Best - and Worst

What was the best and the worst? The best ink, the worst ink, and the most useful addition to my desk in a long while! For the Fellowes Book Lift, I got mine here:
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Cheers for now!
Mike

[@philippebarillecavalier9275]

I'm so glad I only bought a sample of writer's blood. It's not bad, it works, but there are so many superior options available. When I look back at what I wrote with it, it is near indistinguishable from black. If i wanted black, I would use black!

[@writerlywitterings]

Sorry to take so long to respond - ill health and deadlines! That I do not understand. Mine is a duller red, not as brown as Oxblood, and not as bright as the other Diamine offerings - but nothing even remotely like black. Do you use a very fine nib?

[@NelsonFJ]

When I was in law school, dealing with gigantic books, many at the same time; these stands were fundamental tools; I still use them, almost every day. I didn't like Diamine Writer’s Blood either. Thanks for the video.

[@writerlywitterings]

You and I clearly have much the same taste! What is handy with this book rest is the way it all folds up into a very thin package. Really good design.

[@richardc6932]

I don’t mind spending money but definitely hate wasting it especially on full size bottles of ink. After a dozen bottles I realize that I am a fan of blues, black, and some violet shades. So anything else would gather dust or be passed on to someone else. My inks come from Akkerman and Diamine as well as Waterman and Pilot. After buying a number of Pelikan, Sailor, Parker and Pilot pens during the Covid shut-in I also realize that I have all a man needs. They all get inked and used frequently. The rest would gather dust in an already congested closet.

[@writerlywitterings]

Ah, I know that feeling. Some years ago I was given some Iroshizuku inks, an orange and two blues - but I much prefer Akkerman and Diamine colours to them. I really ought to move them on ...

[@jamesaritchie1]

Well, "need" isn't why I buy fountain pens, or inks. I don't need any of it. I simply enjoy it and want it. Not counting my seven work pens, I have pens inked up with eighteen different inks. Next month I'll switch out most of the pens, maybe add a new pen or two I buy in the meantime, and use all different inks. I find using a different pen and ink each evening for my personal writings a lot of fun. I love purple inks, green inks, red inks, brown inks, burgundy inks, orange inks, as many shades as I can find of each. Nothing gathers dust for long.

[@LANCSKID]

I only use Diamine inks in all of my pens and am very happy with the results. Something, however, that one needs to bear in mind, is caution when choosing/buying a different shade that is close to that which one has already purchased. So close, in fact, one would need a spectrophotometer to realise the difference!

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, it is a bit of an issue. That was why I began with the same book to demonstrate how each ink worked side-by-side with alternatives. Of course, I hadn't expected to get quite so many different inks when I set out!

[@pamelaboxall7015]

It's only been the last ten years or so that I've stopped having a "copy holder" on my work desk! They were standard issue in my typing pool and secretarial days. These were portrait orientation rather than the landscape of your book holder, height adjustable, and incorporated a clip at the top so you could clip your documents to them for easy typing. They also had a clear ruler attached at one side which you could slide up and down to provide a guide to where you were on the page.

[@richardc6932]

That is something I could definitely use. I have been scribing or writing my favourite series of novels by Alf Wight the author of the books titled “All Creatures Great and Small” and the basis for the British tv series by the same name. I have one humongous book housing a number of his favourite short stories that is way too large to hold while writing. The Fellows holder might work if it is sturdy enough.

[@writerlywitterings]

Yup, I remember them too, from my days in the 1980s selling WP machines. Every typing pool desk had one.

[@writerlywitterings]

It doesn't look sturdy, and it does flex, but it's coped with everything I've put on it. Very impressed with it.

[@gristlevonraben]

Taccia Benisuchi might have the brown shading you want, a lovely fall color too.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, I'll have a hunt for that.

[@darrellmangum4239]

Wonderful!! And very helpful. Developing preferences for ink is a slow process. I do a lot of writing with fountain pens, and I'm always amazed at how long those little bottles last.

[@writerlywitterings]

Glad it was helpful! My preferences are still shifting over fifty years from my first scrawled attempts!

[@JBFire97]

Like the stand and the KWZ! Thanks as always.

