How I use it: Caran d’Ache Fixpencil

If I kept tabs on the writing instruments that left the house with me in 2017 I’m certain the Caran d’Ache Fixpencil would land in the top two. It is that important to my every day carry.

How I use it: This is my quick notes and ideas pencil. Sometimes pencil is the best tool, but on the go I prefer mechanical, or in this case, clutch barrels. They are more durable by a long shot.

My favorite thing about the Fixpencil is the sharpener underneath the button on the end of the pencil. There’s no eraser under there, and I’m good with that. I like being able to sharpen the lead without carrying a pointer around.

The pictures below show some of my sketches and doodles, including some lettering and product design ideas. I keep a stack of note cards with me at all times, and often a pocket notebook of some sort. There is no better companion than the Caran d’Ache Fixpencil.

(I bought this pencil at full price from CW Pencil Enterprises in July, 2016.)

Retro 1951 Elephant and Rhino Rescue Ballpoint Review

(Sarah Read is an author, editor, yarn artist, and pen/paper/ink addict. You can find more about her at her website and on Twitter.)

Every time I think "I don't really need another Retro 51", they go and do something like the Elephant and Rhino Rescue Ballpoint. Beautiful pen? Check. Great writing experience? Check. Charity contribution that not only tugs at my heartstrings but pulls them out through my tear ducts? Double check.

Here's another edition of the Tornado that takes a quality pen build and turns it onto a work of art--something Retro 51 does so well. The gunmetal grey body has been acid-etched with a geometric elephant and rhino pattern that mimics the look of pachyderm skin. Clever and gorgeous--and functional, as the texture gives the pen excellent grip.

The build also includes the much beloved features of the Tornado--the knurled top with the twist mechanism to deploy the tip, and the sturdy but springy metal clip. The nose cone unscrews to remove the Easy Flow 9000 ballpoint refill.

The ink in the refill is intended as a ballpoint/rollerball hybrid--and I think it achieves that. It has the smoothness and darkness of liquid rollerball ink, but the drier, long-lasting properties of ballpoint ink. It is very smooth and pleasant to write with. I did get some slight smearing on the side of my hand at one point, but I was writing on coated paper and not being terribly careful. Once the ink had a moment to dry, I didn't have any more smearing. If the ballpoint ink isn't to your taste, it looks like the rollerball refill will also work, if you purchase it with a conversion pack--or you can use any parker-style refill.

Best of all, for every pen sold, donations will be made to ERP--Elephants, Rhinos & People--a nonprofit that helps save the endangered Elephants and Rhinos of Southern Africa. You can learn more about their fantastic work at ERP.ngo.

If I'm to find anything to criticize about this pen, I have to pick some nits. Because really, overall, it's swell. But. The texture is a little on the harsh side and can feel a bit sharp in the hand. And I wish they'd put a decorative finial on the top like they do for other special editions. Also, I found it a bit tricky to insert the refill properly. That's probably something the matter with me, rather than the pen, though.

It's a great new addition to the Tornado line. If you're a Retro collector, an animal lover, or a pen addict of any kind, this is one you don't want to miss.

(Vanness Pens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 291 - At Some Point a Pen Has to Get Involved

Myke and I did an office supply draft. It doesn’t get much nerdier than that, and I have The Poscast to thank for the idea. We had fun with this one. We also talked about many orange things, handwriting fonts, and the Retro 51 secondary market.

Show Notes & Download Links

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