Sailor Nano Sou-Boku

[crahptacular]

Sou-Boku is the third and latest ink in Sailor’s “Nano” line of pigmented inks. I’m a big fan of both Kiwa-Guro (black) and Sei-Boku (lighter blue-black), so I had high expectations for Sou-Boku. The ink came in one of their new 50 mL square bottles, which slightly bothered me (because it doesn’t match the other two), but the bottle is attractive and functional, so I can’t really complain. It doesn’t have the plastic ink collector that comes with the squat, round Sailor bottles. I don’t mind the round ones myself, but I know a lot of people aren’t fond of them, so the new bottle will probably be considered an upgrade. I’ve been using this ink for a little under a month, so this review is something of a first impression.

 

Sou-Boku is a blue-black ink that I would actually describe as blue-black (as opposed to Sei-Boku, which doesn’t have much black to it). It’s a relatively dark blue with low saturation, but enough such that one wouldn’t mistake it for a true black. For similar colors, I have very few blue-blacks in my collection, so the nearest match I found was Aonibi, which is similar in both hue and saturation, but does not reach the same level of darkness. I like the writing appearance of this ink; it actually performs very similarly out of different nib sizes, which is nice. There are a lot of inks that look nice in broad nibs only to fall short in fine nibs, but Sou-Boku looks more or less the same coming out of different nib sizes—sufficiently dark, with moderate gradient shading. Performance so far has lived up to expectation. Flow is good, lubrication is comfortable, and so far, no misbehavior either in the pen or on the paper (though it’s advised to be more careful with maintenance for pigmented inks). Like the other two Nano inks, Sou-Boku performs well on all paper types, including awful copy paper. It has great water resistance—better than Sei-Boku—which is one of the big selling points for pigmented ink (if you look at the doodle, I tried washing my sketch with water, but it didn't make any discernible difference, so I gave up). Overall, I’m quite happy with this ink—it’s pretty much exactly what I expected, which is a good thing. If you like the color, I very much doubt you'll be let down by the performance.

 

(At the bottom I've also included a small sample of how well the ink performs on bad paper--I did some (very sloppy) writing with a gratuitously dipped poster nib to really soak the paper. Sou-Boku hardly even feathered when there was a visible puddle sitting on the worst copy paper I own. The Nano inks are my first choice when dealing with bad paper, and I'm really happy that Sou-Boku is as impressive as Sei-Boku and Kiwa-Guro in that regards.)

 

Flow/Lubrication: Moderate

Shading: Moderate

Sheen: A little—not readily visible in writing, even on TR paper*

Water Resistance: Very High (not quite 100% waterproof, but close; I manage to smudge a tiny amount of blue off, but even then the remaining line is virtually the same as before)

 

*I just noticed that it has a faint dark purple sheen that I've never seen before. I previously thought it was just a very weak red sheen, because most blues sheen red. Unfortunately, I can't see it in any writing, so it's probably a non-factor for the vast majority of usage cases.

 

Paper: Tomoe River (68 gsm/white/loose-leaf)

Pen 1: FC 27 (Needlepoint/moderate)

Pen 2: TWSBI Go (1.1 Stub/moderate?)

Dip: Zebra G

Brush: None

 

Inaccurate Image(s) Disclaimer: Had a tough time adjusting saturation; the writing looks accurate enough, but the smear is a bit too blue on one of my monitors. It looks good on the other one. I need to calibrate these one day... Otherwise, it looks good. Comparison inks are relatively good as well. Writing samples are good too. Only the feathering test at the bottom wasn't adjusted.

