![\"Diamine](\"https:\/\/www.penchalet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/e59s-fountain-penbest-gold-nib-for-beginners-with-diamine-writers-blood-and-dee-charles-pen-wipe.jpg\")
<\/a>\r\nDiamine is one of the \u201ccomfort brands\u201d of the fountain pen community: affordable, reliable, and quietly adventurous. Based in the UK and producing inks since the 19th century, they\u2019ve built a huge catalog that runs from classic office blues and blacks to wild shimmer and sheen monsters. Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood<\/a> is a dark, saturated, purplish-red ink that can easily lean into burgundy territory. In normal writing, it often reads as: In this Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood ink review, we focused on:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you’re on the hunt for other favorite red inks <\/a>from fountain pen fans, check this Reddit thread for moody red ink picks. If you just need a second opinion about this classic everyday red ink choice<\/a>, read the ink review of the same Diamine favorite by Mountain of Ink.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This is also one of those inks that can help revive drier-writing pens. If you\u2019ve got a pen that feels a little scratchy or starved for ink, pairing it with a wet ink like Writer\u2019s Blood can give it a new lease on life.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Materials Used:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n On Rhodia, Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood behaved beautifully:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n (If you switch to more absorbent or lower-quality paper, that same wetness means you\u2019re more likely to see feathering or bleed through. Writer\u2019s Blood rewards good paper).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Diamine offers different bottle options, and Writer\u2019s Blood typically shows up in:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n All Diamine bottles arrive boxed, which helps with storage and light protection. If you love Diamine fountain pen inks <\/a>and tend to go through favorites quickly, the 80ml glass bottle is worth hunting down; otherwise, the 30ml is an easy way to add Writer\u2019s Blood to your collection without a big commitment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For this week\u2019s tests, we used:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you want to recreate or compare our Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood ink review results at home, any smooth, coated paper (Rhodia, Clairefontaine, etc.) and a medium nib will get you very close.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n We love a good 1-Dip Test to see how far a single load of ink will go with a dip pen. With Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood, one dip in the glass pen comfortably wrote three full lines of writing…plus some extra loops and swirls at the end. The lines stayed dark and saturated all the way through (no anemic final line). This tracks with its reputation as a very wet, saturated ink. If you enjoy long, uninterrupted notes or journaling sessions, this is a strong contender. However if you’re not quite sold, and you’re still looking for other dark red fountain pen inks<\/a>, there are other options you should definitely check out!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n On Rhodia paper using our glass dip pen (medium-like line), dry time was approximately 21 seconds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n On more absorbent paper or with finer nibs (EF\/F), you may see shorter dry times, but in general, plan for slow-to-moderate dry times with this ink. It\u2019s one of Diamine\u2019s wetter inks, and you can feel it. If you are in search of fountain pen friendly paper like Rhodia<\/a>, you can depend on a number of classic fountain pen friendly brands like Clairefontaine, Wearingeul Jaquere Impression, etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If fast dry times are your top priority, Writer\u2019s Blood probably won\u2019t be your main \u201cspeed\u201d ink; but for saturation and smoothness, it\u2019s lovely.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Short answer: Nope. However, that lack of water resistance does come with two big perks: Despite being highly saturated, Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood can show some shading, but, shading is more noticeable with finer or drier nibs AND slightly more absorbent papers. With broader\/wetter nibs, the ink often reads as solid, dark burgundy with very minimal variation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Writer\u2019s Blood isn\u2019t a high-sheen show-off, but in heavy applications on coated paper, you may catch a subtle greenish sheen around the heaviest pooled areas. However, it\u2019s more of an occasional treat than a defining feature of the ink. This ink has no shimmer, no glitter…basically no gimmicks. It’s just a sophisticated, moody color with a very satisfying presence on the page.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n On Rhodia paper with the J. Herbin glass pen:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n But remember, on lower quality paper (think cheap office pads or copy paper):<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you\u2019re planning to use Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood for everyday office notes, pairing it with better paper will give you a much more controlled, crisp result.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood has earned its reputation as a modern classic for a reason. It\u2019s dramatic, dark, and versatile in a way that appeals to both the gothic-soul journaler and the professional who secretly loves moody inks. The ink offers several Pros. First and foremost, it is a stunning color; deep, dark burgundy that can appear almost black in wetter pens. Think gothic, romantic, and still perfectly usable in a professional setting. Another Pro is that Writer’s Blood ink is one of Diamine’s wetter nks offering excellent flow and lubrication (it’s even been known to revive “dry” fountain pens). This makes it a great match for pens that write dry or feel scratchy when you try to use more restrained inks. Writer’s Blood is has low water resistance, so it usually flushes out of your pen’s without any trouble, too. the only con I can think of is that the ink can be paper picky, but then…most fountain pen inks can be paper picky. That’s why “fountain pen friendly paper” is such an essential. You may also want to avoid using in demonstrators as you could end up seeing light staining.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you like dramatic dark reds, already enjoy other Diamine fountain pen inks, or you\u2019re building a lineup of burgundy fountain pen inks with personality, Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood deserves a slot in your rotation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Have a favorite pen or nib you love pairing with Writer\u2019s Blood? Or another dark red you want us to compare it with in a future review? Let us know which inks you\u2019d like to see featured next. And shop your favorite pens, inks, and writing accessories at PenChalet.com.<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Q: Is Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood safe for everyday use? Q: Does Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood stain pens? Q: Is Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood water-resistant? Q: What nib sizes work best with Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood? Q: How does Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood compare to other burgundy inks? Q: Is Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood good for journaling?
