How pencils are made – video
My thanks to Huib for these YouTube links – these are by far the best the best videos I’ve seen documenting pencil production.
Staedtler This is from the How it is Made televison show. Staedtler is never mentioned by name.
I found these fascinating. Staedler pencils have always had a unique type of factory sharpening, and we see how they do it! Lots of other information as well.
It looks like the guy pouring the graphite and clay dust at Faber-Castell should be wearing a mask.
We also see some quality tests, such as a Staedtler pencil point snapping at 36.2 Newtons of force, and Faber-Castell’s fascinating lead abrasion tester in action.
Steno Pencils in North America?
Two recent blog comments plus direct email reveals that a few people are seeking high quality Steno pencils in North America. The Stenofix or Castell 9008 would be ideal. Are there any known sources, or any vendors who ship worldwide?
Felissimo 500 colour pencil set
More information about this interesting set of 500 colour pencils – it is sold by subscription. 25 pencils are released each month for a period of 20 months! That’s what I call a pencil of the month club!
It looks like Kossy already has the first (and very green!) set: On the desk, at any time
Also, two English language articles about the pencils. The first shows some very interesting arrangements, using the pencils as decorative objects:
Asaborake and design in daily life.
For those who’d like to see the vast array, the official product page.
Also, Felissimo has a New York branch in a beautiful building. I wonder if they stock these pencils?
Lexikaliker quoted by Staedtler
It is really a delight to see fellow pencil blog Lexikaliker being quoted by the pencil industry.
This story was picked up by Staedtler’s company newsletter, which can be downloaded here.
For the curious, Faber-Castell also has a newsletter. Sample interesting fact: There are six machines capable of manufacturing the Grip 2001 pencil. Two are in Germany, and four are in Brazil.
Wow! very informative and engaging material. Thanks for posting these links. Specially liked the Faber Castell newsletters.
Thanks Alberto, I appreciate your feedback.
I’ve seen this magnificient set of 500 colored pencils in the flesh at Felissimo NYC. It takes your breath away! But that was a long while ago. I think the New York location is no longer a store, but is now a rather high concept design exhibition/design lab or something like that (I’m still not sure). The space was and is still lovely, however.
Patricia, thanks for sharing the reminiscence. One of the articles mentions that this is a re-issue of a 1992 set, so you probably saw the original.