Faber-Castell 2530N pencil

Faber-Castell 2530N pencil

Large diameter pencils are often seen as useful for children. The larger format makes the grip more comfortable. These oversize pencils might also have uses in drawing and graphics realms, except that the quality is usually very low. (The excellent Lyra Ferby is an exception.)

Here is a very high quality large diameter pencil that I’ve just discovered – the Faber-Castell 2530N. The pencil is a natural finish and round in shape. It has a 10mm diameter and a oversize 4mm core. It is a standard 176mm in length, and weighs about 8.3g.

The pencil is striking in appearance. The exposed woodgrain seems to be carefully chosen, and several grains evenly flow through the length of the pencil. The gentle lacquering and careful construction yield a pencil that is really a delight to see and hold.

Markings are minimal – “2530N Faber-Castell”, and a bar code right at the tip. The origins of the pencil are a mystery – searching reveals mentions at several Japanese websites, but I don’t see it listed at Faber-Castell Japan’s site.

Faber-Castell 2530N pencil

Sharpening reveals a core that produces rich and dark lines. I would not be surprised to learn that production was sub-contracted by Faber-Castell to a Japanese firm (though that’s just speculation, and I have no expectation of learning such a detail).

Faber-Castell 2530N pencil

Highly recommended! This is an attractive and functional pencil, made to the highest standards.

Staedtler’s oldest brands – the Atlas and Minerva pencils

Staedtler's oldest brands - the Atlas and Minerva pencils

Staedtler is one of the world’s foremost pencil manufacturers. While many companies struggle to maintain a single mainstream pencil line, Staedtler has four global brands – Mars Lumograph, Tradition, Noris, and Minerva. They of course also have a number of specialty and local lines.

Note: The photos were taken on green Clairefontaine graph paper, and received no editing other than cropping. We won’t do it again.

Staedtler's oldest brands - the Atlas and Minerva pencils

A previously mentioned interview with a Staedtler executive reveals that though the Mars line, dating from 1900, may be preeminent, the Atlas and Minerva brands are even older (though just by four years), originating in 1896. Amazingly, both brands survive 113 years later!

Staedtler's oldest brands - the Atlas and Minerva pencils

The pencils have similarities. Both are uncapped and have red (though not the same shade) finishes. The shape is a major differentiator. The Minerva is hexagonal, which the Atlas is a relatively unusual round pencil.

Staedtler's oldest brands - the Atlas and Minerva pencils

The Atlas has gold lettering, while the Minerva uses white.

Staedtler's oldest brands - the Atlas and Minerva pencils

The Atlas is made in Malaysia, with the lead core produced in Germany. The Minerva has no statement of origin.

Staedtler's oldest brands - the Atlas and Minerva pencils

The Minerva has an unusual aspect for a budget line – availability in three grades.

Staedtler's oldest brands - the Atlas and Minerva pencils

Both are budget pencils and write a bit on the scratchy side. I like the Atlas a bit more due to the richer red finish, absence of bar code, and round shape (unusual for a branded pencil).

Thanks to Gunther at Lexikaliker for arranging the purchase of the Minerva pencils.

Mitsubishi train pencils (2)

Mitsubishi train pencils

Another magnificent set of pencils in tribute to the Japanese railway system. This is a set of 18 colour pencils, housed in a tin case, and made by the esteemed Mitsubishi Pencil Co.

The inside of the lid reveals some details:

Mitsubishi train pencils

We also see the familiar mark of the Mitsubishi Pencil Company:

Mitsubishi train pencils

The pencil set is stunning, and includes an eraser and sharpener:

Mitsubishi train pencils

The pencils have a distinctive style, and extensive attention to detail:

Mitsubishi train pencils

Mitsubishi train pencils

Interesting as pencils, they are also amazing reflections of other realms.

Ito-ya pencil holder

Ito-ya pencil holder

Over the past years, we’ve seen some traditional pencil holders, and some newer versions.

There are still some problems with these implements. The traditional models have awkward grips, mainly due to the metal hardware, and interfere with comfortably holding a pencil.

The newer solutions are nice, but often impractically expensive – buying several boxes of new pencils would be cheaper than buying a Uni holder, for example.

Last month, I was happy to discover the Ito-ya pencil holder. I’ve read some negative comments about it here – yet – for the price, and after a month of use, I find it to be nearly perfect.

Ito-ya pencil holder

It seems to offer, for a reasonable price, a practical way to comfortably grip worn down pencils. In fact, it is so well done that it essentially relegates a near-century of pencil holders to the antique bin.

Ito-ya pencil holder

It is a subtle design. There are two pieces. An inner lightweight metal piece is the clutch and clamp, and holds the pencil. An outer piece – with metal inner parts and rubber exterior surface – screws on to the inner piece. The cap (part of the inner piece) acts as the grip for locking/unlocking action.

The outer portion has a rubberized surface, and is comfortable to hold. It also has a modern appealing designed look.

In the photos, a worn down 2B California Republic Palomino that I didn’t want to discard is shown. This arrangement has worked out really well. Truly, some might prefer this wider grip to that of the original pencil.

Ito-ya pencil holder

For $4 or so, I think it is amazing. It makes worn down pencils usable. In contrast to most predecessor holders, the pencil is very comfortable to hold, possibly more comfortable than the original format. It is easy to use. It looks great – and is available in four colours. And ultimately, for anyone who owns pencils that merit ongoing use, the price makes one (or several) a good investment.

Ito-ya pencil holder

Highly recommended.

Paper wrapped pencils

Paper wrapped pencils

Does anyone remember these? Or still use them?

Paper wrapped pencils

Known as grease markers or china markers, these pencils have wax colour cores, and are wrapped in paper that one tears off link by link. I remember these always being around the house when I was growing up, yet can’t recall what they were used for.

Paper wrapped pencils

Still manufactured, I’ve seen them used for traditional purposes such as marking glass and ceramics, but also for more modern tasks such as marking laminated calendars and restaurant seating plans.

These particular ones date from perhaps the 1980s, and are branded Blaisdell. The box says they were made by Eagle/North-Rite, a division of Berol of Canada. All these long gone names!

This article from Stanford credits Blaisdell with inventing this format of grease pencil.

Also shown is a cousin, the Klenzo Ink & Type eraser.

Paper wrapped pencils

To reveal more lead, one pulls the string, breaking the top layer of the coloured paper. Then, the paper is uncoiled. A simple solution that works well! I think it would be very interesting if the paper had fortunes or small quotations printed on the coils, but that might be a bit distracting.

Paper wrapped pencils

Paper wrapped pencils

Paper wrapped pencils

They come in bright colours, no subtle forest shades here!

Paper wrapped pencils