✅ Ink Review Checklist & Rating Definitions

**Please note that our reviews may differ significantly from what you typically see from other individuals or companies. This is more than just a review—it's an ink test conducted for both our benefit and yours. We use each ink for one and a half to two weeks to gather as much information as possible. During this time, we test a range of nib sizes to evaluate how the ink performs across different writing styles. Some inks are tested with everything from a fine nib to a 1.1 mm stub, while shimmer inks may only be used with broad and stub nibs, as we generally advise against using shimmer inks with fine or extra-fine nibs.

This isn’t a “sit down, open a bottle, and write a review in 15 minutes” kind of approach. Instead, we aim to offer insights based on real-world tests and extended daily use. Keep in mind, every pen writes a little differently, and ink performance can vary from one to another. We also conduct several tests on various types of paper. Most of the time, we use Clairefontaine Triomphe 90g paper as our high-quality benchmark, and Pen+Gear 20lb copy paper as a lower-quality comparison.**

Nib Rating System for Fountain Pen Ink 

This system uses 1 to 5 nibs (✒️) to indicate performance across different categories.

 🖋 Core Properties 

Features: (This is just a description of the ink properties)

✅⬜ Sheen 

✅⬜ Glitter/Shimmer

✅⬜ Scented

✅⬜ Unique Properties

✅⬜ Standard Fountain Pen Ink

✅⬜ Waterproof/Permanent Ink

Performance Factors 

Saturation & Depth - (How rich and bold the ink appears)

⬜1 Nib (✒️✧✧✧✧) – Weak & faded. Color lacks intensity and depth.

⬜2 Nibs (✒️✒️✧✧✧) – Inconsistent. Some areas look strong, others washed out.

⬜3 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✧✧) – Well-saturated. A nice balance between bold and soft.

⬜4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) – Deep, rich tones! Pops off the page beautifully.

⬜5 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️) – Intensely saturated! The color is bold and striking.

Shading / Sheen / Shimmer - (How the ink performs against other inks in this category)

⬜1 Nib (✒️✧✧✧✧) – Flat & lifeless. No variation in tone or any reflective quality.

⬜2 Nibs (✒️✒️✧✧✧) – Minimal shading/sheen/shimmer. Some variation, but nothing special.

⬜3 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✧✧) – Decent shading/sheen/shimmer.

⬜4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) – Beautiful shading/sheen/shimmer! Ink has depth and personality.

⬜5 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️) – Exceptional! Stunning shading, sheen, or shimmer.

Consistency & Flow -(Is is smooth & reliable while writing?)

⬜1 Nib (✒️✧✧✧✧) – Dry & scratchy. Ink struggles to flow, leading to skips and hard starts.

⬜2 Nibs (✒️✒️✧✧✧) – Inconsistent. Sometimes too wet, sometimes too dry—unpredictable.

⬜3 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✧✧) – Balanced. Decent flow with only minor hiccups.

⬜4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) – Smooth & steady. Reliable, no skips, great ink performance.

⬜5 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️) – Effortless! Ink glides like silk—perfect consistency!

Feathering & Bleed-through - (How much the ink spread/bleed on different paper types)

⬜1 Nib (✒️✧✧✧✧) – Feathers like crazy! Text looks blurry, ink spreads excessively.

⬜2 Nibs (✒️✒️✧✧✧) – Noticeable feathering. Works poorly on most papers.

⬜3 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✧✧) – Acceptable. Minimal feathering, but could be better.

⬜4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) – Excellent! No feathering on quality paper.

⬜5 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️) – Perfect! No feathering, no bleed-through—works flawlessly!

Drying Time - (How fast the ink dries on paper?)

⬜1 Nib (✒️✧✧✧✧) – Painfully slow. Takes 30+ seconds to dry, smudges easily.

⬜2 Nibs (✒️✒️✧✧✧) – Sluggish. Takes 21-30 seconds, risky for left-handers.

⬜3 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✧✧) – Moderate. Dries in 13-20 seconds, decent for daily use.

