Ordered my first pen.. ink question

[Jaybh1974]

Well I figured that ASAD, and SBAD wasnt enough, so I decided to order my first fountain pen. I started out pretty inexpensive and ordered a Lamy Safari .
My question is, if I dont want to use cartridges, what is the best ink to use for it? I have read that Noodlers does not work too good with the Safari, as it tends to clog. Any suggestions?

[maxman]

I use Private Reserve in my pens.
Noodlers is very good ink and easily comparable.

My favourite colour in the Private Reserve is American Blue.

[Jaybh1974]

Thanks.. I will be sure to check that out.. I am pretty excited to start my new addiction



I use Private Reserve in my pens.
Noodlers is very good ink and easily comparable.

My favourite colour in the Private Reserve is American Blue.

[aimsport]

Well I figured that ASAD, and SBAD wasnt enough, so I decided to order my first fountain pen. I started out pretty inexpensive and ordered a Lamy Safari .
My question is, if I dont want to use cartridges, what is the best ink to use for it? I have read that Noodlers does not work too good with the Safari, as it tends to clog. Any suggestions?

I would use any US Noodlers ink in my Lamy Safaris except for Baystate Blue.

No clogging at all. Violet Vote, Luxury Blue, Noodlers Black, La Reine Mauve, Borealis Black, Heart of Darkness, Manhattan Black...

[Jaybh1974]

So you have had no clogging problems? thats good to know.. I have heard great things about Noodlers.

[maxman]

If you're going to pick up some ink, have a look at some quality paper too.
Rhodia pads are well regarded. Arches paper is favoured by artists and printers. Clairefontaine and Triomphe are another couple.

You can't take your new Ferarri on a dirt road now can you?

[Jaybh1974]

That is such a great analogy. Great, now I am googling different types of papers and what good sites to order them from.. lol

[maxman]

Do some research on "feathering" and "bleed"
You'll see why the paper is important.

Not necessary I must say, but it makes the experience better.

I'm picking up some Rhodia pads today.

[Jaybh1974]

I guess, just like shaving, there is a lot to it.
With shaving, there are blades, brushes, creams, razors, aftershaves, etc.

With pens, there are nibs, pens, inks, papers, pads, etc.

[pal]

Just to chime in.....today I am using a Cross Solo Radiance pen with Chocolate coloured Private Reserve ink. This is a very adequate ink with a great retro look.:thumbup1:

[Jaybh1974]

chocolate colored ink.. sounds delicious

[Miles]

I have a couple of Lamy safaris and neither of them clog with Noodler's ink. Do, however, keep away from the baystate blue, which I understand has a number of compatibility issues.

Here's what I have personally used with no trouble: Noodler's bulletproof black, Tulipe Noire, Legal Lapis (my favorite!), Polar Blue, Squeteague, and a Diamine brand Steel Blue.

Have fun trying out new inks and paper and all that! Be sure to check out the extensive ink reviews on the fountain pen network http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/

[Jaybh1974]

so is fountainpennetwork the b and b of the pen industry?

[maxman]

We've sunk our hooks in you... no turning back...
FPN is quite the resource.
I hope you don't have anything important to do today. :biggrin1:

[Jaybh1974]

well I am in my office, but I closed my door.. All work is now pushed to the side, while I browse B and B, and pen sites.. yep, its all downhill from here. lol

[HesNot]

Oh boy - hang on!

I am a big fan of Waterman Florida Blue as a solid all around great performing ink in any pen choice. It is a "foundation" ink for that I use to test all new pens even if I don't keep it in them long term. It isn't perfect for everyone but it is pretty hard to beat. I'd start with something like that before exploring the wild world of inks including the more boutique ones.

I own and use inks from Waterman, Noodlers, Private Reserve, Diamine, Pilot and Lamy. I admit Private Reserve initially was a great choice but I've found the long dry times and tendency to smear even on good paper not to my liking - but others love it so as with shaving stuff individual tastes and experiences vary widely.

My second favorite ink is Diamine WES Imperial Blue, with Noodlers La Couleur Royale third.

As you can see I have a thing for blue inks!

[Groat]

As far as paper and inks go, you may want to look at GouletPens.com. They have a feature called the 'swab shop' where you can take a look at all sorts of different inks side by side in order to decide exactly what you'd like. They carry a decent selection of inks and paper. If you have questions, they're quite prompt with emails. Shipping is prompt and packaging is more than adequate. I've had several great transactions with them.

Jetpens and Pear Tree Pens are other online retailers I hear good things about on FPN, but I haven't had any dealings with either and cannot personally comment on them.

You shouldn't have a problem using any fountain pen ink in your pen; my Lamy is a wet enough writer that it'll take whatever I give it.

