Shin-Kai - Pilot Iroshizuku

[visvamitra]

In December 2007 Pilot's created exclusive line of inks called Iroshizuku. I believe they may well be the most well known fountain pen inks in pen world. These inks are supposed to work in any pen with any nib on any paper and in any situation. I haven't tried all of them but so far the Iroshizuku inks I've tried were behaving flawlessly.

The colors were created by Kiyomi Hasegawa who after fifteen years of working in a stationary shop and communicating with Clients come to conclusion that not all fountain pen users are willing to write in black and blue. Wise woman.

The bottles are stunning although they have their issues: if the ink is left unused for some time the cap tends to stick and break when you try to twist it open. It happened to my bottle of Shin-Ryoku.

Anyway Iroshizuku line of inks counts 24 "standard" colors. Three inks were made some time ago for Tokyo stores: Edo-Murasaki, Fukagawa-Nezu and Shimbashi-Iro.After seeing the scans over blogosphere I wish these three were accesible, because they look interesting. Edo - Murasaki looks cool while Murasaki - Shikibu is of no interest to me. Even though I kind of like Fuyu-Syogun I find Fukagawa-Nezu more compelling.

Nothing indicates Pilot plans on extending the official line any time soon (if ever) so let's take a look at what's possible to obtain from dealers and online shops.

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/1595/lYAayJ.jpg

I don't have all of the inks but sooner or later I'll try to check them all. With time I'll review all of them (hopefully).

1. Ajisai
   
2. Ama-Iro
   
3. Asa-Gao
   
4. Chiku-Rin
   
5. Fuyu-Gaki
   
6. Fuyu-Syogun
   
7. Ina-Ho
   
8. Kiri-Same
   
9. Kon-Peki
   
10. Kosumosu
    
11. Ku-Jaku
    
12. Momiji
    
13. Murasaki-Shikibu
    
14. Shin-Kai
    
15. Shin-Ryoku
    
16. Syo-Ro
    
17. Take-Sumi
    
18. Tsuki-Yo
    
19. Tsukushi
    
20. Tsutsuji
    
21. Tsuyu-Kusa
    
22. Yama-Budo
    
23. Yama-Guri
    
24. Yu-Yake
    

Shin-ryoku is named after Sea Blue. Well, it's decent blue/black but I'm not really into such hues.

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/5662/MJRkdq.jpg

Krople atramentu na ręczniku kuchennym

http://imageshack.com/a/img905/254/DkgtHg.jpg

Oxford Recycled ( 90g), Kaweco Sport Classic, B

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/8383/cnAdzB.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/9214/LfsXym.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img913/1681/qEcjGr.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/7804/rSW6ad.jpg

Kalendarz, Kaweco Sport Classic, B i Hero 5028 1,9 stub

http://imageshack.com/a/img903/5043/lBrHPV.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/5540/KtmDw2.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img901/2248/mQZ69x.jpg

Papier Lyreco, Pilot Custom Heritage 92, M

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8711/d5uxVd.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/9445/Lux1Fr.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/4931/HhCNPG.jpg

Edited May 15, 2015 by visvamitra

[tinta]

Shin-Kai (Deep Sea) is one of my favourite Iroshi blue/black inks.

Has wonderful shading with wide italic nibs.

Thank you for showing it.

[A144]

Great review, thanks!

 

This seems like a great ink, it just isn't my color.

[delano]

Shin-ryoku is named after Sea Blue. Well, it's decent blue/black but I'm not really into such hues.

 

If I'm not mistaken, Shin-ryoku is forest green.

[jasonchickerson]

I too didn't think blue-black was for me. Until I met this ink. My favorite Iroshizuku ink.

[mtnbiker62]

I too didn't think blue-black was for me. Until I met this ink. My favorite Iroshizuku ink.

 

+1...mine too!

[Frank C]

One of my favorites. I like blue-blacks! Thanks for the review.

[rafapa]

Great review but please add again the software id codes.

[mallymal1]

Thank you for this review. I think Shin-Kai has to be added to the 'want' list.

[J85909266]

Shin Kai is amazing. It has very nice red sheen, as well. Sometimes when I use it, it sheens like crazy. It definitely has the most depth and character of any blue black that I've tried.

[visvamitra]

Software ID

http://imageshack.com/a/img673/8089/KL2Gn2.jpg

Chromatography

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/7399/HxEEF4.jpg

[delano]

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/1595/lYAayJ.jpg

[rudyhou]

this looks very nice indeed. the greyish tone to the blue giving it a perfect blue-black in my opinion. kinda like the darker version of fuyu-shogun.

[Phormula]

My favourite "ready to use" Blue-Black. Thanks for the review.

Comes just after Phormula's blue-black made by mixing Rohrer & Klingner inks)

[jmccarty3]

My favorite blue-grey. Very well-behaved.

[inkstainedruth]

Thanks for the review. This is one I'm still trying to make my mind up about.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Lymnour]

I usually don't like any inks that are even remotely blue... but this one is tempting. Thanks for the review!

[visvamitra]

Shin-kai on Ciak paper, Pilor CH 92 (big file)

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/2556/FbVSHu.jpg

[visvamitra]

Hero 5028, stub 1,9 on Esquisse notebook paper

http://imageshack.com/a/img913/9701/Fm30d8.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img673/5104/L5BE0O.jpg

[gylyf]

I've drifted away from the Iroshizukus, but I still have a soft spot for Shin-kai, especially on Tomoe River.