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Cornaline d'Egypte, Herbin 1798


Another Herbin, another ink in the vicinity of red. Cornaline d'Egypte from Herbin's 1798 line. Far more orange than red of course. It is supposed to have silver simmer but neither my Parker, nor a TWSBI stub nor a cotton swab could bring it out. I don't see it. 

Bright, unusual and beautiful. Not for everyday use and not everyone will like it. This ink is very well-behaved, quite wet but it never becomes a problem. No feathering, no show through and well lubricated. Shimmer is invisible. Water resistance is poor, a little drop won't wash away your writing, but it will be ruined. Drying time was long, 60 seconds on crown mill paper. 

Depending on nib the color varies from a bright clear red (Parker) to a darker red (Lamy, stub). I find it too bright to use in the office, and not pleasant enough to read when used for note taking. I find it a very nice ink though for short letter, quick personal notes, and greeting cards. Although definitely red, the color is not very dark. Rouge Opera (Herbin) and Momiji (Iroshizuky) are significantly darker.

Written on Original Crown Mill Vellum paper


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