Fountain pens deserve better than black ink. I said it, commence the slings and arrows.
I’m certain there are many people who disagree with me, and you’re welcoming to your wrong opinion. I’m joking! I’m not writing this to change anyone’s mind. If you like black ink, enjoy it! But I’ll pass, thank you. And, if you’re still here, allow me to share why I don’t use plain black ink in fountain pens.
I Love Color
I look for ways to add more color to my life. And fountain pens ink comes in practically every color under the sun. Why would I use black when I can have colors?
Shading
One of my favorite things with fountain pen ink is shading. Black ink doesn’t shade. There’s no character. I can hear the mutters that “black” inks can shade. But, if it shades, then it’s gray, not black.
Black Ink is Ubiquitous
Pens with black ink are everywhere. I grew up with basic black or blue pens. Sure, I had some gel pens with color, but usually if I used a pen it was black. And I always wanted better colors.
An Exception
I’m willing to consider black inks if they have very interesting shimmer, like Diamine Astral and Troublemaker Polar Lights.
I have nothing against black ink in other pens. Most of my Retro 51 rollerball/ballpoint pens have black ink. I have Sharpies, FriXion pens, markers, and even peasant sticks (AKA cheap ballpoint pens). But those pens don’t offer any extra character to my writing. I don’t expect “more” from them.
So, as I said, my fountain pens deserve better than black ink. I want them to add more color to my life.
How much do you disagree with me? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you. But, be nice.
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Attribution: The image I used in the share images for Instagram and Facebook is “yes and no” by miniwide studio, on Vecteezy.
I definitely agree with you! When I started with fountain pens I inked most of them up with black, because that’s what I knew, and it seemed like a practical colour. But since I’m not using the pens at work or anything, once I discovered more fun coloured inks I’ve never looked back!
Although in general, as far as regular coloured inks go, I much prefer black to blue.
I have to disagree. Black is one of my go-to inks. I have Lamy Black, Noodler’s Black, Take Sumi, and Carbon Black. I’m also a fan of Blue-Black inks. At least one of my pens is always inked with a black! It’s not my only color but it is a consistent one!
So normally I agree with you but :Carbon Black: is such a fun black!