Don and I took a little drive yesterday and ended up in a neighboring town, the one with an independent bookstore and a really neat used bookstore. Why did we go there?
Because I have become obsessed with those pencils I told you about. You know, the Palamino Blackwing. (If you missed the post you can read it here.) Ever since I brought that pencil home, I’ve been using it. I write lists with it. I use it to write notes about all sorts of things in my spiral notebook. I do crossword puzzles with it.
I know, I’m a bit nuts.
The pencil sharpener I was using here at the cottage was a vintage wall sharpener, like the ones that were in our school classrooms. I love it because it’s vintage, of course, but it was hacking up my pencil. Horrors! In my earlier post I wrote about Blackwing’s pencil sharpener. It has two holes: #1 sharpens the wood, #2 sharpens the graphite. And I knew that the used bookstore had at least two of them on display.
So I confessed to Don that I just had to have that pencil sharpener.
And I came home with three more pencils. They had a Sampler Pack that had one each of the Blackwing Pearl, the Blackwing 602 (which has “Half the pressure, twice the speed” on the barrel) and the original Blackwing.
My past experience with pencil sharpeners has been less than positive. The verdict on the Blackwing Sharpener? It works like a dream! It’s a thing of beauty.
On the way home, we stopped at the library so I could make a copy of the Sunday New York Times Crossword Puzzle. I mean, I had to have something to use as a test for my newly sharpened pencils, don’t you think?
And I added this at the checkout:
Now, that’s the kind of bumper sticker for me!
I’m reviewing Wendy Tyson’s new book Deadly Assets, over at Just Let Me Finish This Page. I’m also giving away a copy. So, stop on by!
Happy Monday.
Oh, Claudia….Only you could write a post about a simple pencil and make it interesting enough for me to check them out online. I have done a lot of artwork in my lifetime, and I know how important it is to have just the right brush, pen and yes… pencil. I loved opening a new box of crayons, when I started classes in the fall. Later in life…I would go to the art supply store and take time to check out all the new brushes. So you see, I get what you are talking about. Enjoy your new pencils and sharpener. Now, don’t get me started on sharpeners :)
Balisha
Oh, you’d love this sharpener, Balisha! I love art supply stores, too. So much to investigate!
OMG I think you are on a roll with the pencil collecting:)
I am!
I wrote a post a while back lamenting the trouble I have long had with pencil erasers!
So, I read your post with great interest. Claudia – my question to you is this:
Do the erasers work well on these pencils? Do they hold up, do they erase cleanly without smearing?
I am completely willing to pay more for a pencil, if it is better than most.
My biggest problem has been the erasers – and the fact that those stupid little erasers they make to fit onto the end of a pencil (if “fit” is even the right word, since they don’t really “fit”). They do not stay put, they break and are rendered useless after just a few uses, etc.
It makes me crazy.
And I really like the sound of that Blackwing pencil sharpener!
Thank you for this post.
I like the eraser. It works well, a little dicier on a photocopy like the crossword puzzle, but still and all, it does the job. And Blackwing sells, get this, packs of replacement erasers!
I need to get some of these pencils (and, I suppose, the sharpener – lol). Love the bumper sticker.
I love that bumper sticker, too!
Thank you so much for sharing your “review” of the pencils and now the sharpener! I shall be a hound on the hunt for these this week :-) I do love writing with a pencil, but as so many have shared here, a good pencil (like a good man-heehee) is so very difficult to find. And do not even get me started on the whole sharpener issue. The wee child inside me always demands a new box of pencils, erasers, crayons, etc. every year at this time right before a new school year begins. I just love when someone gives me tried and true advice. I rarely go out on a limb and purchase something just for the good old heck of it :-) Another favorite blog of mine mentioned Trader Joe’s has a refreshing Dixie peach and prosecco…I feel the need to shop for prosecco and pencils–haha
I like sharing new finds that I really like.
We may be headed to TJ’s this week – I haven’t been there in a long time!
My Blackwings are scheduled for delivery today. And yes, I ordered a sharpener too because after decades of using mechanical pencils, I’ll need one now. Have several art gum erasers already so I think I’m good on that count. I’m an art gum eraser snob. There’s nothing like them. Your paper doesn’t shred, the eraser does! Now I’m going back online to see if Blackwing manufactures any mechanical pencils with those amazing leads. See what you started?? :>)
The erasers on these pencils operate much the same way. I’ve noticed that the eraser shreds a bit, not the paper.
Those pencils and a sharpener are definitely going on my Christmas wish list Claudia. I love doing crosswords with a pencil. Glad you shared about them. It was cloudy earlier but now the sun is shining. We are celebrating my aunt who has begun to overcome some of the effects of her stroke with a higher dosage of medication. She can walk unassisted now.
Wonderful news about your aunt, Janie. Celebrate!
Ha! I guess you really do love those pencils! Love how your enthusiasm comes through…wouldn’t be surprised if their sales increase! ;)
Will they send me a free box of pencils, Donnamae? Hah!
Well…if they know about it…and have a conscience they will! Hehe! ;)
I doubt whether they know about it – but maybe they will someday!
I checked out the pencils after the first post. I think some people onn my Christmas gift list are getting pencils this year. And me too!
What a good idea for a Christmas gift, Trudy!
You have me so intrigued. I love a good writing instrument. I just placed an order for a sample pack and the sharpener! I may become hooked.
Oooh! I sure hope you like them, Linda. Fingers crossed!
Great! Now you have me lusting after pencils, which is rather strange. I’ve always loved pencils but in school I always preferred a No. 3. I was such a rebel!
I know. I’m lusting after them, too. This from someone who couldn’t stand using a pencil before these guys came along.
I haven’t found any around this area but will keep looking..might as well get the sharpener too..I am anxious to try them!
The sharpener is made in Germany…it’s pretty neat!
You make me smile with your love of things and such amazing things. I now want the pencils and the sharpener! A writing tool is a very important thing to have.
hugs,
Linda
It is. And now I have to restock my favorite pens, as well. They’ve all run out of ink!
When you can find great pleasure in small things like an excellent writing pencil and sharpener that works… you know how to live your life joy-fully. Good for you :-)
It’s amazing how a little thing like a good pencil can make your day, Karen.
Claudia, There’s nothing like a good writing pencil. Hey, that is your bumper sticker ! That’s cute. So good for you and Don to get out together. I remember how long he was away. I know you love that guy and missed him. Makes me happy that you are together for some of this summer. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
Claudia,
Smiling about the fact that someone else has a “thing” for pencils. I love paper and pencils of all kinds. I don’t really know why, but when I was little and it was time to go school shopping for paper, notebooks and pencils it was like Christmas! I will have to try those pencils!
Clara