Sailor Ink Studio 252

In 2019, Sailor embarked on an epic ink release in the form of the Sailor Ink Studio. A series of 100 inks, most commonly known for their popular multichromatic inks (especially 123). The following year, 3 of the original 100 inks were discontinued, replaced by another 3, including this 252. The new 3 inks were meant to display different colours when used on different papers.

Out of the new 3 inks, I purchased 224 and 252. On most of the papers I tested, the colours of the two inks seem to stay reasonably consistent – nothing like what’s shown on the promotional photos. For 252, I consistently see a muted mauvey pink/purple colour (I’m terribly at describing colours).

On Cosmo Air Light, I see a bit more Lavender coming through in the ink, but its very subtle and only noticeable if you’re looking for it and comparing the ink on the 2 papers head on. To be honestly, I only really saw this in the Flex nib – it could very well be that a little bit of blue ink was left in the nib and not reflective of the ink itself. I don’t really see this in any of the other nibs I used.

On Tomoe River Paper, I see the tiniest hint of green coming through in the stub nib, but once again, only because I’m looking out for it (apparent in the X stub sample in photo above). 

The ink itself feels thin and dry – I don’t know how to describe it – perhaps its not lubricated? I had a few issues with its performance in the 1.1mm TWSBI nib during horizontal strokes – a sure sign that the ink is on the drier side in my experience.

Altogether, this is not an ink I love. I don’t love the colour – its not remarkable on its own, the multichromatic effect is not obvious enough for my taste, and the performance isn’t that amazing. Its nice enough, but I don’t think its worth the premium that Sailor has put on the Ink Studio collection.