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The David Hayward Design 5mm Brushed Nickel Scribbler is a very well made leadholder/clutch pencil with an incredible heft. At 66 grams, it is heavy and dense, and by far the heaviest handheld writing implement that I own.
The aesthetic is one of simplicity, with clean lines and surfaces. It is a design for designers – it dares you to not pick it up and start drawing.
David Hayward is a silversmith and designer who practices in Cheltenham, England.
I learned about his custom made leadholders from (where else?) leadholder.com.
My Lamy “Scribble” is trusted and proven, but I learned that david hayward design had introduced a “Scribbler”, also a wide lead leadholder, some years earlier.
I’m not certain if this is the one leadholder to rule them all, but it is very nice – exceptionally nice. Like the Montblanc Sketch Pen and the Mitsubishi Pure Malt, it is not just a creative writing and drawing implement, but an object worthy of appreciation in and of itself.
The pencil barrel is sterling silver with prominent hallmarks, the nose appears to be chrome finished, and the push button on top is also metal. The lead advance mechanism is push-button. (It is basically a mechanical pencil.)
This is a very refined pencil that rivals the quality and finish of any writing implement that I am aware of. It is also made by an individual craftsperson, which makes it all the more unique. Compared with other luxury writing implements, it is very reasonably priced.
2.0mm lead is widely available from both office and art supply stores, in a range of degrees, so refills are no problem. 2.0mm is also the width of the lead in woodcase pencils, so the handling is very familiar.
If you shake the pencil, the pushbutton makes a slight rattling noise. That is the only (very minor) thing I don’t like about it.
The pencil is very comfortable to hold, with a diameter of about 11mm. It combines a substantial heft with portability – a very powerful combination. I’ve been regularly using it for a few weeks, and like it all the more.