Rapidographs Anyone?

[richardf8]

I've been doing my line-art for some time with Stick-Pens, Cartridge Pens, and a variety of other nylon-tipped, felt-tipped, and ceramic tipped "Tech" pens. I've also used Tachikawa manga nibs and Copic fountain pens.

I'm getting tired of spending lots of money on expendables, and reflecting on how, with nibs, you always know where you stand ink-wise. I've been contemplating getting a set of Rapidographs.

I hear lots of wonderful things about them, and lots of dreadful things about them. I'd like to hear some stories from people who've used rapidographs about what they're like, how you feel about them and why. I've been thinking of buying one to play with, but at $22.50 each it seems rather silly when my art store has a set of 6 for 67.00 (a great price, but even stupider than the 22.50 if I turn out to hate them). So I want to hear rapidograph tales, so I can get an idea of how they would fit with my work habits and style.

Comments

[lordrunningclam.livejournal.com]

I used them years ago when I was doing drafting work. All I really remember is I hated cleaning the things and always had black ink stains on my fingers.

But... they drew just fine. They take a light touch, though, because the nibs are easily damaged and expensive to replace. If you drop one, it's gone.

[moult.livejournal.com]

Based on my experience with Rapidoliners (seemingly the disposable version of the Rapidograph, but the European ranges are being renamed and discontinued all over the shop, so I'm not certain)...

They do produce very nice lines: strong, clean, uniform width. But they're not as pleasant to hold as fibre-tips, as they need to be fairly perpendicular to the paper. And (what may not be a problem with 'graphs) in the last four in a row I had, the valve in the nib stopped working properly after about five minutes. Perhaps I treat them rather roughly.

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

I don't know what they go for these days, but I use the Koh-I-Noors instead... maybe those would be cheaper?