A couple of dear friends were in town this past week and one day we found ourselves in Windsor, Nova Scotia. We had amazing fish and chips at Frydaddy’s and then wandered up and down the main street. I found myself drawn to a small stationery store called Brooklyn Office Supplies Ltd. I hoped for a fountain pen or two, since a nib is featured in their logo. Unfortunately they no longer carry fountain pens. The proprietor told me they can no longer order them, which is a shame. They do still carry cartridges and bottled ink, so I picked up two bottles of Sheaffer Skrip, one in black and one in blue.
You’ll notice some tape on the cap of the black ink. I didn’t notice when I bought it that the cap was broken. I taped it up but it is not an airtight seal so not sure if the ink is ok. Above you can see a writing sample using both inks, written with my glass pen. Both ink colours are vibrant and true. Unfortunately that black ink is stuck onto my glass pen now. I can scrape some of it off with my fingernail but it is a slow process. Keep in mind the black remained even after the blue test. Perhaps the broken cap has allowed air to impact the black ink somehow. Lesson learned: examine ink bottles before buying them, especially in independent stores with low traffic.
I am happy to add two new inks to my collection, from a brand I have never tried before. At this point though I would not put the black ink in any pen that might show a stain. Both inks showed mild feathering in my Eccolo notebook.
I will always try to support independent stationers and if you are in the neighborhood visit Brooklyn Office Supplies Ltd. as they have a charming shop with knowledgeable staff. Just make sure any ink bottles you buy are intact!
Ray Laskowitz said:
Fountain pen ink is make from dye and a solvent. Distilled water is the solvent. If the bottle is left open for any length of time, water evaporates making the ink sludgy. You cannot rehydrate it. Best to toss it.
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inlovewithjournals said:
Will do. Thanks Ray!
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rupertarzeian said:
I enjoyed the background story of your Skrip-buying day. Sheaffer Skrip blue ink is possibly my favourite blue and the cartridges, though pricey, hold a good amount. This makes a strong case for picking a Sheaffer for your daily carry pen…in my case a Sheaffer Sagaris.
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inlovewithjournals said:
Thanks rupertarzeian! Yes I’ve been drawn to Sheaffer pens of late. Finding the ink is a sign I should pick one up!
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