2026 SF Pen Show Ink Recap: Swatching the 10-Bottle Haul and Managing the Backlog

The aftermath of a major event like the 2026 San Francisco Pen Show (SFPS) often leaves enthusiasts in a state of "ink-toxication." Between the limited-edition releases, the vendor-exclusive collaborations, and the items "muled" by friends, the haul can grow significantly larger than originally planned. Kimberly (@allthehobbies) recently emerged from the SFPS rabbit hole with no fewer than ten new bottles—and that is strictly counting the show-floor purchases.

Swatching a haul of this magnitude is more than just a chore; it is a vital part of the hobby that allows us to understand the nuances of color, flow, and sheen before committing an ink to a favorite pen. Whether you are catching up on your own "swatching backlog" or looking for the perfect alternative to a sold-out show exclusive, this deep dive into the 2026 SFPS palette offers a roadmap for your next writing session.

The Swatching Toolkit: Precision and Consistency

To get the most accurate representation of a new ink, your tools matter as much as the ink itself. For this haul, the swatching process utilized a modified to hold a.

The Kakimori nib is a favorite in the stationery community because its unique bulbous shape holds a significant amount of ink, allowing for both fine writing and broad strokes that show off shading and sheen. Unlike traditional calligraphy nibs, the stainless steel construction is easy to wipe clean between colors, which is essential when working through a ten-bottle lineup.

For the paper, a combination of and was used. These specialized papers are designed to handle heavy ink applications without feathering, making them the gold standard for enthusiasts who want to see the true potential of chromashading and shimmer. If you are still searching for the right surface for your writing rituals, consider how different papers interact with wet inks by exploring our guide on finding your perfect match in a journal.

Earthy Undertones and Surprising Sheens

One of the standout trends from the 2026 SF Pen Show was the prevalence of sophisticated, earthy tones that offer more than meets the eye.

Colorverse x 2026 SFPS: Pier 39

Named after the iconic home of San Francisco’s sea lions, Pier 39 is a medium-dark brown that perfectly captures the weathered wood of the docks. However, the true magic lies in its subtle green sheen, visible in wetter swatches. It is a "professional" ink with a secret.

• Similar Inks: If you missed the show, Kuretake Art Nouveau Mahogany Brown and Diamine Lion Rock offer a similar brown-to-green-sheen transition. Colorverse Dakota Thunder is a close cousin, though it leans slightly more toward the red end of the spectrum.

Esterbrook x SakuraDragon: Dark Cherry Wood

This collaboration produced a dark brown that carries a distinct reddish-purple undertone. It mimics the deep, aged wood of a cherry tree, providing a warmth that standard chocolate browns lack.

• Similar Inks: While Diamine Merlot is often cited as a comparison, it leans much more into the purple. Robert Oster Hobart and Australian Syrah are also in the same family but tend to show more pink or burgundy flashes, respectively.

The Magic of Chromashading: Blues and Purples

Chromashading (or multi-tonal shading) remains one of the most sought-after properties in the fountain pen world. These inks separate into their component dyes as they dry, creating a halo effect of different colors.

Esterbrook x SakuraDragon: Morning Skies

Morning Skies is a textbook example of a blue chromashader. In wetter spots, the blue pulls back to reveal a delicate purple shading. It captures that specific pre-dawn light where the sky isn't quite one solid color.

• Similar Inks: Sailor Manyo Nadeshiko is a popular alternative, though it is generally darker and more purple. For those who prefer a lighter touch, Dominant Industry x Cult Pens Sunrise is a close match, though it may appear lighter in fine nibs.

Fog: Cats Whiskers in a Hazy Dawn

Produced by Monteverde, this ink is a complex shimmering purple-blue. While the shimmer can be elusive in some swatches, the "pops" of pink in the wetter areas make it a standout. The bottle cap and label art further elevate this as a collector's item.

• Similar Inks: Sailor Manyo Nekoyanagi is the most famous comparison here, though Cats Whiskers tends to write a bit darker, making it more legible for long-form journaling.

Exploring the "Turquoise" Spectrum

Turquoise is a notoriously difficult color to categorize, often sitting on the razor's edge between blue and green.

Anderillium x Hello Tello: Alba Turquoise is a gift from Jon Tello and represents a slightly green-leaning turquoise. It avoids the heavy "teal" territory, maintaining a bright, cheerful disposition on the page. When comparing this to other staples, we see how narrow the margins are:

• Diamine Marine is a touch too green.
• Kobe #48 Suidosuji Marchais Blue and Robert Oster Torquay are both slightly too blue.

Finding the "perfect" turquoise often requires testing across different nib sizes. A broader nib will bring out the green lean of Alba Turquoise, while a fine nib might make it appear more like a standard sky blue. Understanding these differences is key to mastering your schedule with color-coded notes that remain legible and distinct.

Shimmers, Lattes, and Nocturnes

The remainder of the haul rounds out a diverse palette that ranges from cozy gourmand colors to deep, atmospheric purples.

1. Pinky Elephant: Lavender Latte: A soft, muted purple that evokes the creaminess of its namesake.
2. Papier Plume x Stationery Universe: Lavender Nocturne: A deeper, more mysterious take on lavender, perfect for evening reflections.
3. Leonardo: Purple + Diamond Shimmer: A regal purple infused with high-intensity shimmer, typical of Leonardo’s bold aesthetic.
4. Esterbrook x SakuraDragon: Sleepy Burgundy: A dusty, shading burgundy. Note that this ink leans slightly dry; it may require a "wetter" pen (like a Pelikan or a Lamy 2000) to flow smoothly.
5. Kobe x Vanness: Hummingbird Green: A collaboration that brings a vibrant, nature-inspired green to the collection.

Practical Guidance: How to Handle Your Own Ink Haul

If you find yourself coming home from a show (or a late-night online shopping spree) with ten bottles of ink, the prospect of swatching can be daunting. Here is a professional strategy for managing the backlog:

1. The "Three-at-a-Time" Rule

Don't try to swatch ten inks in one sitting. Fatigue leads to messy cards and mislabeled samples. Swatch in groups of three. This allows you to focus on the nuances of each color and gives the previous group time to dry completely so you can observe the final "dry down" color.

2. Document the "Dryness"

As noted with Sleepy Burgundy, some inks feel "drier" on the nib. When swatching with a dip nib, pay attention to how the ink clings to the metal. If it flows off instantly, it’s a wet ink. If you have to coax it, it’s dry. Note this on the back of your swatch card; your future self will thank you when you’re trying to decide which ink to put in a finicky vintage pen.

3. Use Comparative Swatching

Whenever you add a new ink, pull out 2-3 cards of colors you already own that look similar. Seeing Alba Turquoise next to Diamine Marine side-by-side on the same paper is the only way to truly "see" the green lean. This prevents you from accidentally buying "dupes" (duplicates) in the future.

For those interested in the technical side of how these inks are applied, understanding the tool is vital. Using a dip nib for swatching is a bridge between two worlds, often requiring a different technique than a standard fountain pen. You can learn more about these distinctions in our guide to fountain pens vs. calligraphy pens.

Conclusion: The Value of the Haul

The 2026 SF Pen Show provided a spectacular array of inks that push the boundaries of what we expect from bottled color. From the sea-lion-inspired sheen of Pier 39 to the ethereal chromashading of Morning Skies, these inks are a testament to the creativity of the stationery community.

While Kimberly’s ten-bottle haul might seem like a lot, each bottle represents a different mood, a different writing experience, and a different memory of the show. By taking the time to swatch, compare, and document, we turn a simple purchase into a permanent resource for our creative endeavors. Now, if only the swatching backlog would finish itself!