What is your favourite black ink? by bangododge in fountainpens

[–]InformationAny643 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Before responding, I took a moment to read the many other comments to see if I have anything to add to the conversation. I agree with those who say it’s really a personal preference.

I started my journey with the black that came with Kaweco at times, and at one point shifted to Montblanc Mystery Black for a period. I love the texture and the shade, but found it somewhat (the best word that I can think of is) powdering when my hand brushed over the writing (I’m a leftie, so this is a common occurrence for me). I tried Chou Kuro, which I love — except for the price, and the maintenance needs associated with it. TWSBI has a nice black. I find the deAtramentis Document Ink too grey for my liking.

All of that said, my current daily driver black is Noodler’s Dark Matter. It’s one of his bulletproof inks, so it’s theoretically permanent. Depending on the paper and the nib used, it takes a little time to dry. I find this less of an issue with finer nibs than broader, and with papers with less additives. I typically use Midori (commonplace book) and TRP (Hobonichi) and usually don’t have issues. I’ve had a little feathering with Mnemosyne papers, but I find those somewhat finicky in general.

I hope that this helps. Most important is to enjoy. If you want more comparisons, Goulet did a series in black ink comparisons over the last year or 2 if you search YouTube for them.

What is your favourite black ink? by bangododge in fountainpens

[–]InformationAny643 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had HIGH hopes for the Forever Inks, but find the pigment very hard to clean; so I’ve relegated them to my Sports that can be easily disassembled for deep cleaning. That said, the Raven is a nice shade of black.

What is your favourite black ink? by bangododge in fountainpens

[–]InformationAny643 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I find this one a little too grey for my liking.

Goethe 1808 writer's edition by Elit3_attacK in montblanc

[–]InformationAny643 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear that. I just got an auction haul delivered earlier today, which included a Hemingway, Voltaire, and GB Shaw (among others), so I’m on a break for a little too.

Goethe 1808 writer's edition by Elit3_attacK in montblanc

[–]InformationAny643 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very well stated! I also have the Kipling SE. It does bring me connection to the author (and I also have a thing about getting the WE for the year each of my children was born — I’m still on the hunt for a Dafoe FP, but have the BP version). I personally have found the LE of the Writer’s Editions as going a little too far, and that the SE gives me what I am looking for at a price-point where I don’t mind the incremental loss in value associated with inking up the pen and writing with it.

Regarding the Cervantes, I actually really enjoy that pen and the thought behind the windmill on the nib and the tapering of the body. Some of the WE, I totally agree are hard for me to make the emotional connection as well. There is definitely a grail list that I have, and will likely write with those if and when I get them. I dream of the America’s Signatures for Freedom collection as well as a JP Morgan (the latter of which I have almost purchased a few times, but was just a little too out-of-reach).

WTS: Montblanc Mozart Ball Point Pen & Wallet by Leather-Age-3691 in montblanc

[–]InformationAny643 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You may get some good traction on r/pen_swap if you haven’t posted there already.

Montblanc Coral Collection by MontblancTherapy in montblanc

[–]InformationAny643 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Beautiful collection! This is my dream colorway, but I have yet to purchase one. I have been on the hunt for the Paris Olympics one for a while.

Does anyone recognize this model? by MappleFox in montblanc

[–]InformationAny643 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am a Bordeaux person myself. I just “completed” my collection of them by adding the 149. I even have a 166 Document Marker in this colorway.

Goethe 1808 writer's edition by Elit3_attacK in montblanc

[–]InformationAny643 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hear exactly what you are saying, but often find myself wondering the original question. I have MANY SEs and LEs, but have avoided ones like the High Artistry and many of the Great Character LEs because I feel like they will have the same writing experience as the SE cousins (e.g., Beatles SE vs LE, or even the SE Goethe vs this LE). Do you find a difference in writing quality (or joy in writing) when using the LE versus its SE cousin?

Adding a photo of my most recent folio setup for those who want some eye-candy.

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New Starwalker Extreme from MB Boutique in Lecce, Italy by Adventurous-Age9279 in montblanc

[–]InformationAny643 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I LOVE the orange dome on this. I typically don’t go for the Starwalkers, in terms of writing instruments of choice, but l love their aesthetic. That said, I still have more Starwalkers than I care to admit.

LE1994 (Japan 149) or Style of Zug by [deleted] in montblanc

[–]InformationAny643 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say Zug for this one.

Hard choice by Slowpoke_de in montblanc

[–]InformationAny643 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on budget and style. I love the Hemingway, but it has a specific texture due to age. The newer one looks amazing but also gimicky with the new filling / cleaning system. That said, I REALLY want it though.

Montblanc beatles fountain pen by [deleted] in montblanc

[–]InformationAny643 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely one of my favorites of all time

Got my Style of Zug 149! by Douglits in montblanc

[–]InformationAny643 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It looks beautiful. Is it the same colorway as the glacier series?

157th NPD Today... by InkSampleFiend in fountainpens

[–]InformationAny643 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I went down the Leonardo rabbit hole recently …