I am particular about my writing implements.
Oh, I can grab any old pen to write a quick note or a list. We, like most everyone, have lots of pens and pencils scattered around the cottage. Some pens are missing their caps, lots of pencils need sharpening, some end up having no ink left in the barrel – the usual hodgepodge.
But when it comes to serious stuff, like writing a letter or a thank you note, or taking notes when I’m coaching, I like a certain pen. If I can’t use that pen, everything seems a little off. (FYI: it’s the Uniball Signo.)
As for pencils, we have a love/hate relationship. I tend to have a light touch when I use a pencil and I’ve never found a pencil that writes the way I want it to. Most of the time, even with a No. 2 pencil, the stroke on the page is too light. When I do my analysis work on a text, especially Shakespeare, I write lots and lots of notes on the page – in pencil. And I’m always frustrated by the end result. I also end up doing the NY Times Crossword puzzle in pen because I don’t like using a pencil. But heaven knows, it would be a lot easier using a pencil!
About a week or so ago, I was reading one of my favorite blogs – Head Butler – and that particular post was about an amazing pencil, the Palamino Blackwing Pencil. (Here’s the link to the post.) The Blackwing, first made by Eberhard Faber in 1930, has a “graphite core, fortified with a little wax” and is, to some, the finest pencil ever made. Composers use it for scoring: Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Aaron Copland. Artists use it. John Steinbeck wrote with it, as did Truman Capote. They were expensive to make but they had a devoted, almost fanatical following. They still do. You don’t have to push to write with it. (Something I always seem to have to do with a pencil.)
So, the day before yesterday, we were in our local used bookstore. I was looking for books by Robertson Davies, which you know all about if you read Just Let Me Finish This Page, and I found one. On my way to the checkout, I saw a display of writing implements. Among them: the Blackwing. I called Don over, told him all about them, and we ended up buying two.
They were $2.50 each, which sounds expensive for a pencil, but I have to tell you, they are worth every penny. Suddenly, I love writing with a pencil. I love this pencil. I’m looking forward to making all the notations I need to make in a script. These pencils even have replacement erasers, as well as a pencil sharpener (that I have yet to buy) the sharpens the pencil in two stages: one hole sharpens the wood, the other sharpens the the graphite. Since I have never been happy with any pencil sharpener I have ever owned, I think I’m going to be adding the sharpener to my arsenal of writing tools.
Oh gosh, I’m all about saving money and I am on a strict budget, but the amount of pencils I go through when I’m working on a show is ridiculous and, quite frankly, a waste of money. So why not get something that really works? I know you can find them on Amazon and you can visit Palamino’s website, if you’re interested in learning more about them. (I’m simply passing along some information on a great pencil. I’m not getting compensated.)
Is it silly to get this excited about a pencil? Not to this girl who has to use a pencil quite frequently and who also loves doing crossword puzzles. I say, ‘Yippee!’
I think everyone has their favorite pen and/or pencil – it’s a very personal thing. And I know people jealously guard their favorite pens. I remember the days when I was working in an office and I would mark my pens so no one would ‘steal’ them. If I see Don commandeering one of my pens, I swoop in there and grab it.
Do you have a favorite pen or pencil? I’m fascinated by this kind of thing, so do share.
By the way, a new post is up at Just Let Me Finish This Page.
Happy Wednesday.
Hi Claudia, I like mechanical pencils, but I tend to push too hard sometimes and the lead breaks. I keep them in my purse and use them for Soduko puzzles, crossword puzzles, quick lists, etc. The best part is that they don’t have to be sharpened! But, I’m going to look for the Blackwing pencils for my husband and son – I know they would love them. Uniball is my choice for pens too. I do love a nice fountain pen, but I always make a mess of it – ha-ha.
I have the same problem with mechanical pencils. I break the lead. And fountain pens, which I remember using in junior high and high school, always leak! So Uniball it is.
I’m a fan of the Uniball Signo too! I also like the Inkjoy pens. I use a pencil for marking music when I sing and use a mechanical pencil, but I usually break the lead. I am going to look into the Blackwing pencils…they might be just what I need!
I think that’s the trouble with mechanical pencils – at least for me – the lead always breaks!
I have always hated pencils and write in pen. I will have to try these for school if I can find them.
They might make you a convert, Dawn.
I really appreciate well made things. I’m checking these out right now.
I hope you like them, Leslie Anne.
I don’t have a favorite, but I am starting a nature journal which will include sketching and text so this may be just the ticket! Perfect timing! Will look for it this week.
