Noodlers Baystate Blue

[sparkinflint]

What do you guys think of this ink? I'll probably pick it up as my first blue ink :)

[Jon Szanto]

/reserved

[mhosea]

A FP user having Baystate Blue as their first blue ink is like a vegetarian having foie gras as their first non-vegetarian food. My advice is to choose something a little less exotic but still of the highest quality: Aurora Blue. Diamine Royal Blue is also very nice.

[Laura N]

I really think it's not a good choice for your first blue ink.

It's known as a high-maintenance ink which can stain some pens, at the very least.

Choose an ink that has better behavior for your first. Some of those may seem to have less exciting or vibrant colors, but in truth with an ink you use a lot sometimes the more vivid inks become tiring. Waterman Serenity Blue, Montblanc Royal Blue, many of the Diamine blues, Pilot Blue, Aurora Blue, Visconti Blue -- all of these are excellent blue inks with more friendly behavior that are better suited for your first blue ink.

If you make just eight more posts, you can enter the PIF for Diamine Washable Blue. :)

[Neo]

If you want vibrancy of color, how about private reserve DC super show blue? The Goulets are having a sale on samples this month, you can try a few of the excellent suggestions above too.

[Waski_the_Squirrel]

I really like this ink. My first blue was a cartridge of Parker Quink which I really hated. Admittedly, this ink can stain and is a little difficult to clean. But, it's a nice, bright color and I really like it. The main thing with this ink is that you seriously need to dedicate a pen to only this ink.

Another nice Noodler's color is Noodler's Blue. It isn't as bright, but it is a nice blue and is easy to clean.

[Jon Szanto]

Baystate Blue is the ink equivalent of TYPING IN ALL CAPS.

You know: shouting.

[carlos.q]

I would not recommend BSB as a first blue: it stains and feathers a LOT. I read so much about this ink that I finally got a bottle through a trade... Used it once and will never use it again.
There are many beautiful and well behaved blues you can choose from. If you want a nice bright blue check out Diamine Sapphire or Iroshizuku Asa-Gao.

[Sailor Kenshin]

Good suggestions, especially about the samples.

I just loaded a cheap pen with Noodler's Eel Blue to test both of them. So far, the cheap nail of a 616 knock-off writes nicely with this bright, lubricating mid-range blue.

[sparkinflint]

Thank you all for the tips. Might be going to pick up a bottle of Diamine RB or SB. haven't really made the final decision yet but these look the best :)

[sparkinflint]

BTW how is the Diamine Majestic blue?

[Laura N]

BTW how is the Diamine Majestic blue?

Another one I wouldn't recommend as a first blue, but for different reasons. This one is incredibly "wet," which means it flows very fast and heavy. It's a nice color, but usable only with super dry pens, in my experience. With a normal or wet pen, an ink that is too wet will make a very dark line, but it will be wider than expected, it will show through and often bleed through the paper, and it will take a very long time to dry on the page; in fact it will often smudge even when you think it's dry.

[mhosea]

Thank you all for the tips. Might be going to pick up a bottle of Diamine RB or SB. haven't really made the final decision yet but these look the best :)

Diamine Royal Blue is one of my favorites. If you think about the visible color spectrum from violet on the left to red on the right, Diamine Royal Blue falls to the right of Sapphire Blue, i.e. more towards the center of the blue area. I really, really like Diamine Sapphire Blue, though: smooth-writing, easy-flowing, decent (not great but not poor, either) water resistance. Goes down purplish-looking but dries more blue. It just so happens that I recently restored a 1937 (third-quarter) Silver Pearl Parker Vacumatic (standard) and loaded it up with Diamine Sapphire Blue for its first trip out of the house today. Sorry for the crappy cell phone pic--you won't get even a hint of accurate color from it (though I monkeyed with the color balance to try to make everything not be yellow).

14757

[gbryal]

I think you should get BSB if you like the color! After all, your first ink is often rapidly followed by your 2nd and 20th. If you have a budget, of course, focus on a well-behaved ink and a reliable pen, but if you are thinking of experimenting, BSB can be part of the experiment.

I have a relatively inexpensive FPR Triveni that is just for BSB. Since it's a glossy Ebonite pen with Ebonite feed, BSB shouldn't do much to it, most of the ink should run off the section, and if it stains, I can replace it fairly inexpensively. Some Noodlers inks ship with an eyedropper converted Preppy; those are $3.95 and Nathan must believe they hold up to different inks well (or are cheap enough to replace).

