Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph Technical Pens

I thought I’d try 3x0/.25 fine tip rapidograph to see if it would make great ink drawings.

Pros: solid reliable line work, koh-I-Noor ink does not fade when you erase overtop. The fun starts when you get used to lining with it.

Cons: pen is very difficult to maintain. It works perfectly for about an hour then you have to tap and shake it to get it going strong again. You must not angle the drawing surface too steep or the ink won’t flow properly.

I first tried size 6x0/.13. Lines were amazing but it clogged after a few hours of use. I tried to clean it but it wouldn’t
Budge even after soaking overnight in rapido-eze. I had to throw it out after removing the inner nib and it came out quite bent. It was a faux pas but I was gentle!

The 3x0/.25 lasted through about 9 drawings that I spent between 5 and 30 hours on. It clogged severely partway through my current drawing. Tapping and shaking didn’t help so I soaked it a few days in windex and rapido-eze then removed the fine wire tip. That is not advisable but I was able to get it back in after careful fidgeting and it still doesn’t work so I have to finish the drawing with microns haha.

Got size 2.5/.70 thick liner and it seems easier to maintain and lines extremely well. I think the thicker liners are the winners here.

I wish I could talk to a rapidograph expert to see if there’s hope for my 3x0/.25. I didn’t find a good youtube video yet.

I’ve been using the same set of Koh-i-noor pens for 20 years. They are without doubt the best technical pens I have come across for precise pen and ink drawing. BUT these pen nibs are delicate and will require occasional cleaning if you let the ink dry out in them.

Wonderful precise pens. A little more expensive but worth the purchase if they are well cared for. I have used this pen for my life time!
This pen is worth a 5 star mention but I clicked 4 because sometimes the pen can be slightly tricky to fill.
I have a large exhibition on now at the West Vancouver Art Museum and the large acrylic detailed geometric paintings are all largely created with this pen.