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Perle Noir, Herbin

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 
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Yama-budo, Iroshizuku


Yama-budo, or crimson glory vine. A purple ink that is supposed to represent the color of wild grapes. Depending on pen and nib used, the color varies between a dark bright pink and a true purple. Perfect for personal use: notes, casual writing or letters. Personally I think it's a bit too bright and flashy for the office, although admittedly I have used and gotten away with "worse".

 There is no argument about the quality of Iroshizuku. Yama-budo writes like a dream in any pen or nib size. No feathering, beautiful shading, negligible show-through, not too wet and excellent lubrication, very smooth in writing. As with most Iroshizuku inks, water will immediately ruin your writing. Drying time is OK, almost 35 seconds on Rhodia.

 Compared to other purple inks it's a bit lighter than Montblanc's lavender purple. Compared to Herbin's Poussiere de lune or Larme de Cassis, the ink is not only darker (more purple) but also a lot more saturated.
I like it best with a very broad and wet, or stub nib. I prefer the significantly darker purple that comes out then. 
Written on Rhodia paper

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