I think all of the Noodlers pens have ebonite feeds and should be suitable for BSB, but I would probably stick to dark opaque pens. I have a Konrad that shows any ink that is in the feed through the acrylic section, which is fine with me, but I'd like the option to wash it out.

I did an experiment with BSB in a Serwex eyedropper with clear barrel, that I left in for 2 months. With lots of patience and just ammonia and water I was able to get it mostly clean. The barrel has a slight blue tinge to it now, so don't put it in your Opera Crystal or something where that would be a problem. I often would get a powdery crust on the nib that was unpleasant on the paper but went away after I got the ink flowing.

My recommendation for a first ink is Waterman Mysterious Blue, if you like blue-black ink. Or Serenity Blue if you want blue blue. Waterman has a reputation with its blue inks such that if your pen has a problem, the ink probably won't be assumed to be the culprit.

I wonder what kind of pen you plan to put this in. You've posted a lot this week, I'll check your other threads.

[sparkinflint]

I just checked if my local store had any of the diamine RB and SB and well... They didnt. Might have a look at PR DC blue and noodlers blue now :)

And gbryal i was going to use BSB in a watermans crusader but i got a lamy safari instead so i was planning on using BSB in it. But now looking back pairing a neon yellow lamy safari with BSB is probably a terrible idea.

and if anyone is wondering penchalet was doing a 40% off on the neon yellow lamy
https://www.penchalet.com/fine_pens/fountain_pens/lamy_safari_fountain_pen_neon_yellow.html

[sparkinflint]

J herbin inks anyone? Noodlers bad blue heron and bernanke doesnt look bad either..

[Neo]

Herbin éclat de saphir is the only one I've used personally and it looks nice, seems to have a bit of purple though.

[Sailor Kenshin]

J herbin inks anyone? Noodlers bad blue heron and bernanke doesnt look bad either..

Bernanke is a nice, vibrant blue, but I have taken to calling it Bernanke Bleed.

[gbryal]

I use Waterman inks in my Waterman and Lamy inks in my Lamys but I am weird like that. But they come in neat bottles with a strip of paper to clean your nib, and the Lamy Police can never say you used the wrong ink.

[sparkinflint]

bad blue heron anyone?

[mhosea]

bad blue heron anyone?

No. This is a higher-maintenance ink. I had a lot of problems with hard starts unless the cap sealed very well, and it leaves a thin film that needs to be wiped off if you don't have an ultrasonic cleaner.

Consider Noodler's Navy instead.

[sparkinflint]

Looking for something abit brighter ;/ Something that can motivate me to continue writing

[mhosea]

Bad Blue Heron is much more similar to Navy than Baystate Blue, so you had me confused there.

I fancy myself a connoisseur of blues, and I don't really feel that Noodler's does bright blues very well, at least not down the middle of the pike. Most are a little turquoise or greenish, IMHO. I've tried Noodler's Blue, Bad Blue Heron, Bad Belted Kingfisher, Bernanke Blue, Midway Blue, Baystate Blue, Navy, Upper Ganges Blue, La Couleur Royale, Blue Eel, Polar Blue, and 54th Mass (if you want to call that Blue, which I don't). I like Noodler's Baystate Blue, but I have to balk at recommending it as a first blue ink. It's a specialty ink. I'm aware of a few other possibilities in the Noodler's line that I mentioned, but I don't think they are all that good. Can you get either of these?

1. Sailor Nioi-sumire
2. J. Herbin Eclat de Saphir

I would personally have a very strong preference for Nioi-sumire over Eclat de Saphir, but I remember Eclat being pretty vibrant despite not being all that saturated.

[bulbboy]

I just ordered some Baystate Blue - hope it's not a disaster!

[sparkinflint]

Drawin lots between Noodlers Midway, diamine majestic, j. herbin eclat de sphir and privite reserve DC supershow blue...

Thanks for all the advice guys i'll probably go out and buy the ink this Saturday ;)

[shudaizi]

Bad Blue Heron is much more similar to Navy than Baystate Blue, so you had me confused there.

I fancy myself a connoisseur of blues, and I don't really feel that Noodler's does bright blues very well, at least not down the middle of the pike. Most are a little turquoise or greenish, IMHO. I've tried Noodler's Blue, Bad Blue Heron, Bad Belted Kingfisher, Bernanke Blue, Midway Blue, Baystate Blue, Navy, Upper Ganges Blue, La Couleur Royale, Blue Eel, Polar Blue, and 54th Mass (if you want to call that Blue, which I don't). I like Noodler's Baystate Blue, but I have to balk at recommending it as a first blue ink. It's a specialty ink. I'm aware of a few other possibilities in the Noodler's line that I mentioned, but I don't think they are all that good. Can you get either of these?