Good!
Favorite regular pencil: Mirado Black Warriors (but I like the looks of the Palamino one). Favorite mechanical pencil: Pentel Twist-Erase 7mm (I love the eraser!!) and favorite pen: one that I used to buy as a teen and can’t find anymore. It was extra-fine lined, looked like a blue pencil, had no cap. I like medium priced pens but have never found one I liked as much as those. They were cheap too.
Oh darn! Too bad you can no longer find that pen!
My favorite job was writing specifications for a manufacturing company. The owner wouldn’t let us use computers so each order…sometimes over twelve pages with drawings had to be done in pencil. My favorite writing tool was a #5 mechanical pencil…and I had to print each word with all CAPITAL LETTERS. I couldn’t function without that pencil in my hand…now my fingers are in retirement. I still look for a pencil instead of a pen…I will hunt for the Palomino Blackwing!
I use the computer to write notes and letters since my handwriting is slowing down… my mind is still in advanced speed mode for writing ideas, lists and organizational needs. Another favorite is Crayola crayons. I can sit and color all day with my grandchildren.
I get frustrated writing by hand because my writing is increasingly sloppy after so many years of taking notes at a fast pace.
I am a lead breaker too Claudia..I am going to try the Blackwing..$2.50 isn’t so bad..As for pens..I have been using the new Papermate InkJoy and like them very much..although I have been know to be a pen stealer..shhhh…
You’re the second person to meant ion the InkJoy – I’ll have to check that pen out!
Hi Claudia, I have a favorite pen, it’s a black Waterman rollerball with gold trim. I call it “my special pen”, and if someone is lucky enough to use it, I stand beside them and make sure they don’t walk more than 2 feet from me!
This year for my birthday (same day and year as you), the owner of the company I work for MADE me a pen to my specifications. It’s a bit fatter (if a pen could be fat–not my spec), and it’s a reddish wood (red, my favorite color) with gold trim and rollerball ink. It’s really not as special as my special pen, but don’t tell!
Bella says wuff wuff to Miss Scout.
Oh my gosh, lucky you! How neat to have a pen made for you.
I’ve never used at Waterman but I certainly know it is the creme de la creme of pens.
The pencils sound wonderful! A few years ago I bought my dad a Retro 51 Tornado pencil, a pricey mechanical that he could use when he did his puzzles. When it arrived in the mail, I loved it so much I ordered one for myself. The pencil is thick and weighted, and the lead is thicker, soft, and a pleasure to use. I love that it is refillable, too… When I was a kid, a fountain pen was a real treat.
I remember getting a fountain pen – I thought it was so cool!
I don’t think I’ve ever had a decent pencil…they don’t flow. And mechanical pencils don’t seem to work for me. The lead is always breaking. And I do like pencils for whatever…because I make mistakes…and need to erase! There’s a store in Middleton that supposedly carries these…I’ll be checking this out! ;)
I’m using it on the NY Times Crossword puzzle as I write this. So far, so good!
If the pen isn’t right I am not happy using it. Can’t tell you exactly what it takes to make it right but I know it when I use it. Love the pencil info!
hugs,
Linda
I know – we just know when it’s not the right pen!
I prefer pencils for list making. I want a sharp point. I use mechanical pencils. However, I don’t like how the lead is always breaking. I think I must press too hard.
I am also picky about my pens. I prefer a click type pen. The pens with caps are OK, but I always lose the caps.
I think you have found the perfect writing implements. Thanks!
Don constantly misplaces the caps, Trudy.
Love the Uniball Signo and Jet stream. However, they have changed the size of the Jet stream and the refills. The new refills are a tight fit for the original and really don’t work well. I hope they haven’t changed the Signo refills.
My favorite pencil was the Dixon Ticonderoga #2. I don’t write with pencils as much as I once did.
I remember the Dixon Ticonderoga well.
Hi Claudia, I Love it when you keep me up to date with whats going on and new / old cool things.
So Thank-You, and HAPPY WRITING! -Judy Ainsworth
Thanks, Judy!
LOL, The more I read your posts, the more I know we have in common. I love your common sense approach to life. Your living alone when working was so me. Your remarks about the Keurig cups coffee: I so agree but also say each to his own and whatever works for people. Lifestyles vary so much. I had to comment about your writing implements. I am so picky about my pens and also make sure, nicely that coworkers don’t carry off my “special” pens . I also do crossword puzzles with a pen. People say wow, you must be confident. No, I just hate the way the words look in pencil, not dark enough. Anyway, this is enough comments. I love your blog and read it first every time. I may have to try this new pencil you have found.