 

Scan:

 

Comparison inks from left to right (big smear is the featured ink):

Sailor Nano Sei-Boku

Sailor Kobe #51 Kano-Cho Midnight

Pilot Iroshizuku Tsuki-Yo

Kyo no Oto Aonibi

L’Artisan Pastellier Callifolio Oconto

 

Writing Samples (scans; some color correction), from Haruki Murakami’s “Barn Burning” (writing with my brace on, pardon the handwriting)

 

Maruman Mnemosyne:

 

Midori MD:

 

Franklin-Christoph:

 

Copy Paper; top is good copy paper (28lb, 105gsm) and bottom is awful copy paper (not sure, but I think it's 20lb). Written with a dipped M nib and a dipped 6mm poster nib.

Edited August 22, 2018 by crahptacular

[IndigoBOB]

Thank you very much for the review.

 

I'm a fan of Kiwa-Guro. I don't much prefer the color of Sei-boku and have been wanting a real blue black Nano ink from Sailor, so this is a very welcomed read at this point

 

I really like that it retains sufficient darkness in finer nibs.

 

This has moved to the top slot of my must-have-ink list

 

Beautiful drawing!

Edited August 22, 2018 by IndigoBOB

[inkstainedruth]

I saw another review of this earlier today, and it looked interesting. And your review may have clinched the deal for me.

Thanks for the review. And, well, not....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Jan2016]

Thank you for the nice review!

[crahptacular]

Thank you very much for the review.

 

I'm a fan of Kiwa-Guro. I don't much prefer the color of Sei-boku and have been wanting a real blue black Nano ink from Sailor, so this is a very welcomed read at this point

 

I really like that it retains sufficient darkness in finer nibs.

 

This has moved to the top slot of my must-have-ink list

 

Beautiful drawing!

You're definitely not alone in wanting a proper blue-black Nano ink. Even though I like Sei-Boku's color, it isn't what I would consider a blue-black.

 

The Masuyama needlepoint I used for this is the finest nib I regularly write with, though I adjusted it to write a little wetter to avoid pale lines. I'm happy with how this ink looks coming out of it, and I hope it suits your tastes and pens as well

 

 

I saw another review of this earlier today, and it looked interesting. And your review may have clinched the deal for me.

Thanks for the review. And, well, not....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

Truthfully, since I'm not a big blue-black person, these types of colors aren't what I would usually call "interesting"--it's the properties that I find outstanding. That being said, after using it for a while, I admit I like the color as well.

 

I also just noticed that it has a faint dark purple sheen that I've never seen before, which is super cool (that's the kind of thing I find interesting!). Unfortunately, I can't see it in any writing, so it's probably a non-factor for the vast majority of usage cases. I'll try some different nibs on 52gsm TR later on to see if I can get it to show up.

[pararis]

Just got it today after being disappointed by the Seiboku -- not at all a blue-black! The Souboku is closer to a real blue-black although it's not quite as dark as I like. From an appearance standpoint, it's a lot like Pilot Shin Kai. Goes on darker than it appears once dry. But I'll stick with this for the water resistance. I'm not a fan of inks that can be run off with a little rain! I put it in a TWSBI Diamond 580 AL-R with a broad nib.

[IndigoBOB]

You're definitely not alone in wanting a proper blue-black Nano ink. Even though I like Sei-Boku's color, it isn't what I would consider a blue-black.

 

The Masuyama needlepoint I used for this is the finest nib I regularly write with, though I adjusted it to write a little wetter to avoid pale lines. I'm happy with how this ink looks coming out of it, and I hope it suits your tastes and pens as well

 

 

Truthfully, since I'm not a big blue-black person, these types of colors aren't what I would usually call "interesting"--it's the properties that I find outstanding. That being said, after using it for a while, I admit I like the color as well.

 

I also just noticed that it has a faint dark purple sheen that I've never seen before, which is super cool (that's the kind of thing I find interesting!). Unfortunately, I can't see it in any writing, so it's probably a non-factor for the vast majority of usage cases. I'll try some different nibs on 52gsm TR later on to see if I can get it to show up.