[maxman]

As far as paper and inks go, you may want to look at GouletPens.com. They have a feature called the 'swab shop' where you can take a look at all sorts of different inks side by side in order to decide exactly what you'd like. They carry a decent selection of inks and paper. If you have questions, they're quite prompt with emails. Shipping is prompt and packaging is more than adequate. I've had several great transactions with them.


+1. I've ordered my Rhodia pads from them.
They are excellent to deal with.

[HokieGeek]

As far as paper and inks go, you may want to look at GouletPens.com.
+1 They're quite excellent. Have a great variety of inks. Get some J. Herbin samples. Wonderful inks that have a bit of a vintage look to them.


so is fountainpennetwork the b and b of the pen industry?
Indeed! The members there are as helpful and dedicated to that hobby as these gents. Go say hi!

[orchestrion]

I thought I read that Rhodia pads don't really allow the ink to "set in" on the paper. It just dries "on top" of the page. Is that true?

[Groat]

I thought I read that Rhodia pads don't really allow the ink to "set in" on the paper. It just dries "on top" of the page. Is that true?

Yes and no. Rhodia paper is slicker and almost certainly less absorbent than something like inkjet paper. However, that's not to say that ink doesn't get into it. One might say that Rhodia/Clairfontaine paper is to copy paper as copy paper is to paper towel. I've done some tests of Bulletproof inks, and they work just great on Rhodia paper. I do have one ink that is extremely saturated that can smear when dry with just a little bit of moisture on Rhodia paper, but other than that I use it all the time.

[csmorris]

+1 on The Fountain Pen Network

Waterman is a quality ink with good colours and seems to work well in a large selection of pens.

MANY other good inks out there.

As with everything, YMMV

[tomviolence]

I've found "Polar Blue" clogs a bit at start, but then flows. If I just use it to jot down things, it is a bit annoying. I have "Heart of Darkness" which seems to work better. That is in a medium and fine nib lamay. Some documents need to be signed in blue, and I like the Polar Blue color. I just scribble a bit before I sign to make sure the ink is fully flowing.

[orchestrion]

Yes and no. Rhodia paper is slicker and almost certainly less absorbent than something like inkjet paper. However, that's not to say that ink doesn't get into it. One might say that Rhodia/Clairfontaine paper is to copy paper as copy paper is to paper towel. I've done some tests of Bulletproof inks, and they work just great on Rhodia paper. I do have one ink that is extremely saturated that can smear when dry with just a little bit of moisture on Rhodia paper, but other than that I use it all the time.

I see! Thanks for clearing that up.


And to add another ink suggestion, I like Sheaffer Skrip in blue-black. Pretty solid ink.

[Plano]

I've had great luck with Lamy ink in my safari. I kind of figured if Lamy makes an ink then it has to work well in what I am guessing is their best selling model.

[LouieGrandie]

I have read that Noodlers does not work too good with the Safari, as it tends to clog. Any suggestions?

I seriously and I mean seriously doubt that as Noodler's is a very lubricating ink.+2 on Fountain Pen Network. Inks to try

1. Waterman Florida Blue - An all time favorite
2. Noodler's
3. Aurora
4. Iroshizuku

Really any modern ink will do.

[cameraflier]

Pen, paper, and ink. It's much like razor, blade, and soap. (in that order) It's all in the combinations. There are general rules, but YMMV. Some pens are wetter. Some inks flow more freely. Some paper is hard and slick, while other papers are scratchy and bleed like sharpie on tiolet paper. It's all about finding the combination that works for you.

It's usually a pretty safe bet to start with the same brand ink/pen. It's a easy baseline to start from when experimenting. I figure these two were designed to work together, so they should be a fair starting point.

IMO: the above order also ranks importance. I can tolerate an odd color or poorly saturated ink much easier than anything else.


Have fun with the pen. Start a journal. Better yet, once you've found some good paper (I'm a Rhodia fan, good value there) start writing people letters. in the age of email and txt msg shorthand, it's a real treat. You'll find people just gush when they recieve an actual hand written letter. Send one to your romantic intrest from time to time. It's checks in the bank.

[LuckyR]

Well I figured that ASAD, and SBAD wasnt enough, so I decided to order my first fountain pen. I started out pretty inexpensive and ordered a Lamy Safari .
My question is, if I dont want to use cartridges, what is the best ink to use for it? I have read that Noodlers does not work too good with the Safari, as it tends to clog. Any suggestions?

I would use Private Reserve DC Supershow Blue, if you are into blue at all. It is close to American Blue but a touch darker and perhaps half a step more "electric". I agree that I would not use Baystate Blue in the Lamy, but that is just an excuse to get a second pen, so you can use it...

[Miles]

so is fountainpennetwork the b and b of the pen industry?

Hit the nail on the head there :thumbup1: