Montblanc Midnight Blue - Cartridges

[Sandy1]

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Gray Scale:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/InkyThoughts2010/INK576-1-2.jpg

 

~ ❆ ~

Figure 1.

Swabs & Swatch

Paper: HPJ1124 24 lb. Laser Copy.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/a0050e23.jpg

Figure 2.

NIB-ism ✑

Paper: HPJ1124.

Depicts nibs' down-stroke width and pens' relative wetness.

Link:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/th_5e0b963a.jpg

Pens: L → R: Somiko, 440+XF, Estie, PPP, Slimfold & Carene.

 

Figure 3.

Paper base tints:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Private%20Reserve%20Chocolate/86f3378c.jpg

L → R: HPJ1124, Rhodia, G Lalo white, Royal, Staples 20 lb.

 

WRITTEN SAMPLES - Moby Dick

Relative Humidity: 51%

Ruling is 8mm.

 

Figure 4.

Paper: HPJ1124

 

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/84128725.jpgFigure 4A.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/7adaca36.jpg

Figure 5.

Paper: Rhodia.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/d9d3165b.jpg

Figure 5A.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/a1c9cca8.jpg

Figure 6.

Paper: G Lalo, Verge de France, white.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/122aadfa.jpg

Figure 6A.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/7102a493.jpg

Figure 7.

Paper: Royal - 25% rag.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/f34a829b.jpg

Figure 7A.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/aa112259.jpg

Figure 8.

Paper: Staples 20 lb. multi use.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/b3a4be8e.jpg

Figure 9.

Grocery List

Paper: Pulp. One-a-Day calendar page.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Montblanc%20Blue-Black%20Cartridges/7670abb8.jpg

 

 

OTHER STUFF

 

Figure 10.

Smear/Dry Times.

Wet Tests. ☔

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/48a3cc74.jpg

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

 

Type:

• Dye-based FP ink.

Presentation:

• Short international cartridges containing a wee bead.

Availability:

• In production at time of writing.

Daily writer?

• Quite possible.

A go-to ink?

• Yes - when a high performance classic Blue-Black ink is desired.

Note:

Some question the ingredients of this ink: Does it include iron-gall? LINK

• Two recent attempts to have MB answer that question received polite but non-specific replies, so I must recognise that MB is under no obligation to disclose their inks' ingredients.
• However, ErHmm, I infer the absence of iron-gall, (ferro-gallic content), as the bottled version includes information about pen hygiene requirements well suited to an i-g ink, while the cartridge version does not have that information; nor is the cartridge version designated as 'Permanent for documents'. Yet, perhaps MB has perfected the non-permeable ink cartridge, so i-g inks may well be available in cartridges.
• Alternate information source: LINK
  

USE

 

Business:

(From the office of Ms Blue-Black.)

• In all densities, I could see MBMBl-C being used for all communication.
• It may be a nice idea to have medium-pale bright-eyed Blue ink when/if a more convivial ink ever seems appropriate. (Ha!)
• For personal work product, I could see using MBMBl-C without hesitation.
• The excellent line quality and unobtrusive appearance make this ink a viable option for marginalia / footnotes, especially from a very narrow nib.
• Not enough zip for editing / mark-up.
• Not enough zap for error correction or grading of assignments.

Illustrations / Graphics:

• Even at maximum density shown, the ink is not prone to become so dark as to be perceived as Black, hence it is a good intermediate between Black and medium Blue, or dark and medium Blue should a greater non-Blue increment be desired.
  
• The short S/D Times enable rapid reworking of an area.
  
• Line quality is excellent, making it a good pick when narrow tight lines are required.

Students:

• Easily.
• MBMB-C is very readable, so suits general notes.
• Water resistance is very good, so what's written should survive domestic/academic accidents.
• Performance on 20 lb. bond was fine, but there was a bit of bleed- show-through on the Royal, so two-sided use on a specific 'lowest bidder' paper needs to be confirmed.
• While wonderful for hand-written assignments, if/when a paper worthy of a high grade is anticipated, a more animated ink, should be considered. e.g. Noodler's Ottoman Azure, Herbin Bleu Myosotis.

Personal:

• I am a first-time User of this ink, and my experience is greatly influenced by the bottled Midnight Blue, so I would use MBMBl-C in much the same fashion.
• As for Business use, above, this can be used for any personal pro forma personal business correspondence.
• I must say that I was taken aback by the different appearance of the Written Samples due to different writers. That said, I believe that MBMBl-C can be used with most any nib size and shape, and deliver results to suit. (I look forward to the results from a Cursive Italic ground from a narrow nib.)

PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE & CHARACTERISTICS

 

Flow Rate:

• Greater than average.
• Seems very responsive & controlled.
  

Nib Dry-out:

• Not noticed.

Start-up:

• Immediate.
• With confidence.

Lubrication:

• Greater than average.
  
• Likely related to low flow rate.
• The dry 440+XF on the hard laid texture of the G Lalo was tolerable.

Nib Creep:

• Not seen.

Staining:

• Not seen.

Clogging:

• Not seen.
• Bead in the cartridge seems to enable ink flow.

Bleed- Show-Through:

• Very slight from Carene on the Royal.
• Both sides of the sheet could be used.

Feathering / Woolly Line:

• Not seen on papers used.

Smell:

• Not noticed.

Hand oil sensitivity:

• Not seen.

Clean Up:

• Thorough and rapid with plain water.

Mixing:

• No stated prohibition.
• For those who find the bottled version too dry, perhaps adding an iota of this will improve flow & lubrication, without significantly altering The Look of the bottled version. (I cannot believe I wrote that!)
  

Archival:

• Not claimed.

Smear/Dry Times & Water Resistance:

• Both are impressive - see Figure 10 above.

THE LOOK

 

Presence:

• Subtle.
• Supple.
• Solid.

Saturation:

• Low.

Shading:

• Evident from narrow nibs used, but seems a bit hit or miss otherwise.
• Likely needs to be cultivated, or could be suppressed.

Variability:

• Pen+nib combos used:
  • Far more than expected.
    

  [*]Papers used:

  • A bit more than expected.

  [*]Malleability:

  • High.
  • The wily practitioner would definitely need to choose their writer first, then make a rather deliberate choice of paper to generate the desired Look.
  • It appears we have another ink that can, with some effort, achieve a very very specific Look, but all results seem acceptable.

Hi-Res Scans:

Originals are 60x30mm.

LINKS:

 

Somiko on HPJ1124

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/th_87caa561.jpg

 

Estie on Rhodia

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/th_0b541521.jpg

 

PPP on G Lalo

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/th_c6d6953f.jpg

 

Carene on Royal

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/th_809a83ca.jpg

 

FIDELITY

 

Is the name appropriate?

• Yes.
• Definitely a Blue-Black, without a hint of green/teal/blaqua.
  

DIS-SIMILAR COLOURS:

• Private Reserve markets 'Midnight Blues' - plural. That is a magnificent Dark Blue ink, ♡, but not a Blue-Black.
  
• I have also included the Sheaffer Skrip Blue-Black.

Swabs:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20MBMBl-C/ba9ce58d.jpg

• Rows 1, 3 & 5: Left : PRMBl; Right : SSBlBk.
• Rows 2, 4 & 6: MBMB-C

SIMILAR COLOURS:

 

Please note:

• For the recent Blue-Black inks that I have reviewed, an effort was made to use several of the same papers, one or more of the same pen/s, and Written Sample format to support side-by-side comparison through manipulation of your web browser windows.
• Over time, some BlBk inks which I previously reviewed may have additional Written Samples appended to support such visual comparison. I hope this is sufficient to meet most ad hoc comparison requirements; if not, your request via PM will be welcome.
• A Topic comparing MBMBl bottle to cartridge inks is planned, but please do not hold your breath.

PAPERS

 

Lovely papers:

• Ran well on all papers used.

Trip-wire Papers: ☠

• None encountered.

Tinted Papers:

• Likely to do well on any colour of tint, but as this ink is not opaque, be aware of the base-tint skewing the perceived ink colour.

Pre-Printed Papers:

• Forms, etc.
  • Easily.
  • Do try to keep the density low enough so there is good separation between the Black printed form and the ink.

  [*]For charts & graphs:

  • Easily.

Is high-end paper 'worth it'?

• Possible / Likely.
  
• Once again, paper is very much a matter of preference over performance.
  
• As this ink is so malleable, an array of paper is advantageous to achieve a specific Look.
  

ETC.

 

Majik:

• Quite likely.

Personal Pen & Paper Pick:

• Carene on the Rhodia.

