Stunning Noodler's Inks - and an apology!

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Cheers for now!
Mike

[@osirisgolad]

To mix fluids, it's best to invert their container and let the air bubble travel up and down through the fluid repeatedly to create turbulence. Shaking doesn't mix it that well because the molecules don't move relative to each other, especially when the container is still full, as there is no space for the fluid to break apart and slosh around. I imagine the reason Noodler's inks may need to be homogenised, the reason they can(maybe should) be diluted and the reason they may be difficult to clean are one and the same: the dye content is as high as can be without the dye precipitating out of the water. It makes it more likely the dye will fall out of solution, especially if any water evaporates, and stick to things. That would also explain why a layer of the blue dye in the blue-black was sitting on top of the rest of the ink in the bottle. Adding one drop of distilled water would provide a little bit of a buffer for evaporation and ensure that all the dye stuff is dissolved fully.

[@writerlywitterings]

That is really interesting, Rick. I appreciate the time you spent sending that. I'll definitely have a look and add a little distilled water to see if it helps. Many thanks!

[@nullifye7816]

Based engineer answer

[@okazakibuddhist]

Those blues do look lovely. Paying for shipping to Japan almost wipes out the savings Noodler's usually provides with their low price for a lot of ink, but it's almost always worth it. Nathan is the mad scientist of the fountain pen world.

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Dave, and yes, I think you're right, although there are other mad scientists - like the guys running KWZ ...!

[@TARS..]

There’s absolutely no way Noodlers isn’t in stock at Japanese fountain pen shops?

[@WayneEveland]

I also need to add. I've never seen anyone tell me to shake my bottles of Noodler's inks. While I love them dearly, It just never occurred to me to do this.

[@writerlywitterings]

Same here. It was entirely new to me as well!

[@gristlevonraben]

My mind is blown! I had no idea. I knew about shaking glitter inks, but now I'm questioning sheening inks and all the other noodler inks I've done writing samples for. And I'm questioning all inks, really. By the way, I love the way you show the colors of ink through writing paragraphs, I'm a poet and colors affect the mood, and that is the way I test my ink colors. Swatching often shows a brighter color that I never see when writing with them. I hope you get well soon, and I thank you for sharing this.

[@writerlywitterings]

Same here, Gristle. I had not expected it either, but it certainly makes a difference with Noodlers'. Thanks for the comment on my writing tests, too. I just think it makes more sense to actually write. How else can you tell what it'll look like?

[@bryanfletcher-nz8229]

Great video thanks. I have rediscovered Noodler inks, and would recommend two retro colours. In my Prussian Blue TWSBI Swipe I have Noodlers Bad Blue Heron, and in my Retro P51 fighter plane pen, I have Noodler's Air-Corp Blue Black. I think inks are termed waterproof simply because they are still readable after rain drops however smeary and tidal. For addressing envelopes I still rub candle wax over it after blotting so you can use any favourite ink. I will check in again.

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Bryan - many thanks for that ESPECIALLY the idea of smearing wax over writing before posting - that is pure genius! I'll be doing that myself in future!

[@wittwittwer1043]

I shake EVERY bottle of ink before filling a pen, not just Noodler's.

[@writerlywitterings]

I've never shaken any ink bottles - apart from those with glittery bits in them, like Brandy Dazzle or Enchanted Forest, obviously - and I was seriously surprised by the Noodler's ink. There must be something pretty serious in that ink for it to separate out so much.

[@djryandelap]

Its interesting to see the difference in shade before shaking the bottle! I really enjoy shimmering inks for greeting cards, especially around holidays, so it’s just a habit for me to shake bottles and I don’t ever think about it. I’ve got a few Noodler’s bulletproof colors that I enjoy for things I want archival quality on. My favorite daily carry ink is X-Feather black; it behaves impressively on cheap paper. I keep it in a Parker 51 (F) for writing in small spaces or cheap paper, and it’s wonderful.

[@writerlywitterings]

That's another ink I haven't tried ... this channel will end up costing me a lot of money in inks to be tested! Thanks for that.

[@djryandelap]

@@writerlywitterings ha ha! There’s so many good ones! I haven’t tried the X-Feather blue yet, but I also want to try them alongside the DeAtramentis document series inks. Hey, maybe rather than a kickstarter, you could add some new Patreon tier rewards for some exclusive videos? An ink comparison series could be fun!

[@writerlywitterings]

@@djryandelap That's an idea. My problem is just that I have so little spare time already. Starting with another Patreon for more inks would be a lot more work, sadly.

[@TheNightowl001]

Funny. When we were learning cursive in school (in Kansas, in the middle US) back in the early 60s, we had fountain pens to learn with. The "approved" ink was a washable blue, with Sheaffer pens and Skrip ink cartridges being the predominant brands. Somehow, I also came away from those years with a certain distaste for bright blue fountain pen inks. The majority of my inks are gray, blue-gray, blue-black and black.

