Okay, so this could become a VERY long page! It’s so hard to narrow down my list of “favorite inks” from all the amazing fountain pen inks out there, not to mention the new inks that are released every single day.
But I’m determined to do my best for you, so here goes …
First a Quick Warning …
If you are new to fountain pens, you might be tempted to purchase “India Ink”. It’s usually cheap, and it comes in a glass bottle like other inks. But it is NOT designed for fountain pens, and can really mess them up. Leave the India Ink alone.
1. Best Archival Inks
These are inks that are produced to be able to stand the test of time. If you write something that you want to file away for decades or more, and be confident that it won’t fade or wash out too badly if it gets wet, then you want an “archival” or “document” ink.
– Noodler’s Black
Noodler’s is a small American ink manufacturer based in Massachusetts. They make some fantastic products. This is their standard black, and they refer to it as “bulletproof”. In 2003, Noodler’s put out a challenge offering $1000 to anyone who could remove Noodler’s Black or Polar Blue ink from a standard check. The prize went unclaimed for years, and the reward was raised to $2000. Finally a Yale physics student managed to do it with a laser that he built. Nevertheless, this ink IS basically “bulletproof”. (BUY ON AMAZON)
– Noodler’s Fox Red
They describe this one as “eternal”. Of course, theologically it’s not, but as long as it lasts while the earth stands we’ll be happy! This is a bright red, but tending toward orange tones if anything. (BUY ON AMAZON)
– De Atramentis Document Inks
I love these inks, but they aren’t always as readily available as other ink brands. They are handmade in Germany. If you’re after them, I recommend you try Goulet Pens.
2. My Favorite Inks in Standard Colors
Inks that go well in a business setting …
– Diamine Majestic Blue
My absolute favorite blue ink for letter writing. Blue always looks professional, but this ink has a magnificent red sheen in it. So when you use a quality paper (e.g. Clarefontaine or Tomoe River), it will dry with that red coming through on every stroke. It truly does look “majestic”. (BUY ON AMAZON)
– Sailor Jentle Blue-Black
If you’re looking for another ink that will give a professional look, blue-black is an accepted norm. Here’s why I love Sailor’s version … There is something to be said for the fact that when pen manufacturers also formulate ink, they tend to be well-suited to their own pens. That is very true of this one. I first tried it in a couple of random fountain pens and thought it was good. But when I inked up my Sailor 1911S with it, it just flowed beautifully from the nib. It was obviously made for it, and has become one of my “go to” inks for Sailor pens. (BUY ON AMAZON)
– Robert Oster Green at Night
I love a green ink, and this one is my all-time favorite (so far). It’s so dark that it’s headed toward black, but the green is still unmistakable, and it looks stunning. Very regal. (BUY FROM JET PENS)
– Monteverde Amethyst
My all-time favorite preacher is Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892). During his lifetime his sermons had a weekly worldwide circulation. He had a secretary transcribe his messages in shorthand as he was preaching them. Then he would edit the manuscript with a purple fountain pen. It’s a distinctive mark on old documents of his … that purple ink. So every time I use this amethyst, I feel just a little “Spurgeonic”! It’s a lovely clean ink. (BUY ON AMAZON)
3. My Favorite Inks in More Adventurous Colors
Sometimes you just need to break out and express your inner Picasso, right?
– Robert Oster Blue Water Ice
This is one of the first inks I really fell in love with. Robert Oster is an Australian ink manufacturer who make a lot of great colors, but this one stands out for me. It’s a bright blue, but with a pink sheen to it. You have to see it. This ink made my Jinhao X450 look like a luxury brand (it’s a Chinese pen that costs less than $10). (BUY FROM JET PENS)
– Noodler’s Tokyo Gift
A really vibrant (almost neon) pink. I’m sure it’s named after the famous pink cherry blossoms that Tokyo is famous for. I’m not usually into pink, but I do love this color. The drying time can tend to be a bit longer with this one, but if you’re not in a hurry I think you’ll enjoy it. (BUY FROM GOULET PENS)
– Noodler’s Apache Sunset
This has become a hugely popular ink. It’s a bright orange, with a yellow shading to it. Quite hard to describe, but very special. And when you see it on a good paper, you’ll say “Yup, I get it, an Apache sunset. That’s what it is.” I don’t have a lot of uses for this ink, so sometimes I just invent reasons to get it out! (BUY ON AMAZON)
4. A Universally Favorite Ink
– Jacques Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor
This is the ink that fountain pen enthusiasts around the world have in their collections more often than any other. (Source: The Fountain Pen Companion). It is a really spectacular ink … a teal color, with red sheen and gold shimmer. Very unique. AND it comes in one of the most beautiful ink bottles. (BUY ON AMAZON)
A Suggestion to End
So, those are a few of my favorite inks. I hope you’ll try some of them out. But there’s a great way to get an idea of what you like without spending too much money on lots of full bottles of ink. Try “sample sets”. A number of fountain pen and ink retailers offer these. You can buy a number of different inks in small plastic vials; just enough for 1 or 2 pen fills. Goulet Pens are a great source for these.