Koh-I-Noor pens were all I used in the drafting/advertising design business in the days before computers. They have been around for decades. It is critical to keep them really clean, or they will become a real headache. A couple of sizes is a great way to start, and with a decent inking brush you are good to go.

I just found a box full of these in my shed

I've been using these pens for over 25 years. I'm and artist not a draftsman, fyi. I've used a lot of other pens and these pens are at the very top in my opinion. They last forever if you clean them and maintain them, the ink is solid, waterproof and drys fast, and the pen lays it down smooth. Pro tip: buy an ultrasonic cleaner and use Windex in said cleaner to clean your pens, you'll thank me later.

Technical pens are meant specificly for that use, anyway it is possible to use them also for drawing and sketching. It is necessary to consider that the cost will be "re-payed" by the veeeery long lasting of the pen. It is almost ethernal but it is necessary a constant and accurate maintenance. The ink to be used is technical ink or at least india ink. Other type, such as funtain pen or calligraphy ink does not work at all, because of different viscosity that do not work fine with the typical feeding mode of the technical nib. You tested the waterproof, and demonstrate tha the ink even after dry, produces a mess when re-wetted. This is true but it is relevant to the type of paper. It is necessary to make some test in order to find the right paper that alows the ink to completely and deeply dry. When that comes, china black (orindia ink, or technical ink whatever yu call it) is full waterproof. You can even abuse of it with multiple wash of watercolor without any leaking. Cheers

When I used these pens it was for stipple work on vellum (clear acetate). Excellent overall for my type of artwork. On acetate you always give dry time so it's a non factor and I could not see millennium pens laying down enough ink to get rich blacks though I have not done this work in 30 yrs. I just remember how perfect and accurate I could do the stiple shading with so many nibsizes. Shading was a breeze with multiple nibs feathering outward or inward.

These pens have been around for sense like the 70's they're wonderful. Last you for decades!

It really isn't a review of the pen to test how waterproof the ink is.. that is a property of the ink. Koh-I-Nor makes numerous inks, and some of them are water resistant, and some are waterproof. So, which particular one were you testing?

The main difference is that the Rapidographs have a full metal pen tip that will last for years, and works slightly better with a ruler, which is really all that I use a technical pen for. You have to draw with less speed and pressure, but I don't really mind it. For more organic drawing, dip pens create much more lively lines anyway. There is also the Tachikawa School G fountain pen, which is a great alternative to manga nibs. You can even eyedropper convert the School G to bypass the criminal cost of the proprietary ink cartridges.

This was incredibly thorough and helpful! Thank you!

Thank you for the review. I've been considering refillable technical pens for the future. I'm new to drawing though so it will be a while. I looked around and the only Signo refills were in black red and blue. The signo is my first white pen and I really like it. There's an Angelic signo with a 0.7mm tip as well, not super fine but still smaller. The stores near me only sell the broad tip but it's working for me right now. Maybe they'll change their minds about refill colors in the future. I use mine sparingly but a refill would be nice when the time comes if I don't crack it :)

holy crap your music is waaay louder than your dialog

The rapidograph is most effective when used on a regular basis. Yes, keep the rapidograph clean and dry between uses. Have patience when using and cleaning a rapidograph, especially old ones you acquire. The better care applied equals many years of enjoyment and great art pieces.

Great video. V useful!

New product? Apparently, I am a time traveller.

I got these for free because a lady was cleaning out her house so I decided to search to up right now so I know how to use them sge also had film I wish I had taken it 😬

Have the Rotering pens bought the 40 years ago.

i just bought this at a thrift store for 5 dollars!

Just watched it and y’all should too

I would love to know the intensity of the black ink, how dark it is compared to other cheaper pens. Here in Australia the common brand is Artline. They have Artline pens just like these that are around 5 bucks each. I would hope and imagine those Rapidographs are much darker than the average Artline.

Use Daler Rowney China white ink. Fat nibs only. Clean pen after each use. Some lines may need two "coats".

One thing that you may not have mentioned is that you are required to use Rapidograph inks. You can’t use fountain pen ink. The idea of a refillable pen is great but they sure are messy and require a lot of maintenance.

i NEED 1.2 1.4 TIP CAN i FIND ONE ???

they r literally cost 2€