R&k Sepia Alternative

April 30, 2016

I very much appreciate Rohrer and Klingner Sepia Ink. To me, it is a true sepia. It doesn't feather or bleed through when using low-quality paper. It dries quickly and shades nicely. The price is fair. The bottle is user friendly. But it has starting issues because it dries quickly in the nib between uses. Sometimes it fails to start after less than a day of letting the pen sit capped. I put up with it a long time, using it as my primary ink in my Leuchtturm1917 journal. Does anyone know of an ink that looks, behaves and is priced similarly but without starting issues? Thank you.

Edited April 30, 2016 by bwnewton

April 30, 2016

Hi,

You might want to take a look at >>> J. Herbin - Cacao Du Bresil

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/283356-j-herbin-cacao-du-bresil/

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/280518-cacao-du-bresil-j-herbin/

I have both the Sepia and Cacao Du Bresil and found them very similar. The price issue however, I don't know. You might want to give it a search.

May 1, 2016

Hi,

You might want to take a look at >>> J. Herbin - Cacao Du Bresil

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/283356-j-herbin-cacao-du-bresil/

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/280518-cacao-du-bresil-j-herbin/

I have both the Sepia and Cacao Du Bresil and found them very similar. The price issue however, I don't know. You might want to give it a search.

Thank you very much for the information!

May 3, 2016

I would be curious to know what pen you are using with the Sepia and whether you are alternating with other inks in the same pen.

I have also been using Sepia lately, in a medium point Levenger pen, and have not had starting issues, but I have not been switching from one ink to another for fear that they might react. The basis for my caution is that the Rohrer and Klingner website says one can freely mix any of their inks together, except Sepia.

I would also be curious about Cacao du Bresil. They look similar in online swatches, but chromatography suggests that they are composed of different colors, and that difference might affect behavior on different papers. Specifically, on some papers, Sepia has a subtle green cast. I don't think Cacao du Bresil has any green in it; I saw a chromatography that shows it as mostly lavender with some orange.

May 3, 2016

I don't think Cacao du Bresil is really a good substitute for the RK Sepia. In my experience it is a bit milkier and more mauve-like in appearance than the sepia. Do track down DC Pritch's sepia comparison threads as they are quite comprehensive.

I managed a home brew that comes very close to the RK Sepia, and enjoys great writing characteristics (not sure about waterproof-ness though - not an issue with me): Diamine Golden Brown with a bit of Lamy black.