Ink Flight #44 Reveal, September 2020

It's always a fun Flight when we get a chance to sample a new ink-maker on the scene. It's new to everyone, including myself! Such is the case in September 2020, when we sampled Kiwi Inks.

As with many great business ideas, Kiwi Inks started out by satisfying the unmet need of the company's founder, Kapui Huang. Desiring a specific ink color that did not exist, Kapui started making fountain pen ink. After years of research and experimentation, Kiwi Inks opened its services to the public in 2019. Each bottle is hand-brewed in L.A. to suit your writing needs.

Kiwi doesn't have an official lineup of ink colors, nor do they have any established retail network to sell their colors. So, I asked Kapui for advice on which colors to share with you all. And what great advice it was!

Here is a rundown of September 2020's Ink Flight colors - 

Kiwi Inks "Rainbow in a Bottle"
This multi-shading ink is one of Kiwi's latest creations - a lightly saturated blue ink that shades pink. It's a very lightly saturated color that should be used in a pen with a wet flow.

Kiwi Inks "Lavender"
A reverse of "Rainbow," this multi-shading ink has a light pink complexion with blue undertones. The undertones aren't as noticeable as with Rainbow, but the color is slightly more noticeable on paper.

Kiwi Inks "Kakapo Parrot"
Named after a flightless parrot native to New Zealand, this vibrant ink color has nice shading.

Kiwi Inks "Hyacinth Macaw"
The cobalt-blue parrot serves as a worthy inspiration for this shading, cerulean blue ink that has a hint of sheen.

Kiwi Inks "Red Panda"
This reddish-orange ink bears a resemblance to the thick, russet fur of the endangered Red Panda. It has some nice shading when using a flex or stub nib.

Kiwi Inks "Nebula Space Kitty"
By far, one of my favorite ink names - this dark, teal-black ink has a glistening blue shimmer.

Kiwi Inks "Trecolori Ultramarine Green"
Kiwi's most opulent ink style is the Trecolori blend. This version has a deep blue ultramarine base, red sheen, and green shimmer.

Tasting notes: This flight is anything but boring. On one end, the multi-shading inks are extremely light with ample two-tone shading. On the "deep" end, you have the super saturation of the shimmering inks. In between, the three vibrant "standard" inks are vibrant and fun to write with. Overall, I didn't experience any flow or use issues. However, I am in the midst of the #30inks30days handwriting challenge that has me changing inks every day, so I might not be a good case use study. I'd love to read all your thoughts on these new inks, so be sure to leave your personal experiences in the comments below.

Box Extras: Rhodia Webnotepad Hardcover Dot Grid, Reporter Style, Pentertainment Podcast Sticker

Quickly jot down ideas, daydreams, overheard dialogue, and keen facts in the reporter-style hardcover Rhodia webnotepad. The Italian leatherette cover has an elegant look and feel. The 3.5" x 5.5" A6 size is ideal to keep in your bag, purse, or pocket.

96 dot grid sheets of Clairefontaine's French-made ivory brushed vellum paper are thread-bound into the flip-open design. The pages are micro-perforated to share your mind-blowing insights (or discard the bad ones). Use all your favorite fountain pen inks on the 90gsm paper.

Ink Flight Captain Tom Oddo and pen review Youtuber PenBoyRoy join forces for the funny and informative Pentertainment Podcast. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you usually listen to your podcasts.

I heard you loud and clear on the stickers/swag. The included Pentertainment Podcast sticker has partial transparency through the word "Pentertainment." Strategically place your sticker on a surface (like a clear tumbler or travel mug) that will show through what is behind the sticker. It looks the coolest on lighter surfaces.

Let's chat about this Flight

We invite you to join hundreds of kindred spirits in the Ink Flight Lounge Facebook Group to talk about this month's Flight Box. Likes? Dislikes? Favorite pairings? We'd love to read what you thought about the contents of this box. If you don't have/do Facebook, please feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Previous Ink Flights (Ink Flight #1 - Noodler's, Ink Flight #2 - Robert Oster Signature, Ink Flight #3 - KWZ, Ink Flight #4 - J. Herbin, Ink Flight #5 - P.W. Akkerman, Ink Flight #6 - Papier Plume, Ink Flight #7 - Platinum Mix-Free, Ink Flight #8 - Franklin-Christoph, Ink Flight #9 - Organics Studio, Ink Flight #10 - Monteverde, Ink Flight #11 - Krishna, Ink Flight #12 - Caran d'Ache, Ink Flight #13 - Rohrer & Klingner, Ink Flight #14 - Blackstone, Ink Flight #15 - Colorverse, Ink Flight #16 - De Atramentis, Ink Flight #17 - Aurora & Montegrappa, Ink Flight #18 - Krishna, KWZ, Papier Plume, Ink Flight #19 - Diamine, Ink Flight #20 - J. Herbin, Ink Flight #21 - Robert Oster Signature 80's Collection, Ink Flight #22 - 3 Oysters, Ink Flight #23 - InkJournal Holiday Blend, Ink Flight #24 - Taccia, Ink Flight #25 - Kyoto TAG, Ink Flight #26 - Kaweco, Ink Flight #27 - April Fool's Surprise, Ink Flight #28 - Pelikan, Ink Flight #29 - Sailor, Ink Flight #30 - Straits Pen Honest Inks, Ink Flight #31 - Colorverse, Season 5, Ink Flight #32 - Inks by Vinta, Ink Flight #33 - Troublemaker, Ink Flight #34 - Monteverde Sweet Life, Ink Flight #35 - Taccia Inks Pt. 2, Ink Flight #36 - Sailor Manyo, Ink Flight #37 - P.W. Akkerman, Ink Flight #38 - Waterman, Ink Flight #39 - April Fool's Suprise II, Ink Flight #40 - Lamy, Ink Flight #41 - KWZ, Pt.2, Ink Flight #42 - Robert Oster, Pt. 3, Ink Flight #43 - Pure Pens )