[@jisuki6731]

Very cool! Nice review Teoh! Will definitely get one of these to try out! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@nersighted7294]

Hi, I have a very specific question regarding ink flow. If you notice in frame 3:54 of your video, the line that you drew was not a solid black line. I love that effect in brush pens. But one time, I cleaned the pen. Not sure if it had anything to do with it but from then on, when I draw, I always just get this dark solid line no different from when using an ordinary sharpie marker :( I've even tried to reduce the pressure that I apply when setting pen on paper, hoping to get that texture back but to now avail. I'm thinking it has to do with ink flow. Do you know of a way to adjust ink flow so that I get that non-solid, textured effect that I think you were trying to show in 4:04?

[@teohyc]

Just draw slightly faster. Or test different inks. I can't remember which ink I use in this. Maybe Rotring ink

[@snoozleblob]

Looking forward to your future video on inks that are okay to use in brush pens! Would love if you included pigmented or waterproof fp inks in that review as I can't get a clear answer on whether or not those are generally okay to use or if only certain brush pens can handle it (e.g. apparently the kuretake ones are okay with platinum carbon black but sailor brush pens are not?). I like the crisp lines from the sable haired kuretake more but the dry brush kind of texture definitely has its place too.

[@teohyc]

There's a video on brush pen inks coming soon.

[@WARDISWARD]

I have the 50 and for some reason the hairs have all dried up , I cleaned it numerous times but no luck I just ordered a replacement brush tip but I chose the synthetic ones , and from looking at it it will probably fit the 50 just fine

[@eduardocarvalho861]

I've been using the kuretake pens since 2017, and my overall experience about these are not all that good. My first pen is the one you've reviewed and the problems was, that after some months, the synthetic brush started to lose his shape and the pointy tip. Because of that I had to replace it in the beginning of 2018. Not only the replacement head behaved like the first one, also the cap stopped working and I couldn´t closed the pen properly since. Unfortunetly, I've ordered also the Platinum adapter and the carbon ink and because the brush wasn´t working as should, I've used relatively a few times. Later in 2018, I've ordered the sable version No.40, and as the first one I was expecting an even better perceived quality. I wasn't like so. After a few months (3-4) also the pointy tip and the shape of brush, started to give in. Altough I like the general feeling of the pen and the versatility of use, I'm a bit disappointed with the usability span. I do mainly illustration and don't have a "heavy hand" dealing with pen. So, I can only assume there's a construction problem with it? One of the things everyone should have in mind is, be care of the way you insert the brush in the cap, because there is a "second" cover inside who could damage the brush if not inserted correctly.

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

Eduardo Carvalho So, what brush pens do you like using?

[@Waynimations]

That is one cool looking pen

[@zimrianispresent8123]

👌👽👌 always nice vids. Keep em coming

[@teohyc]

Thanks 😁

[@gokhanersan8561]

The sable does not snap back. I am using it only for dry brushing.

[@Sandishee]

I was just checking this out online today! Really helpful review ❤️💙👍

[@Sandishee]

I'm so sad that it's not waterproof

[@heberdua]

Great review ! You should use these with red ink on some of your next sketches :).

[@KaroSadowska]

They have pigment ink version for these if you want something waterproof. :)

[@teohyc]

The original cartridge has waterproof ink if I remember correctly.

[@byonty886]

wow, may i ask you what kind of paper are you using? i love the effect that this pen can create

[@renearreola7812]

Great review. When not using the pen, is it better to store it with the tip down or up? And when cleaning the tip with warm water, would you recommend this after each use, or after the cartridge has emptied out?

[@teohyc]

I don’t think it’s necessary to clean if you are using it constantly as the ink is always flowing. As for storing vertically or horizontally, there should be no difference. I like to have my brush tip downward so that it is always wet and ready to use. But if you don’t use the pen often, definitely clean it out

[@renearreola7812]

@@teohyc Cool, thanks!

[@sethmathurin1768]

I have the no. 40. The bristle tips flayed ever so slightly at the tip. Is there a way to bring them back to a fine tip

[@teohyc]

Unfortunately it's difficult to get flayed bristle to point again.

[@sethmathurin1768]

Thank you! is there any site in the usa to get the replacement heads from?

