Ink Review: Noodler’s Dostoyevsky

Noodler's Dostoyevsky

I got a sample of Noodler’s Dostoyevsky ink (19.50 for 30z bottle or $1.75 per sample) because I need more teal blue grey ink like I need a hole in my head. Right? But there was rationale here, folks. Several of the teal blue grey inks I own are limited edition inks like the Montblanc Meisterstück Blue Hour and Pelikan Edelstein Aquarmarine. As far as I know, Dostoyevsky is a regular ink color in the Noodler’s line-up not to mention considerably more affordable than either the Montblanc or the Pelikan Edelstein inks.  So, let’s talk about the overall quality.

Noodler's Dostoyevsky writing samples

The color has lots of shading and was relatively smooth performing. In my water test, it did not shift much which leads me to wonder if it might stain. Anderson Pens Ink Tool lists the ink as a permanent and waterproof ink so its definitely not an ink to be left in a vintage pen. My sample for the water test was not left to dry for more than a minute so it probably was not completely dry. But its good to know that this is a permanent ink. I may try it out in my Lamy Joy for drawing. It could prove interesting!

Noodler's Dostoyevsky comparison

I re-tested the waterproofiness several hours later with similar results to the water droplet test shown above so the ink isn’t PERMANENT permanent. There was definitely some color travel but it would definitely hold up well for a writer’s notebook but not enough to be used with watercolor for sketching purposes like Platinum Carbon Black.

Overall, I like the color and shading enough to consider Dostoyevsky as an option to replace the limited edition teal blue greys when they run out.

CJ helps with ink review

If you happen to ever see a stray hair in any of my reviews, this is why. I have helpers. Three furry ones and one of them always decides they need to sit on my review, my lap, my table, in the box or be pet at some point during my review process. Today, CJ looked so content it was hard to boot her off the review. Can you blame me?


Anderson Pens is a sponsor of this blog but I purchased this sample and all opinions are my own.

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11 comments / Add your comment below

  1. CJ is so adorable. I also have two helpers who do much of the same thing. Their names are Mimi Rose and Cole. AKA Cole Porter.

    1. I do like the Diamine Teal but its a bit darker overall than the other colors, especially in finer nibs. But its one of my go-to colors.

  2. Beautiful ink – sorry but there are 2 spellings to this. Is it the famed name or homage-“ic” name? I have seen inks etc available but you know sometimes it is proper and sometimes it’s ok and is more ‘referential’. Sorry about questioning that though.

    1. I originally wrote the title and information by hand on the handwritten pieces straight from the sample bottle from Anderson Pens. When I double checked online, the actual bottle from Noodler’s is actually written in Cyrillic and all the other web sites listing the ink for sale spell the product per the author’s name as listed on Wikipedia. I decided to go with the more common spelling for the title and let my handwritten examples stay as is. Sorry for any confusion.

      1. How great is it that for someone so well versed with an amazing blog to boot had a bit of a run around with that name! Thank you so much fir the explanation – really!

  3. I caught your video with Goulet , Ana and enjoyed it immensely.
    I have glanced through your ink reviews and trust your opinion.
    I appreciate your dedication to the site
    thanks Charlie

  4. When I double checked online, the actual bottle from Noodler’s is actually written in Cyrillic and all the other web sites listing the ink for sale spell the product per the author’s name as listed on Wikipedia.

  5. Do you have any other recommendations for permanent or waterproof turquoise or teal inks? Helping a friend with wedding invitations, and I’m nervous about using a regular old ink on the exterior envelopes.

    1. The only ink that comes to mind is DeAtramentis Document Turquoise.

      There is also a tip to rub a white, unscented wax candle over your writing after its dry to create a protective barrier against moisture. You might try that on a test envelope to see if it works to your liking, then sprinkle it with water to see if it actually protects the paper and writing from rain or damp to your satisfaction. If it does, you could then address the envelopes with the ink of your choice.

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