Kakimori — Soyo — Ink Review #61

Kakimori — Soyo

 

Ink Review # 61

 

Originally posted on FPN: May 12, 2023

 

Ink: Soyo
Type: Pigment ink
Brand: Kakimori
Country: Japan
Availability: 35 ml bottles.
Pens Used: Pilot Elite (EF/stub), Lamy Safari (EF, F, M, B), Kanwrite ultra-flex nib, Jinhao 450 fude nib.

Description

According to Kakimori, "Soyo is like a breath of fresh air. A colour that evokes the feeling of a pleasant breeze."

This is my least favorite ink by Kakimori, mostly because of its paleness and lack of lubrication. You would need a cushiony nib to enjoy the writing experience. Otherwise, it's scratchy with finer nibs and dry times are quite long, especially with Japanese paper.

On the plus side, the ink is well-behaved on copy paper. On the negative side it is mostly illegible. 

I would say it can be used for journaling with wide or cushiony nibs, preferably on thick absorbent papers, or for fountain pen art. 

Note on pigment inks: Pigmented fountain pen inks are best used in well-sealed pens that are easy to dismantle. Regular cleaning is advisable, and pen flush may be needed if water alone is not enough.

Chroma

Writing Samples

Rhodia

Midori

For some reason, the scanner picks it up as green with Midori. This is a pale blue color.

Tomoe River 68 gsm

Note: Tomoe River used here is 68 gsm, not the thinner 52 gsm version commonly referenced in reviews.

Hammermill 20 lb (Front & reverse)

Photo

Comparison

Water Test

Left side was held under running water for 10 seconds.  

Artwork

Inktober52: Doctor.

I was wondering if Dr. Felix would be able to manage his speech without being distracted by the tassel.

Strathmore Drawing Paper. 

Ink Characteristics

·      What I liked: writing with a fude nib, and ease of cleaning and smudged color effect.
·      What I did not like: Writing experience with all pens (very scratchy) except the very wet Kanwrite, and the Jinhao fude nib. Illegibility with most nibs. Long dry times.
·      What some might not like: Same as above.
·      Shading: None.
·      Ghosting: Faint.
·      Bleed through: None.
·      Flow Rate: Too wet.
·      Lubrication: Nonexistent.
·      Nib Dry-out: None.
·      Start-up: None.
·      Saturation: Light.
·      Shading Potential: Only with a fude nib.
·      Sheen: None.
·      Spread / Feathering / Woolly Line: None.
·      Nib Creep / “Crud”: Nope.
·      Staining (pen): No.
·      Clogging: No.
·      Cleaning: Easy.
·      Water resistance: Excellent.

 

Feel free to share your experience, feedback, or any other comments. The more the merrier. 😊

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