The blog has taken an unplanned summer hiatus. It will soon be back!

A magnet in the box helps keep the lid in place.

A very nice way to keep pencils.

It is a joy and relief to report that those linked to in the “From Japan” sidebar are all well.

Approaching this milestone, I hope to feature some broader reviews of manufacturers and pencil categories, and perhaps see if we can determine just which pencil really is the best!

I’d also like to have a draw/giveaway or two. If you are a retailer, distributor, or manufacturer who might be interested in donating something interesting, please send me an email.

Other news

Today’s mail delivered two prototype Palomino Blackwing pencils. I think first-hand reports on these pencils started appearing online almost three weeks ago, so I am behind the curve, but no less keen to try them out. I’ll soon share some impressions.

And from another corner of the graphite writing world, the Sharpie Liquid Pencil has been making the news in a big way. Sharpie truly succeeded in getting PR for a writing implement launch. That is a story in itself. I hope to take a look at this product when it becomes available in my neck of the woods.

Charlie Brown had a pencil pal. This pencil pal was originally a pen pal, but Charlie Brown had a lot of troubles with his fountain pen and started to use a pencil, occasionally making attempts to pick up the pen habit.

The story line appears over a decade or more. According to Peanuts Wiki, a return letter from the overseas pal has appeared in the strip: “In the letter, the Pen Pal revealed that he or she had read Charlie Brown’s latest letter to his/her class, and that they all agreed he must be a nice person and someone who is pleasant to know. In response to which, Charlie Brown uttered a vigorous “Ha!” to Lucy.”

Over four decades after their original publication, the craft and perception shown in these cartoons still amazes and delights.

Penmanship is a frequent theme in the cartoon, and the characters (and their off-panel teachers and parents) often communicate with one another via notes and letters.

Recommended reading: “Schulz and Peanuts” by David Michaelis.

With many interesting posts on writers and literary subjects, pencils are a regular subject matter.

If you’re going to have a ruler on your desk, why not a simple and beautiful Designphil Design Project Glass Ruler?

I learned about this item from the fine folks at Bundoki, and have been very pleased in my decision to order one.

Tempered glass creates interesting effects. The ruler is quite heavy, yet also has an airy translucency. It also looks great on a desk!

It will not disappoint those who like Graf von Faber-Castell’s fine creations, and the first few posts show some of the rare and long retired early pencil versions.

1. The Independent’s 50 best stationery items. I learned about some interesting UK businesses such as drafting supply manufacturer Blundell Harling and online store Pencils 4 Artists.

I saw the story via papernation’s tweet. Papernation itself looks like a very interesting store.

2. Death of a Brand – BOSTON Pencil Sharpener Company at Scription. An interesting discussion and some amazing photos of these old workhorses.

3. Lamy Design – From the Hammock at Dave’s Mechanical Pencils. This look at a Lamy catalogue caught my eye because I think I have that “white pen”. I had no idea that it was so noteworthy.

At Scription, there is an interesting post on using mt masking tape to change the look of a pencil. I love the effort, but I’m skeptical about how usable the resulting pencil becomes – is there an uncomfortable seam? What happens when you try to sharpen the pencil?

Incidentally, Scription is an example of the type of commercial blog I like – original photos showing items in use, not stock PR shots, and informed commentary, often critical, about stationery items.

Anyhow, I thought I’d share some other uses of this tape. Especially at this time of year, there are these cardboard tubes awaiting the recycling bin in my household:

Well, with a little bit of tape, they are nicely repurposed:

The tape was purchased from pencils.jp.

“Sound-testing a MONGOL” at Orange Crate Art.

Mars 1962 at Lexikaliker.

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