[@writerlywitterings]

Glad you like them!

[@BossPenguin]

Lovely hounds. Great idea, Mike!

[@writerlywitterings]

Glad you like them!

[@Richard_Barnes]

I’m watching 2 hounds go mad 😂 run around!

[@writerlywitterings]

I thought people would like it!

[@stevenweiss7129]

Agree fully about Writer’s Blood. I was disappointed as well. Oxford Blood is great and Dragon Red really blew me away when I got it.

[@writerlywitterings]

I have found that WB has grown on me - but I have to admit, Oxblood and Dragon Red are much, much more often used in my pens!

[@michellestephenson1680]

So glad I caught up with you today! Another glimpse of Butterscotch. I’m glad to hear they may bring it back! Your Fellows reading stand... I wonder if it could be a viewing stand for my iPad Mini? Anything that can serve multiple purposes is good for my tiny desk space. Enjoy the Honey, which is most definitely on my want list.

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Michell, and good to see you back! Thanks for the Butterscotch. It really is one of my favourites, a lovely colour and perfectly behaved in all my pens. The Fellowes stand would be fine for you, I think. It's ideal for my iPad, the full size version from some years ago (it was my father's, and I liberated it when he died, so it's at least 6 years old). It's obviously not an expensive piece of equipment, but the fact that it folds away to a tiny sized package, the way that it can tilt and support even multiple sheets of paper (currently holding some 300 pages of A4 very efficiently) makes it invaluable to me. The honey, meanwhile, is being used a lot! Take care!

[@lizcolton9936]

Thank you for reviewing the Writer's Blood ink - I was very curious about that color. The Diamine Florida Blue is one of my favorites!

[@writerlywitterings]

My pleasure!

[@joeymaximus8146]

I absolutely love that you use the stub nibs. So many people use the fine nibs, and it's great to see ink in its broad form! All the best from across the pond

[@richardc6932]

Never been a fan of gushers or fire hose nibs but the only way to get the full effect of the shades and sheens of an ink.

[@writerlywitterings]

Many thanks, Joey - that was the idea, because you get a much better feel for shading with a larger nib and, well, I like large nibs, too!

[@writerlywitterings]

Quite so!

[@TweakMDS]

I'm really inspired by your way of testing. Many reviewers swab and use dip pens, but neither of those really give me a good sense of what an ink actually looks like when with a pen, let alone a proper nib. Most dip pens write either too wet, too fine, with too much flex. Swabbing gives a good idea on how an ink shades, but doesn't really tell me how it behaves. I've always disregarded the Go in favor of the ECO, but it looks like a nice quick way to get ink into a pen. A major advantage is that they also come with a stub. I write almost exclusively with stub or cursive italic nibs. Stubs are easy to get for a lot of brands like TWSBI, and for cursive italic I usually get a medium nib custom ground from fpnibs. It's not cheap but very reasonably priced, as you pay like 14 euros for the nib and between 21 and 25 to grind it. KWZ has some really nice inks. Aztec Gold is one of my favorites. It's quite close to Honey, but dries a tiny bit darker due to a very mild iron gall in the formula. Their #4 Azure is also really good.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks for that, Michael. Although TWSBI don't talk about such things, I should just point out that the nibs for the Go and the Eco are interchangeable. They're a simple pull out/push in fit. I've changed my Eco nibs with Go nibs a few times now, and they work fine. Thanks for the comments on my reviewing. I actually started making my reviews because, like you, I didn't find many of the reviews from other people to do quite what I wanted. They could be really scientific and effective, but I wanted to see how they behaved in a pen, and that was why I started recording my films. I'm really glad you like them!

[@mrwigwag373]

Totally agree about Honey (and Alt-Goldgrün). Their shading is gorgeous. Surprised that you found Writer’s Blood mono-tonal. I’ve used it a lot in a Pilot Custom 74 , which is quite broad and has very wet flow. I’ve experienced some shading from a light cerise to a dark burgundy and it’s gorgeous, almost luminescent. This was on Optik and Mnemosyne paper. Although weirdly, less on Tomoe River, where it looked a little like a dirty brown.

