The Infamous Graf Von Faber Castell Perfect Pencil

[Pfhorrest]

I have always had a subdued curiosity for the Perfect Pencil. One of my first pens was a Graf von Faber Castell Classic, and the Perfect Pencil always seemed the perfect complement. However, until now I have not had a legitimate need to buy the Perfect Pencil. I recently discovered how convenient it is to have a lightly-writing pencil to use for class notes and music composition. And as I will be studying music and music composition for the next four (perhaps six, perhaps eight) years, and the pen store at the top of the Galleries Lafayette here in Paris where I am visiting to study has the Perfect Pencil at a price competitive with US prices, I finally made the purchase. Here, I hope to provide a detailed review illustrating the truths of the Perfect Pencil so that those who read this review may better evaluate for themselves whether or not to purchase the Perfect Pencil.

 

It wouldn't be right to say that the Perfect Pencil is a sort of scaled-down version of the better-known Grav von Faber Castell Classic. There are certain fundamental differences that slightly change the way the instrument is handled. For one, the instrument is quite thin and light, and feels positively insubstatial compared to the heft of the Classic Fountain pen.

 

However, the difference in the Perfect Pencil is that the lightness does not contribute to a feeling of low quality. The Perfect Pencil's weight seems to be wholly an integral aspect of its design and not a by-product of its construction. Clipped to a pants pocket, it is comfortable, and like a good pair of lightweight running shorts, one is not too conscious of its placement on the body after a while.

 

This makes it very compatible with my new study habits - on days where I don't need to use my fountain pen, I simply clip my Perfect Pencil as I would my fountain pen on any other day. It is a seemingly complicated system for a graphite pencil, but its use really is very intuitive for those who are used to the everyday use of a fountain pen, as I am.

 

Like all Graf-von-Faber Castell products, the Perfect Pencil demonstrates remarkable fit and finish. When fully assembled, all surfaces are flush with each other. I have not had the Perfect Pencil for too long, so I am not yet certain about the wear of parts over long periods of time.

 

The pencil itself is wonderful. It is very stable in the hand due to its guilloche texture, is quite warm, and has excellent graphite. Moreover, it sharpens well, and offers the most even sharpening that I've ever encountered. Importantly, I feel that the pencil doesn't have to be sharpened as much as others do to just correct a dull lead.

 

It is true that the pencil refills themselves are not very long, but they are not very short either. Although it seems to be a selling point of this item, I would not reccomend the use of the pencil holder like this (a pencil extender). Rather, the extender portion of the item is for the convenience and safety of pocket carry of a pencil. The Perfect Pencil system is meant to correct the two aspects of pencils that make them less convenient than pens for everyday use: quality and portability. Most graphite pencils are of sketchy (pardon the pun) quality. When they dull, they may write with unpleasant charcoal-like patterns. They usually do not sharpen cleanly, grind while sharpening, or sharpen with an uneven lead (the bane of all obsessive-compulsive students the world over).

 

Some are better, such as Staedtler Lumograph. But no matter the quality of a pencil, they still suffer from lack of portability. The only safe and convenient manner to carry a pencil is in a backpack or other bag. If the point of the pencil is exposed in any way or is pointing towards the body in any way, it is unherently unsafe. A pencil case, for concerns of convenience, usually goes in a backpack. It becomes impossible to carry a pencil on oneself without some sort of system for protecting the point from being either exposed to other persons (sticking out of the pocket) or being a hazard to the user (pointing inwards to the body).

 

The Perfect Pencil truly is a Perfect Pencil in that it corrects both these problems and, while doing so, is in and of itself an elegant design. I highly reccomend this pencil, but only if pencils represent a considerable portion of your writing needs. The price is not something to be laughed at - $230 at the minimum for the most basic models and $40 for refills and $30-50 for spare parts is a sizeable investment. I made this investment because I am now in a position where I must use pencils everyday for hours. If you likewise have the need, then I say purchase the Perfect Pencil system. It will eliminate the traditional downfalls of graphite wood-cased pencils. I hope this review has been helpful for those who are considering purchasing the Perfect Pencil, and for those who are curious about its qualities and use by someone who uses it often.

[Pickwick]

It will be interesting to find out how often this pencil needs sharpening in order to keep its point. Also the durability of the blade, because my experience with sharpeners, they work OK for a short while then starts to disintegrate the pencil because the blade dulls very quickly.

