pencil talk | pencil reviews and discussion
exploring the art and science of pencils since 2005
A very belated clarification…
Staedtler Canada gently let me know that this post featured the wrong WOPEX pencil. The 2010 post reviewed a light blue finished version – but in Canada and the US, a green version (the same colour as the 2H WOPEX sold in Europe, as far as I can tell) is the general offering.
The photo above shows a package of WOPEX pencils as sold in Canada.
Leading pencil manufacturer Faber-Castell recently extended their popular Grip pencil line with the “Sparkle”.
While at first glance it might seem easy to dismiss the product as just a novelty, the pencils really do exude charm when seen in person. They come in a variety of colours – only a few are shown here, and the lead is a B grade.
I don’t really know what the small sparkling pieces are made of – perhaps plastic? Using a less expensive sharpener might be a wise precaution.
Faber-Castell has created an interesting and affordable product – these pencils are not premium priced, and have a remarkably nice finish.
Does anyone like them?
A note to readers
Early last year, posting at pencil talk started to trail off. There was no plan for a break. It just seemed to be harder and harder to create posts, until there came a point where it became a significant effort.
The interest in pencils and stationery hadn’t diminished, but family challenges and work duties have both called for greater attention. The blog was started in 2005, so there is little surprise that life has changed over these eight years.
A few recent posts have been an attempt to see if the energy and interest remain.
A vintage blotter or advertising card for Dixon Ticonderoga. The Scottish bagpiper (bagpenciler?) character is reminiscent of Canadian Tire money and Sandy McTire.
The Plymouth Building was demolished in 1965 according to Winnipeg Buildings. The six digit phone number might be another guide to dating the ad.
Nice desk accessories can bring some joy to daily tasks.
Posing with my morning newspaper are two letter openers. One is from Graf von Faber-Castell, and the other from E+M Holzprodukte.
The GvFC letter opener has a beautiful leather handle and considerable heft.
The E+M letter opener continues that company’s beautiful Zebrano wood writing implement line.
The GvFC letter opener has an engraving:
Also, a possible opportunity for custom engraving on the cap:
There is a great new article Why Is Hollywood Obsessed With This Pencil? by Seth Abramovitch at The Hollywood Reporter.
As well as the great writing and careful review of the Blackwing’s story, the article has the bonus of interviewing Sean from The Blackwing Pages!
