Herbin Bleu Ocean

[The Scribbler]

I find the color to be nice but it feathers like crazy on everything I've used except Rhodia paper.

Hi,

 

Thanks for sharing!

 

The samples I've done show little if any feathering, and those include the random papers that I've encountered in the wild.

 

So that others can avoid such results, please let us know what papers were used.

 

Bye,

S1

 

It has feathered on Levenger note cards, cheap 20 lb copy paper (from Staples I think), a couple of random note pads (no idea about brand, but clearly cheap), and a Moleskine journal. Levenger cards had least amount of feathering (but still present) and Moleskine and random no-name note pads were the worst.

 

Disclaimer 1: Yes, I know that Moleskine is hated by many people because of feathering issues, but I've used a variety of pens and inks with success in a Moleskine. The feathering isn't just about the paper in this case.

 

Disclaimer 2: I have been using an Edison Nouveau Encore with a steel #5 medium nib. It tends to be on the wet side.

 

I think this ink could probably be tamed with a dry writing fine nib.

[Laura N]

As I've used it more, I've come to realize that the ink is about as wet as the ocean it was named for. But, fingers crossed, I haven't seen feathering, even on my cheap copy paper. I've used it mostly in an Edison medium and a Sailor broad, both of which are wet.

 

It does give me a broader than normal line, and I tend to fill in more of my counters than usual.

 

I also suspect it will be better mannered in a fine nib pen, but I'd hate to lose the glorious color.

[Sandy1]

I agree with your findings and now think I should be looking at Sargasso Sea for my next blue.

 

I haven't had a chance to try my sample yet. I had been wondering, though, how it compares both color-wise and behavior-wise to Sargasso Sea, which is nice dark blue but has a tendency to dry out and clog my pens if I'm not careful.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

Hi,

 

In the Review, under the 'Other Inks' heading, the Swab Swami includes a sample of Diamine Sargasso Sea.

 

DSS is quite a bit different in terms of colour and tone. I haven't used it all that much, for whatever reason. (Perhaps I'm waiting for the initial furore that heralded its release to stop ringing in my ears.)

 

Bye,

S1

[Sandy1]

I find the color to be nice but it feathers like crazy on everything I've used except Rhodia paper.

Hi,

 

Thanks for sharing!

 

The samples I've done show little if any feathering, and those include the random papers that I've encountered in the wild.

 

So that others can avoid such results, please let us know what papers were used.

 

Bye,

S1

 

It has feathered on Levenger note cards, cheap 20 lb copy paper (from Staples I think), a couple of random note pads (no idea about brand, but clearly cheap), and a Moleskine journal. Levenger cards had least amount of feathering (but still present) and Moleskine and random no-name note pads were the worst.

 

Disclaimer 1: Yes, I know that Moleskine is hated by many people because of feathering issues, but I've used a variety of pens and inks with success in a Moleskine. The feathering isn't just about the paper in this case.

 

Disclaimer 2: I have been using an Edison Nouveau Encore with a steel #5 medium nib. It tends to be on the wet side.

 

I think this ink could probably be tamed with a dry writing fine nib.

 

Hi,

 

Thanks for the extensive list!

 

I've taken the Phileas+B out to try some more random papers, and still haven't seen appreciable feathering! A bit 'wooly', but not an unacceptable result. (That pen+nib was also used extensively in my recent Reviews of Brown inks.)

 

Figure 7 shows a sample on Staples 20lb. that I picked-up on a stateside visit some time ago. Also, under the point for 'Bleed - Show-Though', there's a link to an image of the obverse of the Figure 7 sample, (shown below for convenience). Are you getting more bleed- show-through than depicted?

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Herbin%201670%20Bleu%20Ocean/INK622_zps19a23624.jpg

 

- - -

 

I reckon that most inks should run fairly well from a normal pen on most papers; the worst problems are typically bleed-through and line-spread - where an F nib gives a B line.

 

I really don't know what to say about going to a very different pen, (or dilution), except as a 'last resort'.

 

Some inks, such as Batstate Blue, seem to require an atypical nib+feed set-up that is beyond fussy, so I just don't bother with them. I certainly hope that Bleu Ocean doesn't prove to be one of those.

 

Bye,

S1

Edited September 26, 2012 by Sandy1

[Sandy1]

As I've used it more, I've come to realize that the ink is about as wet as the ocean it was named for. But, fingers crossed, I haven't seen feathering, even on my cheap copy paper. I've used it mostly in an Edison medium and a Sailor broad, both of which are wet.