 

I get the impression from your review that you've bought this pencil for it aesthetic appeal.

 

I'm curious to find out why you need a well sharpened point for your studies, instead of a high quality mechanical pencil such as a Rotring which can be bought for the fraction of the price along with refills.

[AndyHayes]

I would imagine that the reson for owning these things above all others are that they are a thing of beauty. Sadly I was no born with deep pockets so I just have the £30 a set Perfect Pencil, still really nice though.

[jar]

It will be interesting to find out how often this pencil needs sharpening in order to keep its point. Also the durability of the blade, because my experience with sharpeners, they work OK for a short while then starts to disintegrate the pencil because the blade dulls very quickly.

 

One of the nice things about GvFC is that they have an online site for you to buy spare parts or replacements.

[lovingball]

Once I was told that the difference between a pencil and a mechanical pencil is like the difference between a fountain pen and a ball point pen. The pleasure of sharpening a pencil, the difference grades and sizes of the leads, well, they may be all very well related to the characteristics of a fountain pen. They need some work to be done, and that is a pleasure.

 

Nevertheless, I am a ball point lover and I do also love mechanical pencils. There is plenty of beautiful models and designs on the market and they surely respond to the need for quality and portability. I have some different brands like Montblanc, Faber Castell, Porsche Designs, Loclen, and I use 0,7mm leads, they work perfect and they can be carried like a normal pen in your shirt pocket.

 

But for the reason I mentioned above I do agree with you, the Perfect Pencil is definitely a beautifully designed pencil and in my opinion is the perfect match for fountain pen lovers.

[MisterBoll]

Thanks for the review and info. Looks like a beautiful pencil.

[Bigeddie]

I really like mine, although it doesn't get much use until I'm travelling, then it comes into it's own. I keep it in my bag for when I'm on the train, I don't want to use a fountain pen in in case the motion causes too much pressure on the nib. The lead is smooth, dark, but also surprisingly firm; these pencils don't blunt anywhere near as fast as my typical Mitsubishi Hi Uni HB or Tombow Homo-Graph Mono100 HB.

 

They produce them in a range of sets, mine is the cheapest, platinum plated version (link to Pencil Talk blog review here). The sterling silver looks fantastic (review and photo of the full line), but it's about triple the price! There are also silver plate and other variations.

 

Some photos attached, alongside the GvFC non-perfect pencil pencils (silver plated cap instead of the rubber fitting).

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/9210152209_e34a7fb428_z.jpg

IMAGE_EE9D3E65-53C1-40B8-B38F-96D8B7747D35.JPG by Bigeddie100, on Flickr

 

 

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/9212935436_562e13d693_z.jpg

GvFC Perfect Pencil by Bigeddie100, on Flickr

 

 

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/9212936950_dc3871a419_z.jpg

GvFC Perfect Pencil by Bigeddie100, on Flickr

 

 

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/9210156799_e72ae0bf45_z.jpg

GvFC Perfect Pencil by Bigeddie100, on Flickr

 

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/9212940038_4c1e4c24ea_z.jpg

GvFC Perfect Pencil by Bigeddie100, on Flickr

[Montblanc owner and lover]

thanks for the pictures and the links,very interesting.

[hot cocoa]

I'm curious to find out why you need a well sharpened point for your studies, instead of a high quality mechanical pencil such as a Rotring which can be bought for the fraction of the price along with refills.

 

I gathered from the review that the portability of the Perfect Pencil was a big factor in its appeal - those Rotrings have fixed sleeves for the lead are MURDER on clothing. Plus they are too long to just be clipped to a pocket.

 

I've had too many good quality mechanical pencils give up the ghost on me. Maybe it's me, maybe it's not! Good hardwood pencils, or even just clutch pencils, have been more reliable for me overall.

 

Love the review, I need one of these, but a cheaper version.

[camoandconcrete]

This review has made me want to get one of these now. I'm tossed between the platinum plated one for it being less money or the sterling silver just because I love sterling silver.

[scratchofapen]

I seldom use pencils, but i was caught by one of this babys some years ago via ebay.

It sits in that one pen pouch i use when it's practical to have only one fountain pen with

you beneath it. You know, no one carrys 4 ore more fp's all the time.