[@writerlywitterings]

Ah, you're clearly the same as my in taste for colours. I love the blue-black/Prussian blue sort of colours, although I am very fond of a dark teal too. Just now I've fallen in love with Diamine's Earl Grey, which is glorious, and a KWZ blue which ... sadly ... I have forgotten the name of! I've ordered a bottle of Baltic Memories - which I hope (probably wrongly) is the one! In my school days it was Quink - which was horrible to pens, but did leave me with a taste for that colour!

[@JBFire97]

A lovely blue black. Shaken and not stirred. Thanks as always!

[@writerlywitterings]

Cheers, Paul. Glad you liked it!

[@marcb6444]

I always turn to your ‘Ink Comparisons’ list whenever I buy new inks. For me, the paragraph writing is more accurate than the swab swatching. Besides, I mostly use a stub on Tomoe, Leuchtturm and occasional Rhodia (cheap papers included). So, it turns out exactly as reviewed. Difference is our handwriting mine is not KZbin worthy.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Marc - although I would hardly say my writing is KZbin friendly either!

[@lindahawke7953]

I have only just found you and am thoroughly enthralled! Now I must go watch the rest of you!

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks so much! I'm very glad you enjoyed this one, and hope the other videos appeal as much!

[@trlan55]

Thanks for the tip of shaking the bottle; I didn't know that either, other than having to shake shimmer inks.

[@writerlywitterings]

Same here! Never occurred to me to shake a standard ink!

[@technoraptor7778]

Yeah I always atleast tip the bottle upside-down and right side up of any ink...just incase there was any separation and to keep it fresh...ive also heard that some inks mold if left alone too long..never happened to me but 🤷‍♀️

[@writerlywitterings]

@@technoraptor7778 Yes, you don't want to take any risks! I'm going to shake my bottles in future, just in case!

[@Vermiliontea]

- Don't water down Baystate Blue! If you do, the text will first go gray and then fade in light. It will do that anyway with time and light, but much slower. (And many inks fade faster than Baystate Blue). My hypothesis is that it's due to Baystate Blue being a very alkaline ink. The bright blue color is somehow coupled with a high pH. When you water it, you lower the pH, and the acidity of the ageing paper takes over. And learn one thing: Baystate Blue colors everything blue, including your pen. If you want to use it, set aside a pen exclusively for it.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for that. I've been getting advice from a lot of people that the ink is designed to be watered down, so your warning is very much appreciated!

[@Vermiliontea]

@@writerlywitterings Well, yes. Baystate Blue is an odd one in Noodler's stable, because afaik, all except the Baystate inks are pH neutral? It's generally not a good idea to dilute acid or alkaline inks, because you'll change the pH. Going by my own experience, it seems to be perfectly okay to add a drop of water to Iroshizuku inks (mildly alkaline) in the pen, if they've dried some in the pen. But with the old classic acid inks, Quink, 4001, Montblanc, etc, you shouldn't do that, because it will cause solids to deposit. With the old Quink inks, even if the pen dried up completely, you should just feed it more, fresh ink. Same with old 4001. No maintenance needed as long as you stick to the same ink. Now here's a problem, to know if your "classic" ink is the old recipe or a new neutral pH ~7, or still acid. Many old inks have been reformulated in later years. The clue is that the ink has changed name slightly or much. Remember how all of Waterman's inks suddenly changed names? And most of the time we do not know the exact reason why it was reformulated. There are three possible, different reasons. 1: EU legislation to protect consumers and/or workers. 2: The old dye is no longer produced or available because of changes in the industry. 3: An intentional switch to a pH neutral ink to protect vulnerable pens. Maybe sometimes it's all of these three reasons. I don't know everything. But it seems safe to assume that all J.Herbin, all Rohrer & Klingner (great inks btw!) except for their acid Iron Galls, almost all Noodler, most Diamine, most Akkerman, most Private Reserve, are pH neutral. It should be okay to dilute these with water. But I strongly recommend against doing it in the ink bottle! Leave the ink in the bottle at original concentration. Dilute in the pen or in a sample container. It's perfectly doable to dilute even the cellulose reactive, water proof inks of Noodler's. And some of them become better inks for it. I like 'Upper Ganges Blue', but at full strength it can be a bit annoying, with tendencies towards gunking. So I always dilute it 60-40 or 70-30. I like the color better too. This is a very, very lightfast ink, so even weakened there are no problems with permanence. Otherwise that's also something to be aware of. Generally, all dyes lose lightfastness at lower strength. Besides the fact that there's more of it, the dye also protects itself from light.

[@PushkaCom]

Baystate blue is water resistant , but fades in the sun , so not fully noodly bulletproof ~ Also stains a lot so watch out n__n 💕✨

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for that. Yes, I treat it with extreme caution!

[@Rgc571]

I have a 25 years or more old bottle of Graf von Faber Castell Royalblau that I began using again after 15 or more years and it was writing as a light blue, not what I had remembered. I then, one day out of the blue, thought of shaking it and the old Royalblau I remember appeared. Shaking helps in a lot of cases.

[@writerlywitterings]

I'd never heard of shaking a standard ink before - shimmering types, yes, but not an ordinary one. Interesting, though. I'll have to make sure I do the same and shake older bottles before using them. Thanks for the comment.

