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 J. Herbin Lierre Sauvage and Diamine Elf. Both inks are in a pen with a F Jowo #6. The paper is a Rhodia Goalbook with white paper.
Today’s battle is just slightly different. I have a mini bottle of Elf from the 2019 Inkvent calendar, and it’s finally running low. I wasn’t sure I should get a full bottle since I also have J. Herbin Lierre Sauvage. And, turns out, these two are similar enough to consider dupes.
The only difference I see is that Elf shades slightly darker. But, since I already have Lierre Sauvage, I definitely don’t need to get Elf.
What do you think? Do you agree with my choice? Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
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I also own both and don’t think they are that similar. Lierre Sauvage is noticeably lighter and brighter, but needs the right pen to really shine (like most Herbin inks).
Even in your pictures the inks look quite different to me, but I suppose that could be because I’m already familiar with both.
If I had to pick one ink, I’d always go with the Herbin one, Elf is just a solid run-of-the-mill green ink and there are plenty of those around.
I agree with you- although I barely notice the shading differences!
They’re hard to tell. It would probably be more noticeable in a B nib.