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The Golden Age of Japanese Pencils (2022)

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Re: The Golden Age of Japanese Pencils (2022)

#61

Post by Analemma_ »

ehnto wrote: post #58
bayindirh wrote: post #3

In the age of digital data storage and keyboards, these writing tools do not get the attention and celebration they deserve. There are tools so unique that really changes how you think and how you write. Some of these tools are so timeless and they are irreplaceable. When you acquire one of these tools, and appreciate all the craftsmanship and engineering went into these things, and notice how all blends and becomes…

Not related to your main point, but I am happy to see we are in somewhat of a resurgence of innovation in keyboards. There are some innovative new designs, entirely novel approaches to key inputs, and personalisation and craftsmanship has never been more impressive or achievable.

I agree. Getting a split keyboard with tenting so my wrists can be in a neutral position made my low-grade RSI vanish completely, and the trend toward increased programmability with macros and layers has been a wonderful thing for my productivity. The Cherry patents expiring mean switches have been getting better and better too. And while I myself am happy with the UHK I bought, it's also great to see that it's now easier than ever to design and build your own keyboard in whatever shape you want: there are YouTube tutorials and PCB companies for it that practically hold your hand from start to finish. Right now is the golden age of keyboards.

Re: The Golden Age of Japanese Pencils (2022)

#62

Post by vjust »

I have a bunch of these pencil brands Tombow, Mitsubishi. I usually buy them on ebay. Its an amazing experience to write with them... I usually use the H, HB to write, and its fascinating, how the premium ones H differs from an ordinary H. There is some paraphernalia that goes with it - sharpners, erasers.

I had lost the writing habit..coding invariably takes you to the keyboard. Gradually I'm writing more, and it slows down, and that helps. Its a very analog experience, and is a form of digital detox. I am also learning to draw, hence the splurging on pencils in the first place. While I'm not an artist (yet!) - its a whole another world with an amazing spectrum of varieties of pencils.

Re: The Golden Age of Japanese Pencils (2022)

#63

Post by jay_kyburz »

julienchastang wrote: post #25

You know what is great about that blog post? The pictures. There is something so pleasing about those shallow depth of field macros of carefully laid out pencils and other stationary. (I found some of those items on Amazon, BTW.)

I found this web side for those in Australia

https://pencilly.com.au/product/pencil-bundle-ultimate-gift-...

Re: The Golden Age of Japanese Pencils (2022)

#65

Post by dbtc »

ggm wrote: post #57

There's nothing more sad than finding your fave writing implement has been discontinued. No matter what it uses to leave marks on the surface, when they don't want to make it, you're SOL. I have a particular weight of Pilot pen which is just super. The stocks in Australia are out there in corners of dying news agents, all the replacements have been "bigged up" with soft rubber grips and stuff. There have been days a…

A quality fountain pen (or other refillable) with the potential to keep working for generations gets you out of that dependency. Though that's not the same as the raw simplicity of a wooden pencil.

Re: The Golden Age of Japanese Pencils (2022)

#66

Post by KPGv2 »

bayindirh wrote: post #3

In the age of digital data storage and keyboards, these writing tools do not get the attention and celebration they deserve. There are tools so unique that really changes how you think and how you write. Some of these tools are so timeless and they are irreplaceable. When you acquire one of these tools, and appreciate all the craftsmanship and engineering went into these things, and notice how all blends and becomes…

Agreed. I recently started bookbinding as a hobby, and it's given me such an appreciation for well-constructed books. There are some amazingly talented people still honing this craft and even publishing research about new ways of doing things!

Re: The Golden Age of Japanese Pencils (2022)

#67

Post by capnahab »

GuB-42 wrote: post #5

In general, I find Japan to be unmatched when it comes to stationery. Pens, pencils, notebooks, etc... Everything is just better: the simple stuff, like what you can find in "konbini" and "100 yen shops", entire floors in department stores like "Hands", and all the way up to luxury. As you might expect, Japanese brands of stationery are popular worldwide. So it is not surprising that Japan had a golden age of pencils…

Amazing

Re: The Golden Age of Japanese Pencils (2022)

#68

Post by capnahab »

blackeyeblitzar wrote: post #49
WillAdams wrote: post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Have you tried a good-quality, light-weight fountain pen?

I tried a plastic body light one a long time back but haven’t returned to it. I think in part because I found the roller ball point pens to be smoother writing and less ‘scratchy’. But maybe I am not using it properly or didn’t get the right model.

I have found the Pilot Kakuno (about ¥1000, so inexpensive) - just IMO, - pilot ink is very easy flowing, the nibs are great for my writing style, pull off cap not screw, so much easier and readier to use, easy to clean. I work in the UK health service which is not a good place for stationery lovers.

Re: The Golden Age of Japanese Pencils (2022)

#69

Post by dbtc »

blackeyeblitzar wrote: post #49
WillAdams wrote: post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Have you tried a good-quality, light-weight fountain pen?

I tried a plastic body light one a long time back but haven’t returned to it. I think in part because I found the roller ball point pens to be smoother writing and less ‘scratchy’. But maybe I am not using it properly or didn’t get the right model.

A well-tuned fountain pen should write with only the weight of the pen, and then it can take time to learn to relax the hand and shoulder.

I can type for longer without pain than I can write with a ballpoint or a pencil, but a fountain pen exceeds them both.

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