 

It does give me a broader than normal line, and I tend to fill in more of my counters than usual.

 

I also suspect it will be better mannered in a fine nib pen, but I'd hate to lose the glorious color.

Hi,

 

Many thanks for the ongoing updates!

 

So we are seeing some variation in the degree of feathering on 'cheap paper'. I like to think that says more about the paper than the ink, but as more people chime-in, I hope we can get a better overall impression from a greater number of samples - just how much 'YMMV' might be expected?

 

As for the degree of line-spread, I plan to do another scan showing the variation across the papers used, but for now all I can post is a comparison to two other widely-held inks from the Safari + goosed 1.1 nib on the fairly absorbent Royal paper.

 

Please let me know if you would like to see other scans.

 

Aurora Blue:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Ink%20Review%20-%20Aurora%20Blue/c279df14.jpg

 

Herbin Bleu Ocean:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Herbin%201670%20Bleu%20Ocean/INK627_zps0dd7bc23.jpg

 

Lamy Blue:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Lamy%20Blue/bdaaa86e.jpg

 

Bye,

S1

[ravantra]

Very thorough review. Thanks.

 

I am uninspired by the color. I don't have a bottle and I have only seen reviews so far. Also the swabs I have seen online show a more vibrant color. Maybe I really need to purchase a sample.

[The Scribbler]

I find the color to be nice but it feathers like crazy on everything I've used except Rhodia paper.

Hi,

 

Thanks for sharing!

 

The samples I've done show little if any feathering, and those include the random papers that I've encountered in the wild.

 

So that others can avoid such results, please let us know what papers were used.

 

Bye,

S1

 

It has feathered on Levenger note cards, cheap 20 lb copy paper (from Staples I think), a couple of random note pads (no idea about brand, but clearly cheap), and a Moleskine journal. Levenger cards had least amount of feathering (but still present) and Moleskine and random no-name note pads were the worst.

 

Disclaimer 1: Yes, I know that Moleskine is hated by many people because of feathering issues, but I've used a variety of pens and inks with success in a Moleskine. The feathering isn't just about the paper in this case.

 

Disclaimer 2: I have been using an Edison Nouveau Encore with a steel #5 medium nib. It tends to be on the wet side.

 

I think this ink could probably be tamed with a dry writing fine nib.

 

Hi,

 

Thanks for the extensive list!

 

I've taken the Phileas+B out to try some more random papers, and still haven't seen appreciable feathering! A bit 'wooly', but not an unacceptable result. (That pen+nib was also used extensively in my recent Reviews of Brown inks.)

 

Figure 7 shows a sample on Staples 20lb. that I picked-up on a stateside visit some time ago. Also, under the point for 'Bleed - Show-Though', there's a link to an image of the obverse of the Figure 7 sample, (shown below for convenience). Are you getting more bleed- show-through than depicted?

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Herbin%201670%20Bleu%20Ocean/INK622_zps19a23624.jpg

 

- - -

 

I reckon that most inks should run fairly well from a normal pen on most papers; the worst problems are typically bleed-through and line-spread - where an F nib gives a B line.

 

I really don't know what to say about going to a very different pen, (or dilution), except as a 'last resort'.

 

Some inks, such as Batstate Blue, seem to require an atypical nib+feed set-up that is beyond fussy, so I just don't bother with them. I certainly hope that Bleu Ocean doesn't prove to be one of those.

 

Bye,

S1

 

Yeah, I think my nib is overly wet/free flowing. It is probably more a nib issue than an ink issue. I'm getting significantly more bleed-through than your picture shows. I'm going to try again with a different pen/nib combo to see if it makes a difference.

[Sandy1]

As I've used it more, I've come to realize that the ink is about as wet as the ocean it was named for. But, fingers crossed, I haven't seen feathering, even on my cheap copy paper. I've used it mostly in an Edison medium and a Sailor broad, both of which are wet.

 

It does give me a broader than normal line, and I tend to fill in more of my counters than usual.

 

I also suspect it will be better mannered in a fine nib pen, but I'd hate to lose the glorious color.

Hi,

 

To get a handle on line-spread, I've made some additional scans from the Written Samples.

 

1) Sheaffer 330 + M nib on five papers, L → R: HPJ1124, Rhodia Bloc 18, G Lalo, Royal, Staples.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Herbin%201670%20Bleu%20Ocean/INK630_zps44ebe222.jpg

 

- - -

 

2) Safari + goosed 1.1 nib on four papers, L → R: HPJ1124, Rhodia Bloc 18, G Lalo, Royal.