1. Sailor Nioi-sumire
2. J. Herbin Eclat de Saphir

I would personally have a very strong preference for Nioi-sumire over Eclat de Saphir, but I remember Eclat being pretty vibrant despite not being all that saturated.

My ink experience isn't nearly as extensive as yours, but the Noodlers blues I've had all seemed greenish / teal-tinged to me as well. Thanks too for mentioning Sailor Nioi-sumire -- this ink was not on my radar but is now. :D

[Mags]

BSB is my favourite permanent ink. It is used in TWSBI pens only and once I sign a contract I know it's secure. The ph of the ink is about 8.5-9 so beware.

[mhosea]

The ph of the ink is about 8.5-9 so beware.

I'll see your 9 and raise you a mild detergent or soapy water.

[Mags]

The ph of the ink is about 8.5-9 so beware.

I'll see your 9 and raise you a mild detergent or soapy water.

Oh never BSB and bleach dilution is the only way I keep pens clean.

[mhosea]

The ph of the ink is about 8.5-9 so beware.

I'll see your 9 and raise you a mild detergent or soapy water.

Oh never BSB and bleach dilution is the only way I keep pens clean.

I didn't mean to imply anything about cleaning pens. I just meant that a pH of 8.5-9 is a rather mild alkaline pH. Noodler's only mentions it because it is a variance to what is normal for them. The pH numbers on fountain pen inks can be a little dubious since you need expensive equipment and to use it properly to get an accurate result (since you can't just use a paper test strip, obviously). At any rate, you might find the following compendium of dubious pH measurements interesting:

https://sites.google.com/site/fountainpenbasics/ink-basics/ink-ph-levels

Of note is that trusted Japanese inks have tested in the 9-10 range, and Sheaffer Jet Black comes in at 9. I gather that what special dangers BSB may present, if any, are not well-represented by its pH.

Of course it is handy to know that BSB has a pH of around 9 vis-a-vis mixing inks or switching without cleaning the pen and letting it dry out first.

[Jon Szanto]

BSB IS THE HELLSPAWN INK OF ALL TIME!!!









http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb204/EnvoyC/emotes/cocktail.gif

[mhosea]

14769

[mrcharlie]

Private Reserve American Blue is a nice looking loud/vibrant blue. I've only seen it on letters written by others; I don't know if it is "high maintenance" or has any other issues or not. Perhaps someone else here could comment to that effect, but check it out if you are looking for BSB alternatives.

Noodler's Liberty's Elysium (I think it is Goulet Exclusive color) is a nice loud blue also. I had a sample and inked a couple of pens with it; it worked well, was not a hard starter or hard to clean out of the pen.

But then, I like nearly every blue or purple I see with the exception of a few very watery, undersaturated blues.

[sparkinflint]

Ordered a bottle of private reserver dc supershow blue... hope its a good ink!

[Ignacio]

Give it a try, you'll have to clean your pens very well afterwards. Use pen flush or make your own SBREBrown made a YouTube video on how to make pen flush.

[Jon Szanto]

14869

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb204/EnvoyC/FP/c73d4bc6-8691-4000-b6a2-676399df3009_zps71082844.jpg

[sparkinflint]

pen flush? what do you mean? will my feed get clogged up by the ink?

[Laura N]

This (http://www.andersonpens.net/J-B-s-Perfect-Pen-Flush-4-oz-p/jbppf4.htm) is pen flush (also available in a larger size). You can also just use plain ammonia diluted with water. It helps clean ink dye out of your pen faster than just water.

Your feed is unlikely to get clogged by most ink. The PR (as well as many Noodler's inks) is a more heavily saturated ink. Those tend to be harder to clean out of a pen. I don't know that they necessarily clog feeds. It sounds like you are attracted to highly saturated inks, so you might want to consider buying or making pen flush at some point.

If you Google "Richard Binder Care and Feeding: How to Pamper Your Pens" you'll find a good article that will explain a lot about ink and cleaning your pens. Richard Binder also has other helpful articles.

[Jon Szanto]

What she said.

