Leo Tolstoy Sky Blue by Montblanc Is the brand's newest addition to the writer's edition line of inks and it's newest ink overall. For $16 per 35ml bottle, this is by no means a cheap ink. If you are trying to buy it from a Montblanc boutique, you may have trouble getting a hold on it. It is currently one of the most in-demand inks on the market.
While at first, it's dusty blue appearance may not seem too exciting, a closer look reveals slight shading and an out-of-this-world red sheen almost on every letter (hard to capture in pictures). In person, the sheen of this ink is sure to impress any fountain pen user, and can add complexity to your writing. This is the best shading ink I own apart from the J. Herbin 1670 series. To bring out the sheen as much as possible, use a paper with very low absorption, and a pen that is as wet as possible.
Leo Tolstoy Sky Blue comes in a 35ml bottle typical of Montblanc's writer's edition inks. It has a well-designed label and box with the Montblanc logo on the cap.
The colour seems poorly named to me as it's not light like I would expect a sky blue ink to be. Instead, it seems like a dark-blue or even a light blue-black. It is also Montblanc's third blue out this year. Seems to me they're running out of ideas.
As far as performance goes, this ink is in line with most Montblanc inks, doing well on cheap paper, even better on more expensive papers but flowing on the dry side with little or no water-resistance. Nothing too exciting.
I would highly recommend this limited edition ink if you are a fan of shading but still need a professional looking colour. If not, there isn't much else that makes it extraordinary. If you are going to buy it however, keep in mind that it is highly in demand and is limited.