Vinta Inks Azure Maharlika Ink Review

(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)

It's always exciting to discover new ink brands, even after all these years of trying new things. No matter what it is or how seemingly similar it is to something you already have, the unique take from a different person or brand is interesting and worth checking out. This week, I'm trying out an ink from a new-to-me ink maker called Vinta Inks.

Based in the Philippines, Vinta Inks is passionate about creating unique, high-quality fountain pen inks that we can all enjoy, but their mission goes deeper than just the ink they sell. They also partner with Teach for the Philippines to donate part of each sale to the betterment of their fellow Filipinos. It's a worthy cause, and you get great ink as a bonus!

The first ink I'm trying from Vinta is called Azure Maharlika, and it's a deep azure blue with light shading characteristics and a beautiful pink/red sheen that glistens on top of the ink once it's dried. In most scenarios, this looks like a typical dark blue when writing with a standard fountain nib (anything broad and smaller), but it really shines when paired with a larger nib. In areas where the ink pools, you'll notice a pink or red sheen after the ink dries. It's a beautiful effect, and I really can't get enough of it.

I'm a sucker for inks that have a good deal of shading, but this one just doesn't quite do it for me. There is some shading, but it's minimal and difficult to notice when writing. It comes out more in wider nibs, but I typically write with nibs that fall between EF and M. With those size nibs, it's difficult to see any shading, but it's there even though it's subtle.

Writing with this ink has been a pleasure. It behaves very well in my pens and I haven't had any complaints so far. The ink flows immediately and smoothly, and the lines it creates are crisp and deeply saturated. The dark blue color looks great on paper, and it could even pass in more professional settings due to how dark it is. I wouldn't call it a blue-black; it's definitely a blue ink, so don't expect anything darker than a deep blue.

Dry time is a little difficult to describe with this ink. The majority of a stroke is dry enough to resist smudging after just a few seconds, but any areas of pooled ink can take up to 30 seconds to fully dry. If you're using a small nib, you'll notice that the ink is smudge-resistant after 10-15 seconds. Larger nibs require more dry time, but only for small spots where the ink has pooled a bit. Based on how quickly you write and what pen/nib you are using, this could be sufficient for quick-drying requirements. It's not quick enough or consistent enough to recommend as a good leftie ink, but it does a better job than most.

What really sets this ink apart for me is the lovely sheen that appears shortly after the ink dries. It's a beautiful red/pink color that pairs so well with the dark blue. I just wish it showed up more in smaller lines. This just gives me a reason to use my larger nibs more often!

Vinta Maharlika is available from Vanness Pens for $14.50 for a 30ml bottle. And if you're not sure you want a whole bottle, you can also pick up a small sample vial. I really appreciate Vinta Ink's mission and look forward to supporting them in the future. If all of their inks perform like this one, I'm excited to try more colors!

(Vanness Pens provided this product at a discount to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)


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Posted on August 7, 2024 and filed under Vinta, Ink Reviews.

Choosing Keeping Composition Book Giveaway

I knew there was one item that was coming home with me on recent stationery tour of London, and that item is the classic Composition Book, made by Choosing Keeping.

This A5 notebook features a unique flower-patterned paper cover, red linen spine and corners, mottled paper edges, and 90g blank creme paper on the inside. In short, it’s beautifully made, and ready for you daily notes, innermost thoughts, or your next novel. I have one to give away this week, as seen in the photo above, so read the rules and get to entering!

Posted on August 6, 2024 and filed under Giveaways.

Tactile Turn Vice Side Click Pen Review

Nearly four years into their quarterly Limited Edition release cycle, Tactile Turn is showing no signs of letting up. In fact, with their latest release “Vice,” they are showing that they are having more fun than ever creating these fantastic pens.

As you could imagine with the name Vice, these pens take on the bright and colorful synth wave vibes from South Florida in the 1980’s, aka the Miami Vice era. And notice I say “pens,” because there is more than one with this release. “Night” gives off a nightclub vibe with neon popping across the dance floor, and “Day” gives off that blinding beach look when exiting the club at 7:00 a.m. - you know who you are.

Deciding which pen to choose is always the challenge with Tactile Turn, even with single pen releases. With two exterior designs, and three barrel length (and refill compatibility,) options, you are sure to find a model to your liking.

Design was easy for me this go-round. I considered Day for a minute because I don’t think there are enough great light color pen barrels on the market. That said, the bright Pinks and Blues of Night - set off perfectly with the splattered black barrel - is one of my all-time favorite color combinations.

With color out of the way, what barrel would I choose? For Vice, I think Standard might be the right choice for most people. You want a fun, bright, gel ink refill for this pen, and its Pilot G2 compatibility gives you the most options. That said, I had ulterior motives with my choice.

I ordered a few Schmidt Standard P900 refills last year when I saw they released fun colors such as Magenta, Purple, and Turquoise. These refills had been sitting in my review bin just waiting for their opportunity to be used, and I’m happy to say that now is their time. The Short model of the Vice Side Click is compatible with Parker-style, or International G2, ink cartridges, and I was stoked to ink it up with Magenta as soon as it arrived.

In comparison to the Standard (5.8 in., 1.2 oz.) barrel, I prefer the Short (5.3 in., 1.1 oz.) simply from a weight and length perspective. I have to be in the mood to use Tactile Turn’s Standard model, and when I do, it’s usually sitting at my desk. The Short works well at the desk, and better as carry pen for my needs. You could drop all the way down to the Mini model (4.6 in., 0.9 oz.) for size purposes, but refill compatibility is the most restricted with the Pilot G2 Mini refill. I have one each of the Standard and Mini pens that I use sparingly, but my choice is primarily the Short.

The Tactile Turn Vice Side Click pen runs $149 in any barrel size and color combination. Maybe you need one of each so you have a daytime pen, and a nighttime pen. You know, to go along with your daytime phone, and nighttime phone. Y’all do that too, right? 🤣

Regardless of which pen design or size you choose, you will be happy with the quality that Tactile Turn provides in each of their products. And even is the Vice isn’t for you, you are sure to find something else interesting in their full lineup of products.

(Tactile Turn provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)


Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.

Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!

Posted on August 5, 2024 and filed under Tactile Turn, Pen Reviews.