Dr. Ph. Martin's Black Star HiCarb India Ink is the darkest black ink from Dr. Ph. Martin's. It's darker than both Black Star Matte and Bombay Black.

This is also the darkest compared to all other black inks I've reviewed. It's really quite amazing to see an ink so black. It's like looking into a black hole.

The ink comes in a 30ml bottle with a dropper.

It's pigmented, made from 100% carbon black pigment. Interestingly, the label on the bottle says that it can be used in technical pens as mall as 0.134mm.

It contains no varnish or shellac.

Below are some ink tests.

It dries fast to a matte surface.

The ink is waterproof and resistant to erasing.

It's able to hold a sharp edge well.

Conclusion

If you want the darkest possible permanent ink, Dr. Ph. Martin's Black Star HiCarb India Ink is the one to get. I've tested more than a dozen black inks and the Black Star HiCarb is the darkest.

I'm really impressed at how dark it is. When you use it on white paper, the contrast is striking.

It also dries fast to a matte surface just like the Black Star Matte.

I just don't see any downside to this ink.

Availability

Find more reviews at Dick Blick Art Materials (US) | Jackson's Art (UK)