That’s the exact same reason I do my crossword puzzles in pen.
Thanks for the tip Claudia. I may need to have one of these pencils. Normally I can’t stand writing with a pencil – my handwriting looks terrible when I use a pencil! My preferred writing implement is a gel pen. I’m not terribly particular about the brand, but I love all the pretty colors they come in, and the gel is so smooth and easy to write with.
I like gel pens, too, Debbie.
Silly to get excited about a pencil? No way! I can totally relate. I’m the same way – a card-carrying fuss budget when it comes to pencils, pens, markers, crayons, colored pencils, you name it. I know that if I don’t like even the tiniest thing about a particular tool, I just won’t do as well with it. These days the digital age has most of us doing much less manual writing, but when I do, I still want my trusty Cross mechanical pencil that I inherited from my dad [who was really picky about pens too]. It has a nice heft to it and just feels “right” in my hand. I use the #7 leads most of the time but have #3s and 5s on hand as well. Have the Cross pen too. I’ll be looking for a Blackwing to try now because you’ve made me super-curious. And maybe it’s a genetic thing in our family. Both my niece and nephew [19 and 22] have always been as fussy too. Maybe even more. Both of them are always telling me about new pens and pencils they’ve been trying, whether they like them, whether or not I should give them a shot.
Good for your niece and nephew! I like that the younger generation, who are much more into this digital age, still love a good pen and pencil.
OK so Claudia, I’m looking on the pencils.com website right now – and I need a recommendation. Which Blackwings did you buy? And do you know which one might be their “middle on the line” model? Thanks for the input! :>)
We bought one of the Blackwing Pearls and one with a matte black finish. From the website: the 602 features a “firm and smooth” graphite core and classic grey finish preferred by writers and everyday users. So perhaps a good middle of the line model?
OK thanks so much for the info – I appreciate it. Did you see they have a “Chuck Jones” model? Must be the gold standard for animators! At least animators who still draw without computers… :>)
I guess I used to have a favorite. Now I just grab whatever is handy. Have a great day.
Yes I DO have favorite pens and pencils! When I worked and left my desk, my pen was in my hand, to guard it. To this day, I carry paper and pen with me, preferring to use my own.
I’m picky about my notebooks and paper too!
I’ll be looking up these pencils, now.
I really love writing tools and all sorts of stationary and office supplies as well! I can spend HOURS in shops that sell these things, touching, smelling, leafing through notebooks, trying pens and pencils… you get the idea. Shop assistants in all the bookshops in our town know me well!
Thankfully, I have learnt not to buy everything I love: I am happy just to visit the stationary department to have a good time and relax. But I do splurge on office supplies once a year, at ‘back to school’ time!
I don’t like writing with pens, because they seem to make my handwriting so irregular! I prefer mechanical pencils for everyday use (I don’t usually break the lead!), but I do enjoy an old-fashioned wooden pencil, especially the one that has wood exposed (there is no paint on the outside), so it’s nice and warm to touch.
I have a thing about wooden pencils: I always sharpen them with a penknife, not a sharpener. I have been doing this ever since my grandfather gave me a very old penknife for my 8th birthday and taught me how to use it. My Dad helps me to keep the penknife sharp :-).
I am also fascinated by calligraphy and penmanship. There are some amazing videos on Youtube, showing scribes at work – they are amazing!
Wow, it’s a long post! Thank you for suggesting the subject!
Oh my gosh, too funny…I have a Uni-ball Signo in my hand right now! The BEST pen! If I accidentally set it down at work and walk away from it, my coworkers bring it back to me. They know how much I like it. And I’m definitely going to get one of those pencils. As a former art student, every grocery list or memo becomes a sketch or doodle, and a pencil is a necessity. The author of the penciled memo above has very artistic script! :)
I used to work at Paper Source back when it carried more artisan oriented supplies and playing with new writing implements was always a joy. I’ll look for your special pencil.
With regards to crossword puzzles, my 94 year old Mama does hers with an erasable pen. Doesn’t totally erase, but good enough and dark ink so she can read her entries.
Sorry I’m a little late to your pencil party! Sorry, but I don’t like pencils. Never did, not even as a kid. I’d do my math homework in pen and get in trouble from my teachers. ;-) I have a pen obsession though…for everyday writing, I have to have an easy-flowing blue ink. My two favorites are the Pilot G2 and Uni Jetstream. I also love to use colored ink for other writings ~ in journals, notebooks, snail mail notes, etc.