Noodler's Ink La Couleur Royale Review: A Timeless Blue for Every Pen

When it comes to fountain pen inks, few names carry as much weight as Noodler's Ink. Known for their vast color range, unique properties, and affordable pricing, Noodler's has become a staple in the pen community. Among their extensive lineup, La Couleur Royale stands out as a classic blue that has captured the hearts of many. In this review, we'll take a deep dive into what makes this ink special, from its vibrant hue to its practical performance.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of fountain pens, understanding the nuances of an ink is crucial. La Couleur Royale, with its rich history and distinctive characteristics, offers more than just a pretty color. Join us as we explore its origins, examine its properties, and see how it fares in everyday use.

The History and Inspiration Behind La Couleur Royale

La Couleur Royale, which translates to 'The Royal Color,' is a nod to the deep blues historically associated with royalty and nobility. Noodler's Ink, founded by Nathan Tardif, has always been inspired by historical documents and pigments. This ink is no exception, evoking the rich, saturated blues found in medieval manuscripts and royal decrees.

The name also pays homage to the classic 'royal blue' inks that were once standard in schools and offices. However, Noodler's puts their own spin on it, creating a shade that is both nostalgic and modern. It's a versatile blue that works well for both professional correspondence and creative writing.

• Inspired by historical royal blue pigments
• A modern take on a classic school ink
• Part of Noodler's extensive standard line

Color and Shading: A Visual Treat

La Couleur Royale is a medium blue with a slight hint of purple, giving it a regal and sophisticated appearance. It's not too dark to be mistaken for navy, nor too light to be illegible. The color is well-saturated, making it stand out on the page without being overwhelming.

One of the standout features of this ink is its shading. When used with a wetter pen or a flex nib, you'll notice beautiful variations in tone, from lighter sky blues to deeper royal hues. This adds a level of depth to your writing that flat, monotone inks simply can't match. For those who appreciate shading, La Couleur Royale is a delight.

• Medium blue with a subtle purple undertone
• Excellent shading with flex or wet nibs
• Vibrant and legible on white paper

Performance: Flow, Lubrication, and Drying Time

In terms of performance, La Couleur Royale is a well-behaved ink. It has a smooth, consistent flow that works well in a variety of pens, from fine to broad nibs. The ink is also well-lubricated, providing a pleasant writing experience without any scratchiness or skipping.

Drying time is moderate, typically around 10-15 seconds on standard paper. This makes it suitable for everyday writing, though left-handed writers might want to be cautious. The ink dries to a nice finish that is resistant to smudging once fully set, making it reliable for notes and journaling.

• Smooth flow suitable for most nib sizes
• Moderate drying time (10-15 seconds)
• Good lubrication reduces nib friction

Water Resistance and Permanence

While La Couleur Royale is not marketed as a bulletproof ink, it does offer some water resistance. When exposed to water, the ink will smear slightly, but the majority of the color remains on the page. This makes it more resistant than many other standard inks, though not fully waterproof.

For those who require archival quality, Noodler's offers other lines like the 'Bulletproof' series. However, for everyday use, La Couleur Royale provides a good balance of permanence and ease of cleaning. It's a practical choice for signatures and documents that may encounter minor moisture.

• Partial water resistance; some smearing but legible
• Not bulletproof, but more permanent than many inks
• Easy to clean from pens with water

Comparing La Couleur Royale to Other Noodler's Blues

Noodler's offers a wide range of blue inks, each with its own personality. La Couleur Royale sits comfortably between the darker, more serious 'Navy' and the brighter, more vivid 'Concord Bream'. It's a classic choice that appeals to those who want a traditional blue without being boring.

If you're looking for a flex-friendly option, you might also consider the 15033 Burmese Ruby Flex or the 15040 Gray Fox Flex, which offer unique colors and shading. However, for a dependable everyday blue, La Couleur Royale is hard to beat.

• Darker than Navy, lighter than Concord Bream
• A versatile blue that works for any occasion
• Pairs well with flex nibs for expressive writing

Packaging and Value

La Couleur Royale comes in Noodler's iconic 3-ounce glass bottle, which is known for its generous capacity and affordability. The bottle is simple but functional, with a wide mouth that makes filling fountain pens easy, even with larger nibs.

Given the volume and the quality of the ink, La Couleur Royale offers excellent value for money. It's a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance, making it a great addition to any ink collection.

• 3-ounce bottle provides long-lasting use
• Wide mouth for easy pen filling
• Affordable price point for the quality

Noodler's Ink La Couleur Royale is a timeless blue that deserves a place in every fountain pen enthusiast's collection. Its vibrant color, excellent shading, and reliable performance make it a versatile choice for writing, drawing, and everyday use. Whether you're a fan of classic blues or looking to expand your ink horizons, La Couleur Royale is a must-try. Pair it with a flex nib pen like the 14027 Medieval Lapis Konrad Flex for an expressive writing experience, or keep it simple with a standard pen for daily notes. Explore the world of Noodler's inks and find your perfect shade today.