This is the fourth review in my series on Levenger inks. Thus far I've noticed that their properties are very consistent: most dry quickly and perform well on low-quality, absorbent paper. Cardinal Red mostly continues the trend with the exception of its longer dry time.
I was in no way compensated for this review, and this review contains my honest opinions about the ink.
Properties:
Shading: Hardly noticeable
Water Resistance: Somewhat water resistant
Feathering: Minimal on copier paper
Bleed through: Moderate
Show through/ Ghosting: High
Drying Time: Fast
Wetness: Average
Lubrication: Well lubricated
Staining: I haven't noticed any staining.
Cleaning: The ink cleans out of a pen easily
Nib Creep: Minimal
Okay on Copier Paper?: If you're using the ink only for editing or grading papers, it performs very well. For more intensive writing, the show through may be bothersome.
Writing Sample:
Pen: Visconti Rembrandt Fine
Paper 1: Levenger Circa Paper
Paper 2: Copier Paper
Paper 3: Black n' Red Notebook
Paper 4: Flashcard for the Extended Soak Test (2 hours)
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| Levenger Cardinal Red on Levenger Circa paper- Front |
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| Levenger Cardinal Red on Levenger Circa paper- Back |
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| Levenger Cardinal Red on Copier paper- Front |
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| Levenger Cardinal Red on Copier paper- Back |
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| Levenger Cardinal Red on Black n' Red paper- Front |
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| Levenger Cardinal Red on Black n' Red paper- Back |
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| Levenger Cardinal Red Extended Soak Test- Before |
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| Levenger Cardinal Red Extended Soak Test- After |
Levenger Cardinal Red is a fantastic red ink, but it isn't very water resistant. If this ink were water resistant, it would be perfect for my uses. When editing a document or grading something, a small spill would destroy everything written with this ink.
This ink also takes more time to dry than Levenger's other inks. As a dextral writer myself, this doesn't trouble me at all. If you're left-handed and move your hand over freshly written words, the ink will smear and may cause issues.
The redeeming quality of this ink is its color. Cardinal Red is a true red, and when diluted slightly with water, it becomes a nice pink. I may have to buy a bottle of it just for its color.
Pros
- A great red color which could be used for editing or grading
- Minimal feathering on average and nice paper
- Dries quickly
- Lightfast according to Levenger's website (I haven't tested this yet.)
Cons
- Moderate bleed through and show through
- Extreme feathering on highly absorbent papers (e.g. the flashcard)
- Not very water resistant
Possible Uses
- Editing, correcting, and grading papers
- Christmas cards and letters around that time
- Sending love letters (Cardinal Red is much better for this while diluted slightly.)
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