Fountain Pen Ink: Private Reserve Ink

Private Reserve Ink — Is it the Best Fountain Pen Ink?

I'm always getting asked: "Richard. What's the best fountain pen ink?".  This is a very subjective topic, and honestly I don't think there is one answer. 

There are several good bottled and cartridge ink brands to choose from — and everyone has their "favorite" — but when it comes to smoothness and color choices, it's hard to not think of Private Reserve Ink.  

I don't just put any ol' ink in my pens...

For years I've favored Aurora Bottled Ink (Black) for its easy flow and superior non-clogging properties. But after trying and using Private Reserve for the last year, I find myself returning to the same bottles of Chocolat and  Velvet Black (deep chocolate brown & rich black) over and over again — and no issues with clogging.  It also takes to many types of paper where other fountain pen inks would of had a problem with feathering.  I still use and recommend Aurora Ink, but Private Reserve definitely gets my blessing.

Hard to beat...

And the price is right at only $8.40 for a generously sized (50ml wide mouth for easy filling) bottle, that will last practically forever, and only $5.60 for a pack of 12 Private Reserve Ink Cartridges. If you haven't tried Private Reserve Ink yet, I suggest you give it a try.  If you do—let me know what you think—I'd love to hear your opinion and your experience with it.  

So, is Private Reserve the Best Fountain Pen Ink? 
As for me personally, I would have to say yes.  In over one year of continuous use, I have yet a bad thing to say about this ink, and the color choices (available in 35 colors to be exact) just rock.

[Update: 1/15/2009: I have been informed by PR that there are actually 37 different colors available]

PRIVATE RESERVE HIGH QUALITY FOUNTAIN PEN INKS:

Private Reserve Fountain Pen Ink is available in more than 35 vibrant colors, and in both bottles and cartridges. It's a fast drying and non-clogging ink that provides excellent coverage and a smooth flow. Neutral ph. Private Reserve bottled ink comes in a classic deco bottle design and is made in the U.S.A.

PURCHASE THESE INKS AND OTHER FINE WRITING PRODUCTS AT EXECUTIVE ESSENTIALS

PRIVATE RESERVE INK BOTTLE: VELVET BLACK

Private Reserve Ink Bottle Velvet Black

Comments

[Kim]

I have the Sherwood Green as the first Private Reserve I ever purchased. I used it in my Lamy Safari M nib and it is just fantastic - I wish I had pictures but I haven't taken any yet. I should get on that. For green lovers, I can't recommend the Sherwood Green highly enough.

[Richard]

Thanks for the insight on the Sherwood Green Kim. I haven't used that color in any of my pens yet, but it looks sweet.

I have this "thing" for earthtones and brown hues:) So I tend to stick with those colors.

One I didn't mention in the post that is a beautiful color is the Copper Burst. Really nice.

Here is the color swatch from the PR website: http://www.privatereserveink.com/colors.html

Have a great day Kim!
-Richard

[OfficeSupplyGeek]

I've only ever used the Velvet Black in my Lamy Studio, I am going to have to check out some of the others you have mentioned here. Thanks for the great read!

[Bruce]

One member of the Fountain Pen Network posted a comment about Private Reserve Long Cartridges. Have you heard of them? If they exist do you know where to purchase them?

[Bart]

I really enjoy using the PR Copper Burst. I use it in a Dollar 717i for the purpose of underlining & writing margin notes in books, articles, editing sermon notes, etc.

[jeffrey]

not a big fan. bought the electric DC blue, and compared to Pelikan royal blue- it's not even close. flow is not as good as pelikan either.