Iron-Gall Inks

[Jagdeep]

Some advise needed mates.

 

I would like to try an IG ink but, which to start with?

I have heard the IG inks are dry. I prefer a smooth glide.

In Singapore, proper FP paper is almost impossible to obtain.

Air freighting FP friendly note books is way too expensive.

I am forced to used FP killer papers. So, an ink that does not feather too much is good.

 

Locally, I can obtain R&K, MB, Diamine and J Herbin (though J Herbin says the Lawyers ink is not for FP)

Which should I start with?

One that feathers the least and gives the least dry write.

 

Pens are a Pelikan 400 (M) and Sailor Sapporo (M)

 

Thanks

Jag

[Sandy1]

Hi,

 

I suggest starting with the Montblanc Midnight Blue as an all-rounder.

 

The R&K Salix & Scabiosa demonstrate a high degree of shading which I usually do not prefer in a 'business' ink, but just looove in a personal ink.

 

The Ecclesiastical Stationery Supplies Registrars Ink currently ships at no additional cost.

 

Kindly take a look at the i-g inks in Ink Review Forum; the ESSRI is yet to be indexed, but can be found here: LINK

 

Bye,

S1

[wallylynn]

I support MB-MB as well. I find it wet and smooth. If nothing else, it's a great display bottle.

 

If you want to really experience I-G, I vote for Registrars. I use Chesterfield Archival (repackaged Diamine Registrar). Writes a pale blue and darkens quickly. Days/weeks later, the blue is gone and it's dark grey-black.

 

Be careful. Many iron-gall inks are the old traditional type inks and not suitable for fountain pens, just dip pens/quills.

[Uncle Red]

I'll second the RI for cheap/bad papers. I just loaded RI in a desk pen at work. I scored the desk set in an antique store and it looks like a fine but writes like a broad, it is smooth though. The dryness of the RI helps tame the wetness of the pen, there's no bleed through and hardly any show through and most impressively no feathering. I love this stuff. The color shifts so quickly on work papers that I don't think my boss will catch it unless he watches me sign something.

The R&K inks look interesting too, I'll get samples when the Goulets get them.

[Dimitrios_P]

I will go with Diamine Majestic Blue

[Jagdeep]

Thank you very much for this.

From the ESS website.... and the bottle used, I am guessing ESS is Diamine Registrars Ink

 

I will be getting this for sure.

Many thanks S1

[Sandy1]

Thank you very much for this.

From the ESS website.... and the bottle used, I am guessing ESS is Diamine Registrars Ink

 

I will be getting this for sure.

Many thanks S1

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

Unfortunately, you're guess is incorrect.

 

While trying to determine the 'official' pH of this ink, I was lead to Gabriela Meunier of Trodat, a Co. based in Austria. She kindly informed me that their UK branch/subsidiary of Trodat makes the ESSRI.

(At time of writing, they have not replied to my email request for information; though a hand-written letter might elicit a reply.)

 

Bye,

S1

[Jagdeep]

Hmm,

Could their UK subsidiary be Diamine?

I could not get a solid reply from Diamine or ESS regarding this.

I already ordered a botle of Diamines Registrars and dont want to have a double order of the same.

 

Pls do lemme know if you find out if they are the same, or not

 

Cheers mate

Jag

[teeniebeenie6]

The ink colors look different to me. Did you see this ESS review. One of the posters, #4 to be exact, said the two inks look, behave and smell differently. I recently ordered both and am waiting for them to arrive.

[lapis]

I will go with Diamine Majestic Blue

Umm... Diamine's Majestic Blue is a great blue but not an iron-gall ink.

 

Mike

[lapis]

FWIW, I'd get all 6 which are easily available today. Or choose first in regard to....

 

1. Degree/intensity of the blue-black's bluishness, e.g. MB vs. Lamy

2. Actual color. E.g. Salix & Scabiosa are the least blue-black. Salix is more of a gray and Scabiosa more a lilac-brown. But both are great inks and also very inexpensive.

3. Wetness. IMO The Ecclesiastical Stationery Supplies Registrars has the best flow, Diamine's Registra's the worst/least flow. Now, of course, if you're really into dry inks, I see no harm.

4. As an allround starter and/or if you only need one for the island, get -- as Sandy1 said -- MB's (in the bottle, not cartridge).

 

Mike

[Korybas]

Hmm,

Could their UK subsidiary be Diamine?

I could not get a solid reply from Diamine or ESS regarding this.

I already ordered a botle of Diamines Registrars and dont want to have a double order of the same.

 

Pls do lemme know if you find out if they are the same, or not

 

Cheers mate

Jag

 

 

Dear Jag,

 

Please refer to the review of ESS Registrars Ink that Sandy1 gave you, and in the comments you will see that ESS wrote a reply about what you are asking:

 

(snip)

We at ESS are delighted to read that our Registrars Ink is performing to everyone’s satisfaction and giving so much pleasure. A few points need clarification.

 

1) Our ink is a UK product, it is not made in Germany

 

2) We know our price is lower than comparable products from other suppliers, this does not mean our product is of a lesser quality (as is confirmed by the reviews), it is our policy to sell a quality product at a reasonable price.

 

3) We will be pleased to supply world wide. Our web site now includes an “Export” button where we are now showing an all inclusive worldwide export price.

(snip)

 

Hope this answers your question.