[@jmm95076]

I own several bottles of Noodler's inks. I have had them for several years now and this is the first time I've heard of having to shake the bottle. If it makes such a big difference, the bottles should come with instructions to agitate (plus a warning about how the bottles are filled to 99% capacity. I am a fan of NoodIer's inks but I understand how others have decided to avoid them. I prefer deeply saturated colors and I am intrigued by the unpredictable quirkiness of Nathan Tardif's process. My favorites are Walnut and Army Green.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for the comment, Melby. Yes, I would think a little comment on the label to say "Shake before use" would be useful! I do think these inks are very good value, and I love the Blue Black and Plains of Abraham, but I prefer more pastel colours, not the heavily saturated. It's all personal taste, isn't it?

[@TheRebs7]

I've always thought, as inks are suspended pigments, that they all need a shake. So I always do, and it's interesting to learn that maybe some don't need it.

[@writerlywitterings]

It makes me wonder whether all my tests in the past have been wrong!

[@TheRebs7]

@@writerlywitterings Haha, I doubt it. I'm sure you'd have noticed if all your inks were thick when you got to bottom of the bottle. It'll be me doing unnecessary shaking.

[@twitch7515]

Some trivial trivia: While some inks are made with insoluble pigments that are suspended in a liquid base, most inks are made with dyes that are dissolved in water. Pigments are particulates, which will clog fountain pens. These inks, such as the "India ink" category of inks, are meant for artists and calligraphers using dip pens and brushes. Some pigmented inks have nano-sized particulates, which are small enough for use in fountain pens as long as you clean them thoroughly. These include Platinum's Carbon Black ink and R&K's sketchINK lineup. The bottle and/or ink description should specify that it is a pigmented ink. If pigments aren't specified then the remainder of water-based inks are probably receiving their color from dye(s). I believe all of the Noodler's lineup are made of dyes. However, even though the dye solute should be fully dissolved in the water, there are occasions where a dye-based ink will act like a pigmented ink. Numerous solutions are mixed to make inks. Noodler's Blue Black, for example, consists of a blue dye and a water-resistant black dye (which is why the blue ink smeared in this video. If the page were washed more thoroughly I would expect the blue to wash off while distinct/legible grey-black writing remain. See also: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5LVapmemLZ5las). An ink might also contain anti-molding agents, surfactant to alter viscosity/flow, lubricants, perfumes, and god knows what else. Different mixtures can create a different density for each dye solution. Each density can create its own layer and need a thorough mix to regain a uniformity. And/or... supersaturated solutions can precipitate portions of the solution. Lamy's Vibrant Pink existed for a while as an unheralded shimmer ink because of the gold flakes you might find at the bottom of the bottle. However, those flakes were not put there on purpose. They precipitate out of solution as a happy accident and then settle to the bottom. Temperature changes and evaporation are the usual culprits behind precipitating supersaturated solutes out of the solution. If you want to see an example of all of the above, pick up a bottle of Noodler's Tolstoy. The ink is a water-resistant light sky blue that glows under a black light and misbehaves on most paper. If left alone for a few days, this paint-like ink will create a thin layer of dark blue sludge at the very bottom. The bottom third of the bottle will contain a beautiful dark turquoise layer. The rest of the ink will be an aqua color that gets lighter and yellower as it nears the top. It is a lot like dating a cheerleader: it is high maintenance, has questionable substance, and limited uses, but gosh! when it is not disturbed is it nice to look at! There are some inks that shouldn't be shaken. The iron in iron gall inks will rust over time. Part of the fun with IG inks is watching the color change. You want the ink to aerate on the page instead of in the bottle. Diamine's Registrar's Blue-black is a must-try ink! It is a modern-day IG ink. I left it in my Pilot Metro stub for about two months with none of the ill effects you hear about with OG IGs. Likewise, sheening inks form crystals as the water evaporates (or soaks into a page). These crystals can act like a glue and "freeze" the cap onto a bottle. You'll probably get the bottle open with enough effort... as well as rain crystalized dyes all over your hands and work area. These crystals are the aneurysm of the ink world-they hide on your desk, clothes, and carpet for days, only to revert back to ink the moment they touch liquid, including finger oils. There's nothing wrong with shaking these bottles as needed, but it is best practice to wipe off the threads and rims of the bottles and caps when you seal them back up as tightly as you dare. If any of your inks do start to separate, ignore James Bond's request and stir. Don't shake. It's not bad to shake, per se, but shaking creates bubbles that can get sucked into the feed. If you've ever burped a baby you know that most bubbles are harmless but you will inevitably get a messy one at some point. I like to tip a tightly-sealed bottle on its side and simultaneously roll and rock the bottle around for at least a minute, allowing the air bubble inside to do the stirring. It is a soothing and mesmerizing process that has become part of the ritual aspect of fountain pens that I love so much.

[@WayneEveland]

I love bay state blue. But it now owns that pen :-) It's ability to stain plastics is world renowned :)

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, which is one reason why it won't ever go into one of my decent pens!

