Two bottles, two personalities, one very important question: which suits your writing life?
In the world of fountain pen inks, the bottle is never just a bottle. It is part container, part display piece, part invitation to write more often than you strictly planned. And if you’re deciding between 38 ml and 20 ml, you’re not choosing “bigger” or “smaller”— you’re choosing a collecting style.
This guide is your elegant, practical tour “behind the cap”: how the two sizes differ in experience, who each one suits best, and how to build a palette that feels intentional rather than impulsive.
When you’re ready to browse the full colour library: See All Inks →
The Quick Difference (If You’re in a Hurry)
- 38 ml: Best for daily favourites, long writing sessions, and inks you want to keep in heavy rotation.
- 20 ml: Best for collectors, seasonal palettes, travel-friendly setups, and anyone who loves variety.
Now, let’s get properly specific.
38 ml: The “Signature Ink” Bottle
38 ml is the bottle for commitment—with just enough romance. It’s for the ink you reach for without thinking, the shade that belongs in your pen on ordinary Tuesdays, and the colour that makes your handwriting feel unmistakably yours.
Who it suits best
- Daily journalers and planners who refill often
- Letter writers who use one or two consistent colours
- Collectors who prefer a “capsule palette” rather than constant rotation
- Anyone with a favourite ink they refuse to be without
Why it feels different
A larger bottle changes your relationship with an ink. You stop “saving it for later” and start using it freely. That’s not just convenience—it’s confidence.
If you’re building a dependable daily rotation, you may enjoy exploring the Everyday range: Shop Everyday Inks →
20 ml: The “Collector’s Chapter” Bottle
20 ml is for curiosity. It’s the bottle size that says, “I want to try the entire story arc,” rather than, “I am marrying this colour forever.” It is perfect for collectors who love variety, and for anyone who enjoys building palettes like a wardrobe.
Who it suits best
- Collectors who want more colours without committing to litres of ink
- Seasonal swatchers who rotate palettes throughout the year
- Creative writers who match ink to mood and scene
- Travellers who want a lighter, tidier setup
Why it feels different
Smaller bottles invite experimentation. You’re more likely to try a daring colour, a new finish, or a palette you would never have chosen if it required a larger commitment. It’s responsible collecting with a mischievous grin.
For lore-rich palettes and story-led collecting, explore FerriTales: Shop FerriTales →
How to Choose: The Questions That Make It Obvious
1) How often will you refill?
If you refill frequently, 38 ml tends to feel satisfying and sensible. If you switch inks often or keep many pens in rotation, 20 ml may suit your lifestyle better.
2) Do you have a signature colour?
If yes, give it the dignity of a 38 ml bottle and use it freely. If no (or if you refuse to be pinned down), 20 ml lets you explore with elegance.
3) Are you a “palette builder” or a “daily loyalist”?
Palette builders love the variety of 20 ml. Daily loyalists love the dependable presence of 38 ml. Most people are a charming mix of both.
4) Are you buying for swatching or for writing?
If your joy is swatching, collecting, and rotating, 20 ml gives you breadth. If your joy is long writing sessions and routine, 38 ml gives you endurance.
The Best of Both Worlds: A Collector’s Strategy
If you want to be practical and indulgent (the ideal combination, frankly), consider building your ink wardrobe like this:
- One or two 38 ml bottles for your daily staples
- Several 20 ml bottles for seasonal palettes, experiments, and story-led collecting
This approach keeps your writing life consistent while still leaving room for delightful chaos. You will always have a dependable ink on hand—and always have something new to fall in love with.
Where to Start
If you want story and colour drama, start with FerriTales. If you want dependable daily companions, browse Everyday Inks. If you want the entire ink library, go straight to the main collection and let your heart do the sorting.
Whichever bottle you choose, remember: the best ink is the one you actually use. The rest is just charming shelf décor.