Noodler'sBlack Ink Refill, 88ml, Bottle, Dye-based, Black

Oh my goodness, this ink is amazing! It's a lovely deep black colour and you can run the page under a tap, scrubbing it with a nailbrush as soon as you've written it. This stuff resists bleach, water, oil, whiskey and I'll update this review if it doesn't resist sunlight. It's also pH-neutral so it won't corrode your pen's nib. Despite this ink being "bullet proof", it doesn't clog your pen as it doesn't contain particles and is water-soluble. The way it becomes permanent is by chemically-boding to cellulose (i.e. what paper is made out of). Thus it won't clog your pen (and it hasn't clogged mine yet). It's also safe for the vast majority of pens, whether modern, vintage, expensive or mass-produced. This ink flows better and wetter than Parker Quink, and whilst it's not the fastest-drying ink, I'd be willing to bet a left-handed writer could use it if needs be (although Noodler's do actually make a quick-drying ink range for lefties). I have written on rubbish papers like newspaper with this ink and it actually did a modestly-good job of resisting bleed-through and feathering (better than other inks I've tried), although if you really wanted an ink with those properties, Noodler's make an anti-feather ink specifically for this purpose! On most papers, there's no visible feathering or bleed-through, which is excellent. The colour is a lovely deep black, which seems to be comprised of grey rather than blue/purple pigments like some other black inks. That said, the smoothness, wetness and flow of the ink aren't quite as good as my favourite inks made by Diamine. If you have a troublesome pen that is a difficult starter or skips, try Noodler's lubricated "Eel" inks instead, or use Diamine's inks (most of Diamine's aren't waterproof though). Also, whilst this is a good black colour, Diamine again win against Noodler's with their Onyx black - although it's a narrow victory, and Diamine's onyx black also seems to show hints of being derived from blue/purple pigments. I suppose it comes down to what you want from your ink. For everyday writing with no worries about being waterproof, fading, etc., and just wanting the most comfortable writing experience, nothing will ever beat Diamine, especially for the price. However, this ink comes a very close second in terms of depth of colour and smoothness/flow. Factor in the fact that this ink resists almost all the known tools of the forger (I write notes for the milkman/postman, which are left outside, with it, sign cheques with it etc) and is designed to preserve the written word until the end of time... well, nothing can beat Noodler's. It's a bit pricier than competing inks, but you get much, much more for your money. I think Noodler's is the closest any writing ink can get to a Jack-of-all-trades. It nearly does everything, and does it almost perfectly. Oh, one last thing... the bottle is FULL. Literally. It is filled right to the brim. Even the act of dipping your pen into it risks making it overflow. Be very careful on first opening! You really do get every last drop you pay for. I also like that it's a tall bottle, which unlike flatter bottle designs as used by most ink manufacturers, means you'll be able to fill your pen easily right down to the last few drops, without having to tilt the bottle.

I’ve had a let’s just say tenuous relationship with Noodler’s. I excitedly bought the Ahab when it came out, super excited to have a flex nib that didn’t need me to take out a loan. And well, that pen has been the bane of my existence ever since. However, I have 2 other Ahabs, including the one pictured here, that are absolutely delightful.So, when after years and years of being a blue ink exclusively snob I decided that if I was going to take this whole Draw your Day / World ( both excellent books btw) thing seriously I would need some black, waterproof ink, I decided to risk it with Noodler’s.Now, given that I’ve not fully recovered from the trauma of my first Ahab, this was risky. Would I end up condemned to hell or experience the heavenly chorus with this ink …? Could go either wayWell, the 5 star reviews are not wrong. I quickly drew the attached on the cheapest nastiest (if you’re using a fountain pen or anything or one to feathering) paper I own: a post itThe ink dries really quickly which if it you’re like me (I am an immensely impatient human) It withstands everything and I mean everything including the cheap supermarket one quid kids watercolour paint set I used on this. And the coffee I inevitably spill on my mullet journal. Or the water that leaks into my bag from my allegedly waterproof water bottle no matter how careful I am …Having been the victim of many a destroyed notebook I can tell you that this ink is superb. I have no problem with crinkly paged but dude, losing 40 pages of notes because of some sort of liquid interference is pretty heartbreakingThe is A LOT of ink in this bottle so be very careful when you open it the first time. I’m certain one bottle will last me until the end of days, even with all my obsessive letter colouring in and shadows, but just to be sure, I’ve ordered another bottle. It’s so tedious only having one of a thing.Speaking of shadows, this is amazing for mixing with water in a jam jar to make a grey ink wash of whatever intensity you like. Really, honestly just a brilliant ink. Thank you Noodler’s I forgive you for that one attack in the form of my first Ahab!

I ordered this ink after seeing that it was a firm favourite with other urban sketchers and have not been disappointed. As well as being a lovely rich black, I have had no problems with water resistance when I have added watercolour to my drawings. I have used it in two Lamy Safari fountain pens (one with a medium nib and one with a medium), as well as in Duke and Sailor fude nib pens and have had absolutely no issue with clogging. Excellent value for money - they really couldn't squeeze any more ink into the bottle - and exactly what I needed. Would highly recommend! Thank you!

Took the bottle on holiday with some dip pens, walked up a hill in 35°C heat and sat at the top, ready to draw. Much to my amusement and frustration - the stuff does not take to a dip pen nib. I tried several times but the nib came back out of the bottle spotless.Luckily I had an ordinary fountain pen as backup and was able to get some sketching done.

For the last umpteen years I’ve been drawing digitally but for the last couple of months I’ve gone back to using a sketchbook and ink pen. I even bought the same Osmiroid sketch pen that I had as a snotty child. I purchased some other brand drawing ink (Daler Rowney) but was disappointed as the ink was meant to be black but dried off as grey. I knew I couldn’t use India ink for my pen but I wanted something that was just as dark, and quick drying. I haven’t tested it’s waterproofidity yet but I haven’t needed to. After a bit of research I read that Noodlers came highly recommended. I have to admit it did seem expensive BUT it’s lasted ages. The pen works really well with the ink - it flows beautifully - my sketchbook paper copes well with it too!I have to admit I love having ink-stained fingers again after so many years. Cartooning and doodling should be a messy business if you ask me!