The discussion revolves around the search for the best writing utensils, particularly focusing on pens and pencils suitable for studying and solving math and physics problems. Participants share their preferences, experiences, and recommendations regarding various writing tools, including multi-colored pens, mechanical pencils, and fountain pens.
While several participants agree on the quality of specific brands like Uni-ball and Zebra, there is no consensus on a single best writing utensil. Different preferences for pens, pencils, and writing styles lead to a variety of recommendations and experiences shared.
Participants express varying preferences for pen and pencil types, indicating that individual writing styles and needs significantly influence their choices. Some discussions touch on the limitations of certain products, such as the eraser quality on mechanical pencils and the need for specific inks in Rapidographs, but these points remain unresolved.
turbo-1 said:Congrats on the nice pens. They are a personal favorite. Do you have a neighborhood art/stationary store? If so, they may have paper samples out for you to try before buying. The smaller-diameter nibs will benefit from some heavily calendered paper (paper that has been smoothed by running it through a stack of heavy polished rolls). Lots of art papers are intentionally coarsely-finished in order to provide some "bite" to graphite, pastels, paints, etc. They don't work so well with fine-tipped pens like Rapidographs.
Most paper is calendered, but that's part of the production process, and only the quality-control people and buyers would know about the degree to which the paper was calendered to achieve the desired smoothness. Salespeople in stationary stores would only know it some paper was smoother or coarser than other types. You might try asking for drafting paper and see what they come up with.AlexChandler said:Aha. I have tried a few kinds of smooth paper. I bought some Strathmore Bristol Smooth, but the ink always seems to smear when I write on it. Do you know of a specific kind that I might be able to order? I went to a couple of art stores, and nobody had heard of calendered paper.
Thanks!