Which Is Your Perfect Pencil?
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- Опубликовано: 14 ноя 2018
- Hi,
And today we’re talking PENCILS! Specifically, the Faber-Castell and Graf von Faber-Castell Perfect Pencils.
For each of the products, look at:
Tombow Mono 100 Pencils www.cultpens.com/i/q/TM12066/...
Graf von Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil www.cultpens.com/i/q/GV03931/...
Faber-Castell Design Perfect Pencil www.cultpens.com/i/q/FC00772/...
Faber-Castell 9000 Perfect Pencil www.cultpens.com/i/q/FC00629/...
Faber-Castell Junior III Perfect Pencil www.cultpens.com/i/q/FC45423/...
Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil Junior www.cultpens.com/i/q/FC13166/...
Disclaimer: I have no relationship with Cult Pens and do not get financially or otherwise rewarded. All these pencils were bought by me. However, I have used Cult Pens for many years and can happily recommend them and their service.
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To find out more about me and my books, look at: www.michaeljecks.co.uk
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Cheers for now!
Mike
I agree about the price; but then again, I love German-made things and don't mind paying for the quality. My writing instruments are always in a case in my purse so there's no risk of them falling out of a shirt pocket. It's always good to be mindful of accidentally losing such a compact cap, though. Thanks for sharing! 👍
I have to admit, these Perfect Pencils are superb. The most expensive ones are beautiful - but far less practical. This type, with the aluminium extender, will work with almost any make of pencil. The really expensive ones only really work with GvFC pencils because they're much larger diameter than, say, my Tombow pencils. I do love German quality too!
I’m with you on the choice of perfect pencil. Great to see more tools of the trade being reviewed and demonstrated.
Thanks for the comment, Paul. Good to know other people have the same view!
Excellent review, thank you!
Many thanks, mhs! I still have mine in my shirt pocket every single day. It is the one implement I will always carry, no matter where I'm going. Brilliant device!
That's beautiful the new 'Perfect Pencil'. It's propriety pencils are beautiful but 3x the smoothest buttery in existence, the Blackwing 602.
God bless.
I agree. I love the Blackwings. However, I would rate the Mono 100 from Tombow equally in terms of the smooth, lovely lead, and the black lacquer on it is gorgeous. Well worth a look (plus it fits in the Perfect Pencil)!
Excellent video! I'd been looking at the perfect pencil line for quite a while, and I'm glad I found out about the shortcomings of the Graf version before buying one. I think one of the most useful things of these items is to protect the pencil tip when you've got it nicely sharpened.
Thanks for the comment, James - I agree about the protection, but it's not for the pencil's tip - it's for me, when the damn thing's in my pocket! The number of times I have stabbed myself over the years ...
When I was young I spent several years writing almost exclusively with pencils, thanks to the influence of John Steinbeck who used ten pencils every day. . I used the same pencils he did, what is known as the "writer's pencil;" here. Namely, the Ticonderoga #2. At one point, I bought twelve gross of them, which works out to 1,728 pencils.
I also bought several pencil grips, and six very nice pencil extenders. No built in sharpener, but I carried a small, but really good, and far too expensive, stainless steel sharpener that I found in an art shop. I also had an electric sharpener on my desk. Actually, I still have the sharpeners, and the extenders, though the Ticonderoga pencils are long, long gone. I didn't use ten per day, but I did average about four.
Then I switched to fountain pens, and that was that for writing. With two exceptions, the only pencils I buy now are sketching and drawing pencils. One exception is a Chinese pencil with a brand I can't read because it's in Chinese. A friend in China suggested them, and I love them to death. They have no erasers, but I greatly prefer this If I need to erase pencil marks, I either use a kneaded eraser, or a sharp edged plastic eraser. Both work extremely well.
The other exception is the FaberCastell, Velvet pencil. Right now, these are fifteen dollars for twelve on Amazon, but I have had to pay more. Buy they're worth it.
And even though I pretty much never use pencils for writing anything lengthy now, I can't resist grabbing a stray pencil whenever I get the chance. When I build up enough of these oddball pencils I give them to one of my grandchildren to use in school.
I'm very much like you. I adore pencils, and have always gone through a lot. My own favourites are the Tombow Mono pencils in black. They are slightly over-sized compared with others, have a darker lead, and a gorgeous lacquer-like paint on them that feels wonderful in the hand. I've got a bunch of pencils from my childhood that still sit in a pot on my desk. They're ancient, and I daresay half won't work because of broken leads, but they're part of me now!
