Herbin Inks

J. Herbin Co., creator of the "jewel of inks", was founded in Paris in 1670, when Louis IV was 32 years old. M. Herbin was a sailor and he brought back to Paris exquisite formulas for sealing wax from his many journeys to India. Herbin started manufacturing inks in 1700 at their shop on rue des Fosses Saint-Germain located in the Latin Quarter of Paris. The first ink was called La Perle des Encres ( the jewel of inks), followed by L'Encre des Vaisseaux (the ink of ships). Since the early 19th century Herbin has fashioned Indian inks and traditional school stationary. Every French schoolchild since the age of Napoleon Bonaparte has used Herbin inks, espesially the traditional French violet.

The Herbin line consists of an amazing 26 different colors. The line includes such colors as orange, gray, coffee, "Moon Dust" and even silver and gold! Eight of the inks are even scented appropriately. PLEASE NOTE - the silver and gold are NOT for fountain pens!

One of the selling points of the Herbin line is the mild chemical nature of the inks. The inks are reputed to be relatively "natural" in their composition and this is reflected in the very neutral pH of the inks I have tested. I tested all of the fountain pen inks and the most acid was the brown at 5.4 pH and the most basic was black at 8.1. This is very reasonable as far as fountain pen inks go. Herbin claims that you may drink the inks without ill effect! The inks are compatible with all other current production inks. Herbin says they can be mixed with one another or with other brands without problems.

In a re-organization of the U.S. distribution of Herbin inks, a new company, Exaclare, has been selected to distribute the line.

Check out Herbin's web page!
- Herbin Inks-

Herbin inks may be ordered from- Pendemonium.com