Noodler's Operation Overlord Orange (V-Mail Series)
Pen: Lamy Safari EF
Paper: Rhodia Dotpad 80gsm

Operation Overlord Orange is one of several vintage inspired inks from Noodler's V-Mail series. The V-Mail series of inks have a very interesting story behind them. In 2011, Noodler's obtained some sealed, viable bottles of ink with dates on them ranging from 1939 to 1945. Most of the bottles had very patriotic labels on them, and referenced the term "V-Mail" which originates from around WWI. Nathan Tardiff reverse engineered these inks to create his V-Mail series.

There's something really awesome about using a vintage inspired ink. The fountain pen itself is a "vintage" tool that inspires nostalgia in its own right, but adding a vintage ink to the mix takes you back to times when no one thought of computers, phones, tablets and text messages. There's something really great about that. Op. Overlord Orange isn't the flashiest color out there; it's subdued and has minimal shading, but the story behind it certainly makes up for that. I've read a lot of somewhat harsh reviews on this ink, but I found that I really enjoyed it. The shade of orange is perfect for writing; not too dull and not melt-your-retinas bright. It behaves well on Rhodia and other FP-friendly papers, though it does feather a bit on cheaper paper.

The bottles are just as interesting as the story behind the ink - they have a cream-colored label with Royal Airforce planes silhouetted on them. Very minimalistic, but very appealing.

I'll be anxious to get ahold of some more of the V-Mail series inks to review. If you are interested in trying them yourself, you can pick them up from Goulet or a similar retailer for $12.50.