Top Blue Black Inks
Blue-black fountain pen ink strikes the perfect balance between classic and modern. It’s serious without being stuffy, understated but undeniably stylish. If you're wondering which one belongs in your collection, you’re in the right place.
Follow along as I give the origin story for blue-black inks, explore what makes iron gall formulas unique, and provide a list of top contenders, from best-sellers and underrated gems to frosty bottles and pigment-packed picks.
Noodler’s 54th Massachusetts
One of the most popular blue-black inks on the market, Noodler’s 54th Massachusetts is beloved for its waterproof, fade-resistant, and fraud-resistant formula, ideal for anyone needing their words to last forever. The color leans dark and serious, more black than blue, making it perfect for professional documents or moody journaling. It’s a no-nonsense choice for serious ink lovers.
Pilot Iroshizuku Shin-kai
If you're looking for an ink that behaves beautifully in just about any pen, Pilot Iroshizuku Shin-kai is the shade for you. It flows smoothly, dries quickly, and rarely feathers or bleeds. The color is a gorgeous navy with subtle shading, striking that ideal balance between sophistication and personality. Shin-kai is the blue-black ink you reach for when you want something that’s elegant, easy to clean, and consistently satisfying.
Rohrer & Klingner Salix
Rohrer & Klingner Salix is as close as you can get to a traditional iron gall fountain pen ink in modern times. It writes a soft, dusty blue at first, but darkens over time as it oxidizes into a rich, archival black. The ink is water-resistant, fade-proof, and made to stand the test of time. It’s perfect for historians, journalers, or anyone who wants to see their words age like fine wine.
Private Reserve Infinity Blue/Black
Prefer an ink that flows fast and free? Private Reserve Infinity Blue/Black might be your perfect match. This is one of the wettest blue-black inks in the lineup, making it ideal for dry pens or heavy writers. The color is a bold, dark navy that’s punchy without being overbearing. Plus, the Infinity series is designed to resist drying out in your nib, which is great for infrequent writers or multitaskers who forget to cap their pens.
TWSBI Blue-Black
Don’t let the frosty, futuristic bottle distract you! TWSBI Blue-Black is a solid, workhorse ink. It sits right in the middle of the blue-black spectrum, with balanced shading and just enough character to keep things interesting. The ink flows reliably, doesn’t stain, and comes in a generous 70ml bottle, making it a great value pick. If you’re a fan of TWSBI pens, you’ll love how this ink complements them.
Sailor Seiboku Pigmented Blue Black
Sailor Seiboku ink brings the vibrancy of a true blue with the permanence of a pigmented ink. It’s waterproof, smudge-resistant, and safe for most fountain pens despite the pigment. The color leans blue with a subtle black undertone, making it one of the brightest and most vibrant options in the blue-black category.
Sailor Souboku Pigmented Deep Blue
If Seiboku is your bright and bubbly friend, Souboku is their introspective, moody sibling. This ink is slightly darker and more subdued, leaning toward true blue-black territory. It’s still pigmented and waterproof, offering the same permanence and reliability, but with a deeper, richer tone. Souboku is ideal for everyday writing when you want a little drama, but a lot of control.
De Atramentis Document Ink Black Blue
Need an ink that’s made for official records, outdoor writing, or just good old-fashioned paranoia? De Atramentis' Document Ink Black Blue delivers. It’s part of the brands document line, known for waterproof, fade-resistant, and tamper-proof properties. The color is dark, intense, and leans heavily on the black side of blue-black. It’s not flashy, but it’s fiercely functional and designed to last for decades.
LAMY benitoite
LAMY benitoite ink is what most people imagine when they hear “blue-black.” It’s classic, understated, and versatile enough for professional or personal use. The ink flows well in most pens and offers a balanced mix of blue and gray tones, with very little fuss. If you’re new to blue-black inks or just want a solid daily driver, LAMY benitoite is a great place to start.
Diamine 1864 Blue Black
Diamine 1864 Blue Black is for the ink connoisseur who wants a little flair with their function. It has a richness and depth that’s hard to beat, with just a hint of sheen under the right lighting. The color is saturated and bold without being too showy.
Honorable Mentions
Need more blue-black ink? There are tons of other great options worth exploring:
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Noodler’s Air Corps Blue Black: A vintage-inspired dark blue favorite.
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Diamine Denim: A dark, dusty, and wonderfully moody shade.
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Robert Oster Thunderstorm: A bold color that's full of drama.
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Monteverde Blue Velvet Cake: Sweet name, rich color, with some playful sheen.
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Pelikan Edelstein Tanzanite: An elegant shade with just a hint of mystery.
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Colorverse Witch by Starlight: A deep, dimensional ink with a hint of magical sheen.
Some lean blue, some lean black, and a few just moonlight as blue-blacks for fun.
So, which blue-black ink wins the title as the best? Well, that depends on you. Need permanence? Go pigmented or iron gall. Want something smooth and pretty? Try Pilot Iroshizuku Shin-kai or Diamine 1864. Prefer a workhorse? Well, LAMY benitoite’s calling. Whatever your style, there's a blue-black ink out there ready to elevate your writing game. Write on!
