With kind thanks to Andrea of ortoritorto, a special image created for pencil talk:
Pencil news
Starting at home, David O. just left the 5000th comment at pencil talk! Thank you David and everyone else who has contributed!
2011 is looking like a year of nostalgia in the pencil realm.
As noted at Bleistift, Staedtler will be introducing pencil tins with retro/nostalgic themes, as well as a pencil making kit. That kit has been released in Japan in the past. (See Volume 1 of Stationery Magazine.)
Faber-Castell is now in their 250th anniversary year. Happy anniversary! Faber-Castell public relations staff are a class act and always represent their firm well. I am sure (without having confirmation or any insider knowledge) that they will be releasing a special pencil this year – how could they not? But maybe I am wrong. But what is announced is – a book!
Porsche Design has released their first Pelikan made writing instruments. 2500 Euros for a cartridge/converter pen? I’ll let the fountain pen and Porsche fans decide if either domain is done justice. There is a nice looking mechanical pencil as well.
And something I’m possibly even more excited about. CalCedar has announced what they call “Palomino-quality” private label pencils. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this one. I’ve already made some mental calculations about the pricing. Going back to 2005, I’ve been aware of regular requests for quality custom pencils, from many realms. Unless you are a large corporation, this type of service has remained very elusive. CalCedar’s announcement could really shake things up. I hope our friends in California launch this service soon.
Correction: The result of the Staedtler pencil making kit, a finished historic appearing pencil, has been sold in Japan, but not the kit itself.
Midori Brass Bullet Pencil
Originating in the rural US Midwest, the classic bullet pencil is reinterpreted by Japanese stationer Midori.
This particular item is part of a larger series of brass products meant to be accessories to the highly popular “Traveler’s Notebook”.
The sample shown is almost brand new, yet already shows signs of tarnishing or brassing. There are painted versions (brown and white) that should be more resilient.
The included cedar pencil is beautiful and first rate – one wonders if a full size version could be made available.
The brass is what makes this product really different. It has a truly metallic look, feel, and aroma. While some may love it, this finish will definitely be a matter of personal preference.
Pencil and eraser refills are available. The pencil branding is hidden once inserted into the holder:
It might just be the perfect thing for someone on the go who wants a very sturdy yet inexpensive pencil holder.
I think Midori have created a very interesting interpretation of a classic.
Penol Twin pencils
With many thanks to the kindness of blog reader Henrik (of Denmark), here is a box of Penol Twin 2011 double ended colour pencils.
Henrik tells me that Penol woodcase pencils are a brand revival. Penol seems to have done some regrouping, and are introducing older product lines, though these products are no longer made in Denmark.
The set has 18 pencils. They are hexagonal and factory sharpened. There is no statement of origin, though the packaging has text in Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish.
All in all, a lot of fun!
See also: Double ended colour pencils. (pencil talk, October, 2009)
Steinbeck’s favorite pencils
“My choice of pencils lies between the black Calculator stolen from Fox Films and this Mongol 2 3/8 F which is quite black and holds its point well—much better in fact than the Fox pencils. I will get six more or maybe four more dozen of them for my pencil tray.”
“Pencils must be round. A hexagonal pencil cuts my fingers after a long day. You see I hold a pencil for about six hours every day. This may seem strange but it is true. I am really a conditioned animal with a conditioned hand.”
Three pencils that we know John Steinbeck praised – the Eberhard Faber Mongol, the Blaisdell Calculator, and the Eberhard Faber Blackwing.
The Mongol 480 shown here is a less common round version. It writes very nicely!
The Blaisdell Calculator 600 is one of those pencils I thought I would never see – it is definitely the rarity of the trio. I find it to be an incredibly nice writer. It has much of that waxy smoothness of the better known Blackwing.
And, the Eberhard Faber Blackwing 602, a pencil that Steinbeck praised, contradicting his requirement that pencils be round.
Decades old, each one still writes well and sharpens with ease. What high standards they had back then!
My thanks to Sean from The Blackwing Pages for sending me the Calculator and Blackwing.
See also:
Blaisdell 600 v. Blackwing 602 at The Blackwing Pages
Paris Review, John Steinbeck, The Art of Fiction No. 45 at The Paris Review
Pelikan Exam Standard pencil
Here is an elaborately packaged single pencil from famous fountain pen manufacturer Pelikan. Perhaps the pencil is over packaged?
The cartoon Pelikan is looking quite friendly and relaxed.
Since Pelikan’s acquisition of Herlitz, I’ve been wondering if Pelikan would launch some new branded products. I’m not sure if this pencil qualifies.
It does look nice, but seems to be an average writer.