Celebrate National Pencil Day with Paper & Ink Arts
Posted by Sarah @ PIA on Mar 27th 2024
Celebrate National Pencil Day with Paper & Ink Arts
March 30 is National Pencil Day! Did you know that on that day in 1858, Hymen Lipman secured the first patent for attaching an eraser to the end of a pencil? Before this ingenious invention, pencils and erasers were separate entities. But this day isn't just about celebrating a humble writing tool; it's about recognizing the pencil's profound impact on history. From teaching generations the alphabet to aiding in wartime escapes, the pencil has played an essential role in our lives.
Speaking of wartime tales, did you know that during World War II, the Cumberland Pencil Company crafted innovative pencils designed for function? These pencils weren't just for writing - they concealed maps between the graphite, aiding captured military personnel in their daring escapes to freedom. To honor National Pencil Day, we're thrilled to offer you a sneak peek at some of the finest pencils in our shop. Stay tuned for a showcase of premium-grade graphite, eco-conscious designs, and more!
Stylish Writing Essential
Kitaboshi 9606 writing pencils are a beloved choice among Japanese pencil aficionados. Featuring a darker-than-average HB lead, these pencils are crafted for comfortable, extended writing sessions. The smooth lead effortlessly glides across various paper types, leaving distinct marks with minimal pressure.
The Kitaboshi 9606 boasts a distinctive style that reflects the passion of its small, family-owned manufacturer. Gold foil stamping on one side and silver on the other + a rich brownish maroon lacquer set it apart from traditional pencils. Casing is made from high-quality wood, featuring a reddish color and prominent grain.
Modern Marvel
Mitsubishi’s 9800 office pencil has been a classic staple cherished for nearly 80 years. While its design remains faithful to its origins since 1946, we're thrilled to introduce this modern re-design: the 9800VB model, featuring a stunning sky-blue coating infused with the innovative "Virus Block" technology.
The Virus Block coating, developed in collaboration with Tokyo Institute of Technology and Keio University, offers a revolutionary antiviral solution. Lab studies reveal that surfaces coated with Virus Block exhibit significantly reduced virus and fungi presence, making the 9800VB ideal for public environments like schools and offices, where hygiene is paramount. In addition to its cutting-edge technology, the 9800VB glides effortlessly across the page, leaving crisp, dark lines while retaining its sharp point.
Elegant and High-Performance
Tombow MONO 100 pencils are the pinnacle of the MONO Pencil series, featuring superior lead quality, exquisite design, and flawless craftsmanship. The highly condensed graphite effortlessly creates smooth, rich, and precise lines. Whether you're sketching, shading, or illustrating, the results are consistently dark and clear.
Plus it’s a beauty––the gold engraved letters and ring cap beautifully contrast with the sleek, glossy jet-black body, making it a statement piece in your collection. Available in a set of 12 or open stock.
A Revolution in Graphite
Introducing the first graphite with matte, deep black lead! Typical shiny graphite creates reflections when photographed or scanned, resulting in representations that do not truly reflect the qualities of the drawing. These problems are now a thing of the past––the new Pitt Matte Graphite pencil from Faber-Castell guarantees extremely reduced reflections and thus true-to-the-original reproduction possibilities. More easily communicate your work digitally, whether you’re an artist, graphic designer, architect, or other professional using graphite in your field.
Palomino Blackwing
If you're looking for a high-quality pencil, look no further. The Palomino Blackwing was designed in the 1930s, and is made of genuine Incense-Cedar casing and Japanese graphite. Smooth and reliable, this pencil is excellent for calligraphy practice, sketching, and professional drawings.
We offer a variety of pencil grades from Blackwing as well as limited-edition designs. From the Blackwing 602, which promises Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed to the Pearl, which provides a balanced and smooth graphite core that’s incredibly versatile––you’re sure to find the pencil for you in their lineup.
Say hello to our Woodless Graphite Pencils, designed with convenience and premium quality in mind. These pencils are caseless and coated in a plastic lacquer. Premium-quality graphite allows for rich, velvety smooth application. Use the tip for fine lines or lay the pencil on its side to cover large areas with pigment effortlessly.
Just a gentle reminder: these pencils are delicate due to their caseless design, so handle them with care. However, their unique construction means they contain more usable graphite than traditional pencils, giving you more bang for your buck! Perfect for calligraphy enthusiasts and artists alike.
These gorgeous pencils are from Uni Mitsubishis highest-quality line, and truly stand out as a great choice for professional-grade drawing pencils. Each pencil produces a rich, even, luxuriously smooth line. Hexagonal maroon barrels prevent rolling, and each lead is encased in incense-cedar wood. This set of 22 grades will allow users to create a full range of shades, perfect for shadows, highlights, and everything in-between.
Go Green
Feel the warmth of the tree every time you write with a pencil of the Tombow Kimonogatari series. Crafted with care, these recycled pencils are a testament to sustainability. They’re created using a finger joint technique that joins wood offcuts, making it possible to reuse scrap wood.
Plus, recycled paper is used for the packaging, ensuring that these pencils are environmentally conscious from the inside out. The Tombow Kimonogatari series was the very first pencil to earn an "Eco Mark" certification in 1992. Available in HB or Vermilion.