*Garcia-Siemssen

... A subjective idea, at best.

Rapidographs have have FANTASTIC ink and a consistent line (albeit one mechanical, lacking organic variation in width, an earthy "soul").

The Hunt 102 ("Crow Quill" - "America's most popular drawing nib") produces a great line, but drawing forwards AND backwards, circles, variation in direction is more difficult. Nib feels scratchy and brittle.

Hunt 107 ("Hawk Quill") - strong, sturdy. Has steady line (though more varation than technical pen). Can move forwards and backwards, can draw complete circles with relative ease. Great nib. However, when in use (at least in my hands), this cylindrical nib has a way of spontaneously "flushing" the ink in its reservoir into a black wet shiny mess in the middle of your drawing. The Crow Quill, for its disadvantages, does not do this for me....

Hunt 100 ("Artist") - Fragile, flexible nib. Delicate line. Produces line similar to that as a brush. Needs much practice to use well. If moved in wrong direction will instantly create a splatter/spray of ink fanned out across your paper.

Hunt 512 - Like the Hunt 100, this nib comes with Speedball's Cartooning nib set. Described as a "BOWL POINTED fine pen for ruling and lettering", it's an easy nib to handle, forgiving, and capable of versatile direction (back, forth, circles, etc.). Does not scratch across Bristol like other pens (including technical pens). Almost as smooth as a ballpoint, but does not require pressure to produce dark line. Have read that this line produces a "coarse" line, but I have not found that to be so. Smooth, elegant lines possible. With pressure can produce varying line widths, or if held at angle on its tip can produce lines as thin as a technical pen. Will have to try more with this nib....

Ballpoint Pens (.7mm tip) - Has possibilities. Have seen great ballpoint drawings out there. The picture I attempted yesterday was not one of them. Will have to try again....