Meet the Ink Maker
Private Reserve Ink has long been known for bold, expressive inks that push boundaries with color saturation and special effects. Based in the USA, Private Reserve produces a wide variety of fountain pen inks beloved by collectors for their vibrancy and personality. The brand often experiments with shimmer and sheen, and the Limited Edition Ride the Lightning ink is no exception. It’s a loud and unapologetically bold shimmer ink inspired by a passion for heavy metal music.
Is the Limited Edition Ink Part of a Larger Series?
Ride the Lightning is a standalone limited edition ink release (not part of a broader series), but it follows Private Reserve’s tradition of experimenting with shimmer-heavy, statement-making inks. Limited to just 1,500 bottles worldwide, this release joins the ranks of collectible inks that appeal to both writing enthusiasts and ink collectors alike.
This Week’s Featured Ink: Ride the Lightning
Private Reserve Limited Edition Ride the Lightning ink is a deep purple base ink filled with bright gold shimmer. Released in September 2025, it comes in a generous 60ml glass bottle and was inspired by heavy metal energy and aesthetics. The name, packaging, and performance all align to deliver a bold, dramatic writing experience.
Ink Test Results
(All tests completed using a J. Herbin Glass Dip Pen on Rhodia lined paper)
Ink Swatch & Writing
- Color: A dark, saturated purple with strong gold shimmer.
- Appearance on page: The shimmer is prominent and evenly distributed, making it highly visible even in smaller nibs.
Bottle and Packaging
The packaging is as bold as the ink itself. A square box features stormy clouds, purple lightning, and metallic typography that ties directly to the “Ride the Lightning” name. The 60ml glass bottle is wide with a large opening — perfect for filling directly with fountain pens, even oversized nibs.
Other Products Used During Testing
- J. Herbin Glass Dip Pen (medium-like line)
- Rhodia Lined Paper
- Col-o-ring ink swatch card deck
- paint brush (for ink swatch on Col-o-ring)
- Sailor Compass Hocoro Dip Pen, 2.0 Gray
1-Dip Test: Ride the Lightning Ink in Action
The ink performed very well, easily writing three full lines with one dip into the bottle. This is consistent with how wet and saturated the ink is.
Dry Time: How Fast Did the Ink Dry?
- Average dry time: ~10 seconds on Rhodia paper.
- Despite being a shimmer ink, it dried relatively quickly for how wet it writes.
Water Test: How Did the Ink Perform?
When exposed to water:
- Significant running occurred.
- Some feathering appeared at the top of the test area.
- Lines remained visible but blurred.
- Verdict: This is not a waterproof ink — best used for artistic writing, journaling, or creative work rather than archival purposes.
Special Properties
- Shimmer: Strong gold shimmer clearly visible in both swabs and handwriting.
- Shading: Moderate shading, but shimmer dominates.
- Wetness: A very wet ink, with heavy flow.
Feathering or Bleeding
- Feathering: None on Rhodia paper.
- Bleeding: Present in heavily applied swab areas and when layering ink. In normal handwriting, bleeding was not significant, but wetter nibs may show some through-paper spots.
So, What Do We Think of Ride the Lightning Ink?
The Private Reserve Ride the Lightning ink review confirms what we suspected: this is not a shy ink. It’s a dramatic, shimmering purple ink with heavy gold sparkle, perfect for those who want their words to flash on the page. While the ink is very wet and prone to bleed-through in heavy applications, the bold effect is worth it if you enjoy shimmer-heavy inks.
The themed packaging, limited-edition status, and unapologetically loud presentation make it a standout for collectors and anyone who loves inks with personality. Ride the Lightning is here for the show — and it brings the full thunderstorm.
Watch us Swatch this Stunning Limited Edition Ink:
FAQs: Ride the Lightning Ink Review
Q: Is Ride the Lightning ink waterproof?
A: No, it’s not waterproof. Our water test showed significant running and feathering, though lines remained faintly visible.
Q: Does Ride the Lightning ink shimmer show up well?
A: Yes, the gold shimmer is bold and noticeable even in normal handwriting.
Q: Will this ink bleed through paper?
A: It may bleed through on thinner or more absorbent papers, especially with broad nibs or heavy application. Premium papers like Rhodia handle it best.
Q: How limited is the Private Reserve Ride the Lightning ink?
A: Only 1,500 bottles were released worldwide in September 2025.
Q: What pen and paper are best for Ride the Lightning ink?
A: Pair it with high-quality fountain pen-friendly paper (Rhodia, Tomoe River, Midori) and pens that can handle shimmer inks (clean regularly to avoid clogging).