 

 

Yah, I just couldn't make myself like Sei-Boku. I wanted to with my sample, but it just didn't fit my preference. The bottle stayed in my Amazon Cart because I was happy with Kiwa-Guro, but I'd always pass. It was too informal for me, too light, and of a color I simply am not a big fan of.

 

I've had the hardest time finding a good Blue Black, especially since I prefer good water resistance/permanence. Or if they did have water resistance they'd be temperamental or anemic, and that's saying a lot for a person who uses and enjoys black inks for a large majority... lol

 

And it says a lot that you got that level of darkness out of a needlepoint. Too often, like too many others, I've found a beautiful ink that works "perfectly" only to disappoint with anemic show out of a finer nib : ( or once the feed isn't fully saturated anymore immediately after a filling.

 

I like that it can be used professionally. I also like it for my own personal writing because I prefer a more neutral color, and this one has a nice dark presentation with some good character to keep away the boredom I find with those wonderfully behaved Pilot Namiki inks... Looks like they hit the Goldie-Locks on this one. Great EDC ink I can't wait to try.

 

This is simply my next bottle of ink. Thank you!! It's been worth the wait and you presented some impressive characteristics in your review , which is quite frankly very lovely.

[IndigoBOB]

Just got it today after being disappointed by the Seiboku -- not at all a blue-black! The Souboku is closer to a real blue-black although it's not quite as dark as I like. From an appearance standpoint, it's a lot like Pilot Shin Kai. Goes on darker than it appears once dry. But I'll stick with this for the water resistance. I'm not a fan of inks that can be run off with a little rain! I put it in a TWSBI Diamond 580 AL-R with a broad nib.

 

Two questions:

 

How does it write in the 580?

 

And how do you like the new 580-ALR, especially with regards to the section and grip?

[pararis]

 

Two questions:

 

How does it write in the 580?

 

And how do you like the new 580-ALR, especially with regards to the section and grip?

It writes perfectly well in the 580. I used the Seiboku for a month in the pen with a medium nib and it was a joy to write with. Cleaning it out was simple and easy -- a couple of rinses and no staining. I presume the Souboku will perform just the same and as well. And with a broad nib it's very smooth on the paper. I've used it on both Mead style notebook paper and Tomoe River; excellent behavior, no bleed, feather or spread on either. Naturally, dry time on the TR is a bit longer.

 

As for the 580 AL-R, I like it very much. The grip is very comfortable and the grooves are not deep enough to be irritating in any way. It's more secure than the other 580 I have with a plain metal grip section. Until I got a bad TWSBI GO today, I never had a complaint with TWSBI pens. I have several Ecos and they are as good as any pen I have (and I have a lot, ranging up to a Sailor King of Pen).

[Tas]

This popped up on my radar a little while ago, can't recall who reviewed it though.

I immediately started looking on ebay (shipping was prohibitavely expensive) so I contacted both of my ususal UK retailers and am awaiting stock.

 

Chuffed to bits with your thorough review and your sketches and washes are how I most often use my inks which makes it even more relevant - I'm looking forward to using a grey wash over the permenant lines of this almost perfect looking blue black.

Thank you !

 

PS. I've hovered over the Aonibi trigger ever since Lgsoltek showed it off so beautifully. Not sure how long I can hold off on that one now sooo pretty.

Edited August 22, 2018 by Tas

[mongrelnomad]

The Sailor pigment inks really are the best in the business and this just adds to an already highly impressive line. Must say though Im not (yet) tempted: I like Sei Boku and Nano Black enough that Ill wait till I finish at least some of my (way) too many inks before taking the plunge.

[IndigoBOB]

It writes perfectly well in the 580. I used the Seiboku for a month in the pen with a medium nib and it was a joy to write with. Cleaning it out was simple and easy -- a couple of rinses and no staining. I presume the Souboku will perform just the same and as well. And with a broad nib it's very smooth on the paper. I've used it on both Mead style notebook paper and Tomoe River; excellent behavior, no bleed, feather or spread on either. Naturally, dry time on the TR is a bit longer.

