Diamine inks have earned a solid reputation among fountain pen enthusiasts for their vibrant colors, reliable performance, and affordable prices. Among their extensive range, Diamine Writer's Blood stands out, captivating users with its rich, dark red hue. This in-depth review will explore everything you need to know about this popular 30ml bottle of ink, answering common questions and offering insights into its performance characteristics.
What Makes Diamine Writer's Blood Ink Unique?
Diamine Writer's Blood isn't just another red ink; it's a deep, almost burgundy shade that evokes a sense of richness and intensity. Its color is remarkably versatile, suitable for both everyday writing and more formal documents. The unique shade sets it apart from brighter, more cherry-red inks. This makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a sophisticated and less common alternative.
Is Diamine Writer's Blood Ink Water-Resistant?
While Diamine Writer's Blood isn't explicitly marketed as waterproof, many users report a degree of water resistance. Light water exposure, such as accidental spills, will likely not completely wash the ink away. However, prolonged submersion or heavy scrubbing will inevitably cause some fading or bleeding. It's best not to rely on it for documents requiring archival quality or absolute water resistance.
How Does Diamine Writer's Blood Ink Perform in Different Fountain Pens?
Diamine Writer's Blood generally performs well across a variety of fountain pens. Its flow is smooth and consistent, minimizing hard starts and skipping. The ink's lubricity also contributes to a pleasant writing experience. However, as with any ink, the performance might be affected by the specific pen's nib and feed. Experimentation with different pens is always recommended to determine the optimal pairing.
Is Diamine Writer's Blood Ink Shading or Sheening?
Diamine Writer's Blood exhibits subtle shading, meaning the color intensity can vary slightly depending on the ink flow and nib pressure. This adds a touch of visual interest to the writing. Sheen, on the other hand, which is a glossy iridescent effect, is not typically present in this ink. The focus remains on the deep, rich red color.
Does Diamine Writer's Blood Ink Feather or Bleed?
Feathering, the spreading of ink beyond the pen's nib, and bleeding, the seeping of ink through the paper, are common concerns with fountain pen inks. With Diamine Writer's Blood, these issues are generally minimal when used with good quality fountain pen paper. However, using it on cheaper, highly porous paper might result in some feathering or bleeding. Choosing the appropriate paper is essential for optimal results.
Where Can I Buy Diamine Writer's Blood Ink?
Diamine Writer's Blood ink is widely available from various online retailers and stationery shops specializing in fountain pens and inks. Many online marketplaces and dedicated pen shops carry this popular ink, often in both 30ml bottles and smaller sample sizes.
What are the Pros and Cons of Diamine Writer's Blood Ink?
Pros:
- Rich, unique color: The deep burgundy-red is visually appealing and versatile.
- Smooth flow: Ensures a pleasant writing experience.
- Relatively affordable: Diamine inks are known for their great value.
- Wide availability: Easy to find from various retailers.
- Decent water resistance (to a degree): Offers some protection against light water exposure.
Cons:
- Not completely waterproof: Not suitable for archival documents.
- May feather or bleed on low-quality paper: Requires using suitable paper for optimal performance.
Conclusion: Is Diamine Writer's Blood Ink Worth It?
Diamine Writer's Blood ink is a fantastic choice for fountain pen users seeking a rich, deep red ink with smooth performance. Its unique color and reliable characteristics make it a worthwhile addition to any ink collection. While not waterproof, its relatively affordable price and overall performance make it a strong contender for everyday writing and more formal applications where high-quality paper is used. Its subtle shading adds a touch of sophistication to the writing experience, making it a popular and well-regarded ink within the fountain pen community.
