LeDandy loves the Dixon-Ticonderoga pencil. It is the classic, functional All-American pencil used by grade school students and above. Since I was a child, I have liked the grip and smooth writing of this brand's pencil. It was superior to others. Somehow I liked them more when these pencils were worn down to barely usable stubs.
Is there really something special about these pencils? I believe so. The grip is superior because of the wood and the polished finish. Most generic pencils are crude and have a rougher texture. You can feel the difference. Also, the pencils are very attractive with their green and yellow ferrule.* Simply put, these pencils look good and feel good.
What about mechanical pencils? LeDandy can't stand them for some reason. Sure, they look nicer but the damn things are impractical. The lead snaps off the tip and I find the lead too thin. When it comes to putting graphite on paper, there is no substitute for a wooden pencil. There is also a primal gratification in sharpening the pencil by hand. It gives us time to reflect while doing a productive, manual task.
The Dixon-Ticonderoga pencil is more expensive than your generic drugstore counterpart. The market rate for this brand is about $2.50 dozen compared to $1 dozen for the cheap generic. LeDandy believes this premium is well worth the difference. Treat yourself to an American classic.
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*Big word for the day. Ferrule is the metal sleeve joining one part to another. Don't worry, LeDandy had to look up this word too.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Dixon-Ticonderoga Pencil
