Mochi Honey

G’day, Honeys!

Day 6 of the Diamine Inkvent Calendar has brought us Nutcracker, a brown ink that, well… exists. I’ll be honest, it’s not the most exciting addition to the calendar. It’s a standard nutty brown, and while I know brown inks have their die-hard fans—and I can see why for some shades—this one doesn’t quite crack the nut for me.

Today’s Colour: Nutcracker

Nutcracker is a flat brown with no shimmer, no sparkle, and not much individuality. It’s earthy and neutral, sure, but it doesn’t pop or stand out the way some of the other colours in the calendar have. That said, if you’re looking for a simple brown ink, it might find a place in your collection.

Testing the Ink

• Dominant Industry Ink Muddler (glass nib): With the glass nib, Nutcracker lays down consistently but doesn’t do anything to elevate itself. It’s functional but forgettable.
• Sailor Hocoro (medium nib): The medium nib brings out a slightly warmer tone in the ink, which gives it a bit more life. If you’re looking for a basic brown for broader strokes, this nib works well.
• Kakimori brass nib: As usual, the Kakimori laid down the most ink, giving Nutcracker a richer look. Even so, it feels more like a functional brown than anything special.

My First Brown Ink

This was my first time working with a brown ink, and while I was hoping for something that would blow me away, Nutcracker didn’t quite hit the mark. I’ve seen some stunning browns from other brands that manage to be warm, rich, and complex. Nutcracker, on the other hand, feels a bit one-note.

Wrapping It Up

Not every ink can be a showstopper, and that’s okay. Nutcracker might not have wowed me, but if you’re after a straightforward, no-fuss brown, it’s worth a look. For me, though, I’ll keep exploring the world of browns to find one that really stands out.

Check out the video below to see Nutcracker in action. And as always, thanks for joining me on this Inkvent adventure, Honeys!

Catch you tomorrow for Day 7—here’s hoping for something with a bit more pizazz! Cheers!