CARAN D'ACHE, swatch test
by Nick Stewart

Caran d’Ache Inks Test – Part 1

Caran_d'Ache_Reds

I sourced these Caran d’Ache samples from Rachel and Brian at Goulet Pens and Vijay at Stationery Shop stationeryshop.scotland@gmail.com.

These are a great range of inks, 18 in total, with plenty of artistic possibilities. I’ll post a couple of test pieces up later in the week.

Cosmic Black – A deep rich black handwriting ink that mixes readily with water grading out with hints of blue/grey at the outer edges. Reacts with bleach turning a dull gold. It looks and behaves exactly the same as the Kaweco Pearl Black.

Grand Canyon – A deep dark brown handwriting ink that mixes readily with water grading out with hints of turquoise at the outer edges. Reacts well with bleach turning turquoise. It looks and behaves exactly the same as the Kaweco caramel Brown.

Organic Brown – A dark brown handwriting ink that mixes readily with water grading out evenly with no hidden hues. Reacts well with bleach turning a white gold.

Storm – A muddy purple handwriting ink that mixes readily with water grading out evenly with no hidden hues. Reacts with bleach turning a dull gold.

Ultra Violet – A gorgeous soft purple handwriting ink that mixes readily with water grading out with hints of pink at the outer edges. Reacts well with bleach turning a neon gold. It looks and behaves exactly the same as the Kaweco Summer Purple.

Divine Pink – A rich dark red handwriting ink that mixes readily with water grading out with hints of pink at the outer edges. Reacts with bleach turning a dull cream. It looks and behaves exactly the same as the Kaweco Ruby Red.

Infra Red – A rich bright red handwriting ink that mixes readily with water grading out evenly with no hidden hues. Reacts well with bleach turning a white gold.

Saffron – A rich dark yellow handwriting ink that mixes readily with water grading out evenly with no hidden hues. Reacts with bleach turning a dull gold.

Electric Orange – A bright yellow orange  handwriting ink that mixes readily with water grading out with hints of fluorescent yellow at the outer edges. The photograph doesn’t quite do it justice. Reacts well with bleach turning a white gold.

There has been much discussion about the similarities between the Kaweco and Caran d’Ache range. I think my evidence puts the theory beyond doubt. They’re lovely inks with the only real difference being the cost. The Caran d’Ache inks are more expensive.

Tests conducted on Bockingford watercolour paper.