Troublemaker - Abalone
What a beautiful ink! Troublemaker Abalone is darker, with more blue-grey than their popular Milky Ocean. The young company went through a period when production and availability were sporadic, a difficult period for the company and their fans. Those days are behind them, as supply has been reliable since then, and their catalogue has continually expanded.
Abalone is a gorgeous writing ink. In the medium nib that I use for testing, Abalone is a very pleasant, highly readable blend of lavender, grey, and blue. It has a darkened edging that makes it clear, and crisp in stroke profile, without noticeable feathering or bleeding. It’s wet, and smooth flowing, and a comfortable writing ink.
Visible in both written strokes, and on the swatch are the beautiful multi-colored effects that are part of what makes this ink special. From slate blue, to a dusty dark blue, to pinks, hints of orange and aquamarine, Abalone shifts from color to color. In the ink splatter, there is a beautiful line of sheen with a multicolored, opalescent sparkle much like an Abalone shell.
It’s easy to see why this ink has gotten so much attention. Troublemaker Inks is a company to watch. If you’re new to their inks, I recommend a bottle of Abalone. It’s a great introduction, and a beautiful ink!