 

I simply love the idea, and the pencils are superb quality. If using a pencil, it is quite

a pleasure to use this one - must have something to do with that fp love, though taking

out the sharpener, use it and put it back to the lengthener before writing gives a similar

feeling as uncapping a beautifull fp....

Edited July 19, 2013 by scratchofapen

[Bigeddie]

I think they now produce a Rotring 600 MP with a retractable sleeve, or the new TWSBI MP. I like hardwood pencils, they are fantasitically simple and in some of the more high end (>£1.00 a pencil) examples very well refined writing instruments.

 

The Faber Castell 9000 model of perfect pencil is plastic but nicely made and has all the functionality without the rubber on the end. Price is about £9 last time I bought one. The sharpener screw in is actually the same fit as the GvFC PP model pictured so they are interchangeable.

 

For those interested in trying some quality wooden pencils check out the 'Mitsubishi Hi-Uni' and 'Tombow Mono 100'

[blefevre]

Great topic. The Faber Castell 9000 with a "B" grade graphite has been my pencil of choice since the 1960's. I keep a dozen hidden away in my writing desk at all times.

[Simius]

I have the Faber Castell perfect pencil, which costs 30 Euros and looks very similar to the pictures above. The GvFC perfect pencils cost considerably more. Is it down to platinum/sterling silver vs. stainless steel, or are there differences in functionality as well? Thanks...

[Bisquitlips]

My apologies for reviving an old thread, but I just acquired the Perfect Pencil this week and appreciated the review here.

 

I wholeheartedly agree with the OP. This is a wonderful writing instrument in every way conceivable for a pencil and in my never to be humble opinion there needs to be invented another name for a writing instrument of this invention.

 

However I am not original enough to come up with anything. But.... to say the least this is the way a pencil should have been invented. A way to clip it in the pocket, sharpen it, and enjoy its beauty. And it is lovely. An engineering marvel in my estimation. Truly! Sometimes I find myself sharpening it just for the pleasure of doing so. I know.... I am so .... fill in the blank.

 

Just superb!

[kirkmc]

I love this idea. I only learned about it a few weeks ago, when researching mechanical pencils, and have just ordered one from an authorized Faber Castell reseller at a deep discount on eBay. I'll post more when I get it, but I've long been a fan of pencils, and this looks like the perfect way to use a pencil. Granted, the pencils that FC sells are expensive, but you can use any pencil with the device. My favorites are Derwent Graphic pencils, and I may use those, though they won't look as cool as the fluted pencils that FC makes.

[s_t_e_v_e]

I like how the word "Perfect" is aptly used as a proper noun

I wonder when Bentley would come out with the Perfect Continental and we all go buy it because, well, it's $$Perfect$$

 

Ah, (hits himself on the head). I could use a Pilot MR (or even better, a G2) but I still spend over 25 times on a nicer MontBlanc because I like it, and I'm not better .

[meiers]

I seldom use pencils, but i was caught by one of this babys some years ago via ebay.

It sits in that one pen pouch i use when it's practical to have only one fountain pen with

you beneath it. You know, no one carrys 4 ore more fp's all the time.

 

I simply love the idea, and the pencils are superb quality. If using a pencil, it is quite

a pleasure to use this one - must have something to do with that fp love, though taking

out the sharpener, use it and put it back to the lengthener before writing gives a similar

feeling as uncapping a beautifull fp....

I totally agree.

[meiers]

My apologies for reviving an old thread, but I just acquired the Perfect Pencil this week and appreciated the review here.

 

I wholeheartedly agree with the OP. This is a wonderful writing instrument in every way conceivable for a pencil and in my never to be humble opinion there needs to be invented another name for a writing instrument of this invention.

 

However I am not original enough to come up with anything. But.... to say the least this is the way a pencil should have been invented. A way to clip it in the pocket, sharpen it, and enjoy its beauty. And it is lovely. An engineering marvel in my estimation. Truly! Sometimes I find myself sharpening it just for the pleasure of doing so. I know.... I am so .... fill in the blank.

 

Just superb!

Yes.

It appears that GVFC has revived the sterling silver edition.

[Honeybadgers]

I am a mirado black warrior fan for my general pencil usr. The real JOY I get is in using my great grandmother's rotating blade (and still razor sharp) us automatic pencil sharpener from the early 20th century

 

Trying to upload a picture, it says "you can upload up to UPLOADING IS NOT ALLOWED of files." What gives?

Edited July 7, 2017 by Honeybadgers