As the nib is a Stub, point-by-point comparisons are flaky - I just am not consistent in my pen handling, so the overall impression seems more useful.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Herbin%201670%20Bleu%20Ocean/INK631_zps408bc3d9.jpg

 

- - -

 

3) Sheaffer 330 + M nib on three papers, T → B: HPJ1124, Rhodia A4 Meeting Book, Staples.

. . Labels are from a Pilot Penmanship + EF running Sheaffer Turquoise.

 

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Ink%20Review%20-%20Herbin%201670%20Bleu%20Ocean/INK633_zpsbaa5abe4.jpg

 

- - -

 

• My reading of the runes is that Bleu Ocean performs well within what I consider to be a 'normal' range of line-width variation due to changes in pen wetness and paper characteristics.
• Some may notice that on the third image of the Smear/Dry Times, there are some instances of line-width gain only on the Staples, especially on the down-stroke; which I attribute to my 'stalling' the pen at the end of the stroke, rather than lifting the pen away as I often do when writing text. So that gives us another nuance of pen-handling to consider, however briefly.

Bye,

S1

Edited September 27, 2012 by Sandy1

[whichwatch]

"]

 

 

Please let us know of your comparison to asa-gao.

 

 

I posted some unscientific comparisons separately, so as not to mingle my amateurish work with your more scientific approach. You can find my scans here:

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/230550-unscientific-comparison-of-herbin-1670-bleu-ocean/

[Sandy1]

Very thorough review. Thanks.

 

I am uninspired by the color. I don't have a bottle and I have only seen reviews so far. Also the swabs I have seen online show a more vibrant color. Maybe I really need to purchase a sample.

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

I agree that samples are great for those who aren't so sure about going for a bottle of ink, and are curious enough to give it a go; or who may not use an ink very often. (I consider samples to be the inky equivalent of speed dating.)

 

Bye,

S1

[Sandy1]

Thank you for another fine review.

 

Looking at your writing samples, I was thinking that this ink looks a lot like Aurora Blue.

 

Then I saw your comparisons and it does look very close to Aurora Blue. However, I am surprised that it is also close to Montblanc Royal Blue.

Hi,

 

I've posted a wee Comparison of Bleu Ocean to MB Royal Blue in the ICS&T Forum, LINK

 

Also, Post № 25 above includes Hi-Res images of Aurora Blue, Bleu Ocean and Lamy Blue. LINK

 

In addition, Member whichwatch has generously posted a multi-ink Comparison to Bleu Ocean in the ICS&T Forum LINK, which includes these inks:

• Diamine Majestic Blue,
• Monteverde Blue,
  
• Noodler's Benevolent Badger Blue,
  
• Noodler's Texas Blue Bonnet,
• Pilot asa-gao.

Bye,

S1

_ _ _

 

EDIT - to add:

 

In the Inky Thoughts Forum, we have the Topic "New J. Herbin 1670 Ink 2012: A new Color - A Blue-Black this time". After the ink was released to Consumers, we have additional swabs and written samples, and the usual shenanigans exchange of experiences & ideas: Post № 124+

 

Swabs: Bleu Ocean on the Left, PR Black Magic Blue on the Right:

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Comparison%20Herbin%20Bleu%20Ocean%20-%20PR%20Black%20Magic%20Blue/INK639_zps52324801.jpg

Edited September 27, 2012 by Sandy1

[sarahfar]

Honestly I don't know. Like so many inks lately, its probably overhyped especially in the sense I think there was an expectation of sheen and brightness. In that sense many are disappointed. I think its a subtle yet complicated, flat yet sophisticated, what I would call a very typical European ink. It is J. Herbin so it will flow well and be a consistent good ink likely. All that said, I have no damn idea how much I will use it. I love Italian and German pens. For some reason I'm never really all that torqued up with some of the more subdued inks. So I'm not sure given so many options like Visconti and Omas brighter and cheaper, and honestly the whole line of Iroshizuku in the same general price range, whether I will use it much. I have a feeling its going to take some getting used to and not sure how many of us will be willing to invest the time.

 

As always great review.

