Blackstone Black Stump is one of five colors in the inks of Australia line. Black Stump is an Australian expression meant to describe the point after which a place is wild or uncivilized, which is a neat visualization for the idea of remoteness. All Blackstone ink come in a nifty 30ml Nalgene bottle that is easy to fill from, and especially practical if you travel often with your ink. This review was done with a Monteverde Regatta fine, Lamy 2000 medium, and Rhodia blank No.18 paper.
Blackstone Black Stump
Blackstone Black Stump
Blackstone Black Stump Swab Test
Blackstone Black Stump Waterproof Test
Other Similar Inks
Black Stump is a dark black-purple that shades from a traditional black to a rich aubergine color. Interestingly, when the ink is diluted with water the color is a blue-black, rather than a black-purple. In both a fine and medium nib the dry time was a little longer at 25 seconds, and it did not stand up well to water. People have commented that the viscosity of the Blackstone ink is a little thicker, and while I tend to agree, I have never had issues with flow or clean up.
I really enjoyed drawing with the ink. Because it waters down to a blue/black, I was able to get a really nice range of color just by using a wet brush. I know many people enjoy drawing this way, and I found Black Stump to be especially convenient for this method.
If you’re looking for an unconventional black that has some warmth and depth, Black Stump will fit the bill.
Blackstone Black Stump
Monteverde Regatta Carbon
Monteverde Regatta Carbon Nib
Blackstone Black Stump Bottle
As with any ink review the pen, paper and person doing the writing will influence the way the ink looks. If you’re not sure about a color try a sample to be sure it’s the color for you.
Ink it up!
Chris