[@chrisb012]

Love the review that you’re writing with the inks and not just swabbing. I’m using Noodlers ‘Heart of Darkness’ with my Visconti HS Dark Age, and that is a real match. The Heart of Darkness is a really deep black, that almost jumps off the page, and flows freely and wet. Highly recommend it for a trial if you’re getting into black.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for the comment, Christopher, and for the recommendation. I'm not really a deep black writer (although with failing eyesight, that could be on the cards soon!) but I'll bear that in mind!

[@mayomancer527]

Great video! I like shaking my bottles, mainly the pigmented ink ones, although some that foam can require a bit of waiting afterwards. I really do like using Noodler's Black, it is absolutely waterproof though! It just takes an awful lot of time to dry, it's possible to smear it several minutes after writing and even more time for water to stop moving it. Maybe not as useful if the main concern is surviving tea/coffee related accidents while writing, but otherwise it will stay on the paper.

[@writerlywitterings]

Tea and coffee accidents are always worrying for me!

[@pesty4592]

2 years late, but you can shake the bottles more gently by using a rocking motion; it takes a bit more time but there's no worries with foaming up the ink that way!

[@deborahresnick6086]

I had no idea about shaking Noodlers either!

[@writerlywitterings]

Not many people do!

[@thesafetytech]

One thing I also noticed is that if you shake the bottle, the resulting ink is waterproof. If you don't shake the bottle, the "ink" has no water resistance at all.

[@writerlywitterings]

Really? That is very odd. Mind you, it makes me less enthusiastic about putting it in a good quality pen, too!

[@inerlogic]

​@writerlywitterings the black ink is the bulletproof part.

[@chrishynes6091]

Noodlers fills bottles to the brim... I now put wide clear packing tape over the labels / artwork before I open the bottle for the first time. I learned a lesson when I got X Feather Blue and ran ink onto Churchills hat! I'm tempted to buy another bottle. What is your watch? I realized I must have been born in the wrong era because I wear automatic watches, shave with a safety razor and brush with shaving soap, drive a manual transmission, and wear fedora fur felt hats. Now I've taken to using fountain pens.

[@writerlywitterings]

Chris, you're my kind of guy. I wear an automatic watch, used to shave with a cut-throat (nothing to throw away), and used shaving soap with my father's old shaving brush, drive a manual and wear a fedora every day (the first one is looking a little over-used, but it fits perfectly and I love it!). The watch is a Rolex GMT Master, one of the early ones which I bought in the mid-80s, long before I thought of taking up a pen (or word processor) and when I was comfortably off selling computers. Sadly, being an author doesn't carry the same rewards, but then again, it's a lot less pressure! And the watch will see me out.

[@chrishynes6091]

@@writerlywitterings Excellent 👍

[@baroquer]

It's easy to dig it - "Watery" inks, like Pelikan = no need to shake - Pigmented inks, like Diamine = shake recommended

[@writerlywitterings]

Except I've never seen any advice from Diamine to shake their bottles, and never have, except for the shimmering types where you do need to put the particles into suspension. I have never had to shake any other inks - which was why I was surprised at the impact with the Noodler's. It would be handy if they actually made it clear that their inks could do with a shake!

[@barbarahallowell2613]

I didn't shake my Noodlers El Lawrence on thefirst try, it was ok. I learned and shook it the 2nd time and it's glorious! I love all of my Noodler's inks, Zhivago is my go to every day fill for my pilot custom 74. I keep a cheap broad nib loaded with Baystate blue purely for signatures on legal documents when I'm notorious ng. I'll never put it in another pen. It does a great job with those purposes.

[@writerlywitterings]

Sorry to take so long to respond - ill health and deadlines! Ah, Baystate is just too bright for me. Mind you, with my eye issues, maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea! I haven't seen or used Zhivago or El Lawrence - I'll have to look tham up - thanks!

[@bethautrey9634]

Just getting back into my fountain pen & ink mode. Enjoyed your review. I just got out my Noodler’s House Divided.

[@writerlywitterings]

Never tried that. I'll have to take a look!

[@stuartdanielle6408]

Thank you writerlywitterings, about 2 years ago I bought a bottle of Noodler's North African Violet which was extremely pale and washed out. I thought is was too washed out to really used for anything and haven't used it since. Now I've shaken the bottle for about a minute, the ink darkened up nicely...

[@writerlywitterings]

I'm so glad - It was only when I reviewed the Prussian Blue that a few people started telling me that I needed to shake it, and it does make a huge difference!

[@caterinarollo]

Well, that's a twist! And a very interesting one too!

[@writerlywitterings]

Cheers, Caterina. Glad it was interesting!

[@richardsimms251]

As usual, another terrific video. Thank you. RS. Canada.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks again!

[@Richard_Barnes]

I got exactly the same thing with one of their bullet proof series of inks. Needs a proper good shake up before use. It is ‘Bad Belted Kingfisher’ ink (Bad Belted Kingfisher is a rich navy blue. Bulletproof, Eternal, Forgery Resistant and Waterproof). Although I never stick with it long enough to get fair use out of it. Thx Mike 🙂👍🏻

[@writerlywitterings]

Cheers, Richard. One of those colours I'd probably not use (I don't like really bright blues), but I'll certainly use up the Plains of Abraham and Blue Black. They are lovely.

