Diamine Damson is a purple ink I wanted to try in my hunt for the “perfect purple” and this was available in a diminutive 30ml mini-bottle for $7.
Diamine Damson is the smokiest of the purple inks I’ve tried and probably closest to some of the colors I already had in my collection. It is quite similar to the P.W. Akkerman Voorhout Violet and Kaweco Summer Purple. Damson is similar in hue to these but a little bit lighter. Rohrer & Klingner Scabiosa is also quite similar but a little more grey.
Because Damson is a relatively dark color there’s not a ton of shading and there isn’t any sheen I could discern. The ink dries quickly even though its not specifically quick-dry. Its not water resistant but it I wasn’t expecting it to be. The color has a dusty matte quality when dry.
I’m inclined to like Diamine Damson though its quite similar to other colors in my collection. If you’re in the market for this sort of dusky violet, the fact that Diamine Damson can be purchased in mini bottle makes it a good candidate for trying before investing in a larger bottle.
DISCLAIMER: This item was sent to me free of charge by Goldspot Pens for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.
I’d love to see a comparison to Diamine Tyrian Purple.
Great post! I love this muted purple color. It looks so sophisticated and chic.
I’m very much enjoying your reviews of purple inks! I know you must’ve tried J. Herbin’s Poussiere de Lune in the process, haven’t you? I am using that a LOT these days, and it’s of course available in the small bottles so you can try just a little of it at first. I love smoky colors in general, and this one in particular.
Yes, I have tried Poussiere de Lune. I do love those little sample-sized bottles fro J. Herbin too.
Thanks for doing this series of purple ink reviews! I’ve been on my own quest for the perfect purple but have reached the conclusion that I may never find the “one”. Instead I think it will come down to several favorites which will rotate depending on mood and pen. In the meantime I’ve accumulated enough volume of purple ink to last a lifetime.
I definitely like Damson’s muted quality and the shade. It’s great in most pens, but in some a bit dry. Another ink I’ve found is Chesterfield Amethyst – very reasonably priced and good color and behavior. I’ve heard it may be re-branded Diamine.
Some other favorites are Aubergine / Summer purple (a bit expensive), Lavender Purple (agree it’s a bit to reddish), Grape (seems similar in color to Lavender Purple), Purple Heart, and Private Reserve Purple Mojo (good solid well-behaved purple).
How about Caran D’Ache Ultra Violet?
I just inked up a pen with a sample of Damson and i have to say i LOVE it