[@writerlywitterings]

The cahier I was using was with Tomoe River paper, so maybe that was one issue. But the other two types of paper, with 80 and 115 gsm both had the same effect, just a flat colour with no variation. I was, as you can tell, very disappointed!

[@neilthornton-allen2684]

I agree with your view of Writers Blood - I prefer the Oxblood, but as I brought a big bottle of the ink, I guess I will have to use it!

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, I know the feeling!

[@paull3466]

Great video, as always! I have a slight difference of opinion: I have to say that I really like Writer's Blood. I use it in a Pelikan M215 with a medium nib, and it's rapidly become one of my favourite inks. I don't find it 'thin' or 'flat', personally. I've found that I prefer it to Oxblood, though it's equal for me with Red Dragon. (I do like to use red inks.) I've never tried the KWZ Honey. I like the look of that one and may have to send for a bottle. (Watching KZbin ink reviews will kill my bank balance; my wife doesn't understand why I 'need' so many inks 😄.)

[@writerlywitterings]

I think your wife and mine must be sisters. An equal incomprehension here, oddly enough. I have to admit, the Writers Blood has grown on me. I like reds too, although I tend towards Syrah and Passion Red when the fancy takes me!

[@billcrabtree8700]

You might enjoy J Herbin’s Ambre De Birmanie, another beautiful golden shader.

[@writerlywitterings]

I'll check it out - thanks!

[@nauci]

@@writerlywitterings it's just about identical to their more expensive Ambre de Baltique. They're both beautiful shaders but quite a bit lighter than Honey and aren't very readable in finer nibs.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@nauci Ah, well, I rarely use really fine nibs except for sketching ( I couldn't describe my Visconti nibs as very fine! ) and I adore shading and lighter inks. This sounds like it may be right up my street!

[@nauci]

@@writerlywitterings the first genre of ink I fell in love with are golden, high shading ones, and among all my hoard of samples, the top ones are definitely KWZ Honey, Taccia Golden Wheat, Herbin Ambre de Birmanie/Ambre de Baltique (the Herbin ink bottles are a huge pain to fill out of without a syringe or ink miser, by the way, which is a point in Ambre de Baltique's favor), and Robert Oster African Gold. I think they actually shade slightly better on somewhat more absorbent papers like Leuchtturm than TR. I'm currently on a red/brown/orange kick and watching all of your videos on those! You've really added the Visconti Crystal Dream to my grail pens list...

[@thuntz29]

You should definitely try some Troublemaker inks. I’m using their Foxglove right now and I adore it... Milky Ocean also looks beautiful! A bit hard to get...

[@writerlywitterings]

I'll check it out - thanks for the tip!

[@thewaaaghproductions2285]

I was just about to purchase oxford blue!

[@writerlywitterings]

Loving it so far! Review Thursday.

[@thewaaaghproductions2285]

@@writerlywitterings I have it now, it's a gorgeous dark blue

[@johngrubb007]

I think you would enjoy the Noodler's Air Corp Blue Black. I've gotten some lovely shading from it and it might even fall into that pastel category you enjoy. I am using it with a fine nib pen though since it is quite wet and in a medium or broad nib, it would be prone to bleed through on some of my less than premium papers.

[@writerlywitterings]

Hmm. I do have a love/hate relationship with Noodlers. Their Baystate Blue is so brutal, and I'm always scared that any of my pens might get permanently stained, as well as the issues of bleed through on almost any paper! Still, I may have to have a look!

[@johngrubb007]

@@writerlywitterings I have a lot of Noodler's inks and none of the others have any issues with staining. They due tend to bleed through lower quality papers though. That being said, I have the Air Corp Blue Black in my Twsbi Classic with a fine nib for my work desk pen and it even behaves on the cheap notepad I have for random scribbles while I work. I find that with the Noodler's, whatever nib I'm using, the line will appear to be from a nib 1 size broader.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@johngrubb007 That is really interesting. I'll have to give them a go.

[@pedrojpinto]

It's funny, earlier today I was ordering from appelboom and thinking whether I wanted to add a kwz ink to the basket... But it had to be better than my three favourites, old gold, honey and baltic memories. I checked whether they finally had reissued butterscotch and that was a no. Glad to hear their considering doing just that!

