Ink review: Iroshizuku Yama Budo
Pen and nib: Pelikan M205 - B nib
Color: Deep purple/magenta
Dry time: 5 seconds! Very good! Wow, that's fast! The pen used was a nice-n-wet Pelikan B, so this is really good results for such a nib.
Smear when dry: NO
Lubrication: Moderate - not superb, not bad.
Shading: Low. It is there, but barely...
Feathering: None on good paper, just a little on cheap paper. And I do mean a little.
Bleedthrough: None on good paper or cheap paper!
Notes: This color is very pretty but what I like most about this ink is it's amazing behavior! It seems to be a common trait of Iroshizuku inks - the good behavior. Excellent dry-time, but not a lot of feathering. I would highly recommend this ink!
There you have it! You gotta' love that color, and that great dry-time too. This ink has gone on my "elite" list. There is one problem worthy of noting though - this ink costs a LOT. At $25.00 for a 50ml bottle, plus shipping, it's not an ink that I'd use often. Sadly the company has forbid anyone to sell it for less than $25.00 shipped. Most retailers have it for around $32.00...
Aside from that, I think you really out to try this ink if you never have. Get a sample - it's cheap, and you'll get to see how you like it before spending $25.00 on a bottle.
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Regards,
777 - Tyler Dahl
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This is a wonderful ink. I use it with my Pilot vanishing point. Possibly the most beautiful ink I have ever seen. I agree that the behaviour is impeccable.
ReplyDeleteI really like that shade, but because I had several high end inks corrode some of my pens, I'm using only pH neutral now. Does Noodler's have something similar to this? And yes, ouch, to the price. I'd rather spend less on ink (overall) and more on pens.
ReplyDeleteIndeed! I matched it up with a white Pelikan M205. The combo was breathtaking. Magenta and white just go!
ReplyDeleteI need to put it in my VP too, just to try it in that pen as well.... :)
I love this ink!! So much so that I bought two bottles.
ReplyDeleteTwo bottles! Mmm. The Iroshizuku bottle-design is stunning. Especially when it's about 1/2 way down, and the ink is splashing around inside... :)
ReplyDeleteMelted pens - always a NASTY sight... Which inks did it? I'd like to know so I can keep my pens safe. :|
ReplyDeleteThere are two inks that are close to this, and very pretty in their own respect:
Diamine Deep Magenta (I love this ink!)
Noodlers Saguaro Wine. Never tried - I'm going to very soon. It looks delicious!
Karen asked about "similar" - If you want one like this, a bit less red, more on the purple side, try Private Reserve's Plum. Got it on sale w/$1 shipping at Indy-Pen-Dance.com - http://www.indy-pen-dance.com/Private-Reserve-Fountain-Pen-Inks.html (no affiliation.) This reviewed ink, while I like all the properties, is just a bit too "rosey" for me.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that the color just isn't for me; it's a bit too "in your face" for my liking. At that price, I'd look for 2-3 inks in other brands that I like, such as Noodler's, Diamine, Private Reserve, or J. Herbin.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, it is a vibrant ink. Which, I personally love, but I can see easily why someone would not prefer it.
ReplyDeleteEspecially for the price...
I still need to try a J. H. ink. Perhaps I'll throw a sample into my next order! Any ones you'd recommend?
The only one I have is Poussière de Lune, which is a purple. I do like it and even find it acceptable to use when writing letters to friends.
ReplyDeleteThe paper this review is written on looks to be magenta in color - as is the ink. Or is that not the case in real life? When doing a written ink review please use a neutral white canvass (unless you're reviewing a white ink of-course).
ReplyDeleteThis paper is a an odd color, and not 100% pure white. It seems to pick up the ink color - but that is the fault of my scanner. Not a very good one, though it does the job most of the time.
ReplyDeleteI shall try to get some bright-white paper for my future reviews. :)