Comments on: Pencils! http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Sat, 25 May 2013 12:19:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: nutate http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851970 nutate Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851970 Best mechanical pencil/eraser Twist-Erase III by Pentel. If someone can tell me they enjoy capped, miniature erasers on the back of their pencils... I'd be amazed. The twist-erases last forever. Their only shortcoming in my mind is the fixed tip, I wish they had a retractable tip model that would go into pockets easier. I've searched office supply stores in Tokyo and I have yet to find anything approaching the twist-erase III (which, of course they sell) ... Here's to the IV coming out someday. http://www.pentel.com/catalog_product.php?id=719 $2.17 at amazon. If someone has a suggestion for a mechanical pencil as awesome as this, let me know. Also, David Rees of mnftiu is offering an artisanal pencil sharpening service, totally boutique: http://www.artisanalpencilsharpening.com/ Best mechanical pencil/eraser Twist-Erase III by Pentel. If someone can tell me they enjoy capped, miniature erasers on the back of their pencils… I’d be amazed. The twist-erases last forever. Their only shortcoming in my mind is the fixed tip, I wish they had a retractable tip model that would go into pockets easier.

I’ve searched office supply stores in Tokyo and I have yet to find anything approaching the twist-erase III (which, of course they sell) … Here’s to the IV coming out someday.

http://www.pentel.com/catalog_product.php?id=719

$2.17 at amazon.

If someone has a suggestion for a mechanical pencil as awesome as this, let me know.

Also, David Rees of mnftiu is offering an artisanal pencil sharpening service, totally boutique:

http://www.artisanalpencilsharpening.com/

]]> By: Woodchuck http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-854792 Woodchuck Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-854792 Actually here at California Republic we have indeed claimed the rights to the Blackwing trademark and will be introducing the Palomino Blackwing and reviving this classic product later this fall. In the meantime learn more about the Palomino product range here at our newly updates Pencils.com site and stay tuned for updates on the return on the Blackwing. http://www.pencils.com/category/brand/california-republic/palomino Actually here at California Republic we have indeed claimed the rights to the Blackwing trademark and will be introducing the Palomino Blackwing and reviving this classic product later this fall. In the meantime learn more about the Palomino product range here at our newly updates Pencils.com site and stay tuned for updates on the return on the Blackwing.

http://www.pencils.com/category/brand/california-republic/palomino

]]> By: Cruftbox http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-852247 Cruftbox Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-852247 I'm also a fan of the Mirado Black Warrior. IMHO, a true pencil is wooden with an eraser on the end. In that realm, the Mirado Black Warrior reigns supreme! Mechanical & drafting pencils are something completely different. The lead/eraser combo works well together to ensure a clean erase, unlike many pencils today. I’m also a fan of the Mirado Black Warrior. IMHO, a true pencil is wooden with an eraser on the end. In that realm, the Mirado Black Warrior reigns supreme! Mechanical & drafting pencils are something completely different.

The lead/eraser combo works well together to ensure a clean erase, unlike many pencils today.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-1142297 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1142297 Well , the best value for money pencils I have come across are from statesman stationery. I picked some up in a trip to india and I thought it the range was awesome . I wish someone will import the brand into the states. They have the ultrasharp pencil sharpener as well as new type of twist blade sharpener I saw in the shop but haven't seen on their website. This thing has a curves tapered blade that manages to sharpen anything. They also seem to do a pen/pencil thing that's similar to the pilot frixion, but can erase with a normal eraser. I love it. Dunno if it's a pencil or a pen though Check it out www.statesmanstationery.com and if anyone knows where to get the stuff in the United States please post the details Well , the best value for money pencils I have come across are from statesman stationery. I picked some up in a trip to india and I thought it the range was awesome . I wish someone will import the brand into the states. They have the ultrasharp pencil sharpener as well as new type of twist blade sharpener I saw in the shop but haven’t seen on their website. This thing has a curves tapered blade that manages to sharpen anything. They also seem to do a pen/pencil thing that’s similar to the pilot frixion, but can erase with a normal eraser. I love it. Dunno if it’s a pencil or a pen though

Check it out http://www.statesmanstationery.com and if anyone knows where to get the stuff in the United States please post the details

]]> By: Peter S. Conrad http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-852002 Peter S. Conrad Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-852002 My favorite pencil used to be the Berol Electronic Scorer. So soft and lush. My favorite pencil used to be the Berol Electronic Scorer. So soft and lush.

]]> By: nixiebunny http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851493 nixiebunny Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851493 The thing about the Quicker Clicker is that the eraser is always ready to use, and it doesn't click the lead advance accidentally, like all those fancy metal pencils with end-clickers do, if you press down while erasing. It would be nice of Pentel to make a sturdy version of that pencil in metal. The thing about the Quicker Clicker is that the eraser is always ready to use, and it doesn’t click the lead advance accidentally, like all those fancy metal pencils with end-clickers do, if you press down while erasing.

It would be nice of Pentel to make a sturdy version of that pencil in metal.