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, I spoke to them in January (I think), and it was originally a one off for the St Louis pen show, I think. But I believe they have gained permission to make it as a standard ink now and aim to have it out later this year.

[@pedrojpinto]

Wonderful news!

[@coalacorey]

haha, glad I've waited for the review. I'll stay with Ruby for now

[@writerlywitterings]

I have a number of good reds - almost all from Diamine - and I'll be sticking with them!

[@darrengibson8787]

That honey is gorgeous. I am interested to see what you think of the Ferris Wheel Press colour Goose Poupon. It is like liquid gold. I'm really taken with it. Their Autumn line of inks are quite lovely.

[@writerlywitterings]

Great suggestion - I haven't tried any of their inks (yet), but they're on my "To Test" list!

[@lindseyB_33]

There was so much hype about writers blood because it was designed/picked by the fountain pen reddit group if im remembering right. Much like i believe aurora borealis, and earl grey. I think ill get some samples before i buy the bottle.

[@writerlywitterings]

I would recommend testing it. I have heard that it's better on specific papers - but haven't had a chance to test it yet.

[@carlbillingham4264]

I tried Writer's Blood for the first time last week and thought something disastrous had happened to my pen. The ink was in my medium nib Parker Sonnet and to say the flow was wet was an understatement, it fairly gushed out and looked awful on the page. I have just filled my Moonman demonstrator pen with Writer's Blood and this pen does handle it much better, as it writes very dry. Looking at the ink in the demonstrator barrel, it does seem very thin, no thicker than coloured water

[@writerlywitterings]

It is a very strange ink, and appears to have strongly favourable comments from some people and some terrible ones from others (like me). But I do think it depends on the pen and the paper. Apparently Mnemosyne paper is ideal for it. But for me that's not good enough - I want an ink that is reliable on almost all paper I use, not which will only work on one specific brand. Glad you got it to work for you, though!

[@jamesaritchie1]

Someone sent me a Pilot Kakuno with an extra fine nib that was simply unusable. It barely made a legible line on any paper, and it felt like writing with a razor blade. I put writer's Blood in it, and now it writes like a wet medium. I may keep the bottle I have just for making pens like this write well. Otherwise, there's nothing about this ink that I like.

[@archivist17]

Stub Twsbi Go is a great idea for use as a test pen. I too am a fan of Diamine, but haven't been tempted by the Writer's Blood. I've received a sample of the amusingly named Bloody Brexit today, and realised I need some broader nibs to make the best of that one.

[@writerlywitterings]

I haven't tried that one yet!

[@archivist17]

@@writerlywitterings For me, it's a bit meh. I'm not gone on sheen, but I thought it worth a whirl. Swabbed, it's got a gorgeous red band to it, but from the nib, it's pretty much just a quite nice blue.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@archivist17 I have to admit, I'm not big on sheen either. It's good to use because it makes a change, but really, I prefer inks that give variety of shading than inks with sheen.

[@archivist17]

@@writerlywitterings Ignore my earlier comment. I'd not taken into account Rhodia's reputation for not showing up sheen. I spilled a drop on a Red & Black notebook, and it was amazing!

[@EastLancsJohn]

That Honey is right on the money!

[@writerlywitterings]

It's just glorious!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

Lovely to see writers blood ink in action. I don’t require shading or sheeting to appreciate an ink and I find it quite a beautiful shade. I also do prefer the oxblood but I’m glad to have writers blood if only for the great name! That honey is way too light for me. I prefer darker browns. Realtek that paper stand! I use a twsbi go stub for testing inks as well;)

[@writerlywitterings]

I much prefer softer, muted colours, so Honey is ideal, but Writer's Blood, that was a real disappointment. I'll go back to Red Dragon, I think. And occasionally Oxblood for variety!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

@@writerlywitterings Oxblood is fabulous! I also really love Diamine Matador!

[@pinkpandamiranda]

Have you tried herbin lie de the? It's so good, very pretty shading, neutral brown.

