As I mentioned in my first ink battle post I do my best to purchase inks I’ve already tested, but that isn’t always possible. And so, more often than I would like, I end up with a couple — or more — inks that are very similar.
Based on the comments that I received on my last post, I need to clarify a couple of things. An ink battle — unlike ink dupes — is between two inks I like. I enjoy using them enough to have them both in my ink collection. If one of the inks performed poorly or caused problems, I wouldn’t keep it. And, if that were the case, an ink battle would be unnecessary.
Bottom line: 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 Diamine Mistletoe and Monarca Stationery Nopal. Both inks are in pens with a M Jowo #6 nib. The paper is a Rhodia Goalbook with white paper. The inks are virtually identical, so I’m also tagging it as an ink dupe.
Considering the colors are virtually indistinguishable, I’ve got to make my decision based on other things. Jim suggested keeping the bottle with the most volume — Diamine — but I’m tempted to keep the one that’s more expensive — Monarca.
What do you think? How would you decided which to choose? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
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I’d go with volume too, but I’m not quite sure I understand the rationale behind wanting to keep the more expensive one.
My thought was to “waste” less money.
I see. Wouldn’t the higher price be reflected in the resale value though? Monarca inks are still somewhat difficult to find too whereas Diamine inks can be easily obtained, so I’d expect the relative value to be even higher.
I rarely sell inks that I end up getting rid of. I usually donate them or give them away. 🙂