Hello Tom's Studio Team,
I am writing to share my feedback on your #18 Marmalade ink, which I recently tested using a brand-new Clyde Pen fitted with a standard Bock #6 Medium nib. Since both the ink and the pen are new to me, here are my observations:
1. Paper Interaction & Performance
• Line Precision: The ink behaves beautifully on the page. It spreads evenly without feathering, maintaining a very sharp and crisp line.
• Bleed & Ghosting: Performance is excellent. I noticed absolutely no bleeding or ghosting on the paper.
• Dry Time: The ink dries remarkably fast. It performed exceptionally well during quick, on-the-go writing sessions while out at St. Andrews.
2. Pen-Specific Behavior & Nib Flow
• Lubrication & Flow: The ink offers a fairly smooth gliding experience through the Bock #6 Medium nib.
• Line Width Note: Interestingly, I found that this combination produces a line width very similar to my Sailor Black Luster (21k Medium nib), which was a pleasant surprise given the typical differences between European and Japanese sizing.
• Maintenance & Cleaning: The ink is incredibly easy to flush out and clean. It left no stubborn stains on the feed. (Note: I have not yet tested it for long-term crusting or clogging).
3. Visual Effects & Properties
• Color & Shading: The overall color is slightly paler than I initially expected. However, it makes up for it by showing gorgeous, subtle shading (fine variations of light and dark) within a single letter.
4. Packaging & Design
• Bottle Usability: The bottle design is simple, elegant, and highly functional. The neck and depth made it very easy to fill the Clyde Pen without any mess.
(Note: I have not yet had the opportunity to test its water resistance or lightfastness).
Overall, #18 Marmalade is a well-behaved, fast-drying ink with beautiful shading properties. Thank you for creating such a lovely product!