[@writerlywitterings]

No, I haven't sadly (at least, not yet!) but I think I will. I always had the impression it was more of a grey, but if it's brownish, I'll have to give it a go. I always like a pleasant brown!

[@jamesaritchie1]

I prefer inks that don't shade, and I can usually stop an ink from shading very much by nib choice. Writer's Blood, though, is a huge disappointment for me, even though it doesn't shade. It's runny, but feels dry at the same time, and the lack of defined edging makes it look terrible. I'm not very difficult to please where inks are concerned. I love Iroshizuku inks, and Chiku-rin, which is a very light bamboo green is a favorite of mine. But I love numerous inks from De Atramentis, Monteverde, Montblanc, Robert Oster, Diamine, Waterman, Sailor, J. Herbin, Sailor, Noodler's, on and on. But occasional an ink is just a severe disappointment, perhaps because of high expectations. This is one of those inks. Wonderful name, terrible ink. There are just so many excellent dark red inks to choose from that Writer's Blood doesn't hold its own. The name "Writer's Blood" is something I love, but they need to start over with this version.

[@writerlywitterings]

I have to admit, I'm rather like you, James, although my tastes run in the opposite direction. I much prefer shading, the more the merrier. However, having used this ink a few times in different pens and on different papers, it appeals a lot more than a week ago. Having said that, the inks I prefer are the ones which are reliable and behave as I expect, no matter what paper. Like you, I love the name, but ...

[@1234vws]

A good evening Michael. I enjoy brown inks too and my favourite is Diamine's Lie de The. If you haven’t explored it I think you might end up enjoying it for it’s stunning variation of shading etc. Reminds me of old manuscripts. SBRE Brown did a video on it if you need. If you have used it then hey ho.

[@writerlywitterings]

Sadly haven't tried that yet. I do like the J Herbin inks. Lovely colours - but expensive!

[@michellestephenson1680]

Isn’t Lie de The from Herbin? It is a very nice brown!

[@johncattermole3997]

Yes. So right.

[@johncattermole3997]

Lie de The is by Herbin after all, ignore anything I say - my wallet is busy grabbing my attention ...

[@louizelimepips3517]

Have you tried KWZ Cappuccino? It’s lovely. I’ve been looking for a good ink for my Parker 51. It has a fine nib but writes medium with most inks. Medium broad even with that Writer’s blood. But the Cappuccino works a charm in it. Now it writes like a European fine. 😄 The KWZ Honey is in my gold-coloured Kaweco Al Sport.

[@writerlywitterings]

I have tried Cappuccino, but it doesn't quite cut it compared with KWZ Honey or (my preferred one) Diamine Sepia. But all are good, to be honest! Thanks for the comment.

[@daytonagreg8765]

You’re the child who exclaimed “the Emperor has no clothes”. 🙂

[@writerlywitterings]

Well, I tried, but no one listened!

[@angbane]

I was going to ask about the KWZ ink & if it smelled as nice as their cappuccino colour. Is it the same vanilla scent? I have a small Writer's blood ink-will have to try it in my Twisbi, as didn't notice the flat colour when I just did a quick sample using a dip pen.

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, the KWZ Honey has that lovely vanilla smell. I believe it's one of the chemicals they add to make it flow better, but it smells glorious, doesn't it?

[@williamcrane1]

The red inks I use are Noodler’s Black Swan in Australian Roses, Iroshizuko Yama Buds, and Diamine Red Dragon. I was seduced by the name Writer’s Blood and was about to order 80ml of it, but your review dissuaded me. Thanks. BTW, I’m getting ready to delve into The Crediton Killings. I’m reading the series in order.

[@stargazer1359]

I was not impressed by Writer's Blood...

[@writerlywitterings]

First, thanks for trying Crediton Killings (which I have to admit, I still really like!), and I agree with you about Red Dragon - that's a really gorgeous ink, and one of my Diamine favourites!

[@writerlywitterings]

It's odd - there are some who adore it for shining, for shading, and for the colour - but only if they use very specific types of paper. It certainly did nothing for me with any of my standard papers. A very odd ink!

