What's your favorite brand? Not a specific ink, just your overall thoughts by brand. Which companies provide you with the greatest level of satisfaction in terms of flow, drying, colors, etc.?
I have to say the Iroshizuku line. All six I have tried have been so consistent with exactly the same properties and their colors really do match perfectly with the nature themes.
I really like Noodlers -especially the Eel series.
In terms of a readily available product, I think Waterman makes some very good ink - great bottle (its designed so you can tip it on its side to get the last bit of ink out).
iroshizuku by a lot so far, but Sailor may be right in there, too.
I have had little trouble with any brand as far as flow, drying, etc.
For colors, along with the above two, Noodler's can be great, although hit or miss.
J Herbin gets mad props for 1670 and Lune for color and I suppose everything else.
Not sure why I have not pursued Caran more. I tried a lot its colors at the last DC pen show and liked almost all of them when I tried them there. I have the Caran Amazon--a green--and it is my favorite medium green by a lot.
Noodler's particularly their Bulletproof inks, with Violet Vote and Legal Lapis at the top of the list. Many of the Russian series inks have beautiful colors, but can be a bit difficult.
Waterman inks for their safe and consistent function on XXXXF nibs
J Herbin for shading, particularly wider nibs. Pearl Noire is a very well behaved ink.
Sailor - Kiwagaro is a favorite. Others less so.
Pilot iroshizuku - just beautiful colors
Mont Blanc scented inks and blue black (Iron gall).
I'm sure I left a lot out, but these come to mind in particular.
So far my favorites are Noodlers and Waterman. The Waterman ink doesn't seem to get much love here but it's a rock solid, consistent performer in every pen I've tried it in.
Diamine......Have tried numerous inks over the last 20 odd years & Diamine is by far the best, nice colours & flow.....and they are British to boot !!!