Claudia Astorquiza of Bauer Inks has very kindly sent me a rather large haul of ink samples to test. The tests are now complete and ready for viewing:

For those of you who follow my project, I have already reviewed quite a few of the KWZ inks portfolio and you can link to those articles here (swatch tests 01) and here (swatch tests 02). What’s 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. Claudia has described them as having a ‘murky’ quality.

Northern Twilight (Exclusive) – A beautiful murky airforce blue designed by Claudia Astorquiza as a limited edition for Scriptus – The Toronto Pen Show 2016. Only 244 bottles were made, capped to 2 bottles per person they were sold out in 45 minutes. Claudia is currently working on the ink color for the 2017 Show. Great reaction with bleach and sheening in evidence too. When blended with water, bright turquoise can be seen at the edges.

IG Aztec Gold – This was a collaboration between Claudia Astorquiza and KWZ. This is their first IGL (Iron Gall Light) for everyone who still is hesitant to put Iron Gall inks on their pens. No special maintenance required. A classic KWZ gold colour. This is more of a pure colour than the Old Gold and Honey Ink which have more chromatic qualities. Good reaction with bleach.

El Dorado – A gorgeous deep uneven yellow. Blends well with water revealing both oranges and yellows. A good reaction with bleach in the less dense areas and evidence of a sheen too.

Monarch (Exclusive) – This one is exclusive to the FONTOPLUMO store. A rich deep orange ink. Blends well with water revealing both oranges and yellows. A good reaction with bleach in the less dense areas.

Four wonderful colours from the KWZ stable ALL with that distinctive KWZ murkiness. What’s not to like?

Buy my artwork: I have finally given into pressure and opened an ETSY shop. If you’d like to buy any of the original art featured on my site you can purchase it here. I will do my upmost to add value to your investment over time – I have finally given into pressure and opened an ETSY shop. If you’d like to buy any of the original art featured on my site you can purchase it here. I will do my upmost to add value to your investment over time – click here to access the shop . I am also accepting commissions for swatch tests. So, if you have a favourite ink(s) and some words for someone special, or maybe just for yourself, drop me a line and we can discuss further.

If you’d like to know more about this project, please take a look at the Mission Statement.

All tests on Bockingford 200lb watercolour paper using a dip pen with titanium zebra G flex nib for the bleach work and a Noodler’s Ahab for the ink work.

Ink samples very kindly donated by Bauer Inks

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.