[@musicianbookbug1540]

Hello sir, love the Kwz honey. Unfortunately kwz inks are rather expensive here in India. I was curious about Diamine Honey Burst. Did you ever experienced that ink? It will be great to know about that ink from you. Wish you to have great time, thanks.

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, and thanks for the question, Saikat. I haven't had a go with Honey Burst yet, no. It's so difficult to keep up with Diamine, they are so quick to produce new inks, and it's hard to work my way through their range. I'll see if I can find some and do a comparison. Thanks!

[@Rick-fz7tt]

What was the brand name of your favorite yellow pocket size notebook?

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, there - I think you mean the Apica, which is a lovely little notebook.

[@Rick-fz7tt]

@@writerlywitterings Thank you

[@Richard_Barnes]

I feel that pastel colours only work in those stub / wet nibs anyway. In a usual nib, especially a drier one, they would be far too pale and washed out. I do enjoy KWZ ink though. The Writer’s Blood is very much as you described and I get why you didn’t like it. I don’t see shading but I like the deep colour, even if ‘flat’ as you say. It replaced Tsukushi in my Nakaya which was a little too light / dry so the nice deep Red of the Diamine ink is superb. 🙂👍🏻 As you know I’m a massive Blue fan so want to see the Oxford Blue as I may get some. Mike, may I ask, would you be able to do a brief writing sample with a fine or medium nib so I can see it? For most writings, the stub nib samples are ‘unrealistic’ for what I then see when I get them. Thanks again 😃 Appreciate ya.

[@writerlywitterings]

I can certainly try - which colours in particular?

[@Richard_Barnes]

@@writerlywitterings - 😃 was thinking of the Diamine Oxford Blue for now. But other Diamine Blues would be good. Don’t have to go mad though, I appreciate the Oxford Blue test 👍🏻

[@writerlywitterings]

Just doing it now!

[@bobanderson7313]

Nice to hear KWZ pronounced properly.

[@writerlywitterings]

Thanks, Bob! Glad it's appreciated!

[@stargazer1359]

To me, Merlot and Writer's Blood are so similar, the latter being a shade darker.

[@writerlywitterings]

They are very similar, but for me Merlot is far more interesting on the page, with a good amount of shading, whereas Writer's Blood has nothing in the way of redeeming qualities!

[@stargazer1359]

@@writerlywitterings I completely agree, Michael... Since I received both in the same order, they were swatched and Merlot won the draw. Writer's Blood lacking the subtle nuances that Merlot had.

[@redddraggon]

With my Writer's Blood I got shading - are you sure it wasn't just because the feed was saturated and you were putting down a tonne of ink?

[@writerlywitterings]

It could well be, James - my problem is, all my pens tend to put down a lot of ink. However, that was the reason why I have always tended to use the same pen, my 1.1mm stub TWSBI Go. I tried it in my Conway Stewart Drake as well, but that is also very wet. When I tried it in my CS Model 58, it did seem a little easier on the eye, but it's not as easy to shade as any of the other Diamine inks. And it is definitely temperamental in terms of the paper I use. Very odd!

[@charleslyall5400]

Mr jecks did you by the stand on line? thats just what i need. where?

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Charles - yes, I put the link in the description.

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

No doubt the copy holder as its uses but I simply wouldnt have room on either of my two desks, I also bought some Oxford Blue and Writers Blood inks, As a person who is still trying to find his feet re: Inks I actually like the Writers Blood, why ? , well I don't really know other than I like the colour, but unlike yourself Mike I don't have many inks to compare with, for instance I will buy some oxblood and then make a comparison, another Diamine ink I have seen being used on youtube is Sapphire Blue which is a little brighter than the Oxford BLue and is a future purchase, do you think Diamine is struggling to come up with new colours ? that they know there is a market for, Good video again Mike, but the copy holder doesn't rock my boat I'm afraid.

[@writerlywitterings]

I should apologise, Michael - I'm still trying to find time to review the excellent notebook you sent - with luck, next week! The copy holder/book stand/phone stand/iPad stand is not for everyone, I guess, but I have been enormously pleased with it. Very useful for my work, especially since it doesn't take up much space. I like Sapphire Blue, but it's a little too dark for my usual taste (Like Blu Mare, Rohrer & Klingner) and not dark enough for business use (like Diamine Oxford Blue). It's one I like - occasionally - but I tend not to use it, sadly.

