Octopus Write and Draw Ink - Black Elephant

[Yazeh]

This is a very well behaved waterproof black ink. The more I used it the more I enjoyed it. It’s well lubricated, well behaved and a lovely shiny black.
If you’re looking for a waterproof black ink this could fit the bill.
Octopus has a host of warnings and does not recommend you using it in your favorite shiny fountain pen. And recommends a well-sealed pen, which is a no brainer.
They also suggest that the shelf life of their ink is two years, which is a bit surprising.
This ink is ISO 12757-2 and DIN ISO 14145-2 and it's vegan in case you want to drink it

Here is the list of complete line up:
https://www.octopus-office.de/shop/e...-draw-ink/?p=1

Let's start with the chroma:
Chroma - Elephant BLack.jpeg
Writing Samples:
Rhodia- Black Elephant.jpgMidori - Black Elephant.jpegTr 69gr- Black Elephant.jpeg
There was a hint ghosting and bleed through with the B nib
Hammermill- Black Elephant.jpg
Photo:
Ocotpus WD - Black Elephant.jpg
Comparison:
Comparison - Black Elephant 1.jpg
Watertest:
Nothing came off. Impressive.
Watertest - Black Elephant.jpeg

and finally an artwork:
I sketched this from a black and white photo.



· Pens used: Pilot Kakuno Ef,/Stub, Kaweco Sport (EF/F/M/B/), Osmiroid with a copper plate nib
· What I liked: Almost everything. It’s an understated black that grew on me.
· What I did not like: Nothing much.
· What some might not like: There’s a list of warnings, not to be used in expensive pens.
· Shading: No.
· Ghosting: Only with B nib on Hammermill paper.
· Bleed through: Same as above.
· Flow Rate: Nice and wet.
· Lubrication: Excellent.
· Nib Dry-out: No.
· Start-up: No.
· Saturation: Saturated
· Shading Potential: Dismal.
· Sheen: No.
· Spread / Feathering / Woolly Line: No.
· Nib Creep / “Crud”: Not noticed.
· Staining (pen): No.
· Clogging: No.
· Cleaning: Relatively easy
· Water resistance: Excellent
· Availability: 50 ml

Please don't hesitate to share your experience, writing samples or any other comments. The more the merrier

[LizEF]

Fabulous, Yazeh! Love the elephant carrying kitty and mouse, and the elephant on the savannah is wonderful! As to the ink - looks like a black black. Thank you for the review and continuing to reveal this product line. A well-behave waterproof ink is a welcome addition to the inky world.

[mizgeorge]

Great review - if I used black ink more, I'd probably be getting me some of this

I LOVE the artwork

[Sailor Kenshin]

I love the drawings, too, Yazeh! Thanks for these wonderful reviews, and also for the ink-parisons.

What a blakityblack ink. My first thought on reading about its properties was, Nope, not gonna, no way….especially that lonnnng dry time.

But then it might be useful in a cheep, dedicated pen. For line drawings, with added watercolor washes. *Hmmmm…

Mmmmayyybe….

Edited for mysteriously-appearing asterisks.

[Yazeh]

Fabulous, Yazeh! Love the elephant carrying kitty and mouse, and the elephant on the savannah is wonderful! As to the ink - looks like a black black. Thank you for the review and continuing to reveal this product line. A well-behave waterproof ink is a welcome addition to the inky world.

Thank you Liz. Much appreciated

[Yazeh]

Great review - if I used black ink more, I'd probably be getting me some of this

I LOVE the artwork

Than you @mizgeroge, means a lot

[Yazeh]

I love the drawings, too, Yazeh! Thanks for these wonderful reviews, and also for the ink-parisons.

What a blakityblack ink. My first thought on reading about its properties was, Nope, not gonna, no way….especially that lonnnng dry time.

But then it might be useful in a cheep, dedicated pen. For line drawings, with added watercolor washes. *Hmmmm…

Mmmmayyybe….

Edited for mysteriously-appearing asterisks.

Thank you @Sailor! Glad there's one waterproof ink has finally caught your eye