pencil talk | pencil reviews and discussion
exploring the art and science of pencils since 2005
Lung Sketching Scrolls is a most engaging blog. Alberto, apart from regularly contributing comments here (always appreciated!) – has – and uses – a great wealth of pencils and drawing supplies. He writes about drawing and art supplies, with many excellent photos of his artwork and insights into the hard work that accompanies the creativity.
More amazing, beautiful, train-theme pencils from Tombow. I was lucky enough to find a source for the original set of train pencil boxes, numbers one through four. We have previously seen boxes five through eight.
Three years ago, I associated novelty pencils with the lowest level of pencil making. How wrong I was! Firms such as Tombow do make pencils like these to the highest standards in the industry. The design and details are just amazing.
Imagine a pencil of this calibre being given out by a dentist, realtor, or even at the train station, instead of the third-rate ballpoints and pencils we usually see.
I recently stumbled across a fascinating clutch pencil – inexpensive yet classic. What really amazed me was the clear external casing. The inner secrets revealed!
Lightweight at 11.3g, the octagonal pencil has been a very useful travel companion the last few days. Only one issue – at times, it seems too short for a comfortable grip in my hand. At other times, I noticed no problem.
In the end, the winning point is the design – the Kaweco Sport has a classic, compelling look, with the very reasonable price point being a bonus.
The Stabilo Trio 362 is an oversized triangular pencil in a natural finish with a splash of colour on the cap.
The pencil is marked “3-6 Gripping Standard”. The packaging reveals the meaning. Can you guess? That’s right, this pencil is meant for three to six year olds!
The core is an oversized 3.8mm. The line seemed somewhat light, though with more pressure it was able to leave a dark line.
What’s really noticeable is the cap. This type of painted pencil end seems to be a feature associated with European pencils. The term I hear in English is “dipped”. But in German, there is more specific terminology. The white ring is a “Lackring” and the red cap a “Lackkappe”. This site translates Lackkappe to “patent tip” or “patent toe cap”. Maybe patent as in patent leather – shiny – but I think the terms more mean lacquer ring and lacquer cap. Corrections/additions to this understanding are welcome!
The bright red and white cap is a nice contrast to the natural finish pencil. Overall, a nice pencil.
Bundoki.com is setting up a brick and mortar retail store.
The store opens tomorrow, November 23, 2008, and we wish them well!
Bundoki was one of the first businesses to start selling Japanese pencils to the rest of the world via the web. While these pencils were previously known and available to professional animators and designers in large commercial studios, they are now much more accessible to the rest of us thanks to Bundoki and others.
Regarding their name – “bundoki” means “protractor” in English.
Here is a pencil that I know many pencil talk readers already know and like – the General’s Cedar Pointe 333 pencil.
It is a “natural finish” unlacquered pencil that emphasizes the pencil’s cedar origins in both name and appearance. Note how prominent the woodgrain appears. And for anyone who enjoys the traditional cedar aroma of pencils – the way they used to be – this pencil delights.
The HB lead seems strong, and lays down a relatively dark line, though it is not the smoothest. The eraser, in black (from Factis?), is quite effective. The pencil sharpens easily.
I’m not sure if this pencil can be purchased at retail. Has anyone seen it in a real brick and mortar store? Online, it sells for a relatively modest price. You may want to get a few.
Overall, quite a nice pencil.