[mhosea]

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb204/EnvoyC/FP/c73d4bc6-8691-4000-b6a2-676399df3009_zps71082844.jpg

14870

[sparkinflint]

ah... thanks laura :D

[mrcharlie]

I would go further to describe some ink dyes as sticking to/coating metal (underside of nib) and plastic and rubber (feeds, section walls, gaps between) and doing so even in the presence of water. Others will be easily flushed completely with water. The ones that do not flush easily are not necessarily saturated inks, or "boutique" brands. After doing the "pen flush" flush, flush completely with water four or five times.

For instance, I have/use old/vintage Sheaffer's Skrip Permanent Red. I can flush a pen after using it until water coming out the feed runs clear, but then suck in some ammonia based flush and expel it back out and the container of flush (I use the same lab vials goulet and others send ink samples in) will now be tinted red. With other inks, including some very saturated, once the water runs clear no further dye comes out using pen flush. It is hard to guess in advance.

You can buy pen flush from a number of vendors. You can make it using un-tinted un-scented household ammonia, distilled or tap water, and a small drop or so of dish detergent. Use 9 parts water to 1 part ammonia to make a 1% solution. A couple nib meister types recommend such a mixture; at least one recommends more like 3 or 4 parts water to 1 ammonia, so don't worry too much if you get it exactly 9 to 1 or not. I do it in a washed out jelly jar.

You want to rinse with something else after using Iron Gall inks before using ammonia solutions; perhaps someone else has a link to cleaning pens after using I.G. inks. Most inks are not iron gall and you'd know if they were. You can always test a drop of the ink vs some flush to see if it reacts badly and precipitates if you aren't sure.

[shudaizi]

I would go further to describe some ink dyes as sticking to/coating metal (underside of nib) and plastic and rubber (feeds, section walls, gaps between) and doing so even in the presence of water. Others will be easily flushed completely with water. The ones that do not flush easily are not necessarily saturated inks, or "boutique" brands. After doing the "pen flush" flush, flush completely with water four or five times.

For instance, I have/use old/vintage Sheaffer's Skrip Permanent Red. I can flush a pen after using it until water coming out the feed runs clear, but then suck in some ammonia based flush and expel it back out and the container of flush (I use the same lab vials goulet and others send ink samples in) will now be tinted red. With other inks, including some very saturated, once the water runs clear no further dye comes out using pen flush. It is hard to guess in advance.

You can buy pen flush from a number of vendors. You can make it using un-tinted un-scented household ammonia, distilled or tap water, and a small drop or so of dish detergent. Use 9 parts water to 1 part ammonia to make a 1% solution. A couple nib meister types recommend such a mixture; at least one recommends more like 3 or 4 parts water to 1 ammonia, so don't worry too much if you get it exactly 9 to 1 or not. I do it in a washed out jelly jar.

You want to rinse with something else after using Iron Gall inks before using ammonia solutions; perhaps someone else has a link to cleaning pens after using I.G. inks. Most inks are not iron gall and you'd know if they were. You can always test a drop of the ink vs some flush to see if it reacts badly and precipitates if you aren't sure.

For IG inks, my pre-flush is a plain white vinegar solution -- I use a 5-10% solution. Then I follow with plain water to rinse out the vinegar, then ammonia solution (5-10%), then finish with plain water again.

[sharmon202]

14769

My laugh for the day, excellent. I like this ink and no fear.
thanks, Sandy

[sharmon202]

Ordered a bottle of private reserver dc supershow blue... hope its a good ink!

I have this and DC electric blue, I like electric better. Try Iroshizuku Asa Gao.

[sparkinflint]

eh.. Iroshizuku inks seems to be more for special occasions with a price tag like that

[GING GING]

I'm tired of not being able to give an educated opinion on this ink. So, I ordered a bottle from Goulet. I ordered a Platinum Preppy, as well. I'm gonna load up the Preppy and also a LAMY Vista. That way, I'll be able to make an informed decision

[sparkinflint]

tell me the results when you get them o.o

[sparkinflint]

also i dont know if its a thing with the lamy safari but the ink takes on a shade much like the one of a cheap blue ballpoint pen if left sitting for a minute or two.

[GING GING]

tell me the results when you get them o.o

Hey spark, I ordered the pens that I want to test the Bay state blue in, but I forgot to order the BSB.15271
OOPS.

[GING GING]

Oh yeah, did you get the BSB? Do you like it, what about the sticker on the bottle?

[Avalona]

I'm actually a little scared of BSB (I don't like high-maintenance inks at all). J. Herbin's Eclat de Saphir (http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/258998-baystate-blue-vs-j-herbin-eclat-de-saphir/) has a similar sort of tone (probably more washed out) and is lower maintenance.