Review Of Black Swan In Icelandic Minty Bathwater

[bobje]

In December 2014, the Fountain Pen Network contributor "Masque" offered a recipe for a highly shading teal ink that he named "Black Swan in Icelandic Minty Bathwater." The mix is composed of three Noodler's Inks: Navajo Turquoise, Massachusetts 54th, and Old Manhattan Blackest Black (an exclusive to Fountain Pen Hospital). I enjoy Nathan Tardif's Black Swan inks, both the Australian Roses and English Roses versions, which embed a mysterious black shadow in a subtle, lovely color, as well as another mix by the FPN contributor "crunchmaster," called "Black Swan in North African Violets."

 

It's entertaining and unexpectedly educational to watch Tardif incorporate economic and historical concepts within ink, of all things -- in this case, how economies and organizations should consider the dramatic and always unexpected impact of "unknown unknowns," described in Nassim Taleb's book, The Black Swan. Realizing recently that I owned each of these three inks, I mixed Masque's recipe. His proportions -- 15 parts Navajo Turquoise, 3 parts Massachusetts 54th and 1 part Old Manhattan Blackest Black -- produce a gorgeous, reliable, highly shading teal ink. A comparison with other inks reveals similarity with Sailor Jentle Yama Dori, though without the sheening properties.

 

Other FPN ink mix developers in the "Icelandic Mint" thread attempted blends with other versions of black, with varying degrees of success. Masque's recipe is highly successful, as is another by the FPN contributor "Intellidepth," composed of 2.5mL Noodler's Navajo Turquoise, 2 drops Noodler's Yellow, and 2 drops Noodler's Black (bulletproof).

 

With black swan versions of red, violet, and teal, likely next candidates include blue and brown. Black Swan in Chocolate Pansies? Black Swan in Blue Sage?

 

 

 

[Chrissy]

Thank you for that. It's a very nice shade.

[amberleadavis]

It looks great!

[inkstainedruth]

Thanks for the review. Not, I think, the shade for me though. Which is a bit ironic since I have all three of the component inks and like them individually....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[ThyPenMaker]

Nice review, quick dry I'd say.

[Masque]

Great Scott! You reviewed my mix! I'm honored, sir.

 

I must also say that you might find it even more pleasing on paper less accommodating of ink - Rhodia, HP 32lb Premium LaserJet, and Tomoe River all do wonderful things with this ink.

[bobje]

Great to see you on FPN, Masque. This is an extraordinarily great ink blend. Thank you for your tireless work in creating it.

[UDog]

When Tardif sees this, he'll bottle it for sure. Great review.

[alc3261]

Unfortunately not in the USA so unlikely to be able to get the component ink.