Pencil Sampler Packs

Hello, this is Don, proprietor of PencilThings.com.

The many comments suggesting that PencilThings.com set up some sampler packs of writing pencils are quite interesting. We have been changing our Web listings with the goal in mind of encouraging purchases of single pencils to try before buying standard packs of twelve. That idea suits some needs, but it is not particularly helpful to those who want the assistance and ease a sampler pack provides.

Overall, I discern the greatest interest in trying a selection of similar writing pencils from different manufacturers. Next in interest seems to be trying a variety of pencils suitable for particular purposes and/or tastes (blue book essays, journals, test scoring, triangular, hexagonal, round, natural wood finish, etc.). 

Samplers by Price: Generally I think it would be helpful and relatively easy to organize sampler categories according to price, for example: (1) $0.25 - $0.50 range; (2) $0.75 - $1.25 range; and (3) $1.50 and up. Price is determined partly by the quality of the materials used, so it is a useful organizing principle.

Samplers by Lead Degree: The Samplers by Price can be further organized in degrees -- for example, 2B (soft), HB (medium soft) and H (hard).

There are many, many pencil combinations one can think of. In the end, however, a six-pack, or eight-pack, or whatever, of pencils has to be selected, and this is where your suggestions are critical.

We will do it, with your help! The pencils you suggest need not be those we currently sell at PencilThings.com. If it is a good pencil for sampler purposes, we will attempt to obtain a sufficient quantity for the sampler packs even if we do not stock it.

So, together let us use our combined experiences to set up some samplers for ourselves and to introduce others to the delight we take in our pencils!

Comments

[Jacqueline]

Hi Don,

I hope you have been well as calls and emails that have gone to Pencilthings.com have gone unanswered. I am the one who asked Mr. Pencil for the "perfect test pencil" and was in the market for 200+ pencils. He told me that he spoke with you and you would had a great deal for me.

I've just read your "sampler pencil pack" post and I really think that's exactly what I need: A sampler pack of pencils first. I would like to work one out with you as my entire class (50 students) will also need 200+ test pencils too. I would be happy to coordinate the sample pack sales and then the ensuing future sales.

All of us are taking this coaching class through a national test prep center so I'm sure the word will spread.

This is such an important test to all of us that everyone is putting in maximum time, effort, and expense.

Please contact me as I really would like to work further with you.

- Jacqueline.

Mr. Pencil has my email address.

[tijbbari]

Don,

The June Pencil of the Month was a great "sampler" (particularly with Dixon DTR/FTR). It is my favorite POTM so far. I even bought a subscription for my mother-in-law (a math teacher).

In addition to what has already been mentioned, I would like to see a pack with multiple grades/levels of the same manufacturer: student/office/drawing/premium.

It would also be fun to get an international sampler of similarly graded pencils by the same manufacturer to see how the pencils vary between markets.

Thanks for such a wonderful blog and store.

Tom

[heide Li]

Hi
I don't know enough about different brands. So, not only can I not suggest something, but I would like to try out samplers myself. For me, a great sampler would have a variety of a single kind of pencil of different brands and different price ranges. Then I could say "does paying twice as much give me a doublely fine writing experience?".

On another subject, I am tickled pink to meet other pencil aficionados. Most people can pick up anything and write all day without even noticing what they are holding. I love the good tactile feel of smooth leads, and am annoyed no end by pencils that have their leads off center and cannot be sharpened properly.

[Barrel Of A Pencil]

Hi Don, I have in mind a sampler pack of high-grade pencils in 2B or softer degree, including but not limited to the following:

Tombow Mono 100
Pentel Black Polymer 999 or 999 Alpha
Mitsubishi Hi-Uni
Graf von Faber-Castell black or brown (this
one may come no softer than a B or HB)
Munhwa Deojon from Korea (an astonishingly
dark & smooth "electrographic" pencil)
Orange Palomino 2B
Kita-Boshi Hit in 4B

More information about these pencils can be found at penciltalk.org.

[MB Backstrom]

I am interested in giving pencil samplers as gifts to relatives who have everything else, and to friends for a fun & inexpensive gift. Categorizing by price would be great. For gifts, a sampler of various brands would be more interesting.