Ink Review #2778: KWZ Meet Me In St. Louis 2025-314 Blues

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This weekend is the St. Louis Pen Show, so let’s take a look at the show ink! This year is KWZ Meet Me In St. Louis 2025, aka 314 Blues. You can pick this ink up at the show!

The color:

314 Blues is a bright medium blue.

*For my swab cards I use a Col-o-ring by Skylab Letterpress, a medium Pilot Ishime and a Mabie Todd Swan.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some shading but no sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm, and on cheap copy paper.

*For my writing samples I use:

Dry time: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: Low-there was some feathering on Rhodia, but I think that’s an issue with the latest batch of Rhodia paper I got rather than the fault of the ink.

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low-again with issues on Rhodia, I still think it’s the paper’s fault.

Other properties: medium shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.

On 20 lb copy paper the ink had feathering in all nib sizes and some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

314 Blues is brighter and more saturated than Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki. Click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a Lamy Al-star Pacific Blue with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink has an average flow.

Overall, I’ve enjoyed the Meet Me In St. Louis inks I’ve tried so far, and this one is lovely. You can pick up a bottle at the show!

Thanks to all my Patrons! I couldn’t do these reviews without you! You can find my Patreon page here.

Disclaimer: This product was provided by the organizers of the St. Louis Pen Show for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored.

Ink Review #2777: KWZ Azure 4

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Today’s ink is KWZ Azure 4 from the Standard collection. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens.

The color:

Azure 4 is a bright turquoise blue.

*For my swab cards I use a Col-o-ring by Skylab Letterpress, a medium Pilot Ishime and a Mabie Todd Swan.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink is much darker, with a little bit of black sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm, and on cheap copy paper.

*For my writing samples I use:

Dry time: 40 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: medium shading, low black sheen, and no shimmer.

On 20 lb copy paper the ink had feathering in all nib sizes and some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Azure 4 is a little darker than Backpack Athens Blue. Click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a Pilot Vanishing Point Black Ice with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink has an average flow.

Overall, I enjoyed this ink. It’s a gorgeous bright blue with a little bit of sheen.

Thanks to all my Patrons! I couldn’t do these reviews without you! You can find my Patreon page here.

Disclaimer: All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored.

Ink Review #2769: Taccia Sketch Earth Blue

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Today’s ink is Taccia Earth Blue from the Sketch collection. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens.

The color:

Earth Blue is a bright sapphire blue.

*For my swab cards I use a Col-o-ring by Skylab Letterpress, a medium Pilot Ishime and a Mabie Todd Swan.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has a little bit of red sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm, and on cheap copy paper.

*For my writing samples I use:

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: There’s some bleeding in the flex nib and swab on Rhodia, but I think that’s due to a flaw in the paper rather than the ink. I’ve had this happen with most inks on this most recent batch of paper.

Other properties: no shading, low red sheen, and no shimmer.

On 20 lb copy paper the ink had feathering in all nib sizes and some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Earth Blue is closest to Colorverse Stars & Stripes. Click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a Montegrappa Elmo with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink has an average flow.

Overall, I enjoyed this ink. It’s a gorgeous bright blue with a little bit of sheen.

Thanks to all my Patrons! I couldn’t do these reviews without you! You can find my Patreon page here.

Disclaimer: All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored.

Ink Review #2737: Ink Institute Affluent Dragon

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Today’s ink is Ink Institute Affluent Dragon from the Spring 2023 collection. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens.

The color:

Affluent Dragon is a bright blue with shimmer.

*For my swab cards I use a Col-o-ring by Skylab Letterpress, a medium Pilot Ishime and a Mabie Todd Swan.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has a little bit of sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm, and on cheap copy paper.

*For my writing samples I use:

Dry time: 30 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: There’s some bleeding in the flex nib and swab on Rhodia, but I think that’s due to a flaw in the paper rather than the ink. I’ve had this happen with most inks on this most recent batch of paper.

Other properties: medium shading, tiny red sheen, and gold shimmer.

On 20 lb copy paper the ink had feathering in all nib sizes and some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Affluent Dragon is closest to Diamine Arctic Blue. Click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a Kaweco Sport Cyan with a fine nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink has an average flow.

Overall, this is a lovely ink. It has some nice shading, even in a fine nib.

Thanks to all my Patrons! I couldn’t do these reviews without you! You can find my Patreon page here.

Disclaimer: All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored.

Ink Review #2732: Teranishi Guitar Melancholic Blue

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Today’s ink is Teranishi Melancholic Blue from the Guitar collection. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens. Thanks to the reader who sent this ink in for review!

The color:

Melancholic Blue is a medium blue-green.

*For my swab cards I use a Col-o-ring by Skylab Letterpress, a medium Pilot Ishime and a Mabie Todd Swan.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some nice sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm, and on cheap copy paper.

*For my writing samples I use:

Dry time: 30 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: There’s some bleeding in the flex nib and swab on Rhodia, but I think that’s due to a flaw in the paper rather than the ink. I’ve had this happen with most inks on this most recent batch of paper.

Other properties: medium shading, low pink sheen, and no shimmer.

On 20 lb copy paper the ink had feathering in all nib sizes and some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Melancholic Blue is darker than Robert Oster Blue Denim. Click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a TWSBI Eco Transparent Blue with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink has an average flow.

Overall, I really like this ink. It has a nice flow, some shading and a little sheen. It’s a lovely ink.

Thanks to all my Patrons! I couldn’t do these reviews without you! You can find my Patreon page here.