Yickity Yackity:

• Well well well. Another very impressive MB dye-based ink, but it can only be had in cartridges. Pity.
• Ah kushbaby, is this one too slow again?

======

 

NUTS & BOLTS

______

 

Pens:

• Written Samples:
  • Sailor Somiko + TIGP F nib.
  • Sheaffer 440 + XF steel nib.
  • Sheaffer 440 + F steel nib, (by request).
    
  • Esterbrook J + steel nib.
  • Platinum President Purist + 22K B nib.
  • Parker UK Slimfold + 14K 'B for Bodacious' nib.
  • Waterman Carene + 18K factory stub nib.

______

 

Papers:

• HPJ1124 24 lb. Laser Copy.
• Rhodia.
• G Lalo, Verge de France, white.
• Royal, 25% cotton rag.
• Staples 20lb. multi use.
• Pulp. One-a-Day Calendar page.

______

 

Images

• Scans were made on an Epson V600 scanner; factory defaults were accepted.
• Figures shown were scanned at 200 dpi & 24 bit colour.
• HiRes Images linked were scanned at 300 dpi & 24 bit colour.
• Scans were not adjusted post-production, other than dumb-down by Photobucket and IP.Board s/w.

______

 

Densitometer Readings (FWIW)

• Red 120
• Grn 126
• Blu 160
• Lum 131

______

 

Fine Print

The accuracy and relevance of this Review depends in great part upon consistency and reliability of matériel used.

Ink does not require labelling/notice to indicate (changes in) formulation, non-hazardous ingredients, batch ID, date of manufacture, etc.

As always, YMMV, not only from materials, methods, environment, etc., but also due to differences between the stuff I used, and the stuff you may have.

Also, I entrust readers to separate opinion from fact; to evaluate inferences and conclusions as to their merit; and to be amused by whatever tickles your fancy.

______

 

EDIT - clarity.

-30-

Tags: Fountain Pen Ink Review Montblanc Midnight Blue Black Blue-Black cartridge Sandy1

Edited July 6, 2011 by Sandy1

[Thornton]

Thanks for another great review, Sandy. I'm impressed with the water resistance of MBMB in cartridge form. I actually have a box, but haven't used them yet. I'll have to give it a go in my Starwalker.

[Sandy1]

Thanks for another great review, Sandy. I'm impressed with the water resistance of MBMB in cartridge form. I actually have a box, but haven't used them yet. I'll have to give it a go in my Starwalker.

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

I think this one has a quite impressive performance profile overall. I also noticed the low Smear/Dry Times - it is the rare ink that doesn't smear under 5 seconds on 'standard grade' papers.

 

I look forward to your comments (more samples???) after you've given it a go.

 

Bye,

S1

[ethernautrix]

Another thorough -- and thoroughly fabulous -- ink review, Sandy1!

 

I very much like the bottled Midnight Blue, but I should have cartridges, too, for my Mb 100-Year Historical beauty (currently not in rotation, but that can change on a whim).

 

I'm always impressed by your ink reviews. Thank you!

[Sandy1]

Another thorough -- and thoroughly fabulous -- ink review, Sandy1!

 

I very much like the bottled Midnight Blue, but I should have cartridges, too, for my Mb 100-Year Historical beauty (currently not in rotation, but that can change on a whim).

 

I'm always impressed by your ink reviews. Thank you!

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

I'm on the verge of considering this ink not to be so much an ink totally separate from the bottled version, rather as a sidekick with its own personality. (?)

 

Bye,

S1

[IWantThat]

This is my go-to ink - in bottle form. Love it Thanks for a great review.

[BillZ]

Thanks for such a thorough review. I have both bottled and cartridge for my Starwalker. I use the bottled ink mostly-refilling empties with a syringe. I use cartridges when travelling so I'll have

a ready supply. It's the ink I like the most of the 15 or so that I have now.

[Sandy1]

This is my go-to ink - in bottle form. Love it Thanks for a great review.

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

Bye,

S1

[Sandy1]

Thanks for such a thorough review. I have both bottled and cartridge for my Starwalker. I use the bottled ink mostly-refilling empties with a syringe. I use cartridges when travelling so I'll have

a ready supply. It's the ink I like the most of the 15 or so that I have now.

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

I use the bottled version the most, so its great to read of your experience with the cartridge version!

 

Perhaps I should find a pen for the cartridges, but I don't foresee a Starwalker in the near future.

 

Bye,

S1