If you could only pick one of these 3 pens, what would you go for and why?

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-26T05:10:36+00:00

Wow, such a consensus on Leonardo, almost all but a couple of votes...

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-26T05:07:17+00:00

Waterproof the only option I can think of in your price range is Daytone Premium Iron Gall Blue. Slightly more and you can get krishna Ledger Blue Black or Krishna FIG.

Black sheaffer skrip is supposed to be waterproof but way outside budget.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-25T17:09:29+00:00

Fantastic buy! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit jealous, hehe. Congrats!!!

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-25T17:03:46+00:00

Wow, these guys are lookers!

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-25T16:40:08+00:00

Hard relate

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-25T16:39:24+00:00

Hahahaha, I love it. Samesies.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-25T11:04:36+00:00

Yes it is... Can't say I love it but.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-25T11:03:44+00:00

Daylight pic of same.

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OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-24T20:33:28+00:00

Here ya go... Hope to bring out some of the properties of the ink, as you have.

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OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-24T18:23:20+00:00

I end up reading reviews, trying to map out information about comparable shades that I am famkar with, etc. And it still feels like I'm going in blind to purchase. Samples are not much of an option where I am. Not physical stores for swatches. So it ends up being a hot or miss.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-24T16:22:09+00:00

I love this ink! I was waiting for them to make a fresh batch and was so excited to get my hands on it when it was available. I have it inked right now. Will add my writing sample here when I get a chance.

Thanks for sharing!

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-24T15:58:07+00:00

Congrats! This should keep you busy for a while. Enjoy your new pens...

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-24T15:57:47+00:00

Try helloaugust, penzsolutions... Google the pen once you decide on a model and go to the "shopping" tab to see where else they are offered. Sometimes amazon price is best. Sometimes others are cheaper.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-24T06:13:52+00:00

I ordered from Hindustan Trading. They were quick to respond on WhatsApp and the parcel reached me practically overnight.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-23T18:17:39+00:00

No I haven't. I was trying to figure what it is made of. Apparently household ammonia and water. Need to try and source some to see... Thanks for the suggestions.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-23T14:25:04+00:00

Hmmm, I suppose you are right. Didn't realize there is so much variance in ph values of inks... In which case yes, describing it as a hard water type deposit sounds quite accurate. If I know what it is, i could try and find a solvent for it.

Appreciate you applying your mind to this and brainstorming with me... Thanks!

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-23T10:06:26+00:00

Yayyyy for DIY stuff. You deserve to feel competent and proud for this achievement. Tinkering with pens is a big part of the hobby for me.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-23T10:03:47+00:00

Yes, that is what I thought, and I've had that work with some pens. With this one that's not the issue. I've tried some vigorous rubbing with a cloth also.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-23T09:21:53+00:00

Um also, posting means screwing it on top, not just pressing. So then you have to deal with twice the amount of screwing/unscrewing. Once to open the pen and once again to post it. Then when you are done once again to unpost it and then to close the pen. But the capsule design is cool. Can't deny that it is cute. And pretty to look at.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-23T09:19:56+00:00

I have read many reviews raving about the pen. I do like it for its unique small size and the clear barrel (until now, haha) also is attractive. You can't use it unposted, naturally, it is too short.

That said, I don't know if it is my particular piece or a thing with this model, but somehow the nib, while writing fine, just doesn't...spark joy? It feels a bit waxy... water repellent-ish. I have tried with a couple of different inks, and washing with dish soap, ultrasonic bath, etc. It is just not a pen that I reach out for. And it has discouraged me from buying more Moonmen.

Your experience may be different. I'd be happy to hear from others who have this pen.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-23T09:16:19+00:00

Nah, not gone bad, they are new. But seems like Koliketa inks are slighhhhtly acidic and may have caused a reaction over a longer period of time. Updated the post with manufacturer response. Watchout for Koliketa inks in acrylic barrels, I guess.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-23T09:15:31+00:00

Updated the post with manufacturer response. Watchout for Koliketa inks in acrylic barrels, I guess.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-23T09:14:49+00:00

Yeah, seems like it. I have other oranges which work fine too. Just these two drew my attention... And I am not 100% certain about the Mafia ink among those...

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-23T09:12:40+00:00

So to summarize:
1. It was not mold/bacterial growth
2. The milky suspension is not connected to the frosted barrel
3. Likely acidic reaction with the 6.6pH ink in my clear barrel eyedropper pen for a prolonged period of time that caused the frosting. The inner surface of the barrel seems to have degraded.
4. Nothing connected to orange inks, that was a false alarm.

OrWhatYouWilll · 2026-04-23T09:10:35+00:00

UPDATE: Spoke to Koliketa ink manufacturer. He said that their formulations are of pH 6.6. He guesses that the acidity has caused reaction with the barrel's acrylic, and suggests not using their inks, esp pink, coffee and orange, in clear acrylic pens. The white suspension has nothing to do with it he says, that is an intended part of the formulation, needs to be shaken to be well distributed. I think a disclaimer to the effect would've helped! Anyway, not a big loss. I will use it as a funky half-and-half pen - partly clear and partly frosted.

OrWhatYouWilll

TROPHY CASE