⬜4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) – Quick-drying. Usually under 7-12 seconds—great for notes.

⬜5 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️) – Instant! Dries in less than 6 seconds with no smearing.

Smudging & Smear Resistance - (How well the ink resists smudging)

⬜1 Nib (✒️✧✧✧✧) – Smudges instantly! Makes a mess even after drying.

⬜2 Nibs (✒️✒️✧✧✧) – Prone to smearing. Takes a while to settle properly.

⬜3 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✧✧) – Average. Not perfect, but manageable.

⬜4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) – Low smudging! Stays clean with careful handling.

⬜5 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️) – Smudge-proof! Once dry, it won’t budge at all.

Water Resistance - (How well the ink holds up against moisture)

⬜1 Nib (✒️✧✧✧✧) – Completely washes away. Will vanish with a single drop of water.

⬜2 Nibs (✒️✒️✧✧✧) – Mostly dissolves. Some traces remain, but not legible.

⬜3 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✧✧) – Partially water-resistant. Some smudging but still readable.

⬜4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) – Highly resistant! Only minor fading after water exposure.

⬜5 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️) – Bulletproof! Won’t budge even with heavy soaking.

Cleaning - (How easy it is to flush ink from a fountain pen?)

⬜1 Nib (✒️✧✧✧✧) – A nightmare! Stains barrels and nibs, hard to remove even with effort.

⬜2 Nibs (✒️✒️✧✧✧) – Tedious. Requires multiple rinses, may leave residue.

⬜3 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✧✧) – Manageable. Cleans out fairly easily with normal maintenance.

⬜4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) – Quick flush. Minimal effort needed—leaves no stubborn traces.

⬜5 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️) – Effortless! Practically rinses out with just water—pen is spotless!

Staining – (Does the Ink Leave a Mark Where It Shouldn't after cleaning?)

⬜1 Nib (✒️✧✧✧✧) - Requires deep cleaning and may permanently tint clear components.

⬜2 Nibs (✒️✒️✧✧✧) - Noticeable stains remain after cleaning.

⬜3 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✧✧) - Normal cleaning can minimize most staining.

⬜4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) - Little to no staining visible. Feed may retain faint traces, but barrel and nib clean easily.

⬜5 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️)  - Leaves no visible residue anywhere - no need for fuss or special cleaning rituals.

Final Overall Rating

This is not simply an average of the individual performance factors—it's a holistic reflection of how the ink feels in hand, behaves on paper, and inspires expression. Whether sketching, journaling, or crafting letters, this rating speaks to whether the ink fulfills its promise and earns a permanent place in your collection.

✒️✧✧✧✧ (1/5 Nibs) – A Blot in the Margins  

This ink lacks coherence. It underperforms across most areas—color, flow, and usability—and feels more like a frustration than a tool for creativity. Few redeeming qualities make it hard to recommend for any use beyond curiosity.

✒️✒️✧✧✧ (2/5 Nibs) – A Bottled Regret  

A letdown with glimpses of promise. One or two traits may shine, but overall it's held back by performance issues or an uninspired presentation. Niche users may find a use case, but for most writers, it’s a pass.

✒️✒️✒️✧✧ (3/5 Nibs) – A Scribe’s Companion  

Solid and serviceable. This ink won’t dazzle, but it delivers a steady experience that suits routine writing. With a compatible pen and paper, it can be quietly reliable—even if it never sings.

✒️✒️✒️✒️✧ (4/5 Nibs) – The Artisan’s Pour  

A pleasure to use. Beautiful color, good flow, and just enough uniqueness to elevate your writing. Not quite perfect, but it rewards regular use and offers a refined experience without fuss.

✒️✒️✒️✒️✒️ (5/5 Nibs) – The Ink of Legends  

Exceptional in every way. Rich saturation, effortless performance, and aesthetic charm. Whether bottled in elegance or backed by lore, this ink transforms writing into ritual—worthy of reverence and display.

If the ink gets a 5 Nib Rating it will receive The “Hall of Inks” badge!