]]> By: Carl Rigney http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-852572 Carl Rigney Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-852572 Henry Petroski wrote a fascinating book <A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/Pencil-History-Design-Circumstance/dp/0679734155/"><EM>The Pencil: A History of Design and Circumstance</EM></A>. His book <EM>The Book on the Bookshelf</EM> is also very interesting (to people who like books). Henry Petroski wrote a fascinating book The Pencil: A History of Design and Circumstance.

His book The Book on the Bookshelf is also very interesting (to people who like books).

]]> By: TourPro http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-855404 TourPro Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-855404 "A Sioux war-party raid on the factory!" Read about the <a href="http://www.adirondackbasecamp.com/2009/03/pencil-past/" title="A Pencil to the Past">Blackfeet "War Pencils"</a>. “A Sioux war-party raid on the factory!”

Read about the Blackfeet “War Pencils”.

]]> By: pencilbox http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851567 pencilbox Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851567 that one's pretty nice, Zebra, but I feel the apex of pencil geekdom lives at http://www.penciltalk.org The guy's an amateur photographer who's really into pencils. I wrote him once to ask him if I could use some of his photos (he said no). Beautiful pictures. that one’s pretty nice, Zebra, but I feel the apex of pencil geekdom lives at http://www.penciltalk.org

The guy’s an amateur photographer who’s really into pencils. I wrote him once to ask him if I could use some of his photos (he said no).

Beautiful pictures.

]]> By: mellowknees http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-852100 mellowknees Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-852100 I love pencils. I buy my own at work (rather than relying on the crappy ones we can get because they are cheap). I'm hooked on the Mirado Black Warrior pencils...I LOVE them. First off, they are fantastic pencils. Secondly, they look awesome and very distinctive. Thirdly, everyone thinks I am insane for using pencils, so no one ever wants to steal them. And fourthly, they allow me to doodle during meetings, which is an important part of my Not Falling Asleep At Work plan. I love pencils. I buy my own at work (rather than relying on the crappy ones we can get because they are cheap). I’m hooked on the Mirado Black Warrior pencils…I LOVE them. First off, they are fantastic pencils. Secondly, they look awesome and very distinctive. Thirdly, everyone thinks I am insane for using pencils, so no one ever wants to steal them. And fourthly, they allow me to doodle during meetings, which is an important part of my Not Falling Asleep At Work plan.

]]> By: nixiebunny http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851340 nixiebunny Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851340 They still haven't beat the Pentel Quicker Clicker. Best pencil design ever, and available on ebay in bulk for ~$1 each. We go through them quickly, now that I have a family to help lose them in the car seats and couch cushions. They still haven’t beat the Pentel Quicker Clicker. Best pencil design ever, and available on ebay in bulk for ~$1 each.

We go through them quickly, now that I have a family to help lose them in the car seats and couch cushions.

]]> By: Zebra05 http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851356 Zebra05 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851356 For full blown pencil geekdom check out Dave's Mechanical Pencils. http://davesmechanicalpencils.blogspot.com/ For full blown pencil geekdom check out Dave’s Mechanical Pencils.
http://davesmechanicalpencils.blogspot.com/

]]> By: gurka http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851876 gurka Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851876 The Faber-Castell Perfect pencil must be mentioned here! http://www.thepencompany.co.uk/product/graf_von_faber-castell_perfect_pencil_-_sterling_silver The Faber-Castell Perfect pencil must be mentioned here! http://www.thepencompany.co.uk/product/graf_von_faber-castell_perfect_pencil_-_sterling_silver

]]> By: grimc http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851366 grimc Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851366 Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the <a href="http://www.pencils.com/store/palomino-graphite-hb-pencils">California Cedar Palomino HB</a>, perhaps the finest writing pencil ever created. The graphite is slightly softer than a standard HB, leading to darker lines and smoother operation. Available both with eraser and without, most prefer the non-eraser version because of it's pure writing aesthetic, and with a Palomino, no mark is a mistake! I think it was an old BB post that turned me on to them. Good pencils. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the California Cedar Palomino HB, perhaps the finest writing pencil ever created. The graphite is slightly softer than a standard HB, leading to darker lines and smoother operation. Available both with eraser and without, most prefer the non-eraser version because of it’s pure writing aesthetic, and with a Palomino, no mark is a mistake!

I think it was an old BB post that turned me on to them. Good pencils.

]]> By: Scamp http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851631 Scamp Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851631 Smencils? Pencils that smell? Horrors! I suffer enough mini-migraines coping with the fragrances that people wear. If office supplies are to be scented, it's high time I retired. Smencils? Pencils that smell? Horrors! I suffer enough mini-migraines coping with the fragrances that people wear. If office supplies are to be scented, it’s high time I retired.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851378 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851378 My favorite mechanical pencil ever is my Uni-ball Alpha Gel Shaka Shaker Pencil.... got it in japantown back in high school. No clicking if I don't want, super soft grip, and its never jammed on me once.... I have 2 more in the package, should I ever lose this one. Also, I think its pretty. http://www.jetpens.com/product_info.php/products_id/2162 My favorite mechanical pencil ever is my Uni-ball Alpha Gel Shaka Shaker Pencil…. got it in japantown back in high school. No clicking if I don’t want, super soft grip, and its never jammed on me once…. I have 2 more in the package, should I ever lose this one. Also, I think its pretty.

