Rohrer&Klingner Scabiosa (mini handwritten review)

[attika89]

This is my first ink review, I hope you find it worth reading

I've edited the pics, because the white balance was off. I think it is more accurate like this:


older scan

[Hez]

Great job!

[The Good Captain]

Great review of one of my favourite iron-gall inks. The other two being Salix and Montblanc Midnight Blue.

[cedargirl]

Thanks for the review. I really like this ink.

[attika89]

Thank you everyone! I'm glad you like it
I did not think that I would like it this much though, very nice experience!

Great review of one of my favourite iron-gall inks. The other two being Salix and Montblanc Midnight Blue.

I was thinking about the Salix as well, but I have a few blue inks that is why I picked the Scabiosa.
I have a permanent blue-black Montblanc ink, but I haven't opened it up yet.
C360_2012-12-30-17-51-10.jpg

[AndyT]

Thanks for the review, you demonstrated the shading very nicely. I'm fond of this ink too, the dusky purple makes a pleasant change from my customary blue-blacks - and its good behaviour extends to easy cleaning as well.

[attika89]

Thanks for the review, you demonstrated the shading very nicely. I'm fond of this ink too, the dusky purple makes a pleasant change from my customary blue-blacks - and its good behaviour extends to easy cleaning as well.

Thanks Andy! I love how it turns darker while drying! This was my first ink from this part of the color range. I think I might try something green next time

[jacksterp]

Nice review - thanks.

I have never tried an iron gall ink, but would like to. However, this looks a bit pale for my tastes.

[AndyT]

However, this looks a bit pale for my tastes.

Well, it being a shading sort of ink, Scabiosa varies significantly according to the pen and the paper. I'm not familiar with the Maruman pads but judging by the colour I assume it's nice smooth well sized stuff, maybe a bit like Clairefontaine 90gsm. Whilst not wishing to crash someone else's review, here's some samples of what it looks like on different surfaces, firstly copier paper:

scab2.jpg

I've gone to some trouble to get the white balance right, but underexposed a touch to avoid blinding people. Next, some nice quality toothy cream paper:

scab1.jpg

And finally a notebook from Asda (Wal Mart's UK division) - a bit better than a Moleskine, a bit worse than Rhodia:

scab3.jpg

All written with a Noodler's Nib Creaper with the feed tweaked for some extra wetness, (I was fiddling about with the same hence the scribbles). Quite a bit darker in all cases, and an impressive performance as far as feathering goes, incidentally. Hope that might be helpful.

[jacksterp]

Andy - Thanks much for the examples. I agree they show a far deeper shade than the OP's and are more what I am looking for. I believe I am going to give Scabiosa a try.

[Laura N]

Andy - Thanks much for the examples. I agree they show a far deeper shade than the OP's and are more what I am looking for. I believe I am going to give Scabiosa a try.

Consider trying Salix at the same time, also from R&K. It's a very nice blue black iron gall.

[attika89]

Thank you for the samples Andy!
I've added some more photos to the OP as well

[AndyT]

I've added some more photos to the OP as well

Mmm, super shading! I like your lettering, too.

[attika89]

Untitled-1.jpg

I think the one on the right is more accurate isn't it?
I think I need to change the "scans" a bit

Mmm, super shading! I like your lettering, too.

Thanks Andy

[Margana]

Good review! For the last couple of weeks, Scabiosa has been in a Namiki Falcon SB that has what some people would call excessive flow. It has tamed the flow just a bit but still allows the ink to flow back and forth within the line. It is fun to watch and guess how each letter will look once the ink has dried. Okay, so I am easily amused but even the small things can add to the joy of using a fountain pen.

[attika89]

It is fun to watch and guess how each letter will look once the ink has dried. Okay, so I am easily amused but even the small things can add to the joy of using a fountain pen.

I love to watch that too!
I would say that these small things are the reasons why we love this hobby. That is why we are "fpgeeks"

[dowdyism]

I just got a sample of this ink and love it. Bottle will be forthcoming!

[attika89]

I just got a sample of this ink and love it. Bottle will be forthcoming!

Hope to see your review soon then

[dowdyism]

I just got a sample of this ink and love it. Bottle will be forthcoming!

Hope to see your review soon then

No worries

[caleath]

Very nice job.