[@teohyc]

@@sethmathurin1768 You can find it on Jetpens www.jetpens.com/Kuretake-No.-13-Fountain-Brush-Pen-Refill-Brush-Tip/pd/2662

[@WARDISWARD]

I just replaced the tip on my nr50 with a synthetic brush , the ink flow is horrible I get a constant dry brush effect This is the second time I get dissapointed by kuratake , first my sable hairs dried and were unrecoverable , now this . So gutted I've read somewhere that the separate brush tips are of inferior quality compared to the ones that come pre-installed , don't know if it's true or not but my tip is just horrible

[@jingsu4167]

Hi Teoh, love your videos and thanks for all the effort making them. To this video I have a question and I'll be most grateful if you can please have a look. I'd like to bring a traditional Chinese brush, a bamboo dip pen and a bottle of sumi ink for plein air, but I can't figure out a way to deal with some challenges. My first challenge is I need to wash the brush fairly quickly when finishing, otherwise the sumi ink will dry on it, but to wash a brush with sumi is quite a dirty work, I'm afraid to dirty the surroundings. I thought I can run to a sink somewhere, but I know the black water will stain the sink. I wonder if I just wrap them with cling film and bring them home, but I don't really want to use seemingly unnecessary plastic material. The second challenge is how to pack them, the risk of a leaking bottle and a brush that will always be a bit dirty, the only thing I can think of is to put them in a plastic bag, but I really hate this plastic bag idea. Maybe you already think "Just get this brush pen then!", but I'd love to hear your opinion on this according to my setting, do you think that this kuretake synthetic brush pen can be a possible replacement for all my tools? Best wishes, J

[@teohyc]

If you want to wash your brushes outdoors, just bring one/two empty bottles and fill it with water for washing. A Chinese brush with bottle ink will have much better ink flow compared to this Kuretake.

[@jingsu4167]

Thank you very much for the prompt reply!! @@teohyc

[@zuikod1037]

Great review. What needle size and siringe do you use to refil the cartridge?

[@nicks931]

Cool. Any opinion on the Petit3? Liking the portability. I've been having fun with them. Also enjoying the Duke 551 and 209, but kind of struggling with the ink delivery and my line control.

[@teohyc]

I’ve not used that before.

[@bruceleonardo527]

DT140-13C Body：Aluminum ／ Cap：Aluminum ／ Clip：Carbon steel ／ Section：PP ／ Tip：Polyester

[@swatimangrulkar9570]

Can we smudge the ink on paper to give an effect?

[@teohyc]

You can. It depends on the ink you're using.

[@catlange]

Can you use it for watercolour, with water, like the plastic ones?

[@teohyc]

The ink convertor does not hold much water. And there is no way to squeeze the water out

[@catlange]

@@teohyc thanks for your answer! Can you do value sketching in black, the way you would do with Indian ink and water? Can you just dip the point in water to get grey value ? Will the brush come back to black? The 50 pen is so nice, I’m trying to find an excuse to gift it to myself ;)

[@catlange]

@@teohyc Will the platinum carbon ink I use in my vintage long short platinum pen go in it? It’s water resistant. I use it for sketching, and it doesn’t dry in my pen. (Even when I don’t use it. ) that fountain pen is the best buy I’ve made for sketching.

[@stylesmckenna4845]

Would you recommend noodlers bullet proof fountain pen Ink with this or another type? And does it flow the same out of the pen?

[@teohyc]

It should work but note that Noodlers Bullet Proof ink dries slow, so it will dry even slower with a brush pen as it can put out more ink.

[@WARDISWARD]

I know the difference between the 40 and 50 is purely cosmetic ( body ) , both have sable hair But what abou the 13 , what are the differences compared to 40/50 ?

[@teohyc]

13 has a plastic body. Don't get the matte body because it will be sticky with humidity. Get the glossy body.

[@vanxssa.0270]

I love the pen! I think I´ll buy it!

[@vritarita6871]

I was very happy to find a video about my fav kuretake pen, but mine dried out... I was trying to revive it with water, but it doesn't seem to work. What would you recommend?

[@teohyc]

Maybe get fountain pen cleaning liquid to soak the bristles. Or get a new brush.

[@justasking2171]

Hey Theo can you please do a review on note taking for the 2018 iPad pro 11 inch with the second gen apple pencil i would really appreciate it.

[@teohyc]

iPad Pro is excellent at taking notes. 11-inch is like an A5 sketchbook. Size is comfortable to write on.