[@grahamwilkinson2739]

Thanks for the review. I fell into the trap of not shaking a bottle of Noodlers Legal Lapis and getting two completely different shades. Definitely a quirk of Noodlers inks. Just a thought. Perhaps using your William Hannah for ink tests would allow you to take out the pages of similar coloured inks to allow you to put them side by side to more readily compare them.

[@writerlywitterings]

Good idea. I'll have filled my Tomoe River cahier soon. That may be a good route to take for the future. Thanks!

[@deusimperator]

Regarding the Blue Black, was it shipped during winter? Your ink probably froze and rethawed. Here in Canada, we had a polar vortex hit us from 18 December through early January. We had the temp stay between - 15 C to -42 C during that period.

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, it did - but I understand from other users that Noodlers really benefit from getting shaken before filling a pen!

[@neofliermike]

I like how you don't do swabs, all about the writing! I'm like minded :) those disposable pens can be hacked to refill with a syringe and rubber tubing! I seen a KZbin video on it somewhere

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for that, I'll see if I can find that video before recording.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

That third blue was really pretty too! Love the footage of your precious pooch too! When is the new puppy coming?

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, glad it was interesting. The new pooch - well, we're on the waiting list with the breeder, but no idea whether the bitch has been put to the stud or whether we'll get one from this litter yet. Just sitting with fingers crossed that it goes alright!

[@indigosunset70]

noodlers apache sunset is their best ink btw

[@writerlywitterings]

I've heard several people say that. I'm very partial to a good, light, caramel brown, I have to admit.

[@SwayvillDelgarian]

These inks with crazy properties (especially from Noodlers and Private Reserve) are fine for your TWSBI Go and other entry-level pens, but I wouldn't use them in any expensive or hard to replace pen.

[@writerlywitterings]

I'm very much of the same opinion, but I don't think blue black or Plains of Abraham should give any problems. It's just a matter of cleaning very thoroughly after each use.

[@rds4629]

Interesting, except for Soda, I tend to shake most liquids before using them :)

[@writerlywitterings]

Hmm. I certainly don't recommend shaking soda bottles ...!

[@strshooter7399]

Wellll.... sometimes we all can't see the forest for the trees... shaking the bottle of Noodler's (or any other fountain pen ink) seems to be the right thing to do prior to filling a pen up. WoW, that Baystate Blue is really bright! Thanks for the video.

[@writerlywitterings]

My pleasure! Glad it was useful.

[@theronwolf3296]

That would seem to depend on whether it was a dye or a pigment. A dye dissolves in the medium (usually water) whereas pigment is micro particles. Pigments tend to be more colorfast and water resistant, but that water resistance comes at a price. A dye really doesn't need to be shaken because the ink is a solution--that should not settle. Pigment inks can settle. I tend to avoid them because if I let my pen dry out, the pigments stay inside the pen as residue, and since the particles are not water soluble, it can be a lot more difficult to clean them out of the pen.

[@greyareaRK1]

Baystate and Plains of Abraham do look good, but I'm wary of Noodler. My first Noodler pen had to be exorcised, and it still wouldn't work. My second was unreliable. I've also heard many stories of their inks damaging pens, and QC issues. This does help identify which inks are viable, so thank you! Is it common for an ink to separate and need shaking?

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, John - I've never thought to shake inks before, but I'm hearing from a lot of folks who say that they do routinely. If I was to pick up a bottle I haven't used for some months, maybe I would, but I've never thought about it. I will in future!

[@judyjacobs5827]

I believe that many people who report problems with Noodler's inks, ignoring for the moment your combining complaints about pens with your issues regarding inks, is that users do not bother to read the descriptions of the inks. The manufacturer's website has charts describing rather clearly the properties of individual inks, feathering, ghosting, how they dry, if there is sheen or not, their resistance to solvents, to sunlight, to extreme temperatures. Inks described as "bulletproof" are not, strictly speaking resistant to bullets, but they will resist fading from a range of environmental influences known to damage most ordinary non-archival inks. Some Noodler's inks are translucent, some can be seen only under particular spectra, etc. BSB has the reputation for depositing its color on adjacent surfaces, such as pen innards. Users are wise to know this prior to loading a priceless old porous pale pink pen with the stuff and then being dismayed when the emptied ink containing mechanism is discolored. The product has done precisely what it is designed and intended to do. Inks that separate because they are richly pigmented and have not been subjected to processes like homogenization which can alter other features are to be used as instructed. Shaking introduces bubbles. Stirring agitates the contents. Even James Bond, not a real person, knew the difference between shaken and stirred. If you feel you have to have your little hand held with every writing item you use, don't buy pens or inks that are made in small batches, in craft-based shops, as experiments in design, or for more discerning buyers.

