(I C U) Ink Review - Susemai - Blue Balls

[Sinistral1]

You can only hope that the other inmates don't find out, because they will be very jealous, I'm sure!

[amberleadavis]

I'm a little late to the party, but I come with pictures of my blue balls!

 

 

 

Steve, if you encounter something like this....shake the pen... or at least the ink. It's a vapor lock.

[TheRealScubaSteve]

I did shake it (lightly) and tapped it quite a bit. I thought that only happens with piston fill?

[amberleadavis]

Surface tendion is worse in eye drppers. While it is in the pipette give it a serious shake and it liquifies again.

[TheRealScubaSteve]

9.6% concentrate is my favorite thus far. It is considerably darker than other dilutions (which have not shown such a dramatic color shift even down to less than 5%) and it still performs exceptionally well. I've had no issues with staining in my Noodler's Konrad demonstrator, but it is somewhat difficult to remove the stains from skin. This color will (if it is sold) most certainly be a daily carry color. I'd rank it right up there with Iroshizuku Kon-Peki.

 

Higher concentrations do not shade as clearly as lower ones, especially with a broader nib such as the Jinhao medium, as used below. I had expected to encounter some flow issues with a higher concentration because at 16% it was so gelatinous I chose not to test it in a fountain pen. Flow was fantastic and wrote very wet with higher lubricity than 8% and less concentrations. This is one of the best inks I've ever used. I'd love to write more at this concentration, but I'm afraid to use up all of my Blue Balls before it becomes available. SuSeMai, you are going to make it available, write?

 

[amberleadavis]

This one is not on the short list....but I really like it. Compare it to the Blue Diamond and tell us what you think.

[TheRealScubaSteve]

I don't have any Blue Diamond, but the reviews look nice. It looks particularly nice and shady in M and I nibs, which happen to be my favorites anyway. If it comes down to groveling for ink, I'm not opposed to it. I'll buy the whole damn batch to get it on the short list - I just hope it's not too big of a batch.