[@michelinepartikian4227]

I already use it and I love it :-)

[@mariochavez5583]

have you tried the platinum cf5000? much nicer brush pen. for travel it's great . really nice quality

[@teohyc]

I've not tried that before

[@mariochavez5583]

@@teohyc its a sable hair brush pen. i think it's finer than the kaimei weasel hair brush. it's a bit heavy though, but has nice bristles that snap back into shape really well. cost wise it's about the same as a nice kolinsky brush, but makes for good quality travel brush

[@patrick639]

Is there any brush pen that good for drawing fast and doesn't give "dry brush" effect?

[@teohyc]

You can load the Pentel Colour Brush Pen with lots of ink. With brushes, you will always get dry brush effect if you draw fast unless your brush is dripping with ink. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl6qoGWjbZqdoas

[@ericduchesnes7340]

Nice and usefull video, thank you Teoh ! 👍 💖 🕊

[@l_1327]

Do you know if could u refill this brush pen with Kuretake Zig Black ink?

[@teohyc]

No. That ink is heavily pigmented and dries with crusty ink particles which I'm sure you don't want inside anything.

[@l_1327]

@@teohyc ok, Thank you what ink would you recommend ?

[@teohyc]

@@l_1327 Rotring ink is good

[@l_1327]

Thanks for the advice

[@gost4995]

Should I store this pen brush side down or up??

[@teohyc]

Brush side down

[@gost4995]

@@teohyc Thank you

[@brenttaylordotus]

Very nice!

[@chrisblanc663]

How long does the brush last?

[@teohyc]

Maybe many months. The ink will get used up first though

[@edysetiawanwijaya1412]

Woah, you bought it! how is it compared to no.40/50 brush? it really feels the same?

[@teohyc]

There's not much difference in performance

[@edysetiawanwijaya1412]

@@teohyc Thanks Teoh, I decide not to buy no.40 for now~

[@grahamparr4710]

I would think it gets through quite a lot of ink, hope it can use cheaper inks.

[@benjamina6915]

Thanks for the review. Curious to know how it stacks up against the Pentel Pocket Brush in usage.

[@teohyc]

I prefer this. Somehow the Pentel Pocket Brushes that I use are always giving me ink flow problems. Check Amazon for more reviews.

[@benjamina6915]

@@teohyc thanks

[@Mark-fv8vt]

ink converter 500 #0?

[@teohyc]

Platinum ink convertor for Platinum pens can be used here

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

Tests out if ink is waterproof on drawing, ruining it.

[@MRZjuan]

teoh ive tested some inks with my kuretake sable brush pen (I use it everyday) and my pentel pocket brush pen, and the best so far ive tested is the aristo ink for rapidograph, flows like the original ink and is waterproof, I dont remember if rotring ink was ok too, you can check my instagram for samples @juanmoru

[@teohyc]

Thanks for the tip

[@greyareaRK1]

Awesome review, Teoh. I have been looking for something like this. I'm using a Pentel right now, which works very well, and manually refilling the cartridges. The grip is a little slim for me though. Can India inks work with these brushes (the kind that can block up a fountain pen)? I wonder if a bit of silicone grease will help with the seal?

[@teohyc]

India inks are not safe. Inks that dry with crusty ink particles will clog any brush pens.

[@greyareaRK1]

@Yasmine S. I use Rapidograph, but it's a little pricey.

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

I ruined my sable tip with Dr Martin's permanent india ink (likely meant only for nibs), and the tip will not stay sharp anymore. So, "will last longer" certainly does not mean "not fragile". Also, your thin line game is weak.

[@teohyc]

Probably something wrong with the brush since that ink would make the hair hard and not blunt.

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

Well, it could no longer keep its point without constant resharpening.

[@teohyc]

@@NotOrdinaryInGames I suspect there's something wrong with the brush in the first place. Because when you wash the brush after you draw with it, there will still be India ink on it (there's no way to clean it out completely) and that ink will actually keep the hair together to form a sharp point.

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

This is a true mystery.

[@kilyenbalazs6398]

Its a really good brush pen, but insane hard to use for me.

[@jakefrozes]

Im the 200.000 viewer

[@miguimau]

That´s not a good paper for that brush (I ve used them for years). It´s too rough and absorbent. ;)