J. Herbin Fountain Pen Ink (30mL) - Perle Noire

I have used this ink for a while. I do like the color (what is there to not like, it's black?). However, for most of the higher quality paper I use (Leuchtturm1917 or Hobonichi) it takes way too long to dry. Having to wait 30min to an hour before I can turn the page, that is not for me. Perhaps it's fine for a more porous paper like copy paper, but that is not what I use it for. Therefore, I will be switching to a different ink once I use up this bottle.

Perle Noir is a very dark black that is fast drying. (Important for lefties like me). It flows well in most pens. (It is bit scratchy in one of my pens but I suspect the nib in that pen needs adjustment. Update: it was the nib, after adjusting it, no more flow problems. No flow problems in any other pens in which I've used this ink either.) I wish it was waterproof but on the hand, it is safe to use in vintage pens.

In more than 20 years using fountain pens from Cross, Parker, Pilot, Platinum and Waterman, with nibs from extra-fine to Platinum's music, this has been my all-time favorite ink.

I write a lot, probably about 10,000 or more words a day, first in pen and black ink, then edited onto my computer. I want a deep, dark, black tone, fast-drying, no bleed or feathering on my choice of paper; and something that I know won't do any real harm to my favorite pens if I leave one in my travel bag for a month or so.

J. Herbin's Perle Noir has been my choice for years, and is the best I've ever encountered for each of the factors above.

And Wonder Pens supply to Canada quickly, efficiently, with good prices, customer service waaayyy beyond expectations... AND they have a cool bricks and mortar location in Toronto, for when I get to the city - although parking is pretty crap :)

This is in my opinion one of the best black inks on the market. It is smooth, dark, and dries within seconds. No smudging. Great for leftties. Performs well in all my pens.