I still plan and write quite often with pencils. But the pens are more my cup of tea!
I am on your daughter's team here: I remembered your previous video on the expensive Perfect Pencil, when I ran into the plastic version at a local arts supply store. I picked it up and I've been using it since. It suits the pencils I have here all very well (No Tombows, if I run into them I may have to try them). The perfect pencil also turned out to be a perfect writing instrument to bring to the pub and make fun of people, as I found out one day: a friend wanted to write a note and asked me for a pen. I handed him the Perfect Pencil. He tried to click the cap several times before I felt sorry for him and explained how this 'confusing device' actually worked.
Isn't it fun to have an old-fashioned device that can confuse the hell out of people? Love that story, Sacha - and glad you're getting good use out of the plastic version. Just useful tools to have on you.
I have a Graf von Faber Castell fountain pen with the macassar wood. I love that pen and the cap is exquisite. Have thought of getting a matching perfect pencil kit, but I’m having second thoughts after watching your video. Very useful information; thank you!
It's a real shame - if only they had a stronger spring in the clip, and/or a roughened underside, they'd be much safer. But I guess GvFC is making enough from their super-exclusive design!
Mine arrived today. The mid-priced one. I like it. It's nice to have in my hand whilst I'm reading and annotating.
Good choice! I always have mine in my pocket. Just getting to the stage where I need to replace the pencil - there's almost no wood showing now!
Thank you for the very informative video! It sent me online to purchase one. Per your recommendation, I opted for the aluminum version which seemed the most versatile and durable. I have not used wooden pencils in years and have missed the smell and feel of them. Thank you for rekindling the art of writing in pencil in me!
Hi, Nomad - and I'm really grateful for the comment. It's one of those things, I think, that we forget - the feel of a really nice pencil. Glad, also, that you agree with me about the aluminium model. I'm sure you'll get a lot of pleasure out of it. It's a gorgeous pencil, and will last for many years (and pencils!)
Great review as I prefer writing with a pencil and have been looking into buying one of these. Now I know which one to go for, many thanks.
I hope it works as well for you as it does for me! Still in my shirt pocket even now!
I appreciate this video, as I am currently researching the pros and cons of purchasing such an elaborate "perfect pencil".
Glad it was helpful. I have to admit, I think that this is the very best model they make. There are cheaper ( plastic ) models, but they're nothing like as comfortable to use. The platinum models from Graf von Faber Castell are great - but they will only take "oversize" pencils. Not the usual slimmer types that I prefer. This one is solid, well-balanced, looks good ( to my eye ) and works extremely well. It is always in my pocket, without fail, every day.
Thanks for the heads up on the silver one. I was thinking of getting one as I have the others and do like them (I have the student one as well that sits in a uniform arm pocket). The silver one along with a Visconti lava FP was going to be my special treat to remember my Mum and Dad (Mum died earlier this year and I shall get some money) but I'll think about it. I have to say the pencil that goes everywhere with me is a bullet pencil but of course when it goes blunt I'm jiggered.
It is lovely, but its propensity to slide from a pocket is not good. However, if you decide to buy one, I could save you several pounds . Mine will be up for sale shortly.
Really sorry to hear you've lost your mum. I lost mine in 15, and my old man last year. Somehow it is still hard, even when you've expected it. Please accept my sympathies.
I own a Lamy Accent with a 14k nib as well as a Graf von Faber-Castell Tamitio--I love these two fountain pens but I love pencils much more. I'm seriously considering the Graf perfect pencil simply because I love looking at it, I would use it everyday no kidding! Thanks for the great review
I have to agree I love the look and design of Graf and Lamy pens - they simply fit the hand perfectly!
Ordered tombow! , Can't wait!
You won't be disappointed. They are beautiful to look at, to hold, and to use. Thanks, Musical!
@@writerlywitterings allready have a nice faber castel, and your videos exposed me to this exploration of writing tools.
And also of course helping my development as a individual.
Thank you.
Brilliant gadget: must get one. I've used Faber Castell pencils for years, they are among the few that you can sharpen down to a stub without the graphite fragmenting. Thanks.
