exploring the art and science of pencils since 2005
Here are the plainest black dyed pencils we’ve yet seen.
From Kirin, a smaller Japanese manufacturer, is the Black Pal. It features a black ferrule and black eraser.
As well, a no-name pencil with no markings, with an unfinished cap.
The Kirin has a much nicer lead, but the pencil’s appearance and handling are diminished by a prominent seam down the pencil’s side.
Both are nice overall, and embrace the all-black appearance even further than the pencils we’ve previously looked at.
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Here is the second set of pencils from Felissimo’s series of 500 colors.
Again, the packaging is impressive:
This month’s palette is hard to describe in a single word – the focus is on muted pinks, creams, pea greens, and mint greens. I was somehow expecting something like last month’s bright reds – perhaps another set of bright primaries, but also welcome this surprise.
I did try them out, and realized that the pencil pigments are much subtler than the lacquers on the pencil surfaces – matching 500 sets of pigments with 500 surface lacquers must be a significant part of the manufacturing challenge.
That ninth pencil, called Mrs. Parson, stands out in both surface lacquer and on paper.
There were a few questions after last month’s post on the first set, and I recommend that those interested take a look at Felissimo’s “Frequently Asked Questions” page via the banner below. For example, on the issue of lightfastness, Felissimo state that a small sample of pencils have been tested, and all are 4/5 or 5/5 on the JIS lightfastness scale. JIS is the Japanese Industrial Standards section of the Japanese Standards Association. While probably insufficient data for professional artists, I think this speaks well about the pencils from the quality persective.
I can’t wait to see what the next 25 pencils look like!
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Staedtler (Pacific) Pty Ltd of Australia has confirmed to me that manufacture of woodcase pencils has ceased in Australia.
I have only a few Australian Staedtlers, all courtesy of Dave of Dave’s Mechanical Pencils, and found them to be well made pencils. I am sad to learn of this news.
Rulers can be practical and attractive desk accessories.
Here are a few that I’ve recently acquired and like. (Described in the order seen in the top photo, left to right.)
From Folle, designed by Folmer Christiansen and made in Denmark, is the 2100. Danish design for the desk doesn’t disappoint! A stainless steel 30cm/12in ruler, it has large numerals at the 0, 10, 20, and 30 cm marks, and a shoehorn-like curve. It is the only ruler seen here that I would classify as expensive.
From Lexon is a black metal 30cm/12in ruler with a ‘foot’ on the imperial side which makes it stand up.
From Elmar Flötotto is a pure steel 30cm ruler designed by Jürgen Schebendach. It is very solid and heavy. The numbers cycle – 0, 1, …, 8, 9, 0, 1, … – so there are four 0s on the ruler. I love this – it might be whimsy, or a design choice, or it might reflect a perspective on the deeper structure of the integers. We don’t know, but we can enjoy.
Also, a corner is bent – a solution to the problem of how to pick up the ruler. Thought provoking as well.
I am amazed that something so simple can be so nice.
Troika (I’ve admired their pencil sharpeners, though have never bought one) have a 20cm ruler adorned with road lines and a racing car.
The next two are no-name (as least to me) but also high quality.
Finally, from Emform, a miniature architect’s scale called the Moritz.
Mentioned rulers:
Folle – Stainless Steel No. 2100. Designer: Folmer Christiansen
Lexon – LD74N. Designer: René Adda
Elmar Flötotto – Pure Steel Ruler. Designer: Jürgen Schebendach
Troika – Speedy RUL27/MA
Emform – Presenti Moritz
The standardization of the pencil slat during the 19th century allowed for the pencil industry’s mechanization and automation. While benefitting the industry and consumers, standardization also meant that almost all pencils have become just about the same in dimensions, with the length usually being about 175mm.
A rare exception is the Lyra Orlow Cellugraph 1174, a gigantic triangular pencil, 240mm long with a 12mm cross-section.
It is marketed as an all-surface pencil, and is mainly used by roofers, plumbers, and tinsmiths.
The Cellugraph is even more unusual, being made of Eastern White Pine, a less common pencil species.
The pencil is marked “Germany”, and Lyra has told me this means the pencil is not made in Germany, but rather China or Indonesia. (Lyra pencils that are made in Germany are explicitly marked “Made in Germany”.)
From Deskstore in Sweden (presumably not the manufacturer) is a black-dyed pencil of the same dimensions, though a different finish.
The Deskstore pencil’s lead seems to be perhaps more writing-oriented (as would be expected) with a softer lead.
The range of pencils in the market continues to amaze!
My thanks to Gunther of Lexikaliker, Woodchuck of Timberlines, and the Lyra Export Department, who all assisted with research and fact-checking for this brief article. As well, my thanks to Gunther for facilitating the purchase of the Cellugraph pencil.