And here they are! The long awaited KWZ inks test Part Two. I have an apology to make in advance. Some of the sample vials leaked in transit obliterating the labels. Agnieska very kindly emailed me a list of the inks sent and I’ve done my bets to match up the names to colours, if I have made an error or two, please don’t shoot me!

One of the wonderful about KWZ is the visual quality of their colours. They all share a deep dark richness which is common throughout, giving the brand a sort of house style. When used purely for handwriting, many of these inks are quite dark and it’s only when they are swatch tested that the beauty of the colours contained within the inks can be fully appreciated.

The range of subtle blues and greens is good to see with that real subtlety in evidence between IG Blues 5 and 6 and Greens 2 and 3. The Green Golds are typically dramatic with Brown 4 and Grey Lux both begging for further investigation. For such concentrated inks, it was pleasing to see that there was a positive reaction when subjected to bleach and interestingly, some of the Iron Galls (IG) reacted unexpectedly well. This, of course, could also be down to me getting the names muddled. Also of note is the absence of strong sheening.

I think that KWZ are a brand with their own distinct style which singles them out from other brands. As a creative medium they more concentrated and not as watery as other brands. I’d describe their colours as mature. What’s not to like?

And here’s a message from Agnieska at KWZ:

Hello Nick, Thank you so much, I’ve just seen it 🙂 I’m so glad you had a pleasure playing with them and so sorry once again for making you trouble by not secure packing and leak…Your test cards look amazing!

I’m not sure if you’ve heard good news – we have recently started the cooperation with Bureau Direct based in London and they are going to sell our inks on-line in UK next week 🙂 We introduced the inks together during the Pen Show in London last weekend and were so glad to see such interest!

You’re right that few colors are confused 🙂 Your Green #5 is in real Menthol Green, so the real Green #5 is that Green you left without the number. Your Menthol Green is in real Azure #4 and then your Azure #4 is in real Blue-Black. And your Orange is IG Orange. The rest seems fine :). Best wishes Agnieszka

You can check out the previous test here>>

Inks sourced from http://kwzink.com/language/en/

All tests on Bockingford 200lb watercolour paper using a Desiderata with titanium zebra G flex nib.

Just for the record – I do this for myself, I receive no remuneration what-so-ever and I tell it exactly how I see it.