I do like the FC pencils - but I have to confess to a naughty secret - I really prefer the Tombow Mono 100s, and I've managed to get them down to only a half inch long of wood and lead! Really beautifully made with black lacquer and gold writing. Beautiful, dark leads too.
I have the black plastic one and it works perfectly (!) for me. Thanks for sharing the expensive options -- this is as close as I will get to them unless Cult Pens decide to sponsor you with a give-away :)
Glad you liked it, Allan. Just debating when to put the Graf version upon on Ebay. I never know when is a good time to put things on it and always reckon I could have got more elsewhere! Hey ho. Glad it worked for you, anyway. I rather enjoyed making that film. I'm gradually getting used to the process, although a camera that could auto focus would be one hell of an advantage!
I have a Midori pencil extender, similar in many respects, but doesn't have the sharpener. It takes most round pencils, but those that are hexagonal are a little loose, and if you have something like a Blackwing you have to cut the eraser end off as it's too square to fit. I might ask Santa for one of the cheaper Faber ones and give it a try, as they are such useful things.
I have a couple of Derwent versions, which do work very well (they came in a two pack from memory, one for slimmer pencils, the other for fatter ones). But having had the Perfect Pencil before, I've hankered after a replacement too long. I couldn't justify it for ages, but in the end bit the bullet, and very glad I did.
I just ordered a perfect pencil II. It will be good for when I want to carry a wooden pencil in my pocket. My favorite pencil is a Semi-Hex 498 #2.
I haven't tried one of them. However, you will love the Perfect Pencil, I'm sure. Such a practical, and effective tool. I still (even today) have mine in my pocket. It's an essential EDC for me!
Let me know how you get on with it!
writerlywitterings I will let you know what I think about it :)
writerlywitterings I go my perfect pencil yesterday and I carried it today. I like it a lot. The version I have is an improved JR. version. The version I have is made of good quality plastic, has a decent sharpener, can take many different pencils, and is inexpensive. I will be carrying it with me everyday.
I am looking for the brown refills for the Aluminum Perfect Pencil here in the US and can't find them anywhere. Not even on Amazon. Can you recommend an alternative that will fit just as perfectly?
The good thing is, most pencils will fit the Perfect Pencil extender. My own favourites are the Tombow Mono 100, which are glorious to look at, feel sublime, and fit perfectly. However, they don't have an eraser. I'm staggered to say it, but the Perfect Pencil doesn't seem to appear on Faber Castell's own US website, only the cheap plastic version. All I can suggest is that you contact FC or your nearest decent stationary supplier and ask for their advice. There are many very good pencil suppliers - General, Koh-i-Noor etc - which should fit fine. Best of luck, James!
@@writerlywitterings Thank you for taking the time to respond! I got lucky and found some at penboutique dot com. Let's hope they actually come through!
@@six10creative Glad to hear it! Hope they're OK - best of luck!
Cool!
I think I’ll get the middle-one as a gift for my artist friend. The high end one is WAY too expensive, but the low end is a bit cheap looking, although utilitarian.
Totally agree. The middle one is good looking and entirely practical - the low end ones are a bit yuk, and the high end is just unjustifiable in terms of cost. I love the middling one, though.
I have the Graf von version (the expensive one) and unfortunately once I’d used that quality, there was no going back. I’m an architect, used this same pencil almost everyday, for over a decade now, it’s pretty battered but holding up well!
I used to have one - and lost it on a dog walk. So I bought another, which was lovely, but I dared not take it out in case I lost that one too! Which is why I returned to this one. I loved the Graf von version, but did find it difficult to find pencils to fit its slightly larger size. I never really liked the Graf prices for replacement pencils! Tombow Mono 100 fitted it well, though.
Only just found this video. I've been using the base-level green PP for a few years now; excellent bit of kit; while yes, you can use the 9000 series pencils, they don't have erasers on the end, so I bought a box of spare 'B' Perfect pencils (they come in boxes of three); I've been using them at work ever since; I can keep them sharp on the go,they stay comfortably in the inside chest pocket of my jacket, and are cheap enough that if I lose it, it's easy and cheap enough not to fret about replacing it completely. All in all, a Perfect Pencil, indeed :)
They are very good - I have two minor quibbles with them, though. I find Faber Castell 9000 pencils to be a bit too grey for my taste, and also find them just a little too slender for me to use them for long. I prefer the weight of the Aluminium version, and the fact that it will take the Tombow Mono 100 easily - which is fatter and also has a darker lead, to my eye.
