Octopus Write & Draw — Penguin Brown — Ink Review #101

Octopus Write and Draw — Penguin Brown

 

Ink Review # 101

 

Originally posted on FPN: Nov 29, 2023

 

Ink: Penguin Brown
Brand: Octopus WD
Country: Germany
Availability: 50 ml bottle.
Pens Used: Pilot Kakuno EF, Stub, Kaweco Sport (EF/F/M/B/Stub 1.9), Osmiroid Copperplate

Description

This belongs to the Write and Draw line of nano-pigment inks. They are waterproof and lightfast.

The complete lineup of the 38 inks is here:

https://www.octopus-office.de/shop/en/creative-inks/write-draw-ink/?p=1

The naming of the inks is whimsical: the colour followed by an arbitrary animal, unless there are brown penguins and red koalas roaming about. 😀

The ink is well-behaved, wet, and well-lubricated, yet I am underwhelmed by the colour.

I would recommend getting a sample before investing in a whole bottle.

Note on Octopus Write & Draw inks: These are pigmented fountain pen inks, so they are best used in well-sealed pens that are easy to dismantle. Some colors clean out easily, while others may need pen flush if water alone is not enough. Octopus lists a two-year shelf life and notes ISO 12757-2 / DIN ISO 14145-2 compliance.

Chroma

The reddish tinge is obvious in the chroma.

Writing Samples

Rhodia

Midori

Tomoe River 68 gsm

Hammermill 20 lb

It's alright on copy paper. But don't flex on it or use a wide/wet combo. Those brown smudges are not bleed-through.

Photo

Comparison


Water Test

Artwork

Note the ink had stayed for two week in the pen, so it became darker.

Ink Characteristics

·      What I liked: The colour, very fast dry times.
·      What I did not like: Not much. But I'm not in love.
·      What some might not like:
·      Shading: It seems there is
·      Ghosting: A tiny bit on copy paper.
·      Bleed through: A tiny bit when the needle tip of the copper plate pierces the paper.
·      Flow Rate: Good.
·      Lubrication: Slightly below average.
·      Nib Dry-out: Only once during nib exchange.
·      Start-up: No.
·      Saturation: No.
·      Shading Potential: No.
·      Sheen: Same as above.
·      Spread / Feathering / Woolly Line: Nope.
·      Nib Creep / “Crud”: No.
·      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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