Blackbird Starling Purple Ink

[visvamitra]

Blackbird Ink is a new brand on the ink market. The ink is made in England by/for Mabie Todd Limited. I'm not sure if they create inks or order them from UK producer.

At the launch of Blackbird Ink six colors are available. All the inks are named after birds, which is a nice touch given they were created as a tribute to Swan inks produced years ago. At the moment you can get them in following colors:

• Blackbird Black
• Kingfisher Blue
• Mallard Green
• Robin Red
• Sand Martin Brown
• Starling Purple

Packaging

The ink comes in 30 ml glass bottle that comes in a red cardboard box. The bottle is small, stable and functional. On the other hand, I'm not sure if you'll be able to fill MB 149 and other huge monsters directly from it.

The ink

Starling Purple is nice purple ink. It's not as vibrant and deep as Lamy Dark Lilac or Herbin's Amethyste de l'Oural but it's still pretty strong. The flow is good, although in some pens the ink may feel dryish. I was pleasantly surprised to see it start right away after few minutes of leaving the pen uncapped.

Overall, it's a decent, well-behaved and reasonably priced ink.

Drops of ink on kitchen towel

Color ID

Color range

Fabriano, Lamy Al-Star, medium nib

Copy paper, Lamy Al-Star, medium nib

La Couronne du Comte invoice paper, Lamy Al-Star, medium nib

Mini-comparison

Water resistance

[lapis]

Looks like a nice colour, although nothing really unique IMO. As to the brand name, I'd like to see who's who in these lines of makers/distributors. Capt'n?... up and around?

[migo984]

I’ve been using this for a couple of weeks in a Cleo Skribent Classic. No problems so far. It is slightly on the dry side. I like the greyish undertone.

[inkstainedruth]

That looks like a nice color. Thanks for the review. And, well, not....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[namrehsnoom]

A nice purple. I just took a look at their website, and the other colour look nice too... tempting :-)

Thanks for showing us this ink.

[Chrissy]

I have many bottles of ink that are exactly the same as this one, so I can hazard a guess where the ink is made.

[lapis]

... and that'd be....

[da vinci]

Very helpful review, as always. Thank you

[abstract49]

I'm sorta with others above: Nice, but I don't think I need it, considering how many so close I already have.

[TSherbs]

... and that'd be....

 

 

made in England...Diamine?

[DrDebG]

Thank you for the great review. I think I have too many dark purples that I like better.

[Chrissy]

made in England...Diamine?

 

Correct.