@@writerlywitterings I use a B lead, which work just fine with my 'Rite In The Rain' notebooks; I agree that the colour is slightly lighter than a good black ink pen, mind you 😉
Do they still make that model? Can’t seem to find on web.
I think they may have discontinued it, which is a terrible shame if that's the case. I suspect you are right, because I hunted around the internet for some hours trying to find a current price, and failed.
I've always wondered about these and how it felt to write with. I always assumed it would make the pencil top heavy and that seems very uncomfortable to me. Is that the case? Also, I bet there are some Caran D'ache pencils that would fit the Graf von Faber-Castell like the Swiss Wood. It would be interesting to know what other pencils fit.
In terms of top-heaviness, the extender is surprisingly light. But I wouldn't use it on pencils that are long enough to use without. Only when the pencil gets shorter do I use the extender while writing. The main use when the pencil is new, is to use it to protect myself from stab-wounds! If you think about the way it works, it's all based on leverage. If the pencil is long and the extender rests entirely above the web of skin between thumb and forefinger, the weight of the extender does unbalance the pencil. So I don't use it as a cap on the pencil. Only when the pencil is shorter and the extender itself rests on the web does it become practical - and a serious advantage.
@@writerlywitteringsThat is helpful, thanks for answering my question.
My pleasure, John.
For the most expensive Perfect Pencil, take out an insurance policy against accidental loss or theft. I did, and when accidentally losing mine, my insurers paid up and amazingly, no flat payment excess. When their money I bought a new pen, got a lovely alderwood preswentation box (I suspect it's plastic though). But I never took it outside again, except in my satchel. Nice video, many thanks. :) ETA: Nice Rolex, by the way!
Thanks for the comment, Aco747lyte - and I wish I had insured the ruddy pencil before tickling my son and losing it. Those clips really should be much more strongly sprung to stop them falling away so easily. A spring should be enough to hold the weight of the pen or pencil, and the GvonFC Perfect Pencil does not manage that. Still, I have to admit, my Design version has not left my pocket since I bought it, and it's been used wherever I happen to be, every day. It's the better tool for me.
Agree that the inexpensive Black perfect pencil will not take a Tombow nor will it take Koi-I-Noor and of course Blackwings. However it will accept Derwent, Chambers, Mitsubishi, Caran d'ache, Helix Oxford, Berol Mirado, Lyreco, Steadtler and even my old Chapman Stylerite pencils.
Ah, my joy in using Tombow pencils came when I had a Graf von Faber Castell Perfect Pencil, but I have to admit, I still use the Mono 100s in my current aluminium model. I do love that device! I am happier with the Tombow Mono mainly because it is that little bit fatter, I think. I find Staedtlers and Faber Castell 9000s just a little too skinny for my hands. Wooden pencils are just a delight to use, though, aren't they? I love them, especially when I use my Kum two-hole sharp angle pointer or the Mobius und Rupert sharpener - wonderful!
Can I get the name of the author of that Pirates book in the bookshelf of yours?
Of course - it is the "Mammoth Book of Pirates", edited by Jon E Lewis, published by Robinson, London, in 2006. The ISBN is 978-1-84529-115-0. Happy reading!
@@writerlywitterings Thank you very much!
Oh, i don't know a lot of english ( i am from Colombia) but i think that i have yo learn to see all the video....
Bueno, valdrá la pena 😅
I visited Colombia in 2000, when the British Council was hosting the international book fair - and i loved your country. Such variety, and I was made very welcome. It was good to visit a country in which books and writing is still so highly valued! Thank you for your comment, Geraldine!
@@writerlywitterings thanks to you for your video :)
I have the Faber Castell Perfect Pencil and use Castell 9000 pencil every single day. I am a creature of habit and cannot see me changing any time soon
No need to. They are wonderful, wonderful pencil extender/sharpener/protective covers! My only improvement was to replace the dead stub with a Tombow Mono 100 B, because I prefer the darker lead. But that's the only improvement I could think of. Love them!
The limited edition Blackwing volume no. 24.
I'll look it up. Thanks!
A Mitsubishi Uni. A Blackwing long point sharpener and Pentel hi-polymer white cap erasers. Subliminal writing experience. And the cedar smell off of the pencils is amazing.
But I want a Perfect pencil but don't want to drop the $240
Also I love my Mitsubishi pencils too much.
