Noodles X Feather

[peyton braud]

can someone review the noodlers x feather before I buy? Thanks

[Jamerelbe]

Don't have time to write a review, but I've been using Noodler's X-Feather for about 4 years now, and favour it as my "go-to" black ink.

 

Some up-sides:

(1) It's very, very black

(2) It's "bullet-proof", i.e. permanent, water-fast, almost impossible to remove once laid down on paper

(3) It's a smooth-writing ink in my pens

(4) It cleans out easily - no sticking or staining in my pens

(5) It genuinely does what it's supposed to: minimal spreading or feathering, even on cheap papers

 

A couple of down-sides:

(1) It's slow-drying, and prone to smear, especially on glossier paper (Rhodia etc)

(2) It's thicker in consistency than most inks - which makes it great for calligraphy and flex pens, but *may* affect its writing properties in some pens

(3) Actually, not sure I can think of a third down-side!

 

I've found that diluting the ink slightly works best for me - 1 part water to 4 parts ink (i.e. 80% full concentration). It dries a little faster, without affecting its low-feathering tendencies.

 

If you want someone else's experiences, I've found a couple of YouTube videos. I recommend Steve Brown's video (which I consulted before buying my big bottle):

 

I haven't watched this one, but VittaR is generally pretty comprehensive:

 

Hope that helps a little - I've been very happy with this ink, and had a TWSBI Diamond Mini constantly inked with X-Feather (80% conc) for most of the 4 years I've owned the bottle!

[NicolausPiscator]

Thank you, Jamerelbe, for your review. I completely agree with you. In my tests I found out that Noodler's X-Feather is a good and reliable but not very deep black, it is light but not too much water proof. However, it didn't enter into my standard ink use because I miss the miracle in it. E. g. Herbin's Perle noire is a black that has a soft and deep and airy note. And for deep black lovers, Noodler's The heart of darkness is perfect.

[fabri00]

Mine is deep black.

I consider it as very reliable black.

[Tasmith]

Stopped using it as I got tired of it smearing.

[FPRebel]

Ditto what Jamerelbe said!!
I'll emphasize mine is also VERY black, and it was Stephen Brown's video reviews of it that convinced me to try it. I haven't looked back. It's my go-to ink in a multi-purpose EDC. I don't dilute, and dry time is acceptable, but on the long side of acceptable for me. That's what blotter paper (or paper towel) is for if you're in a real hurry.

[Jamerelbe]

Ditto what Jamerelbe said!!

I'll emphasize mine is also VERY black, and it was Stephen Brown's video reviews of it that convinced me to try it. I haven't looked back. It's my go-to ink in a multi-purpose EDC. I don't dilute, and dry time is acceptable, but on the long side of acceptable for me. That's what blotter paper (or paper towel) is for if you're in a real hurry.

 

Likewise, I don't find this ink "dark grey" but "pitch black", even diluted to 80% strength.

[NicolausPiscator]

Sorry for this - I think misunderstanding - x feather is of course a deep black! And I completely agree with you. What I meant when saying "not very deep black" is in comparison to a black like Noodler's "The heart of darkness" oder Aurora black. These two black inks are deepest black inks which I just use for drawing...

[Safari_Camo]

I've found that Noodler's black behaves more buttery than X-Feather, is very deep black also.

[Oranges and Apples]

There are sooooo many reviews if just Google it.

[NicolausPiscator]

I've found that Noodler's black behaves more buttery than X-Feather, is very deep black also.

 

Very interesting! The description of the ink as buttery, but striking. I will have to pay attention to the question of liquidity of inks... X-Feather is watery with - as it seems to me in comparison to other inks - a light soil-moisture tension.

[Shevock]

Thanks for the review. I got some of this, and will put it in one of my pens when I get a new one, or I run out and can give it a try.

[pepsiplease69]

My honest assessment is that x-feather is billed to be an ink that is resistant to feathering but I use very broad nibs (1.1 and 1.5 italics) and found there are inks that do a better job of not feathering than x-feather itself.

 

If I need a non-feathering ink, I always reach for Sailor Kiwa-Guro.