Perle Noir is one of the most recommended and well reviewed black inks out there. When I bought this ink a few years ago, I was disappointed. It is not the blackest, not the smoothest, not the fastest drying ink, not an archival ink, not the cheapest. I decided to give it a second chance so I eyedropped a Preppy with it and filled a Lamy All-star. Over the past few days I have written many pages of work notes with the ink. Perle Noir is a well behaving black ink that is sold at a reasonable price, but it doesn't excel in anything. Below some writing samples, followed by drying times and test in water resistance. Drying times are about average to slow, 45 secs with a broad nib on Tomoe River 52g paper. The ink is certainly not water resistant, but it can handle an accidental drop. The full characteristics: Feathering none Shading hardly any Show through negligible ...
After Oxblood, Red Fox and Esenin, it is time for another red. Rouge Hematite, by Herbin, from their 1670 line. A nice bright red with some gold shimmer in it. Best compared to the gold panning kids can do be in many amusement parks these days: it's very hard to find any gold. Using a cotton swab or a stub nib, you will see some. In a regular nib, hardly at best.
The 1670 line is good and this ink is no exception. Well-behaving inks and not too wet. A clear difference with the normal inks (perle des encres) that are also good, but maybe a little bit on the wet side. No feathering, no show through, moderately wet and well lubricated. Shimmer is visible, with some effort as described. Be careful with fluids though, the ink doesn't handle water very well. Drying time was a surprise, 15 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 letters, a quick personal notes, and greeting cards. Although definitely red, the color is not very dark. Rouge Opera (Herbin) and Momiji (Iroshizuky) are significantly darker.
Paper used is Original Crown Mill Vellum.