September 2008 – pencil talk | pencil reviews and discussion

September 29, 2008

Apsara Gold for executives pencil

The first in a series on the pencils of the Hindustan Pencil Company.

There is something plucky and charming about a woodcase pencil that announces its elite market.

Apsara Gold for executives pencil

This isn’t just the “Apsara Gold” – it is the “Apsara Gold for executives”!

The black and gold pencil is definitely distinctive and handsome.

The font is very unusual for a pencil, and quite suiting.

Has anyone else read The Painter of Signs? This pencil causes me to recall R. K. Narayan’s vivid portrayal of the craft of a dedicated sign maker in India.

September 28, 2008April 19, 2009

International Arrivals pencil sharpener

One small mystery solved.

The International Arrivals pencils – fluorescent and carpenter – have no practical way to sharpen them.

A lucky break came my way, and I found the right sharpener at a local bookstore – a place with no other International Arrivals products that I could see.

International Arrivals pencil sharpener

Much larger than just a general large hole sharpener, with slots specifically sized for their two pencils, the product brings some resolution to the problem.

The oversize fluorescent pencils are made usable again – and the carpenter’s pencil is pointed. Of course, this point is like that of a regular pencil, and discards the lead’s rectangular shape. Who wants carpenter pencils pointed this way? I suppose it beats nothing.

September 27, 2008September 28, 2008

Pencils at Lexikaliker

Even though there have been few updates here this month, Lexikaliker has more than picked up the challenge of discussing pencils! (With much better photography!)

Some recent pencil-related posts:

Spitzer spitzen (2)

The Tombow long point sharpener, with some excellent photos documenting how this sharpener works.

Graphit statt Teer

The Eyeball Cigarette pencil. An outstanding photo.

Here is the Google translation of the first sentence:

As a non-smoker Bleischreiber of blackness, I do not my lungs, but a lot of paper.

Here is my translation:

As a non-smoking lead pencil user, I don’t like to blacken my lungs, but I do like to blacken paper.

Any better?

Herlitz Wirtestift

The Herlitz black and grey waiter’s pencil. Who knew waiters had their own pencils?

LYRA Gärtnerstift

The Lyra Garden Pen (a pencil). Gardening is just about at the end of season here in Canada, but this post will live on!

September 18, 2008September 18, 2008

A fun pencil making kit

Dong-A EQ/IQ pencil making kit
Photo: Exterior of box.

We’ve previously seen a small kit that documents the steps in pencil production. Here is a set that lets you make your own pencils!

Dong-A EQ/IQ pencil making kit

Pre-cut slats, colour cores, and glue are provided.

Dong-A EQ/IQ pencil making kit

Paint is not provided, and I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions about what type might be appropriate and safe.

Dong-A EQ/IQ pencil making kit

I do plan on making the pencils after finding the right paint. Noticing a red core and a blue core, it should be possible to cut them each in half to make two red and blue pencils!

I thank blog reader Jieun for sending this excellent and fun item to me.

September 15, 2008

Chung Hwa 120 red and blue pencil

Also from China First Pencil is the Chung Hwa 120 red and blue pencil.

The mere existence of this pencil suggests that the humble red and blue pencil really is an international standard. Unusual as they may be, many of the larger pencil manufacturers still have such an item in their product list.

Chung Hwa 120 red and blue pencil

Slightly challenging to sharpen, the leads are usable, but not as richly saturated as some other red and blue pencils we’ve seen.

September 13, 2008

Coming soon

Perhaps the most exotic pencils yet seen at pencil talk:

Teak pencils