Nahvalur - Orchid Flower

Nahvalur - Orchid Flower - Ink drop

This is Orchid Flower from Nahvalur’s Explorer Ink series. Each ink was inspired by colors of the original Explorer Plus pens that first introduced us to the company. These are Nahvalur’s first inks, and the company is off to a great start. They promise more colors to come later in 2023, and I’m excited to see what’s ahead!

Nahvalur - Orchid Flower - Shades and edge

Orchid Flower is a cool, but intriguing magenta that darkens to a strong purple at times. I like inks in this range, and this one is quite inviting. Both lighter and darker than Laban Zeus, and more magenta than Iroshizuku Yama-budo, this is a nice addition to my usual go-to inks in this range.

Nahvalur - Orchid Flower - Writing sample (Rhodia)

As you can see in the writing samples (TWSBI Eco ‘B’), color varies based on paper choice. You’ll find pops of light shading on some, darker tones and a slight edging on others. I like what I see, and this is a pigment ink, so water resistance is quite high.

Nahvalur - Orchid Flower - Writing sample (Mnemosyne)

Writing performance is excellent. It’s drier than the other two previously reviewed, but flow is nice, and it’s comfortable on the page. I didn’t have any issues with feather or bleed, but there was some show-through on office copy. Drying was quick on all six test papers.

Nahvalur - Orchid Flower - Writing sample (Fabriano)

Nahvalur Explorer inks come in very nice 20ml bottles, and are priced well. I think 30ml is the sweet spot for bottle size, but that’s my only complaint. Orchid Flower is a beautiful ink that performs well with nice water resistance. That’s a great combination!

Nahvalur - Orchid Flower - Ink swatch card

Nahvalur - Orchid Flower - Ink swatch comparison

Nahvalur - Orchid Flower - Ink bottle and box

Note: Nahvalur sent me all four Explorer inks to try, but that doesn’t influence my review. As always, I present my honest opinions, both good and bad.