Welcome back to another exciting ink review on the Pen Chalet Blog! This week, we’re diving into a Tono & Lims Blood Stone Ink review featuring one of the inks from their Earth Contact Line. Known for their creative and high-quality inks, Tono & Lims has delivered a unique offering that combines rich, dark tones with shimmering brilliance. Let’s see how Blood Stone stacks up in our ink review tests and whether it deserves a spot in your personal ink collection.
About the Ink Maker: Tono & Lims
Tono & Lims is a Japanese ink maker with their ink lab based in Korea, celebrated for producing stunning fountain pen inks with imaginative themes and exceptional quality. The brand’s creative process often reflects an intricate balance between artistry and functionality, making their inks a big hit for many fountain pen enthusiasts worldwide.
About the Ink Series: Earth Contact Line
The Earth Contact Line by Tono & Lims draws inspiration from nature, offering a range of inks that resonate with the earthy, grounded beauty of our planet. Blood Stone Ink fits perfectly into this lineup, channeling the depth and complexity of its namesake gemstone with its dark olive-green tones and shimmering green-gold accents.
Blood Stone Ink Review: About the Ink
Blood Stone Ink is a dark olive-green fountain pen ink with a green-gold shimmer. Its rich, dark hue leans closer to green-black than traditional olive green, offering a bold and sophisticated look on paper. The shimmer is present without being overpowering, adding a touch of brilliance to this already intriguing ink.
The Blood Stone Ink Review Tests
We subjected Blood Stone to our usual battery of tests to uncover its personality, quirks, and performance traits. Armed with a trusty J. Herbin Glass Dip Pen (medium nib equivalent) and Rhodia Lined Paper, we sought answers (leaving no stone unturned).
Other Products Used During the Blood Stone Ink Review
- J. Herbin Glass Dip Pen (medium nib equivalent)
- Rhodia Lined Paper (for its fountain pen-friendly surface)
Tono & Lims Ink Bottle & Packaging
Tono & Lims stays consistent with their signature square glass bottles, offering both functionality and elegance. The Blood Stone Ink bottle features a picture on the bottle and packaging, though neither explicitly labels the ink name—a minor inconvenience for those with multiple Tono & Lims inks in their collection. The sturdy packaging does an excellent job of protecting the ink, ensuring it arrives safely.
How Fast Does Bloostone Ink Dry?
Blood Stone Ink boasts a 10-second dry time, making it a practical choice for those who like to keep the writing flow going without worrying about smudges.
Does the Ink Bleed Through the Paper?
We found no ink bleed-through on Rhodia paper, which means this ink pairs perfectly with quality paper for clean, crisp writing.
Was There Any Feathering Visible During the Blood Stone Ink Review?
Another win for Blood Stone: no feathering during the test. It maintains clean and precise lines, even with a glass dip pen.
Blood Stone Ink & the Standard Water Test
Water resistance isn’t Blood Stone’s strong suit. After a water test, we observed significant running, line distortion, and some feathering. While there was no bleed-through, the lines appeared noticeably lighter, and some even disappeared entirely. If you’re planning to write letters in the rain, this might not be your go-to ink.
Putting the Ink to the 1-Dip Test
The 1-Dip Test showcased excellent efficiency. With a single dip of the glass pen, we wrote all three lines on Rhodia paper with plenty of ink to spare. This ink knows how to stretch itself.
Does Blood Stone Ink Have Any Special Properties (Shading, Sheen, or Shimmer)?
Blood stone is all about its green-gold shimmer. While it doesn’t offer traditional shading or sheen, the shimmer elevates the ink’s appearance, adding a touch of elegance without overwhelming the text. Its dark green-black hue ensures excellent readability, making it a practical yet visually interesting choice.
Blood Stone Ink Review: Final Conclusion
Tono & Lims Blood Stone Ink is a standout in the Earth Contact Line, offering a rich green-black color with just the right amount of green-gold shimmer. It’s easy to read, performs beautifully on quality paper, and adds a subtle sparkle that sets it apart from other dark green inks. While it may not be water-resistant, its excellent writing performance and unique aesthetic make it a worthy addition to any fountain pen enthusiast’s collection. Whether you’re journaling, drafting, or simply experimenting with inks, Blood Stone delivers an inky experience that’s both reliable and captivating.
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Facinating! I’ve been using a fountain pen for about a year now, to stop using disposable pens. About 6 months ago I started using a refillable cartridge, same reason, to cut down on plastic use. I hadn’t given much thought to the ink used. I don’t know enough to suggest another ink to review, but now I am aware and will really look into the ink I use.
It’s definitely something to consider. There are countless options – so getting a closer look can be very interesting!