thINKthursday
Kobe #17 Shioya Blue

ThINK you’ve found the perfect blue ink? Then you must be using Kobe Shioya Blue.

thINKthursday Kobe #17

We just can’t get enough of Kobe inks. This week we take a look at #17 Shioya blue – a wonderful navy blue. Kobe inks are produced by Sailor and come in the same 50ml glass bottle but without the plastic filling reservoir. This review was done with a Sailor 1911 F, Lamy Studio B, and on Rhodia blank No. 18 paper.

Shioya blue is a rather matter-of-fact color and has a similar appearance in both a fine and broad nib. At its lightest, the ink is a bright, cobalt blue. This quickly shades to darker azure tones before finishing at a deep navy.  One of the things that really sets the ink off is the bright, red sheen that is achievable in both a fine and broad nib on good quality paper.

Shioya blue displays all the qualities you want in a workhorse ink. The flow is good with no feathering or bleedthrough on Rhodia paper. It’s a moderately saturated ink with good dry times at 15-25 seconds. While the ink doesn’t have much water resistance, clean up is very easy.

Kobe #17 is a no-nonsense kind of ink with a color to match. There is enough personality to convey that you’re not using a rollerball, but the color is professional and easy on the eyes. If you’ve been looking for an excellent ink for the work-place, then take a look at Shioya blue.

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 see if it’s the one for you.

Ink it Up!
Chris

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