 

As for the 580 AL-R, I like it very much. The grip is very comfortable and the grooves are not deep enough to be irritating in any way. It's more secure than the other 580 I have with a plain metal grip section. Until I got a bad TWSBI GO today, I never had a complaint with TWSBI pens. I have several Ecos and they are as good as any pen I have (and I have a lot, ranging up to a Sailor King of Pen).

 

 

Thank you for the feedback!

 

These Nano inks are the best inks i've used on mead paper. I am a devoted TRP user, but that's not much of an option outside personal use : ( lol

 

TWSBI Pens aren't the wettest I've used, but it's nice to hear they provide a good flow that avail to be affordable writers across contexts, especially with these Nano inks, providing an accessible EDC fountain pen!!

 

I personally think these Nano inks are some of the best things to happen to the fountain pen community, especially with regards to the "ink" portion of the Pen-Ink-Paper triad, making paper less of a limiting factor.

--------------------

I'm sorry to hear about your GO-pen.

 

I could say a few things about it, but I'll be cordial and mention that I simply am not a fan of those aesthetics nor does much about it intrigue me.

 

I've had some TWSBI trouble that turned me off, but I still recommend them sometimes, though I preferrably recommend saving for something better if one can, though I tell you, when it comes to FP's that patience to wait is easier said than done, and I'm no angel

Edited August 22, 2018 by IndigoBOB

[crahptacular]

Chuffed to bits with your thorough review and your sketches and washes are how I most often use my inks which makes it even more relevant - I'm looking forward to using a grey wash over the permenant lines of this almost perfect looking blue black.

 

I expect it'll do quite well for linework under a wash (I'll probably try it out sooner than later to confirm!). On watercolor paper I did manage to budge the ink with not-that-gentle brushing, so it's not immovable, but it seems to stand up well to a good soaking.

[Karmachanic]

Thank you for the thorough and delightful review. It was such a joy to read, that I read it twice. Even though this colour is not for me.

[jmccarty3]

I bought a bottle of this at the DC show, and have been using it at the office, where I have to write on all kinds of horrible paper. So far, this is the best of several water resistant blue-blacks/dark blues I've tried, including Pilot Blue-Black, KWZ Iron Gall Blue-Black, and Monteverde Documental Blue (all of these were satisfactory). I use a Sailor Pro Gear Realo with a fine nib.

[Tas]

I bought a bottle of this at the DC show, and have been using it at the office, where I have to write on all kinds of horrible paper. So far, this is the best of several water resistant blue-blacks/dark blues I've tried, including Pilot Blue-Black, KWZ Iron Gall Blue-Black, and Monteverde Documental Blue (all of these were satisfactory). I use a Sailor Pro Gear Realo with a fine nib.

Praise indeed !

I cant wait to try some.

Edited August 23, 2018 by Tas

[TheDutchGuy]

Awesome, thanks! Sailor's pigment inks are second to none. Kiwa-Guru is a fascinating ink. I'll have to try Sou-Boku.

[Caeruleum]

Thank you for the detailed review.

[crahptacular]

Update on the sketching and washing performance. Used Sou-boku with a fude nib on some light watercolor paper (Maruman New Soho) for this sketch. I waited a few hours between sketching and washing, and I didn't notice any smudging/lifting of the ink at all. Really pleased with its performance; it's quite well-suited for this kind of use if you want to want to use a blue-black for this kind of work.

 

@Tas By the way, would you like a sample of Sou-boku and/or Aonibi? Just let me know; I'd be happy to send some your way.

 

[jandrese]

Rock solid review, thanks so much. I have the previous two inks. Wonder why I don't use them more. Kiwa-guro as I recall dries on the grey side of black so maybe that's it. Sei-boku I like quite a little bit and it normally develops a little sheen for me. Probably why I don't use sei-boku more is because I would prefer to reach for Sky-high or Souten.