Looking for the best blue fountain pen inks? You’re not alone. After a recent reader comment on one of our weekly ink reviews, we rounded up five standout blues—each one a personal favorite of a different Pen Chalet team member—to put them to the test side-by-side.
5 Best Blue Fountain Pen Inks According to Pen Chalet Staff
- Dominant Industry Ken Chalet ink
- Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-Peki ink
- Sailor Manyo Haha ink
- Wearingeul Moby Dick ink
- Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue ink
Read on for more details about the best blue fountain pen inks, as chosen by Pen Chalet staffers.
Dominant Industry Ken Chalet (SarahBeth’s Favorite):
A vibrant, saturated blue with a powerful pink sheen, Ken Chalet ink is as bold and expressive as its April Fool’s origin story. It delivers rich color payoff and dazzling personality in every stroke—ideal for statement writers and creative minds.
Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-Peki (Ken’s Favorite):
Kon-Peki is a refined, sky-inspired blue that leans toward cerulean with a touch of aqua. Known for its balance, subtle shading, and consistently smooth performance, it’s a staple for writers who value elegance and clarity.
Sailor Manyo Haha (Lainey’s Favorite):
Haha is a multi-shading wonder—offering everything from soft cornflower blue to dreamy turquoise with a hint of lavender in the mix. It’s a fluid, expressive ink that feels like color therapy with every letter.
Wearingeul Moby Dick (Nate’s Favorite):
Moby Dick ink captures the haunting depths of the sea with a moody, desaturated blue that sometimes leans into purple-gray shadows. It’s quietly dramatic and literary—a natural fit for fans of storytelling through ink.
Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue (Ron’s Favorite):
A traditional medium blue with reliable flow and fast dry time, Pelikan’s 4001 Royal Blue delivers simplicity and functionality. It’s an understated classic with just a hint of violet under saturation—a workhorse ink perfect for daily writers.
How Do the Best Blue Fountain Pen Inks Perform?
To ensure consistency, all five inks were tested side-by-side in the Rhodia Goalbook, a favorite among fountain pen users. Swatches and writing samples were created using three application methods: a broad paintbrush swatch, a thin cotton swab swatch (to show lighter ink application), and a writing sample done with the J. Herbin spiral glass dip pen (which lays down a line similar to a medium nib). The results? No feathering, no bleed-through—just clean, vibrant performance that brings out each ink’s best properties, from sheen to shading.
Why Are Our Picks for the Best Blue Fountain Pen Inks?
Everyone has their own idea of the best blue fountain pen ink, and these choices reflect just that. SarahBeth picked Ken Chalet for its bold sheen and playful backstory. Ken leans into the reliability and grace of Kon-Peki. Lainey fell in love with the color-shifting magic of Manyo Haha. Nate’s drawn to the deep, contemplative nature of Moby Dick. And Ron? He swears by the no-fuss dependability of Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue. Whether you’re into show-stopping shimmer or work-friendly classics, we hope this ink showdown helps you find your own favorite shade of blue. Find your favorite blue inks at PenChalet.com.