http://www.jetpens.com/product_info.php/products_id/2162

]]> By: Joey Centanni http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-855990 Joey Centanni Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-855990 Pencil Lovers, I work for CalCedar Products with Woodchuck and I would like to let you know that our new site is officially up! Visit pencils.com to get the highest quality pencils at great prices. As you know...we will also have updates on the Blackwing as the weeks pass. Follow us on Twitter (pencilscom) and Facebook (The Pencil Page) to stay up to date with news on future plans, promotions, and sales! Pencil Lovers,
I work for CalCedar Products with Woodchuck and I would like to let you know that our new site is officially up! Visit pencils.com to get the highest quality pencils at great prices. As you know…we will also have updates on the Blackwing as the weeks pass. Follow us on Twitter (pencilscom) and Facebook (The Pencil Page) to stay up to date with news on future plans, promotions, and sales!

]]> By: tsdguy http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-852152 tsdguy Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-852152 You're missing something if you don't try the Kuru Toga. It's amazing as it keeps a perfect point on the lead by rotating it a small amount each time you touch down on the paper. It has a little indicator you can watch rotate around the barrel if you are totally uninterested in what you're writing. It comes in 3 and 5mm so you folks that like very thin lead can be satisfied. The only complaint I have is that the eraser is minuscule and worthless. Considering the high tech lead that is being manufactured in Japan, you have many choices of hardness, lead that has order, diamonds, etc. You’re missing something if you don’t try the Kuru Toga. It’s amazing as it keeps a perfect point on the lead by rotating it a small amount each time you touch down on the paper. It has a little indicator you can watch rotate around the barrel if you are totally uninterested in what you’re writing.

It comes in 3 and 5mm so you folks that like very thin lead can be satisfied. The only complaint I have is that the eraser is minuscule and worthless.

Considering the high tech lead that is being manufactured in Japan, you have many choices of hardness, lead that has order, diamonds, etc.

]]> By: dculberson http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851404 dculberson Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851404 "Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed" My sister and I used to laugh at that slogan when our mom worked in office supplies. Too bad we didn't kick back a few cases of the pencil to ensure our retirement abilities. Sigh. “Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed”

My sister and I used to laugh at that slogan when our mom worked in office supplies. Too bad we didn’t kick back a few cases of the pencil to ensure our retirement abilities. Sigh.

]]> By: Gilbert Wham http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851662 Gilbert Wham Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851662 Can the Blackwing not be reversed-engineered by an enterprising type, a la Kodachrome? A more unscrupulous type could make a pretty penny Ebaying snide Blackwings... Can the Blackwing not be reversed-engineered by an enterprising type, a la Kodachrome?
A more unscrupulous type could make a pretty penny Ebaying snide Blackwings…

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851430 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851430 With all due respect and recognition to nixiebunny & grimc; I have admitted (the first step) to pencilphelia. It is therefore with great giddiness that I present to you what I feel to be the very best pencils ever made: http://www.flickr.com/photos/suehawkins/3291072998/in/set-72157614074516480/ [wipes tear] thank you---sue h With all due respect and recognition to nixiebunny & grimc; I have admitted (the first step) to pencilphelia.

It is therefore with great giddiness that I present to you what I feel to be the very best pencils ever made:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/suehawkins/3291072998/in/set-72157614074516480/

[wipes tear] thank you—sue h

]]> By: usonia http://boingboing.net/2010/08/03/pencils.html#comment-851440 usonia Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-851440 BWAAAAAH! My grandmother preferred Blackwings for bridge scorekeeping. No idea why. My whole life, I loved pulling the erasers out, also no idea why. A few years ago, I realized they were magnificent for drawing and asked if I could have a few. She gave me 2 boxes from her stockpiled case. When I used 'em up, I think I just went back too my 2nd fave Koh-I-Noors. When she died, there were probably 10 boxes of those pencils left. I didn;t think much of it, and I'm sure my aunties just sent 'em off to the Salvation Army. Not that I wanted to ebay 'em, per se (but not a bad idea, and one that grandma would have supported wholeheartedly), but they were lovely for drawing, and I had no idea they were so rare. I have nubs in a box somewhere I'm sure... BWAAAAAH! My grandmother preferred Blackwings for bridge scorekeeping. No idea why. My whole life, I loved pulling the erasers out, also no idea why. A few years ago, I realized they were magnificent for drawing and asked if I could have a few. She gave me 2 boxes from her stockpiled case. When I used ‘em up, I think I just went back too my 2nd fave Koh-I-Noors. When she died, there were probably 10 boxes of those pencils left. I didn;t think much of it, and I’m sure my aunties just sent ‘em off to the Salvation Army. Not that I wanted to ebay ‘em, per se (but not a bad idea, and one that grandma would have supported wholeheartedly), but they were lovely for drawing, and I had no idea they were so rare. I have nubs in a box somewhere I’m sure…

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