Category: Staedtler

Here is an interesting new type of pencil extender, inspired by the mechanical pencil.

While I’ve mentioned pencil extenders previously, this product is a decidedly new take on the idea.

At first glance, it looks like a fancy mechanical pencil, with a retractable eraser, clip, adjustable window for displaying the pencil grade, and a very finely etched grip. But it takes a woodcase pencil in it’s clutch.

It provides a lot of the characteristics and feel of a mechanical pencil. It’s quite pleasant to hold. Grip styles are of course a personal preference, but if you like the sorts of grips that technically-oriented mechanical pencils tend to offer, I think you’ll like the Staedtler.

It almost makes one want to cut some pencils in half to better use this holder.

(The images can be clicked to see close-ups.)

There aren’t a great number of modern pencil usage innovations. Pencils are already fairly evolved – most ideas have probably been tried at some time. The exterior dots on the Grip 2001 are one notable excellent advance. Another, also in the grip/hold area, is the Staedtler Mars Ergosoft.

Though the triangular shape might catch the eye, this pencil’s most interesting aspect is it’s rubbery grip exterior. Some people who’ve tried it out instantly like it. The ease of grip may allow those who tend to clench writing utensils, to relax just a bit.

Combined with the triangular shape, the Ergosoft (notice the name?) is clearly engineered to be a very comfortable and easy to use pencil.

The lead is first rate, as one would expect from Staedtler, and despite the HB grading of the version I tried, more like the 2B of most manufacturers.

With a lower price than other quality pencils, from either Staedtler or others, I certainly recommend trying them out.