For me, I use the old-fashioned dip pens, a Speedball holder with an A-5 Speedball nib. My favorite ink is Higgins India Ink. For the shadow side, I use the side the pen you are supposed to. This side has the number engraved on the blade. This produces a nice thick line. For the lighter side, I turn it over, that way the pen almost acts like a point for thin lines.