[@johngrubb007]

When testing for water resistance, you should give the ink about 24 hours to thoroughly dry and bond with the cellulose in the paper. That is why these inks aren't that good for artists who want a black permanent line to water colour over. The best for that type of work, from what I have heard is Platinum Carbon Black or an India ink using a dip pen or a Boston Safety Pen. I have the Noodler's Boston Safety Pen and did use India ink in it. Worked flawlessly.

[@jamesaritchie1]

When I need a waterproof ink that doesn't need time to dry, I use Noodler's North African Violet. It dries almost instantly and is the most waterproof ink I've found. It's bulletproof inks that need time to soak into the paper and bond with the cellulose fibers, not waterproof inks. Very few, if any, waterproof inks are bulletproof. I haven't seen one. There's a huge difference between bulletproof and waterproof. Nothing can remove a good bulletproof ink from paper without destroying the paper. Most waterproof ink, however, dries on the surface, and can be removed with chemicals, or with a fairly cheap laser, without harming the paper. In other words, bulletproof ink is forger proof, but waterproof ink is not. This is why Nathan does not call most of his inks "waterproof". It's because he wants users to know his inks can't be changed by a forger, while waterproof inks can be. Maybe the best way to put it is that bulletproof inks will eventually become waterproof, though it can sometiomes take several days, but waterproof inks will never become bulletproof. The difference is in whether the ink can be removed from the paper by a forger, and the fact that one soaks into the paper and chemically bonds with the cellulose fibers while the other does not. As for India Ink, real, waterproof India Ink that uses a bonding agent will clog any and all fountain pens, including the Boston Safety Pen. There is an "India Ink" that will work in fountain pens, but it's really just a carbon ink such as Platinum uses. Or like the ancient Greeks used, for that matter. Simply put, such ink is missing one of the bonding agents that makes it unusable in a fountain pen. You may get by with one use, but probably not. The real think is usually so thick it won't even flow through a fountain pen feed. It needs to be thick to stick to reed pens, feather quills and dip pen nibs. It will not only clog a pen, that clog will be permanent, especially if the bonding agent is shellac. When shellac dries in a feed, it isn't coming out of that feed ever.

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, I use Carbon Black for my sketching, so that is my basic standard measure for inks. I quite accept your comment, though - leaving inks for longer will give a more representative gauge for inks used for writing, where you don't intend to throw water at them immediately! Thanks for this selection, John. Really enjoying the inks!

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for that, James. I hadn't realised that "Bullet-Proof" was a term in use - I just used it as an indicator. Really interesting.

[@johngrubb007]

@@writerlywitterings Glad you like them. I'm so happy that the Blue Black issue was solved with a simple shake. I didn't notice but did you give the Plains of Abraham a shake up as well? I looked over some of my past writing with it and in the sample where I used a wetter, broader nib (medium is broad for me), it did look a bit darker after it's drying fade.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@johngrubb007 Yes, I deliberately shook all those bottles before filling the pen - didn't want to make that mistake again!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I love noodlers ink! Glad you’ve got some good ones there! Proctors ledge is one of my favorites!

[@writerlywitterings]

Not tried that (yet!)

[@Miguel-dw3td]

My all time favorite. I just can’t find it anymore.

[@bethautrey9634]

Love Bay State Blue

[@writerlywitterings]

Ach, that's the one I don't get on with. It's a little too bright for my eyes, and I'm a lot happier with something like a Prussian Blue or Blue Black.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

That blue black is glorious!

[@writerlywitterings]

Really is - but astonishing what a difference shaking the bottle made!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

@@writerlywitterings I didn’t realize that either! You are not alone. I have never shaken the Noodlers either. I will do so from now on.

[@smirkingdevil]

Does the ink label say to "Shake Before Use?" We do not all have KZbin audiences to tell us how to use inks.

[@writerlywitterings]

Not that I can see anywhere! I really think Noodlers should have something saying exactly that, though. In big letters for dimmer KZbin reviewers like me!

[@PacoElMapache]

Hello from Québec! Sent from the Plaines of Abraham :)

[@writerlywitterings]

Hallo - sorry to take a while to respond - workload and health issues!

[@aliceho4560]

Not stupid dog but a cute adorable dog you have

[@writerlywitterings]

She is ... and also the most destructive mutt I've ever owned, and I've lived with a lot. But when she comes and climbs into my lap and rolls over, and ever so gently takes my throat in her mouth, I tend to be really kind and polite to her!

[@aliceho4560]

@@writerlywitterings no matter what, your dog is still adorable and beautiful and she only have you and no one else so love her dearly

[@gautamnevatia7659]

If you have to shake the ink bottle for the blue black, do you also have to shake or agitate the pen if it has the blue black in it?

[@writerlywitterings]

Not that I've noticed. I think carrying a pen keeps it shaken enough. It is odd, though. Never had an ink (except shimmering types) that needed to be shaken before use!

[@nicksg3002]

I love Diamine-Blue Black as much as doggy likes to bite nails 🥰😍🐶

[@writerlywitterings]

Hmm. Ruddy horrible sound that hound makes!

