Robert Oster Charcoal is a dark grey fountain pen ink with a strong purple undertone and low shading. It dries in 15 seconds in a medium nib on Rhodia and has a slightly dry flow.

Robert Oster Inks

An iconic Aussie product within just months of its first appearance. A world leader in its category. And a well behaved, colourful choice for all. Think Australia think Robert Oster.

Indeed it is A drink for your pen

The contents? Robert Oster Signature Fountain Pen Inks are non-toxic and eco-friendly. Produced in a just-in-time manner means that stock isn’t warehoused for lengthy periods. In fact, Robert insists on producing the inks in quantities specific to daily requirements – and orders are literally filled into bottles specific to our retail partners’ particular needs. You can know that your ink bottle was filled and shipped just before it was offered for sale.

Robert Oster Bottles

As bottles go, this is an inoffensive, fairly ordinary shape. The mouth is wide enough for the widest of fountain pens. The cap is travel-proof and easy to use. So what was it that made them say it wouldnt work?

It isnt glass. It is too tall. It isnt wide enough. It doesnt come in a box… people dont buy ink unboxed.

Well, allow us to share Roberts reasoning behind the ink bottle hes now famous for:

I chose PET because it is made from recycled chemical waste which would otherwise remain a danger (or at best have a less friendly second life than a clean, recyclable PET bottle). PET is the world’s most recycled plastic and much more often recycled than glass bottles.

The shape? It works so well because of the need to handle and store ink bottles – we can easily become collectors of many inks. These fit so well in a small drawer or cabinet.

The now infamous cap label sits proudly atop. Each label was swatched by Robert Oster himself.

Robert Oster the Company

Robert Oster is committed to supporting not only the community of fountain pen and ink users the world over. They aim to give back to the world community in the form of sponsorships, gifts and charitable support to the tune of twenty percent of their entire pre-tax revenue.

To date, they have financially supported women and childrens’ refuge, food and clothing; mens’ mental health support; children in African villages food, water and education; and youth suicide prevention and support.

It is their pleasure to take what they have and put it in the hands of our extended world family — and you play a vital role in the giving by your continued encouragement.