Summer Inks For A Limited Rotation

It’s starting to feel a lot like summer and a good time to put together a new rotation. Matching nibs that don’t dry out quickly with inks that suit the season takes some planning. Orange, turquoise and pink will get added to the black and gray already at hand. In hot weather, ink can evaporate and leave a clogged nib, so the number of pens on my desk gets reduced to half its usual size. Five or so will be plenty.

Some likely prospects:

• J. Herbin Ambre de Birmanie
• Diamine Coral
• Diamine Vermilion
• Iroshizuku yu-yake
• Iroshizuku kosumosu
• J. Herbin Rose Tendresse
• J. Herbin Rose Cyclamen
• J. Herbin Larmes de Cassis
• J. Herbin Bleu Pervenche
• Diamine Aqua Blue
• Waterman South Sea Blue
• Diamine Mediterranean Blue
• Iroshizuku ku-jaku
• Noodler’s Turquoise
• Iroshizuku chiku-rin

Chiku-rin and Blue Pervenche are beautiful together but I have too little of the latter so I would have to order that one. Kosumosu and chiku-rin are small samples, but good for a fill or two. Time for a few swatches.

That was useful in settling on a short list.

• Diamine Coral
• Iroshizuku kosumosu
• Iroshizuku chiku-rin
• J. Herbin Bleu Pervenche (preferred) or Diamine Aqua Blue (on hand)

How do you put together your seasonal rotation?