Disclaimer: This product was provided by a reader for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored.

Ink Review #2730: Teranishi Guitar Night Time Soda

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Today’s ink is Teranishi Night Time Soda from the Guitar collection. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens. Thanks to the reader who sent this ink in for review!

The color:

Night Time Soda is a deep royal blue.

*For my swab cards I use a Col-o-ring by Skylab Letterpress, a medium Pilot Ishime and a Mabie Todd Swan.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some nice sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm, and on cheap copy paper.

*For my writing samples I use:

Dry time: 30 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: There’s some bleeding in the flex nib and swab on Rhodia, but I think that’s due to a flaw in the paper rather than the ink. I’ve had this happen with most inks on this most recent batch of paper.

Other properties: medium shading, low red sheen, and no shimmer.

On 20 lb copy paper the ink had feathering in all nib sizes and some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Night Time Soda is less saturated than these other royal blues. Click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a Kaweco Sport Elite Royalty with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink has an average flow.

Overall, I enjoyed the color and I love the medium shading-it gives it some character without making it hard to read. Like all the other Teranishi inks I’ve tried so far I really like it.

Thanks to all my Patrons! I couldn’t do these reviews without you! You can find my Patreon page here.

Disclaimer: This product was provided by a reader for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored.

Ink Review #2725: Diamine Port of Call

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Today’s ink is Diamine Port of Call from the 160th Anniversary collection. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens.

The color:

Port of Call is a medium ocean blue.

*For my swab cards I use a Col-o-ring by Skylab Letterpress, a medium Pilot Ishime and a Mabie Todd Swan.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some nice shading.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm, and on cheap copy paper.

*For my writing samples I use:

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: There’s some bleeding in the flex nib and swab on Rhodia, but I think that’s due to a flaw in the paper rather than the ink. I’ve had this happen with most inks on this most recent batch of paper.

Other properties: high shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.

On 20 lb copy paper the ink had feathering in all nib sizes and some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Port of Call is closest to Robert Oster Frankly Blue. Click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a Pilot Custom 74 in Teal with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink has an average flow.

Overall, the shading in the longer writing samples is fantastic! I love the color, the flow and the shading. This one is a win for me!

Thanks to all my Patrons! I couldn’t do these reviews without you! You can find my Patreon page here.

Disclaimer: All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored.

Ink Review #2724: Pilot Iroshizuku Rikka

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Today’s ink is Pilot Iroshizuku Rikka. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens.

The color:

Rikka is a medium blue that leans green.

*For my swab cards I use a Col-o-ring by Skylab Letterpress, a medium Pilot Ishime and a Mabie Todd Swan.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks less green than it does on the Col-o-ring swab.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

*For my writing samples I use:

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: There’s a little bit of bleeding in the flex nib and swab on Rhodia, but I think that’s due to a flaw in the paper rather than the ink. I’ve had this happen with most inks on this most recent batch of paper.

Other properties: medium shading, low pink sheen, and no shimmer.

On 20 lb copy paper the ink had feathering in all nib sizes and some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Rikka is a little more green than these other blue inks. Click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a TWSBI Eco Creme with a fine nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink has an average flow.

Overall, this ink is fantastic! I tried it and then went out and bought a full bottle. I love how it leans a little green without being a full teal.

Thanks to all my Patrons! I couldn’t do these reviews without you! You can find my Patreon page here.

Disclaimer: All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored.

Ink Review #2723: Dominant Industry Atlantis

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Let’s take a look at Dominant Industry Atlantis from the Pearl collection. You can find this ink for sale at most retailers including Vanness Pens.

The color:

Atlantis is a very pale blue that leans a little green.

*For my swab cards I use a Col-o-ring by Skylab Letterpress, a medium Pilot Ishime and a Mabie Todd Swan.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks a little less green than it does on the Col-o-ring swab.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

*For my writing samples I use:

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: medium shading, no sheen, and blue shimmer.

On 20 lb copy paper the ink had feathering in all nib sizes and some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Atlantis is closest to Ferris Wheel Press Frontenac Blue. Click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a Franklin-Christoph 45 in Vanness Blue with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink has a dry flow.

Overall, while I like the color on the swab, it is way too pale to be easily read. It’s also really dry and could benefit from a drop of White Lightning (ink additive).

Thanks to all my Patrons! I couldn’t do these reviews without you! You can find my Patreon page here.

Disclaimer: All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored.

Ink Review #2721: Endless Alchemy Raven Blue

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Today’s ink is Endless Raven Blue from the Alchemy collection. My sample of ink came from Vanness Pens.

The color:

Raven Blue is a deep navy blue, almost a blue black.

*For my swab cards I use a Col-o-ring by Skylab Letterpress, a medium Pilot Ishime and a Mabie Todd Swan.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some medium black sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

*For my writing samples I use:

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: no shading, medium black sheen, and no shimmer.

On 20 lb copy paper the ink had feathering in all nib sizes and some bleeding.

Comparison Swabs:

Raven Blue is closest to Teranishi Guitar Smoky Navy. Click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer Writing:

I used a Pilot Vanishing Point Wish with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink has an average flow.

Overall, I really like this ink. It’s well behaved, a lovely color and nice and smooth. When compared to its closest colored ink however, Teranishi Smoky Navy, I prefer Smoky Navy just a little bit more.

Thanks to all my Patrons! I couldn’t do these reviews without you! You can find my Patreon page here.

Disclaimer: All photos and opinions are my own. This page does not contain affiliate links and this post is not sponsored.