[Sandy1]

Honestly I don't know. Like so many inks lately, its probably overhyped especially in the sense I think there was an expectation of sheen and brightness. In that sense many are disappointed. I think its a subtle yet complicated, flat yet sophisticated, what I would call a very typical European ink. It is J. Herbin so it will flow well and be a consistent good ink likely. All that said, I have no damn idea how much I will use it. I love Italian and German pens. For some reason I'm never really all that torqued up with some of the more subdued inks. So I'm not sure given so many options like Visconti and Omas brighter and cheaper, and honestly the whole line of Iroshizuku in the same general price range, whether I will use it much. I have a feeling its going to take some getting used to and not sure how many of us will be willing to invest the time.

 

As always great review.

 

Hi,

 

Thanks!

 

I think you've touched on many thoughts common to those looking at a new ink that was eagerly anticipated and about which there was much speculation.

 

From what I've seen, I agree with your description of Bleu Ocean: it has no sheen, and the brightness is not beyond that achieved by an attractive lacing of Violet-Indigo. Alas, no pixie dust.

 

Those who do not care for a "very typical European ink" may well cast their gaze elsewhere. As you mention, there's certainly no shortage of fine inks already in the market. And as I've mentioned, time will tell where Bleu Ocean might find a bit of shelf space.

Whatever may be profoundly unique to Bleu Ocean, (and to earn the '1670' designation), remains beyond my ken. Yet if I do find something in the bottle that really jangles my bangles, I'll be sure to post here and send you a PM for good measure.

 

Bye,

S1

Edited September 28, 2012 by Sandy1

[dannyboy]

Well, Sandy, as good as your reviews are (and they are excellent, thorough, precise, accurate) in this case, I'd rather sit at your table and enjoy that dinner you're going to prepare from that grocery list! Now that's a feast in the making!

[Sandy1]

Hi,

 

One more Swab comparison, as requested LINK

 

Left: HBlO. Right: R&K Konigsblau.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Comparison%20-%20Herbin%20Bleu%20Ocean%20RK%20Konigsblau/INK651_zpsd0332994.jpg

 

Bye,

S1

Edited September 27, 2012 by Sandy1

[The Good Captain]

Hi,

 

One more Swab comparison, as requested LINK

 

Left: HBlO. Right: R&K Konigsblau.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN_2012/Comparison%20-%20Herbin%20Bleu%20Ocean%20RK%20Konigsblau/INK651_zpsd0332994.jpg

 

Bye,

S1

Thanks Sandy! I was right in a way - the R&K K is slightly paler and with just a tad less purple. Much obliged.

[Sandy1]

Hi,

 

One more Swab comparison, as requested LINK

 

Left: HBlO. Right: R&K Konigsblau.

 

✄ snip ✄

 

Bye,

S1

Thanks Sandy! I was right in a way - the R&K K is slightly paler and with just a tad less purple. Much obliged.

 

Hi,

 

You're welcome!

 

I think that for new inks, it is a good thing to show similarities and differences to well known inks. Certainly, pixels on a monitor are not nearly the same as ink on paper originals, but we do the best we can with what we have, which sometimes includes even more ink!

 

Bye,

S1

Edited September 28, 2012 by Sandy1

[Sandy1]

Well, Sandy, as good as your reviews are (and they are excellent, thorough, precise, accurate) in this case, I'd rather sit at your table and enjoy that dinner you're going to prepare from that grocery list! Now that's a feast in the making!

 

[IWantThat]

Wonderful review! I was hoping you give this one a try I was tempted by Bleu Ocean, but when the Goulets' blog said it was similar to DeAtramentis Hyacinth, I chose Hyacinth instead. I love the Hyacinth ink. It's a very vibrant blue, with beautiful shading in my Ti nib. Have you compared the two? If people are tempted by the color but don't want to pay the higher price, DeA Hyacinth might be one alternative.

[sadiemagic]

Wonderful review! I was hoping you give this one a try I was tempted by Bleu Ocean, but when the Goulets' blog said it was similar to DeAtramentis Hyacinth, I chose Hyacinth instead. I love the Hyacinth ink. It's a very vibrant blue, with beautiful shading in my Ti nib. Have you compared the two? If people are tempted by the color but don't want to pay the higher price, DeA Hyacinth might be one alternative.

 

I love DeA Hyacinth's color but cannot bear to smell it, it makes me sick to my stomach after a short while. So when I saw the Goulet blog comparison to Hyacinth in terms of color, I ordered a bottle, it should arrive today. I am eager....and hope I am not disappointed by the saturation....or lack thereof.

 

I threw caution to the winds and ordered a bottle, not a sample. Hope I do not regret that impulse!

 

Edited to fix typo

Edited September 29, 2012 by sadiemagic