Ebony Green - Private Reserve

[visvamitra]

Private Reserve Ink was founded by Terry W. Johnson and Susan Schube in the workroom of Avalon Jewelers/Gallery in Zionsville, IN, as an addition to the fountain pen department. Terry's vision was simple... "Why not have fountain pen ink in a rainbow of colors to expand the bounds of writing beyond standard black, blue, red and green."

That's what's written on their internet site. My experience with their inks is ambigous: I like most colors, but the inks I've tried weren't best behaved (Orange Crush, Shoreline Gold caused nib crud; Hor Bubble Gum is PINK and it stains everything).

EBony Green is one of these heavily lubricated inks with lots of WOW factor. It's supersaturated, lubricated and with some crazy sheen. The ink performs differently on different types paper but the line is rather smooth and it doesn't tend to feather. Waterproofness is decent.

Ink Splash

http://imageshack.com/a/img913/8581/6TZsPM.jpg

Drops of ink on kitchen towel

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/9254/1IEUFQ.jpg

Software ID

http://imageshack.com/a/img673/1650/ouXGvX.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/8869/Uju9Bd.jpg

Waterproofness

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/7083/hfBJGG.jpg

Oxford, Kaweco Sport Classic, B

http://imageshack.com/a/img901/9647/1NDUJC.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img905/3525/uib9gx.jpg

CIAK, Kaweco Sport Classic, B

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/2610/aE1zzc.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8495/ML4yFg.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img913/9156/hXs33C.jpg

Copy paper, Kaweco Sport Classic, B

http://imageshack.com/a/img913/3533/w2P4im.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/7184/IrfNKj.jpg

Franklin-Christoph notebook, Kaweco Sport Classic, B

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/3334/BDRujp.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/2346/ZM95U5.jpg

[da vinci]

I usually like dark green, but I am not sure of the shading on this...

 

Great review though, thanks

[mmg122]

I kinda like it! Although I tend to avoid Private Reserve like the plague. Another awesome review, Vis.

[Charles Rice]

Just used up the last of mine. good stuff.

[lgsoltek]

That sheen is too much. I suppose it's smudgy.

[Newjelan]

I really like Private Reserve inks and this is no exception, although I prefer Avacado.

[swanjun]

I'm sure it is smudgy—Ebony Blue can be—but man, it looks so pretty!

[Iittala]

That is a very interesting ink colour. Green, but then also not.

I would be reticent to try a Private Reserve ink though

[Newjelan]

That is a very interesting ink colour. Green, but then also not.

I would be reticent to try a Private Reserve ink though

Why is that? I have several and they're all great.

[Iittala]

Why is that? I have several and they're all great.

 

I have tried 2 of the Private Reserve inks and had problems with both. Black Cherry became slimy in the bottle and Tanzanite clogged up 2 of my pens (I had to completely disassemble and clean my Lamy 2000 in order to get it to write again). Admittedly it has been some years ago and they may have changed things in the composition of the inks.

Based on these experiences I am reticent to try another of their inks. There are so many other inks, so why take the risk...

[Mr.Rene]

To say RISK talking about inks subject sound a over-reacting attitude...I think...

[PS104]

When consumers say the ink develops slim in the bottle, clogs up pens to such a degree that they need to be totally disassembled to clean them, risk is EXACTLY the word that should be used

[mmg122]

When consumers say the ink develops slim in the bottle, clogs up pens to such a degree that they need to be totally disassembled to clean them, risk is EXACTLY the word that should be used

AGREE...I've had similar problems with Private Reserve and I, for one, refuse to RISK my pens using it. Too many other options available that are better behaved.

[wastelanded]

PR inks don't interest me in the slightest, only because shading is a top priority for me.

 

That is wicked sheen though, thanks for the (as usual) great review.

[eelldan]

Ohh I like this ink! Thanks!

[WaskiSquirrel]

I didn't realize this ink had sheen.

 

Thanks to this review, I'm going to give it a second look in one of my wetter pens.

[amberleadavis]

Another great review. I will add this one to my next order. With the death of Terry, we may not be seeing any new PR inks.

[eloquentogre]

When consumers say the ink develops slim in the bottle, clogs up pens to such a degree that they need to be totally disassembled to clean them, risk is EXACTLY the word that should be used

 

Indeed. Look how much "holy grail" fountain pens cost. Having an ink damage something of such value - both monetary and personal, is not a pleasant thought.

[pepsiplease69]

Another great review. I will add this one to my next order. With the death of Terry, we may not be seeing any new PR inks.

Death of Terry??

 

I Didnt hear of this. Is it recent?

[amberleadavis]

Death of Terry??

 

I Didnt hear of this. Is it recent?

 

About six months ago.