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

@@writerlywitterings Don"t worry about the review Mike, I'm just sitting down on my bottom all day talking across America , just invested in DMR ( Digital Mobile Radio ) part radio, part internet, sitting on the sofa in the living room on a walkie talkie talking to a guy driving his refuse cart in New York City, thats technology, the point being you are still working and that must come first, so yes I'll look forward to your review, good or bad whatever you think but in your own time Mike

[@lukaszpokoju]

2:42 Really ?! are they going to release it As part of their standard line ? That would be great. I was worried about KWZ since they have remained silent for a while.

[@writerlywitterings]

I think that a lot of ink makers have found things difficult - supply issues due to Covid. However, this was a special one-off for a pen show, and they had to get permission from the show organiser, I think. They have that now, and are planning to release later this year.

[@lukaszpokoju]

@@writerlywitterings Great ! I'm glad they are still in business ! Let's hope 2021 will bring novelties to their product line. I really enjoy their inks.

[@TheRebs7]

Apart from not liking it (Writer's Blood) as much as others, I can't get a feel for the name somehow. If it was 'Royal Blood' and then blue or something you'd get the reference, but the maroon that it is, is not a colour I associate with anything (except the edges of my Grammar school uniform haha) Is it a known colour to do with writers? I've not read how the reddit gang named it.

[@writerlywitterings]

Well, I'm a crime writer, so I just go with the blood, sweat, toil and tears aspect. I feel like I'm writing in my own blood on occasion when the words flow like sludge ...!

[@evanseaman8946]

Thank you! You saved me some money on writer's blood.

[@writerlywitterings]

Glad to be of help!

[@stargazer1359]

I hope KWZ makes Butterscotch part of their regular line up....

[@writerlywitterings]

I think they were surprised by the number of positive comments about it. They'll hopefully have it for later this year.

[@stargazer1359]

@@writerlywitterings I will look forward to Butterscotch ..... I am a fan of brownish inks, my favorite being Diamine Ochre.... Especially if you are printing.

[@stargazer1359]

Oh, they made a Newky Brown.... Amazing!

[@stargazer1359]

It was for a pen show....the label resembling Newcastle's Ale label.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@stargazer1359 Yup - Ochre is one of my favourites too. And Sepia.

[@thomasa.243]

Interesting that you love Königsblau, because I heard from a lot of people that they find it to boring, pale, dry, etc. I also like it, but generally I guess they are more people that hate it than people that love it 😂

[@richardc6932]

If you like that ink why not try my favourites: Akkerman’s Delfts Blauw and Shocking Blue.

[@writerlywitterings]

I wonder - I certainly think it's a lovely colour, good shading, works in every pen and so on!

[@writerlywitterings]

One of my own personal favourites. I love the pale colour of Delft's Blauw, although I prefer something like Israel's Zeeblauw to Shocking Blue!

[@thomasa.243]

@@writerlywitterings Yep, it always works, never disappoints. I mean, it is maybe a "typical school blue" and reminds some people of the old school times 😅 but other than that, I always have one pen inked up with Königsblau.

[@thomasa.243]

@@richardc6932 Yep, Delft's Blauw is on my list as well but PW Akkerman sadly has some supply chain problems :(

[@iklildogan9428]

Hello, I watched your video. I am going to buy “Diamine Aurora Borealis 80 ml” as a gift for my boyfriend, but you said in your video that diamine ink was a disappointment. This made me a little sad. I wonder if you have any opinion about the color I want to buy or can you suggest a better ink?

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, Iklil - I think you have misunderstood me there. The ink I was talking about was "Writers' Blood", which at first did not work for me at all. It was only the type of paper I was using, though, and when I changed to other paper, Writers' Blood was extremely good. Generally, Diamine is my favourite ink manufacturer. They have by far the best range of colours and shades of all inks, and all are at a very reasonable price when compared with other ink producers. I particularly love some of their blue inks, I'm very impressed with their sheening inks, and I am very impressed with the company's dedication to providing the best quality inks that will not damage even the most expensive pens. However, the one question I cannot answer is what I think about Aurora Borealis - that is one of the very few Diamine inks I have not tried, I'm afraid! But no matter, really. Your boyfriend will, I am sure, be absolutely delighted with your choice, and it will work well in his pen!

