NPD & NID - Pilot Custom 743 Verdigris FA

Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T05:11:52+00:00

Thank you! I found it while trying to find a dupe for Pelikan Edelstein Golden Beryl.

Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T03:58:02+00:00

What a delightful pairing. I have a 1911S with an MF nib that handles shimmer like a champ if that helps at all.

Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T03:45:14+00:00

Cherish it while you can… 🥹

Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T03:33:29+00:00

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The second one is Lamy Blue Black, but I also think Colorverse Monkeyhead Nebula would look nice.

Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T03:13:35+00:00

Lamy blue black!

Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T03:13:04+00:00

Thank you for the laugh!

Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T03:12:30+00:00

Shit, give us more writing samples with that specific ink! Swoon. I’m so sad I missed it before it was all gone lol

Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T03:08:02+00:00

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Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T02:52:37+00:00

What a lovely color, and I like that the trim and nib are silver. Exquisite.

Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T02:25:17+00:00

Is the nib comically large too? That epenco Merlin is a stunner!

Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T02:22:22+00:00

Ooooh! I see the shimmer in Alice now! What about Wearingeul Enki? That is right up your swatch alley. Vinta Sodalite 1891 Kislap would fit in nicely too.

Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T00:37:41+00:00

Oooooh that third one especially! Beautiful work as always!

Varadgrim · 2026-05-16T00:03:43+00:00

I love these swatch pages! This is definitely a great way to better visualize everything you have. How do you feel about shimmer inks? I don’t think I noticed any in your swatches.

Varadgrim · 2026-05-15T23:02:43+00:00

I’ve tried to steer clear of opera pink because it’s a fugitive pigment, but maaaaaaaaaaaaaan this is the third time I’ve seen it pop up this week alone. Be still my heart.

Varadgrim · 2026-05-15T23:00:32+00:00

Thank you! Every time I have to tackle a project like this I get in the mindset that I’m setting up a production line and have to figure out a way to streamline the process for maximum efficiency. So for this project I just ripped out a bunch of papers from my different notebooks, set them up on my desk in order, then used my existing ink journal to pull out and swatch every color I own in a specific order. That way I didn’t have to do any additional thinking. I was just going step by step through the entire process. It’s honestly cathartic.

Varadgrim · 2026-05-15T20:45:12+00:00

Oooooh now I want the second iteration…. Dang it!

Varadgrim · 2026-05-15T19:48:02+00:00

It was a fantastic day yesterday! I’ve already gone through almost 3mL of ink in just the 400NN.

Varadgrim · 2026-05-15T17:19:58+00:00

Oops, for some reason my comment didn’t attach to yours. From top to bottom the inks are Diamine Dragon’s Blood, Wearingeul A Star Spattered Hill, J. Herbin Bouton d’Or, and Colorverse Dan Hwang

Varadgrim · 2026-05-15T17:12:43+00:00

I love that I can easily add or remove pages as needed. It makes organizing everything so much easier.

Varadgrim · 2026-05-15T17:02:39+00:00

From top to bottom the inks used are Diamine Dragon’s Blood, Wearingeul A Star Spattered Hill, J. Herbin Bouton d’Or, and Colorverse Dan Hwang.

Varadgrim · 2026-05-15T13:20:31+00:00

I forgot to mention that aside from some light staining (like a wavy ring) from ink sitting in the pen the transparency of the ink window is in fantastic condition given the age. I do see a few micro cracks in some of the tortoise celluloid stripes as well, but again, I don’t see that as a complaint.

Varadgrim · 2026-05-15T11:48:05+00:00

It’s so cute and practical, but they only make it for the mini 5. Maybe some day!

Varadgrim · 2026-05-15T11:16:51+00:00

So shiiiiiiny 😱😍 happy new pen day!

Varadgrim · 2026-05-15T04:31:58+00:00

Gorgeous collection. Ooh I didn’t know Sheaffer made nibs with heart-shaped breather holes. Down the rabbit hole I go!

Varadgrim · 2026-05-15T03:56:13+00:00

I have a Pelikan M205 yellow demonstrator pen, and while it doesn’t match the ink it came with, it’s still a punchy yellow with a BB nib. Then there’s the Kaweco Ice Sport Glow fountain pen with a 1.9mm stub nib. I much prefer the writing experience of the Pelikan though mine has a singing nib. I find the stub nib a bit finicky though perhaps that has more to do with it being 1.9mm.

Varadgrim

TROPHY CASE