Troublemaker Inks first impressions

[migo984]

As promised here are my quick first impressions of the two inks I bought recently from Troublemaker Inks, based in Cebu (in the Philippines).

https://www.troublemakerinks.com/

I was intrigued that you can select your preferred level of wetness/flow, with 4 options available. I selected Wet (3rd level of the 4 offered). The inks are indeed free-flowing. The ink is excellent value, with the ethos of the company firmly stated: to keep prices affordable. At US$10 per 50 ml bottle, with free shipping included to most parts of the world, I was more than impressed.

The initial colour choices are good. As well as 50ml bottles they also offer 1ml samples of all 12 colours available as a package for $15. As this includes their shimmer inks, a type of ink I dislike, I decided against buying the set.

The two colours I bought are Hanging Rice (a murky green) and Bantayan Turquoise.

The inks arrived in the U.K. within 2 weeks of despatch. They arrived safely but I have made suggestions about improvements that could be made to the packaging and bottles. I think some changes are already being made.

I really like these inks. They have good saturation, some shading but little sheen and work well in the pens I’ve tried them in. They lay down clean lines and have not feathered or shown through on the papers I’ve used. They behave well & wash out easily.

I’m definitely going to buy other colours.

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[Lady Onogaro]

Ooooh. I like those colors.

[azkid]

Thanks for the review! I've been eagerly awaiting the results and now I will have to see about picking up one of their inks.

[jacksterp]

Very nice and well priced.

[azkid]

Question on flow.

How would #3 level of flow compare to well-known inks that you've used?

Or alternatively, what pens did you use?

[FredRydr]

It's a rather unfortunate name for a new boutique ink, don't you think? Especially for fountain pens as opposed to dip pens.

[migo984]

Question on flow.

How would #3 level of flow compare to well-known inks that you've used?

I think the info on their website (copied below) is pretty accurate re option 3:

Q: What should I expect from the different flow options you provide?

A: It's hard to exactly convey their wetness, so the levels roughly correspond the following contemporary inks you might be familiar with:

1. Dry—Pelikan 4001
2. Moderate—J. Herbin standard inks
3. Wet—Pilot Iroshizuku
4. Extra-wet—wetter than Sailor Jentle

[migo984]

It's a rather unfortunate name for a new boutique ink, don't you think? Especially for fountain pens as opposed to dip pens.

To quote The Bard:
“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”.

[azkid]

Question on flow.

How would #3 level of flow compare to well-known inks that you've used?

I think the info on their website (copied below) is pretty accurate re option 3:

Q: What should I expect from the different flow options you provide?

A: It's hard to exactly convey their wetness, so the levels roughly correspond the following contemporary inks you might be familiar with:

1. Dry—Pelikan 4001
2. Moderate—J. Herbin standard inks
3. Wet—Pilot Iroshizuku
4. Extra-wet—wetter than Sailor Jentle

Oops, I missed that! Thanks. Enormously helpful!

[fountainpagan]

It's a rather unfortunate name for a new boutique ink, don't you think? Especially for fountain pens as opposed to dip pens.

Troublemaker to other ink companies, I would think... Not so unfortunate, no?

[KKay]

I like Hanging Rice especially. I would probably go for level 3 wetness as well. I will take a look at their site. I can't afford anything, but will bookmark that for future reference.

It says they are lubricated, but not water resistant. They do have some nice colors though.

[Scrawler]

Their name is appropriate because I will have trouble finding a slot in my ink case for a bottle of Bantayan. Also there will be trouble from those people who don't believe I need another ink, regardless of how wet it is.