[@iklildogan9428]

@@writerlywitterings Thank you very much for this sincere, kind and detailed explanation. As you mentioned, I misunderstood you, but now everything is clear. I bought Diamine ink and I will give it to him at the next meeting. Thanks for your kindness. I wish you healthy and happy days

[@greyfriar9008]

Is that stand also made in an all metal design?

[@writerlywitterings]

Not that I know of. They do have metal stands in the Fellowes range, but they're all five times the price and don't have the same design, so take up a lot more space, I think.

[@greyfriar9008]

@@writerlywitterings Thanks for the information I'll look into them.

[@sarnbradshaw7382]

Another great video, I’m just curious whether you have tried Sailor inks from Japan? I have found them to have beautiful colours, great pen to paper performance and lots of character.

[@writerlywitterings]

Not yet, but there is time! Which would you recommend?

[@sarnbradshaw7382]

@@writerlywitterings there is the Manyo range with a number of colours but I am currently using Miruai (Dark Green) from the Shikiori range which comes in smaller bottles and represents the varied colours seen in Japan throughout the year. The Sailor blue-blacks are good too. All available at Cult Pens.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@sarnbradshaw7382 That will have to wait until my next book deal, I think! I can't justify more inks until there's some money coming in!

[@xfilion]

I love the Writers Blood. I bought some from Cult Pens.

[@writerlywitterings]

I got this from Cult too. Glad you like it!

[@thuntz29]

Someone has got tired of lockdown!

[@writerlywitterings]

Oh yes!

[@mooshie65]

It's the name - Writer's Blood. Same thing happened to Sailor Manyo HaHa. Nothing special about it other than the name.

[@PumpkinJamJam]

I do think Haha is an extremely unique color though. It’s too light in a fountain pen, but when used with a brush or in a glass pen you can really see the different colors it creates.

[@mooshie65]

@@PumpkinJamJam All I have are fountain pens and yes, it's too light. I may have to try it with a brush since I have the bottle. TY

[@writerlywitterings]

Lots of people rave about it - and I understand it does sheen and shade very well on Mnemosyne paper and some others - but if it won't do the job on all paper, it's not much use to me!

[@writerlywitterings]

Hmm - Haha is another I haven't tried. Yet.

[@writerlywitterings]

I'll have to look it up. I do like pale inks - Delft's Blauw, China Blue, Denim Blue etc.

[@paulherman5822]

And this is how the one turned blue... 😂

[@writerlywitterings]

The air turned blue later when the ruddy dog jerked my hand and spilled ink everywhere!

[@paulherman5822]

@@writerlywitterings I can empathize... I have permanently stained trousers from my dog insisting on being on my lap whilst I was trying to fill a pen with a Noodler's cellulose reactive ink...

[@0xss]

Writer’s blood looks meh, as does 2021 LE isatis tinctoria from rohrer und klingner.

[@writerlywitterings]

HAven't seen the R&K, but I'm not impressed with Writer's Blood, sadly.

[@firebirdpsych348]

Utterly agree regarding Writers Blood - bit of a damp squib.

[@writerlywitterings]

It's a Marmite ink, I think: either you love it or you hate it, there really isn't a middle ground!

[@greyareaRK1]

That's a disappointment. I'm running out of writers.

[@writerlywitterings]

I'll be keeping an eye on you, I think. Draining writers for their blood, eh!

[@Mmmyess]

What's with your watch? 3:10 Your schmancy accent says "Rolex," but your predisposition toward all things practical says, "Timex."

[@writerlywitterings]

My attitude has always been that I should buy things that will last a long time, and ideally things which won't require any element to be disposed. The Rolex is self-winding, no battery, and has so far lasted me over thirty seven years. It was a good purchase. Before that I had a series of other watches - I think at least four, each of which lasted some two and a half years. This Rolex is on my wrist every day, all day and all night. I love it!