The sign over the door of our boutique might read “The Pleasure of Writing — Fine Pens & Paper,” but besides other accessories like inks, leather wallets and pen sleeves, and even a few pairs of cufflinks, we also feature a variety of pencils in our store from a number of brands.

We know there’s nothing like the smoothness of a gold nib on fine stationery, but we are equally certain that certain tasks require the flexibility of graphite — as well as its ability to be erased. There’s an anecdote that the novelist Kurt Vonnegut once said that whoever thought to put erasers on the end of pencils had the human species pretty well summed up, and while we can’t verify the veracity of the sentiment, we’ve always agreed with its spirit.

Whether you’re using your pencil to draw and shade and sketch, or for mathematical equations and scientific data, or just because you like the feel of graphite on paper, we’ve got a plethora of options for you.

rOtring

One of our most popular brands, the octagonal shape of the rOtring pencils we feature is iconic as the company’s big-O logo. The burnished metal bodies have good weight in the hand, and they are available in different lead sizes, suitable for just about any purpose. One of our favorite models, the 800, even features a retractable design to ensure that the cylinder through which the lead extends doesn’t get bent or damaged in transit.

Graf von Faber-Castell

This iconic German company invented the #2 pencil — and they’ve been producing fine writing instruments ever since. Over the years, they’ve developed their Perfect Pencil, which features a metal cover over its eraser and comes with a lovely, polished metal cap that includes a sharpener.

Besides the Perfect Pencil, both Graf von Faber-Castell and its sister company Faber-Castell offer a wide array of mechanical options, perfect for a variety of uses or needs.

Tactile Turn

Finely machined, terrifically sturdy, and perfect for everyday carry, Tactile Turn makes some tactical-grade writing instruments, and its mechanical pencils are no exception. Always featuring interesting functioning mechanisms, like the click-retract and lever-action ballpoints, these all-metal pencils have interesting textures and designs in materials like brass, titanium, and even terra cotta.

Retro 51

The company’s slogan is “Life is too short for an ugly pen” — which is true, but we can’t figure out why they left out pencils when they make ones that look just as good as their rollerballs! Featuring similar designs, including classic solid colors amidst editions that support animal rescue and other causes, these pencils have the same iconic shape and feel as any other Retro, and the same meticulous attention to detail.

LAMY

The Al-Star is one of the most popular fountain pens we carry, but the company’s excellent mechanical pencil is a simple, functional example at a terrific price.

Our Very Own Marketplace

When working with private collectors, we're rarely certain what writing instruments we'll find in a new box from a new client. You can find lots of mechanical pencils on our Marketplace, with more added on an ongoing basis!

These are just a few examples of brands we carry who in addition to making exquisite writing instruments also produce practical, pragmatic pencils perfect for your pursuits.