[@sgtsillyass1575]

Noodler's Inks owes us a profound apology. That is if the bottle does not say shake well before use. The ink should be the color advertised, it's not our job to do the chemistry for them.

[@writerlywitterings]

I totally agree with you. It's a very peculiar situation when the ink is totally different - although very pleasing - colour to the one expected!

[@pacomacaw2456]

Should you really need to shake an ink? I think not.

[@writerlywitterings]

I agree. I've not had to do it before, except with shimmering types to mover the particles around. Still, it adds to the interest!

[@WayneEveland]

While I understand your thoughts, I would disagree. It's an art material, many have different ways to be prepared for use. What I would prefer is the bottle to just say to mix or shake well. I know specifically the blue black from Noodler's is a mixture of their non-permanent blue ink with Noodler's black. The dye chemistry and density between the two are completely different and some separation due to differences in specific gravity can be found after sitting overtime. It's like if you think about a shimmer ink, you shake that up before using. Should that not need to happen then? Or do we just accept that as normal because of what it is?

[@NMuratBAYRAKTAR]

Hello sir, how are you? I bought my first Visconti homosapiens (dark age ) with F nib and i wanna share my happiness with you :)) It's like extra fine more than Fine i think but is a lovely fountain pen.. So thats it Mr. Jecks take care yourself and i like your videos and your enthusiasm ..

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for sharing, Murat. I am very glad to hear you're so happy with the pen. I still love my Viscontis - they are superb pens, and I have yet to find a pen that pleases me more!

[@ichirofakename]

Nice-looking blue-black. I hate all mine.

[@writerlywitterings]

I have to admit my personal favourite is still the Diamine version - although if I were to go for that kind of colour, I'd head towards Diamine's Prussian Blue. Been using that for years, and never disappoints!

[@evybrowning]

Intrigued by your Diamine Brandy Dazzle comment on your opposite page - was that one shaken prior to writing with it? Might that cause it to shimmer - just a thought?

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, I always give shimmering inks a good shake to get the particles moving before filling a pen. And Brandy Dazzle has a very heavy amount of glittering particles in it!

[@evybrowning]

@@writerlywitterings Ah in that case it wouldn’t have made any difference😀

[@vermis8344]

"They say Baystate Blue is made so you can water it down." Double concentrated, like Sainsburys orange squash. 😆 Informative and pleasant video, thanks! Blue-Black catches my eye the most. (Well, Baystate Blue does, but I like Blue-Black more) I can take or leave sheening and shimmering, but I really like a good shading ink. Regarding shaking bottles: I know you can get glass beads for use as agitators in small paint pots and bottles. Would that kind of thing be useful here? Also, I once got a sample of a Noodler's ink that was so faint as to be almost invisible. Now I wonder if I got the decantings of a well-settled bottle?

[@writerlywitterings]

It's really interesting how Noodlers market their inks. I really would have expected to be warned, were it always necessary to shake the bottle before using it. Still, the inks are stunning. With the proviso that I'm very nervous about using Baystate in a demonstrator pen, because I have heard horrible stories of pens being permanently stained, I'd not have problems using them. Very strong colours and entirely (I believe) waterproof. I do agree with you, though. Perhaps your sample was unshaken before decanting. It's the sort of thing I'd do, if I were to send a sample to someone else!

[@inerlogic]

I use BSB in a TWSBI Eco demonstrator, no issues, the ink has been in that pen for literaly years

[@jinseinogakuseiesq2724]

Thats not a good thing if shes biting her nails. You might want to google it and see what that means.

[@writerlywitterings]

She's been looked at - it is probably just that she gets bored. Ridgebacks need quite a lot of entertainment - luckily she meets my daughter's pup once a week, and that keeps her fit and tired!

[@aravindvinayakan]

Great comparison video!

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks!

[@marka.200]

Very interesting, I have never had my Noodler's inks separate like that! But I do habitually turn ink bottles gently over and back a few times before refilling pens (not exactly a shake). Now I'm curious how that Blue-Black compares to their Air Corps Blue-Black. I *think* it's closer to the Diamine Blue-Black. If you get a chance, I hope you'll do a side-by-side comparo. For cleaning the thuggish inks like Baystate Blue, I use Goulet Pens flushing/cleaning fluid. It seems to help. Noodler's Arctic Blue also does that shade change when it dries, a bit dramatically for my taste but I still enjoy it anyway. For black ink in the purest form without any fuss, Noodler's Heart of Darkness is still my go-to. I may try some of that Raven's Forevermore next time I need some black.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Mark. A lot of people have recommended Air Corps. It's one I may have to test - but I have to admit, I'm a bit snowed under just now (especially since I tested positive for ruddy Covid today!)

[@marka.200]

@@writerlywitterings Yikes, Michael, I'm sorry to hear that. Well-wishes to you.

[@hisham56hamilton50]

Noodlers Tardif says ( I like to shake it , shake it !! You like to shake it , shake it !!!!!) 🤣🤣🦦🦉

[@writerlywitterings]

Good one!

