Diamine Shimmer Inks In A Pilot Varsity?

November 22, 2016

I just ran out of ink in my Pilot Varsity. I recalled that the "surprise me" ink sample from my most-recent Goulet Pens order is Diamine Shimmertastic Blue Lightning, and was getting ready to fill the Varsity with it.

I then remembered that the Varsity uses a wick in the feed, and I was wondering if that would make it impossible for the shimmer particles in the Blue Lightning to make it to the nib. Has anybody used one of the shimmering inks (Diamine or the J. Herbin 1670 line) in a Pilot Varsity? What was your experience?

November 22, 2016

Haven't used that combo no. Best pens to use the shimmer inks are something very wet with good flow. One of my favorite pens for using shimmer inks is my Noodler's Konrad.

I have used Golden Sands, Magical Forest (If I recall correctly), Red Lustre, Brandy Dazzle and Blue Lightning (again IIRC). It has been several months since I inked one up.

I have the other 5 originals as well, but don't believe I have tried any of them. Golden Sands surprised me.

November 22, 2016

I had previously read that the wick will actually filter the glitter particles out. I'm not an expert, and I will certainly bow to the word of any expert who contradicts me, but as far as I know, the only pens in which glitter inks work are those with "traditional" feeds.

November 23, 2016

I had previously read that the wick will actually filter the glitter particles out. I'm not an expert, and I will certainly bow to the word of any expert who contradicts me, but as far as I know, the only pens in which glitter inks work are those with "traditional" feeds.

Yes, that's certainly what it looks like.

I opted to go for it and see what happened. And, as you say, what happened is that the ink comes out of the nib, but the shimmer particles don't. Well, now I know, and should anybody else hatch this particular idea in the future, they shall hopefully find this post and learn from my example.

November 23, 2016

Haven't tried this but plan to when mine runs out!

November 26, 2016

I have to imagine that any of the extremely cheap wick-style feeds would not be conducive to any shimmering inks simply by design. As they aren't really intended to be reused, much less inked up with particulate-laden fluids, I'd be surprised if they flowed with any consistency.