Rohrer & Klingner Leipziger Schwartz [full size photo] – I was recently sent some of this Rohrer & Klingner Leipziger Schwartz fountain pen ink to test out. [Please note, in no way does this inhibit the neutrality of this review.]
I initially loaded the Rohrer & Klingner Leipziger Schwartz Ink into my Pilot 78g (Italic Broad Nib). I found this pen and ink very difficult to get started. The Pilot 78g was recently flushed and cleaned, so I am uncertain as to what the hang up was. Normally, the Pilot works very well and doesn’t hesitate much. This could have been just some sort of odd feed issue, but I cannot say for certain. I did end up getting the Rohrer & Klingner to work in the Pilot. I ran it through a few test sheets of paper, and decided to go ahead with the review. When attempting to write on the Ink Review sheet I use, the pen was very hesitant. Difficulties ensued, skipping, dryouts, feed issues. It was extremely frustrating… So, during the middle of the Rohrer & Klingner ink review, I decided to swap pens. I broke out my vintage Conway Stewart Dandy. I loaded it up, wrote on some test sheets, once satisfied I continued the review. The ink worked much better in the little Dandy fountain pen. It also looked like a more true black, whereas the Pilot seemed a little muted. The overall feel of the ink was much nicer too. The Pilot seemed very dry, the Conway was visibly more wet. There was some bleed/show though on the test. Feathering didn’t seem to be an issue.
I didn’t have enough ink to try the Leipziger Schwartz in a third pen. Otherwise, I would have tested it in my Parker 51, an extremely well behaved pen. Going forward, if I was to purchase this ink… I might actually dilute it with some water, specially if using it in that Pilot. If you run into this issue, it is ok to dilute ink a bit. Up to a 1:1 ratio should be fine. Best to start out small if you go that route, and work your way up as needed.
This is my third review of a Rohrer & Klingner fountain pen ink. The others went much better than this, just a little frustrating not to get that broad italic pen to work with it. This probably is an isolated incident, specially after the Conway Stewart worked out much better.
This ink, as well as many other inks and pens can be purchased from – my friends at Pear Tree Pens.
Matt is a Systems Development Director for a multinational franchise. Matt has lived and worked in Hawaii, Chicago, South Florida and currently resides outside of Atlanta. He enjoys his hobbies including Technology, Gadgets/EDC, Fountain Pens, Wetshaving, Clocks, Antiques & Coffee. He even roasts his own coffee weekly.