[@brianexplores285]

If you haven’t tried Noodler’s Apache Sunset I recommend it. I also found Baystate Cranberry to be beautiful but I enjoy vivid colors.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Brian, I'll look them up. I really prefer the subtler colours generally, though!

[@brianexplores285]

@@writerlywitterings I wouldn’t say that Apache Sunset is vivid in the way that the Baystate colors are. It’s orange and I didn’t think I would like orange but I really do.

[@LegBuilder]

What kind of pen are you using. I like the spring return. I am only using Lamy safari.

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi - this is a TWSBI Go. I find it a fabulous pen. Inexpensive, simple, very robust, and remarkably easy and fast to refill. A huge variety of nibs, too, from extra fine up - this is a 1.1mm stub nib, which gives really nice line variation and a great amount of shading for good writing appearance.

[@LegBuilder]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. i DECIDED TO LOOK AT YOUR OTHER VIDEO'S AND SAW A REVIEW ON PENS. IT WAS IN THERE. I ORDERED IT. IT LOOKS LIKE A VERY USEFUL PEN. I HAVE GOOD DEXTERITY BUT I CAN SEE HOW A PEN LIKE THIS WOULD BE GREAT WITH PEOPLE THAT HAVE SOME HAND PROBLEMS. WHAT A GREAT IDEA.

[@nectarandice]

Ridgeback’s are very intelligent.

[@writerlywitterings]

They certainly are ... especially at thieving food, damn hound!

[@bethautrey9634]

Did just find you and subscribed!

[@writerlywitterings]

Really glad to find you here, Beth. Many thanks for the subscription and I hope you enjoy the future videos!

[@xxflipchick22xx]

What fountain pen are you using to test the inks? Is it difficult to clean out?

[@writerlywitterings]

The pen I use is a TWSBI Go ( www.cultpens.com/c/q/brands/twsbi/twsbi-fountain-pens/twsbi-go ) which has a great reservoir, is very easy to clean, is very quick to fill and empty and flush, and has a good range of nibs. I use a 1.1mm stub for all my reviews so the comparison is consistent. They are brilliant, cost-effective little pens and I highly recommend them.

[@sunnymoondog]

It's not a stupid dog and their paws are probably itchy. Get some ointment for your dog.

[@writerlywitterings]

No, she's not stupid - she's a Ridgeback. She is a hound and a thief (box of grapes this weekend) and beautiful. But she's also a daft mutt when she starts chewing her claws. No, there is no itching. She just does it when she's bored.

[@archivist17]

Reviewing cheaper pens is a good idea. Would you be able to pick up a Sainsbury's Home pen? I have one, and couldn't get it to write at all! BTW, hope you get well soon.

[@writerlywitterings]

I haven't yet, I'm afraid. I will try to, though.

[@billcrabtree8700]

I would really caution you against using Bay State Blue in any pen you care about. Honestly I wouldn’t use any Noodler’s inks in a pen I care about.

[@writerlywitterings]

I have to admit, I am not keen on it, mainly because of the colour. It's just too garish for me. However, I think the others look ok, and haven't heard anything bad about them from anyone so far. Still, I'll keep them in cheaper pens for now just to be safe. Thanks for the warning, Bill.

[@MarshaLove0723]

@@writerlywitterings I love BSB, so I just dedicated less expensive, but reliable, pens to it. It's been in a Lamy Safari for almost 2 years and a Pilot Prera for over a year. I flush each nib/feed every few months, and have had no problems with either pen.

[@Teufelchenhair]

I totally second this.

[@chesterlott2557]

Are you sure that you weren’t a part of Monty Python?

[@writerlywitterings]

I wish! That would mean 1. I was bright enough to go to Oxford or Cambridge; 2. I would have got to meet with and chat to Terry Jones, one of my mediaevalist heroes (read Chaucer's Knight to see why); 3. I would have money saved and be able to retire!

[@sunnycharacter]

I know this is 8 mos later from your posting, and you may have already found out, but dogs constantly licking paws and having feet that smell like corn chips is evidence of a yeast infection. Just thought I’d share in case you wondered if your sweet dog is still doing that!

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Lori - but no, it's nothing like that. She's just a pooch that likes to bite her nails!

[@sunnycharacter]

@@writerlywitterings Oh thank goodness! I didn’t know about the corn chip thing until our 18-year-old Miniature Pinscher had passed of old age. She had that but never really chewed or licked her feet. I’m glad your pretty pup doesn’t have that!

[@bartendersdaughter6003]

Don't say that about your dog. Or any dog.

[@writerlywitterings]

I think that day it was justified! But she's still my beautiful hound.

[@archivist17]

I'm not a fan of Noodlers, but not on any writing-related criteria. That Blue Black is very nice, though, once shaken.

[@writerlywitterings]

It looks even better in the flesh. Mind you, so does Plains of Abraham. That could be a favourite very soon!

[@animula6908]

I’m sick of Covid, but not in that way. 🥸

[@writerlywitterings]

I have had the two injections, a booster, and caught it twice. The good thing is, because of the vaccines, it wasn't terrible for me ... but it does hang around!