Parker Fountain Pen Ink Bottle, Black QUINK Ink, 57 ml Fountain Pen Refill

I just got “into” fountain pens. I had one as a kid (schaffer skript cartridge) but so much has changed with the availability of good inexpensive imports. My first pen was a Jinhao 8802 which writes amazing. I tried it with cartridges and loved how well they worked, but something about bottled ink really fascinates me. Not wanting to invest a ton of money into another obsession I choose this Parker ink. SO glad I did. It is a great ink. It is super smooth (of course a lot of credit goes to the pen) and even on cheap lined notebook paper it does not run or bleed. Works amazing well in my twist up converter. Lays down a nice dark bold black line with no fade or splotches. I’m using a fine tip so flow is not an issue with any ink but the way this one flows is so amazing. I remember the skript cartridges would sometimes have some real graininess to the ink and it would be a bit scratchy (especially the black ones, the colored and blue ones were a lot smoother) so I was almost looking for that same scratch in this black ink but nothing but buttery smoothness. I also appreciate the zero odor from this (I remember how some inks we used in art class smelled to high heaven!) I do have a few not bleed issues. This ink does separate when it sits for awhile. Make sure to give it a good shake, then let it sit for a few seconds to allow the bubbles to pop. The ink appears almost a deep Violet in the bottle, not to worry as it goes on black, but it made me nervous the first time I used it. This ink has a long dry time. 13 seconds on notebook paper. My cartridge inks have about an 8 second dry time, so do be aware of the longer dry time (like I said I am new to this so maybe 13 seconds is not that long?) My first use had a huge blob drip out from under the nib. This didn’t happen with the cartridges so it is more than likely the converter but it is a good thing I had a paper towel down otherwise I would have had a huge mess. The drip has not happened again but just be sure to have a rag or paper towel down just in case. This is a great beginners ink at a really amazing price point. I use it for general writing and simple doodles (I am not an artist in any way shape or form lol). I love the way this works and looks and will not hesitate to try other Parker inks as I expand my obsession.