Looking to sprinkle some magic into your writing routine?
From inks with unique colours or properties to those with fascinating stories or packaging, there’s so many truly cool fountain pen inks out there – or should we say, right here, at Bookbinders Design.
In this post, we’re spotlighting a line-up of ace inks that stand out for the fun factor they bring to the page.
We’re kicking things off with some absolute show-stoppers – the kind of inks that make you pause and say, "Wow, what is that?"
Sailor Ink Studio 224, 280 & 252
These paper chameleon inks were born from community creativity.
Since 2005, Sailor’s Ink Studio events have let pen lovers create custom blends in-store with master ink blender Osamu Ishimaru. Over 20,000 unique concoctions later, Sailor selected 100 fan-favourites in 2018 – and recently introduced three new additions: 224, 280, and 252.
What makes them hypnotic is their paper-reactive nature: on different papers, each ink reveals a unique hue and depth.
224 is a light grey base with purple and high green shading, no sheen or shimmer; 280 is a stunning green-brown that shades yellow, green and brown; 252 is a pale wisteria purple that shades to a teal green.
The brilliant shading of these inks especially pops on Tomoe River paper.
Coolest purple-green fountain pen inks
Some inks will play tricks on your eyes, but in the best of ways. In this post we’re celebrating, in particular, those evoking that indescribable hue Terry Pratchett called “the colour of magic”: not quite purple, not quite green, not quite real.
These inks will have you tilting your notebook every five seconds to watch the colours shift – because that spectacular sheen just doesn’t get old. Here are a few we can’t stop staring at.
KWZ Sheen Machine 2 – a shimmering masterpiece
Say hello to Sheen Machine 2. Crafted in small batches in Poland by KWZ, this deep teal base dazzles with great pink sheen that shows up purple when less noticeable.
We have to admit – on cheap paper it looks like a slightly shading dark teal, but on Tomoe River (a whole other experience!) or other high-quality stationery, the sheen blossoms. Like any good spell, it needs the right conditions to work its magic. Consider it a little bit of paper alchemy.
Performance notes: lubricated flow but takes ~2 minutes to dry; not water-resistant
Vinta – Harlequin (Bodabil 1920)
This ink tells a story, as all Vinta inks do. Harlequin (Bodabil 1920) is a decadent dark purple ink with a bold green sheen, inspired by the lively costumes of Filipino vaudeville performers in the 1920s. The ink is named for Bodabil, the localised version of “vaudeville,” introduced by Luis Borromeo after returning to the Philippines from North America.
The contrast between base and sheen is as theatrical as the performances it honours. And it’s not just the colours that make Vinta special: through the Vinta Initiative, a portion of every ink sold is donated to Teach for the Philippines, supporting access to quality education.
This ink wears its history proudly – and makes your page feel like a stage.
Wearingeul – Edward Hyde
This one’s a shapeshifter, true to its book character. Wearingeul’s Edward Hyde fountain pen ink represents the darker half of the infamous Jekyll/Hyde duo.
At first glance, it’s a brooding green-black, but then the ink lightens, separating into layers of violet-grey, bluish green, or even hints of bronze, depending on how it's used.
You don’t need to buy the full set to enjoy the inky drama – the Edward Hyde ink is sold individually. And like most Wearingeul inks, it’s rich in concept, excellent in performance, and perfectly matched to creative minds.
J. Herbin - 1670 - Émeraude de Chivor
Part of the iconic 1670 Anniversary line by Jacques Herbin, this is a beloved ink in the fountain pen world – and once you try it, you'll understand why.
At first glance, Emerald of Chivor is a deep emerald green, but give it a moment and more space and you'll catch glimmers of gold shimmer and a soft halo of red sheen around wetter strokes. It's elegant and dramatic all at once, perfect for writing that needs a little flourish without going over the top.
The story behind it only adds to the magic.
Inspired by a precious emerald carried for luck by sailor Jacques Herbin on his voyages, the ink is named after the Chivor Mine in South America, famous for its exceptionally pure emeralds. It comes in a wax-sealed glass bottle made in Paris – a nod to J. Herbin’s origins as a wax maker before he turned to ink in the 17th century.
P.W. Akkerman – Standout inks and a bottle to match
P.W. Akkerman inks earn their spot on the list thanks to one standout feature: that truly unique bottle.
Designed in the Netherlands, the vintage-inspired glass bottle isn’t just beautiful, but remarkably functional as well. A clever marble reservoir near the neck traps ink when the bottle is tipped, making it easy to fill your pen even when ink levels are low.
It’s a thoughtful, practical design that turns a routine refill into something surprisingly satisfying. Paired with well-behaved inks that flow smoothly on most papers, P.W. Akkerman offers a perfect blend of everyday utility and design ingenuity.
And let’s be honest – they look absolutely stunning on any desk or shelf.
Barely There: J. Herbin – Gris Nuage
Not all inks need to be bold to be interesting. Soft, understated shades – think misty greys, warm beiges, pale mauves – work beautifully for layering, highlighting, pairing with bold headers, and adding contrast in your journal.
Gris Nuage is a soft dove-grey that looks like rain-soaked parchment or the sky just before a storm. Like all J. Herbin inks, it offers excellent flow and is kind to most fountain pens, including vintage ones. These inks are water-based and relatively low in saturation, which means they’re well-behaved on a wide range of paper types and easy to clean out of your pen.
J. Herbin is one of the oldest ink makers in the world, and many of their colours have a cult following. Their palette leans subtle but distinctive – with many shades often described as must-haves by longtime fountain pen users. This one doesn’t shade dramatically, it doesn’t shimmer, and that’s exactly why it stands out. On cream paper, it softens even more.
Robert Oster's Melbourne Tram Green
Melbourne Tram Green – this rich green ink by Robert Oster is exclusive to Bookbinders Design Australia! It perfectly echoes the well-known hue of Melbourne’s trams.
Handmade in Australia using eco-friendly processes and housed in a recyclable PET bottle from the country’s first carbon-neutral plastics plant, it's also a responsible choice.
On paper, it behaves beautifully – smooth flow, subtle shading, and reliable drying time make it versatile for both note-taking and creative work. And for many fountain pen ink enthusiasts (especially Melburnians!), it’s the number one choice to roll with.
Ready to find your next ink crush?
Here at Bookbinders Design, we work hard to bring you some of the most unique, high-quality, and exciting inks from around the world. What you’ve seen in this blog is just a glimpse of our current favourites.
Browse our full fountain pen ink collection and discover hundreds more shades with big personalities.
We’re always on the lookout for new arrivals to keep things fresh and spark creativity for ink lovers, artists, and writers, so don’t forget to check often.
Your next ink adventure is just a click away!
