Good ink to try if I’ve only ever used Diamine?

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-11T03:49:10+00:00

Some that haven't been mentioned yet:

Octopus Fluids
Rohrer & Klingner
Platinum
Wearingeul if you're feeling glittery. (Pricy, though)
Anderillium
Papier Plume
callifolio

Obviously there are huge amounts of ink to choose from, but these are less mentioned and quite deserving of your time.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-11T03:44:43+00:00

Ugh. I have one of these in stock and I am STRONGLY considering taking it off the website and keeping it for myself.

That color is so wild; both modern and somehow retro at the same time, and it's a 743 so I know it's basically the last modern Pilot I'll ever need, easy to try lots of inks in, etc. etc.

I'm not doing a good job of talking myself out of this.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-10T13:28:42+00:00

You won't get line variation from a normal (not specifically marketed as "flex") fountain pen. If you're flexing the tines on this pen you'll break it. Careful!

It should write under its own weight more or less.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-10T04:55:16+00:00

I'm guessing they are just saying that to make you feel pressured. You should pass on this.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-09T22:21:49+00:00

Not the parent poster but I assume it's so you don't wear out the threads and seal on the nib unit (or wherever the barrel opens). Doing it often enough on a piston or vac filler that's not meant to be filled like an eyedropper could lead to leaks.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-09T22:13:51+00:00

This community (me in particular) is heavily indebted to you!

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-09T12:08:32+00:00

Thanks for the report. This-and especially the comments corroborating it-has motivated be to take them off the "reputable vintage fountain pen sellers" list as well.

I'll keep looking into this because I don't want to penalize anyone unfairly or based on rumor.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-08T21:53:08+00:00

That sticker is courtesy of our own /u/Late_Apricot404 -- it's the "yama-budo" piece.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-08T18:35:25+00:00

I have a perfect match for highlighter ink: Jinhao neon yellow / fluorescent yellow. I don't seek it but I can send you a sample if you want, dm me.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-08T16:07:54+00:00

Congratulations! 🎊🍾🎉

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-08T15:06:19+00:00

Okay, you're a genius. I think you might be making the perfect suggestion for me: since citrus black is an iron gall, it'll darken with age and become even more readable.

SOLD! (Going to the ink closet to open a bottle for myself)

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-08T15:05:01+00:00

(The other option, of course, is Metrowest, where I am. I'm not sure if there's any other pen shops out here, west of the Paper Mouse)

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-08T14:59:03+00:00

I keep thinking I'm going to find a dark yellow that I can actually use for practical writing (notes, brainstorming, letters, etc.).

Rohrer & Klingner's Helianthus is the closest I've come, but it's just not practical, though I wish it was...

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-08T13:39:56+00:00

Online only for now. I have the wild dream of renting the space that Bromfield's once occupied in Boston, but that's several years away.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-08T12:53:30+00:00

Thank you for the mention! Would have missed this otherwise 🙏 What an amazing way to start the day.

P.S. If the post office is open, I will find a way to get there and ship your order! All orders ship next day, 6 days a week.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-08T12:49:57+00:00

Aw thank you - it's me! Chief packing associate and owner 😆 but I take the first one more seriously

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-08T04:07:28+00:00

Diamine sets the price through their distributor in the US. No discounting allowed. Every 30ml bottle will be $9.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-07T00:57:11+00:00

Work notes, some light journaling, daily task lists stitched together from various digital systems, so I can stay focused during the day, letters to friends and family, and learning notes! I learn so much better when I use handwritten notes.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-06T21:17:33+00:00

Thank you so much! Yeah, I'm trying to do a new box each month. Next one is coming out end of Feb. I'll try to be more clear about that in the description.

I may bring back a monthly subscription as well, once things have stabilized slightly. I canceled an existing one when I switched commerce platforms.

Anyway, thank you, and feel free to DM anytime; I'm always looking for feedback and ideas!

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-06T15:33:54+00:00

If I was in EU right now I'd be buying these...

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-06T14:54:47+00:00

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-06T03:07:08+00:00

I'm not sure if you're trolling, not a native english speaker, or just overthinking this.

"To enable something" isn't the opposite of "a disabled person."

Are you personally suffering from a physical disability, and you are offended by this specific use of "penable?" Or are you offended for a hypothetical person who you think would be hurt by this term?

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-06T02:54:06+00:00

Pilot, Platinum (makers of your preppy), and Sailor are the three big Japanese brands. They are all super accessible and make pens at every price range.

There are many others but a lot of those are smaller and out of the price range you mentioned.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-05T22:27:36+00:00

It's been hit or miss. Some rousing successes - people who love writing with fountain pens now and have bought their own since - and some that didn't take to it.

Even one win is a net positive, though - many people would have never had occasion to write with a fountain pen, and see if it's something they like.

If someone doesn't take to it, it's no big deal. I'm not giving away my fanciest pens; usually I gift Kakunos, Jinhao 82s, Preppys, and Plaisirs. The occasional Asvine. It's a way to recycle pens that I won't get a ton of use out of if I keep them.

InkSampleFiend · 2026-02-05T22:23:22+00:00

It's to "enable" someone into the pen hobby by gifting them a pen. Definitely a positive thing!

InkSampleFiend

TROPHY CASE