Last year, Caran d’Ache released an unusual product, a pencil with a lead containing coffee grounds. This blog took a look at the pencils, and deemed them innovative but having problems.
Caran d’Ache recently released a second version, officially called a Set of 3 NESPRESSO graphite pencils Limited Edition 5th Edition. This is a series that includes both ballpoints, clutch pencils, and woodcase pencils. Editions 1, 2, and 3 were ballpoint pens, while 4 included both the original pencils and a 2mm Fixpencil.
This pencil has some significant differences – the wood is “FSC™ certified cedar” rather than Swiss beech, and the lead is smooth and no longer crumbles. I would say the mark is fainter. Also gone is the unusual aroma. The end caps are “ochre, green and gold” according to Caran d’Ache. This version is an attractive, approachable, and very usable quality pencil.
It’s great to hear that the second variant is better than the first. However, this pencil still gives me the impression that it is an advertisement for Nespresso. But maybe I am too critical ;-)
Certainly, this is arguably an advertising pencil . But labelled Caran d’Ache , marketed by Caran d’Ache, and priced like Caran d’Ache. :-)
What a fascinating pencil. I’ll check it out since I was $2100 short on the Thoreau pencil. These I can make happen!