A custom Pentel Kerry pencil and a surprise from Clairefontaine

2.0mm Pentel Kerry

Sometimes familiar stationery items aren’t what they seem. Here is a Pentel Kerry mechanical pencil – but unlike any most of us have ever seen. It is paired with a Clairefontaine pocket notebook.

2.0mm Pentel Kerry

This pencil – a classic – is a custom modification by isu of the uncomfortable chair, turning the pencil into a 2.0mm version! It continues to fully function as a mechanical pencil. Look at the quality of the finish – it appears as if it came from the factory.

Thank you isu for such a wonderful gift!

2.0mm Pentel Kerry

As to the the second surprise – let me mention some context. Many of us were very surprised to learn that Tombow has moved (at least some) production of their iconic Mono 100, one of the world’s best pencils, to Vietnam. There is a great account at Lexikaliker. The news so far isn’t good – unfortunately, the Vietnamese version appears diminished in finish quality, even if retaining the same lead core.

So what a surprise to find a notebook the same week from Clairefontaine, which like sibling brands Rhodia and Exacompta, strongly associates itself with “Made in France”, that is made in Morocco. Yes, “design” and “paper” from France. Fortunately, I find the notebook to be excellent, with creamy 90 g/m2 paper (presumably the same as the “Rhodia R” series) and a pocket format. I’ll note a particular pencil advantage – this thick paper takes well to traditional rubber erasers, such as the round Graf von Faber-Castell.

4 Replies to “A custom Pentel Kerry pencil and a surprise from Clairefontaine”

  1. The Kerry looks great!
    It’s good to know that moving production can also work well. Thank you for showing us.

  2. Elizabeth, if you can modify pencils such as the Kerry, that is a great skill!

    Matthias, thank you. I would be happy to buy more of this notebook.

  3. About the made in Morocco, maybe the plant dates from when Morocco was actually somewhat part of France. Maybe I’m wrong, but things like that weren’t uncommon at that time.

    I know in the 50’s Rhodia (before it was bought by Clairfontaine) had a plant near Alger, in a form of partnership with locals, which ceased when the country became independant

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