This month’s Ink Drop featured five inks known for their stay-put properties and titled the collection Lasting Impressions. These inks are all designed to be permanent or very water-proof. The colors featured were Rohrer & Klingner Salix and Scabiosa, Platinum Carbon Black (that dark sheen spot is dry ink though if I rub it with my finger, it smudges like charcoal), Noodler’s Bad Green Gator and Upper Ganges Blue.
I was delighted that, when presenting permanent inks, Goulet Pens didn’t send just black and blue inks. I had wanted to see Scabiosa in person for a long time because I do like a deeper, more complex color and it really is unique. Its a deep plum, almost purple black.
In my swash test, I really liked the woodsy green of Bad Green Gator but I’ll have a full review of the color later this week. Noodler’s Upper Gange blue is a deep blue on the edge of a blue-black while the R&K Salix is more of a denim-y blue.
As mentioned, the Platinum Carbon Black left a shiny deposit in my swash test when dry and when I ran my finger over it, it smudged like charcoal pencil. The swash had been sitting for almost 24 hours when I smudged it. Keeping in mind, this was not a writing sample but it is definitely a black ink that is going to stick around.
Overall, these colors seem more sedated and subdued than their less-permanent, more-vibrant brethren. Not that subdued is a bad thing at all. I find their muted colors to be pleasing.
Both of the R&K colors are iron gall inks and I know a lot of people are concerned with potential damage to their pens as a result of these inks. I don’t know much about caring for pens with iron gall inks or other permanent inks but I think if you change your inks at least monthly, it shouldn’t be much of an issue. If concerned that any of these permanent inks might stain or clog your favorite pen, I recommend trying it first in a cheaper pen (maybe a Plaltinum Preppy or a Pilot Metropolitan) before trying it in your top-dollar or vintage pen.