I am the same - Mitsubishi or Tombow Mono 100s. The Japanese know how to make pencils! I haven't got a Blacking longpoint sharpener, but think it's the same basic design as the Kum which I use - one blade sharpens the wood, the second the lead - which is a fabulous sharpener. I have three now!
Well, thanks a lot for introducing me to my new fetish. I mean, not like it's a big leap, I already had a "normal" pencil and pen fetish, but this "perfect pencil" stuff is new to me. They remind me of the chalk holder I have which I used when I was teaching (and hope to again someday if I can find a teaching job with a real chalkboard and not a dry erase marker board - yuck). Amazon has the "Faber Castell Design Pencil Extender and Pencil" for $39 US, something else I have to put in the budget somehow. I might try a cheaper version to see if I even like it the idea. It's possible the balance/weight might put me off.
Oh, lord, I am sorry! It's the failing of people like us who love good tools for writing. I do love the platinum Perfect Pencil, as I mentioned, but it's on ebay now. I cannot justify keeping something I don't dare use. The aluminium version is affordable, just, but is a lovely tool to use. The weight, for me, makes it a much more pleasant model to use, rather than the plastic versions, which are just too light for me. Good luck with your hunt!
i have always preferred pencils to pens, but i hate travelling with them, but the perfect pencil is just right, the cheap 20 quid version im looking at has 3 spare pencils
edit: the tombo 100 is going for the same price per 12 pack as the blackwing 602 12 pack, so im a bit torn
It's difficult with two such excellent pencils - however, if you buy the Blackwing, remember that you can't use the Perfect Pencil or any other extender - only the Blackwing branded type. With the Mono 100, all extenders will work, so you get a lot more use out of each pencil.
Better than black wing palomino??????
Ah, no! I'd go Blackwing over these any time. They have a better, darker lead for my taste. BUT - for a practical pencil to carry daily, well, these win. They're so easy to keep in a shirt pocket, and with the extender you'll use up every bit till the last half inch. You can't use a Blackwing with a pencil extender, so this does win. Although I tend to use my Mono 100 Tombows generally!
The weak point on the Perfect Pencil for me has always been the sharpener. Even the expensive platinum version has a crappy sharpener--unforgivable at that price point. I find myself carrying the Blackwing sharpener and not even considering the GvonFC one inside the cap, which is a shame and makes it less worth the exorbitant price. GvonFC could replace it with one of those Pollux blades. In the mid-price version, do those rubber rings round the bottom of the cap decay eventually? Or come loose?
Hi it was a nice pencil holder when it becomes small,but normally what I do is I use a fatter pencil which I use as a pen ,I remove the nib and the holder and fit in the pencil inside the pen holder were initially there was nib and nib holder ,just try that out and let me know......bye. Hemant Kothari
Thanks, Hermant. I'll have to try that!
Why are those pencils that expensive?
A very good question, and I think the answer is the old one - because people will pay for them! Personally, I prefer to use Tombow Mono 100 pencils, which I think are vastly superior and lay down a blacker line, but it has to be said that the FC pencils work exceptionally well - I just find them over priced and a bit too grey/light in tone on paper.
@@writerlywitterings Do the Tombow Mono 100 pencils work perfectly/just as well as the FC pencils in the Aluminum Extender?
@@six10creative Yes, I actually prefer them - a darker line and very pleasing paint job - BUT - they're 50% longer when new and don't have an eraser!
The expensive one is just decoration for a rich person's desk. Who may use it to sign documents. To me what matters is the function, so if the pencil itself isn't up to the standard of premium pencils like Mono 100, hi Uni, Lumograph, Caran D Ache Grafwood, Blackwings, Derwent Graphic etc, that already makes it pointless to me, but then you got a substandard sharpener by all accounts, a cap that only takes overpriced pencils, and a clip that doesnt attach well , causing potential loss - the loss of that pencil wasn't your fault, it was design flaw. If I was ever going to spend that much on one pencil, I'd go mechanical.
I agree. I'm much happier with my middle-range aluminium version. The pencil extender is ideal for holding and sharpening a Mono 100, which is my main pencil for daily carry. And the clip keeps it safe in my shirt pocket!
Get a nice mechanical pencil.
I have many. But real wood still appeals a great deal
@@writerlywitterings Same here. I have not yet gotten an extender.