Kyo Iro Bottled Fountain Pen Ink (40mL) - Soft Snow of Ohara

Soft Snow of Ohara could be Diamine 150th Anniversary Lilac Night’s twin; they are quite similar, and if I couldn’t get my hands on the former, I would gladly get the latter, and vice versa. They are also similar in terms of characteristics (shading and saturation), with Soft Snow of Ohara being drier. I’ve seen no sheen, even in highly saturated areas where in pools.

I love to use Soft Snow in my Sailor 1911L 21kt H-B; because it is a dry ink, I am able to put down a moderately saturated yet contained crisp line. The ink dries rather quickly, even on TR paper. This ink is readable and easy on the eyes. It is a purple ink which leans grey or blue-grey, with no red or green tinge to it. I think it’s an office-appropriate ink, offering a nice change from traditional blue, blue-black and black.

I have observed no feathering or bleedthrough; just the usual ghosting on thinner papers. Soft Snow worked flawlessly in my Sailor 1911 L and S pens, with all nib sizes from H-EF to H-B, except for one: my 1911S 21kt H-M, which is a dry writer. I recommend using Soft Snow in pens with, at the very least, an average flow.

I started with a sample and quickly bought a bottle!

Was hoping it would be what Blue on the Plains of Abraham wasn't. Looks fantastic on the screen, but I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds it dry and prone to hard starts. Overall effect is underwhelming, even on Rhodia. Then again, I'm using it with a stub, so who's to say it wouldn't be better with a standard nib?