No matter how much I try to sample or test an ink before buying it, sometimes that isn’t possible. Because of this, I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. That’s where “ink battles” come in.
You can assume I have no problems with any ink that appears in an ink battle. I may decide, when using the inks side-by-side, that one performs better, but the point of the battle is to choose a favorite color. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better.
Or, I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to keep them both. Depending on how these “battles” turn out, I may tag some of the posts as ink dupes as well. You can find all of the ink battles posts on the tag page.
This ink battle is between Colorverse Tang Pyeong and Diamine Lilac. These two inks are so similar, I ended up running four separate battles! The paper for all three is a Rhodia Goalbook with white paper.
NOTE: Please forgive my misspelling of Tang Pyeong. For some reason I thought that was the ink name. Oops!
Battle Jowo
In this first battle, both pens have an unaltered Jowo #6 F steel nib.
In some places, you can see that Tang Pyeong is a bit lighter, such as the A, second T, and E in “Battle.” It’s also noticeable in the scribbles and water test at the bottom of the page.
Battles Kakimori and Glass
In these second and third battles, I used a Kakimori Brass nib and a glass dip pen, respectively.
The differences between the inks are less apparent for these battles, except when the nibs got cranky. Can you tell I’m not very familiar with glass dip pens?
Battle Doodle
In this last battle — more a collection of doodles, really — I could finally see an obvious difference, especially in the checkerboard pattern. The lighter color is Tang Pyeong.
Ultimately, I’ve decided to keep Tang Pyeong because it’s a bit lighter. That means I can use it in wetter pens before it basically turns into a black ink.
What do you think? Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
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I just happened upon your blog while looking up information about sprung nibs. In looking through your writing, I discovered your ink battles. What’s so funny, is that I literally had just completed my own ink battle using several different greens, an Herbin, a Lamy, a Diamine, and an Iroshizuko.
Like you, I wrote several lines of text. I then used a cotton swab to make several different types of marks. I’m still not sure which ink I’ll use in the Evergreen Diplomat Excellence A2 that I just ordered, but at the moment, I’m leaning towards the Diamine Ultra Green.
Anyway, while your “Battles“ are much more comprehensive, it was certainly fun to see someone else who compares inks.
You now have a new follower.
Jonathan
I’m happy you enjoyed it! Good luck with your sprung nib. If you can, best bet is to see a nibmeister.
I haven’t tried Tang Pyeong, but Lilac Night is one of my faves… looks like I don’t need Tang Pyeong too. These are really similar! Thanks for the comparison!
Gotta say, I’m especially impressed with your dazzling array of alternatives to “The quick brown fox.” I really love “When zombies arrive, quickly fax Judge Pat.”
We have Lilac Night and I have always thought it was a very forgettable dark blue with a fancy name.
Pangrams are fun. 😊 I enjoy Lilac Night in dry or fine nibs, but otherwise it’s too close to black for my liking.