I've been reading a lot of posts regarding the increased use of pencils as primary writing instruments. What do you think about this? Some say that pencils fade and shouldn't be considered for journals, diaries, etc. Yet, a lot of documents written in pencil have survived for many years.

I'm anxious to try the Palomino pencils from California Republic. I know they are favorites of our friends at Pencil Revolution. They wrote a fine review back in September of last year. You can take a look at the Palomino, and order, from the Pencil World Creativity Store.
As for pens, it seems the discussion thread of choice is Moleskinerie's Moleskine Pens?. The thread began two years ago this month and is still going strong with a lot of great tips. I'm still using the Pilot G2 .05 and .07.

Paper Notes In A Digital World, I found your blog through Del.icio.us and am telling others about it. It's very well written and really a nice change of pace. Keep up the good work!
Jon Hanford
San Francisco
Posted by: Jon | January 16, 2006 at 12:30 AM
I use wooden pencils as a prop. When reading and thinking, I always have a freshly shapened pencil in hand. The texture and simplicity help to stimulate my thoughts. I prefer the G-2 for general note taking and journaling. I do mind-mapping with a pencil since neatness or smudges are of no concern. Pencils are simple, light, and inexpensive. I keep them everywhere!
Posted by: Davey | January 16, 2006 at 08:30 AM
The Palominos are a dream come true. Dark like ink, and as smooth as a G2. While graphite lacks the permanence of a Sharpie, a good pencil won't fade if it's not rubbed, and they'er acid-free for archivally safe work, too:)
Posted by: Pencil Revolution | January 16, 2006 at 11:57 AM
G2's come in 0.38mm and 1.0mm point sizes as well and in Mini's too. Try www.jetpens.com or the Japanese part of the Pilot Pens website.
Awesome blog by the way!
Posted by: Marcus | January 16, 2006 at 07:36 PM
Thanks for the nice comments everyone! Very kind.
I am ordering some Palomino pencils from California Republic TONIGHT.
Marcus, Thank you for the jetpens.com link! I am so glad to see the new Mini G-2. 4 1/4" long? That will make a great front pocket pen with the Moleskine Cahier in the back pocket! Great link and thanks again for the kind words Marcus....
Mike
Paper Notes In A Digital World
Posted by: MIKE - PAPER NOTES | January 16, 2006 at 08:23 PM
The mini-G2's are quite handy. I'm not sure how comfy they would be to use for extended periods of time.
Another good site if www.cultpens.com. It's a british pen store.
Posted by: Marcus | January 16, 2006 at 10:31 PM
Re: Pilot G2 Minis: Staples.com has an 8-pack assorted now for $11.49+. I got mine yesterday, and they are rather...cute? They sized like a regular G2 with just a shorter barrel & ink cartridge. Very nice.
Posted by: Gary Varner | January 17, 2006 at 11:34 AM
Did you get a chance to try the Palominos yet?
Posted by: Pencil Revolution | January 25, 2006 at 03:11 PM
Hi Pencil Revolution...
As a matter of fact....I received my Palominos a few days ago and have been using them ever since! I've been using the HB & 2B almost exclusively. Great pencils! I wasn't expecting them to come sharpened - that was a cool touch. Speaking of....what do you recommend for a good basic sharpener? I'm afraid to use this cheapie thing I've had for years, it seems cruel and unusual. Any ideas?
Posted by: MIKE - PN | January 25, 2006 at 10:04 PM
You can't go wrong with a nice KUM. Woodchuck might be a dealer soon:) Utrecht has a few (under Alvin), one of which has two extra blades on the side. I picked up one at the Utrecht in Chicago in December when I was passing through town, and I'm very impressed with it. Most art shops or university stores will have some, too. Their wedge and the two-holer are some of my favorites. It's a rare day that I sharpen anything without a KUM:)
Posted by: Johnny - PR | January 28, 2006 at 09:10 PM
I got my Palomino's a couple of days ago. I love them. Also, kudos to Jeanette. They over charged me on the shipping, no biggie. She sent a nice letter of apology...and a dozen Spangle coloring pencils, gratis. These folks are tops...the pencils are awsome.
Posted by: Davey | January 28, 2006 at 11:12 PM
You guys are cool for talking about pens and pencils. I though I was the only one who really cared about such things :P
What about Dixon Sense-a-mark Carbon pencils? Those are dark and write pretty smooth.
Also, which would you prefer to write with more, pens or woodcase pencils? why?
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