Staedtler kindly sent pencil talk a sample of their new pencilmaker set.
The official product description in English is “7-piece historic pencil kit including instructions,” and the model number is “61 HP KIT”.
Readers of Lexikaliker know that the product was unveiled at the 2011 Paperworld show, and part of a larger series of pencil products with historic themed packaging.
The set contains two carpenter style pencil slats, a rectangular lead, string, glue, a seal, and instructions.
For some years, Staedtler has promoted their brand with employees in historical garb performing pencil making demonstrations. A little online searching reveals that these events are held in many countries.
As well, finished historic appearance pencil products have been packaged, as shown in the first volume of Stationery Magazine.
I am told the best place to observe the rendition of historic pencil making craft is at Nürnberg’s Christkindlmarkt. If you haven’t heard of a Christkindlmarkt, the Guardian has a nice piece on them. There is even one in my own backyard, though I haven’t been to it.
The kit is simple enough that I think it doesn’t need too much explanation. The version I received differs from the one seen at Bleistift and in official photos in that the slats in my version don’t have any markings. i.e. they are not marked “Staedtler”.
As Joan asked, a key question is – are you going to assemble the pencil and use it, or just keep the set as a memento?
Staedtler sent this sample, but that’s far from all they did. They contacted pencil talk about giving away 175 sets (corresponding to their 175th corporate anniversary) via this blog. I was amazed. Manufacturers have regularly sent items for review or as contest promotions, but never anything at even close to this scale.
The logistics alone represent a significant expenditure by Staedtler. And it was all done very graciously with just a few coordinating phone calls. The kit fits so well with the interests of pencil talk readers – it is great promotion, and I sincerely thank Staedtler for choosing to reach out this way.
Some further details – the kits are being given away on a first come, first served basis. As of June 3rd, about 75 kits were claimed, and there are still some available as of the 6th. Shipping will not begin until late June, so please allow 4 to 8 weeks for delivery.
To request a free pencilmaker set, see the details in the previous post.
Hmm…now that I look at it (and read the Matthias’s post)…I’m not sure I’m a fan. The wax seal is plastic and must be attached with glue? I guess providing a stamp and a wax stick would have been really quite expensive and troublesome, but a pre-made seal with adhesive just seems…wrong.
If I got one of these kits, I’d probably make my own wax seal and my own glue. The slats and lead seem to be a decent starting point for a DIY project, but the rest of the kit seems, at least to me, to cheapen the final product.
Were the graphite and wood of sufficiently high quality and easily sourced, I’d be tempted to get a few dozen just to make some custom pieces.
By now I think the best solution is to acquire a second kit and keep one for posperity and assemble another to fully test (and enjoy) it.
Another problem is how do you build a usable point on that?
About the “cheapness” of the kit, I can only agree. Ok, it is very -err..- unexpensive in money terms, but I expected a little more “quality feeling” on the whole kit. Even the metal tin itself is somehow unsatisfactory. It sometimes seems more a toy than an enthusiast object.
BUT, let me say the idea is just great and the most important part (the wood, graphitte and glue) is what really matters if you intend to enjoy the pencil. Isn’t it?
Great of staedtler to do this. Hope I can get one of these wonderful sets.
I emailed them so I hope I get one. When do you find out?
As of June 10th (yesterday) there were still some sets available, so everyone who has requested one via Staedtler should receive a set. When they are gone, I’ll put up a note or addendum mentioning the end of the offer.
I sent an e-mail off and I’ve been informed I’ve won a pencil! Hurrah!
I shall write my shopping list with it in my Moleskine notebook for extra hipster points! While wearing my fez*. In a coffee shop.
*Fez by Fez-O-Rama.com
Well, my principal thanks must go to Staedtler, who are sending a kit to me, but I also thank you for alerting me to the offer in the first place.
Thanks for the heads up! I was so excited to give it a shot and email Staedtler and was thrilled to be notified that they’re sending me one of the kits. I love my Staedtler pencils and appreciate their generosity and your alert. jonathan