Robert Oster - Silent Nite
Silent Nite is a limited-edition ink from Robert Oster. It was originally released in the four-ink (each sold separately), 2020 Holidays Inks collection. (Endless Pens lists the same four inks as a 2023 Holiday set, as well, but I don’t find it mentioned for 2023 anywhere else.) Either way, as I write this, it’s still available at many retailers.
Although it doesn’t bring holidays to mind for me, it does conjure images of a night’s silent sky. Many call it a grey, but I see it firmly as a blue. It’s a soft but determined dusty grey blue with a subtle infusion of lavender. The lavender undertones are particularly present on high-quality coated papers. On these, it’s gentle and elegant with very nice shading both light and dark.
In writing, it has the feel and consistency of most Robert Oster inks. It’s not dry in flow, but the texture and feel are unmistakable. Drying times were very fast on most papers tested. It’s nicely water-resistant, too, and that’s always a plus.
Performance is very good. I didn’t find any feathering or spread on high-quality papers, and show-through is minor. On coated papers, there’s great definition with a nice, darkened stroke profile.
It’s pretty good on cheaper copy paper, as well. There’s a bit of very minor spreading, but no real feathering, and show-through is very tolerable.
Robert Oster Silent Nite is a great choice for everyday use. It’s fairly versatile across paper types and weights, and it offers good water-resistance. It doesn’t scream celebration, but it’s professional and understated with a confident, elegant persona. It fits nicely with many people’s Monday-to-Friday favorites!