Writer\u2019s Blood ink<\/a> sits in that sweet spot Diamine does so well: interesting and expressive, but still absolutely usable for everyday writing; especially if you like darker, moody reds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGet to Know Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood Ink<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Deep, dramatic burgundy…with subtle brown undertones<\/strong>. And, in some setups, you may even see a whisper of greenish sheen at the edges of heavy pools of this ink.
Depending on the pen, paper, and lighting, it can swing from \u201cold manuscript dried blood\u201d to \u201cnear-black professional;” which is a big part of this cult classic fountain pen ink’s appeal.
If you\u2019re searching for a Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood ink review because you want something a little gothic but still grown-up enough for meeting notes, this one is absolutely in your wheelhouse.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis Week\u2019s Featured Ink: Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood Ink Review: Test Results<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Ink Bottle and Packaging<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Other Products Used During This Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood Review<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n1-Dip Test<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Dry Time: How Fast Did Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood Ink Dry?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Diamine Writer’s Blood Ink Pros:<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Diamine Writer’s Blood Ink Cons:<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Water Test: Is Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood Water-Resistant?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
During our water test on Rhodia we saw:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
1. Easy cleanup: this ink flushes out of pens quickly with plain water, and is generally easy to remove from hands and most surfaces.
2. Fun for art and washes: If you enjoy creating ink washes or layered effects, the way Writer\u2019s Blood breaks and clouds can be very interesting on purpose (just not ideal for important notes).
If you need archival notes or water resistance, this one\u2019s better reserved for journaling, letters, or creative work; not official signatures or must-keep records.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSpecial Properties: Does Writer’s Blood Ink Have Shading Potential?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Does Writer’s Blood Ink Show Any Sheening Potential?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Was There Any Feathering or Bleeding?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Final Thoughts on Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood Ink<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>\r\nFAQ: Diamine Writer\u2019s Blood Ink<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A: Yes. It\u2019s a standard fountain pen ink (not an iron gall, waterproof, or permanent formula) and behaves well in most modern pens. Just avoid letting any ink dry out in a pen for long periods, and clean regularly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A: It can leave a slight pinkish or reddish cast in some clear demonstrators or easily stained plastics because it\u2019s so saturated. Thorough cleaning usually removes it, but if you\u2019re extremely protective of your clear pens, consider using it in opaque pens or pens that are easy to disassemble and clean.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A: No. Water exposure will cloud and smear the ink, making the writing illegible. Some hazy shadows may remain, but it\u2019s not suitable for archival or water-sensitive documents.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A: Medium and broad nibs really showcase its rich, dark color. Finer nibs (EF\/F) can bring out a bit more shading and shorten dry times. If your pen is already very wet, expect a very dark, almost-black result.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A: Writer\u2019s Blood leans darker, moodier, and more saturated than many classic burgundies. It feels more \u201cgothic manuscript\u201d than \u201cwine red,\u201d which is exactly why so many people love it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\n
A: Absolutely. The smooth flow and deep color make long journaling sessions feel very satisfying, especially on good paper. Just give it a bit of extra dry time before closing your notebook.<\/p>\r\n\r\n