10 Best Fountain Pen Inks 2025 in the United States

The Pelikan 4001 Turquoise ink is a reliable choice for fountain pen users who appreciate a classic, well-established ink formula. Its color is a vibrant turquoise, offering a fresh yet clear tone that stands out on paper without being too flashy. The ink is known for its smooth and consistent flow, which helps avoid skipping or blotting, making writing a pleasant experience. Drying time is moderate; it won’t smudge instantly but requires a short wait before handling the paper, so it suits everyday writing but may not be ideal for super fast note-taking.

Water resistance is limited, so expect the ink to wash away or blur if it gets wet. This makes it less suitable for important documents that need to be waterproof but fine for regular journaling or letter writing. Regarding shading and sheen, Pelikan 4001 inks generally show some subtle shading, adding character to handwriting, though it does not produce strong sheen effects. A practical bonus is the bottle’s design, which can be tilted on its side to use nearly every drop of ink, reducing waste.

The formula protects the fountain pen and nib, which is great if you want to maintain your pen’s condition over time. If you use a Pelikan or a similar pen with a converter or plunger system, filling is straightforward. This ink is a solid pick if you want dependable performance with a nice turquoise color, especially for regular writing tasks, but it may not meet needs where fast drying or water resistance are critical.

The Asvine Hongdian Fountain Pen Bottled Ink in blue is a solid choice for fountain pen enthusiasts looking for quality and performance. One of its key strengths is the smooth flow of ink, which ensures a pleasant writing experience without clogging issues thanks to its non-carbon formulation. Users can expect quick-drying properties, making it suitable for left-handed writers and those who prefer a faster turnaround when writing without smudging. The ink's vivid color adds a stylish touch to any penmanship, enhancing writing aesthetics.

The 60ml glass bottle is thoughtfully designed with a wide base and tight-sealing lid, which is great for storage and prevents spills, but be mindful that glass can be fragile. The ink's pH neutrality and non-toxic nature are additional benefits, making it safe for regular use.

Some users may find that while the ink flows well, it might not be as water-resistant as other premium inks on the market. This means that in case of spills or exposure to water, the writing may smudge or wash away. Additionally, while the ink is marketed for all types of fountain pens, some users with specific pen models may not achieve the same level of performance, so it's always a good idea to test it first.

Waterman Mysterious Blue is a premium fountain pen ink known for its vibrant and deep blue color that gives your writing a bright and attractive look. The ink is designed specifically for Waterman pens, so it tends to flow smoothly, providing a consistent and pleasant writing experience without skipping. Users appreciate the ink’s intense color, which makes words stand out clearly on the page.

Waterman inks typically dry at a moderate pace—fast enough for everyday use but slow enough to allow some shading effects. The bottle includes a generous 50ml of ink, which is great for those who write frequently or like to refill often. However, this ink is not known for strong water resistance, so exposure to moisture might cause the writing to blur or smudge.

In terms of shading and sheen, Mysterious Blue offers subtle variations in color intensity but doesn’t exhibit a noticeable sheen, which means your writing will look classic rather than flashy. The bottle is made of glass with a screw-off cap, giving a traditional feel but requiring care when handling to avoid spills. If you’re looking for a reliable, richly colored ink that enhances the classic fountain pen experience without special effects like shimmer or waterproofing, this is a solid choice, especially if you own a Waterman pen.