Why Use Pencils? - ✎W&G✎

[@TheVirusVT]

I doubt anyone will see this, but it was thanks to this channel that I fell in love with pencils again. I'm sad he's stopped making videos, but I still thank him for all the ones he did. Now, I daily carry two - a metal shop Twist and a Zebra Delguard. To anyone that sees this: Write On.

[@WoodGraphite]

I saw it and I appreciate you! I’m sad I don’t make videos anymore, but life is busy and projects ebb and flow. I’m glad my videos still bring a little joy to people. Write on!

[@jasjeetsingh1401]

I randomly fell in love with using pencils just a few months ago. Mostly because the writing experience is more satisfying than any pen and also my notes made with pencils look good somehow despite me having a terrible handwriting in general when I use pen. Also pretty satisfying to sharp a pencil. Just adds to the experience and makes my difficult studies a bit easier and more satisfying

[@jasjeetsingh1401]

Also I don't like clutch pencils. They're not as satisfying since you don't need to sharpen them. Sharpening a pencil reminds me of how much ive written which for me as a student directly translates to how much I have progressed

[@Oldeagle66]

I've started using pencils again. Especially when new, long and sharp. I even have a few reloadable ones.

[@TheVirusVT]

@@Oldeagle66 It's a fun feeling in a way, isn't it? Coming back to a pencil, something simple and easy to write or draw with.

[@aaronflanagan8090]

My brother poetically said "Wooden pencils have a special life. They come into our lives and slowly leave. They show their lives easily as they wear. They need special care and at the same time can be completely neglected and still be completely reliable at a moments notice. They are literally made of earth and even though most of them are Whittle away to return to the earth they can leave permanent lasting effect."

[@WoodGraphite]

Wise words, thank you for sharing

[@paulgreen8537]

Aaron Flanagan so true

[@morgoroth666dlp]

Now I'm a fan of your brother

[@StopFear]

I think they only leave if you throw away the stubs. I used to leave my 2/3 finished pencils since high school but then at one point someone has thrown a half of them away. That’s ok though because I think nostalgia for tangible subjects is unhealthy. Also about the pencils being literally made from earth. That’s not exactly true since pens and any object we handle is made from earth even if it is entirely made of plastic. Plastic is made of generally speaking crude oil. I agree that pencils are more fun and more meaningful to use than pens. At least better than cheap mass produced pens. The thing unique to pencils which pens don’t have is that the cylindrical shape of the lead creates an edge at a specific angle and you can as a result input more personality into your writing as your fingers rotate the pencil to change the angle to be sharper. They come with a wooden smell. Warmer touch of the wood. Eraser functionality. Also it feels that they cannot be as mass produced as plastic disposable pens or automatic pencils. That means there is a minimum human craft needed to make them which probably appeals to many pencil users.

[@DashedVirusXIII]

What's the name of your brother? I want to quote him in my journal!

[@HEYitsTRAV]

Your channel is the reason I got the itch to start using pencils about a year ago. Now, they are a regular part of my routine. Every time one of your videos pops up as a suggested video, I feel inspired to use my pencils more. Thanks for all you’ve shared with everyone over the years!

[@Moostery]

I prefer pencils because I'm a knife nut and any excuse to use my knife is a good one. You cant sharpen pens!

[@WoodGraphite]

Well you can, but only once!

[@hu3bman]

Hear hear 🗡

[@dennisalbers2]

Your love of analog is contagious. I have recently started using pencils in my Field Notes, sooo much better than the Space Pen I was using previously. I love your videos and reviews. Keep em coming!👍🏾

[@WoodGraphite]

+Dennis Albers I'm glad I'm having an impact! Changing minds and pencil cases, one pencil at a time 😎

[@folksurvival]

I don't know how true it is but there's a saying, of sorts, that NASA spent millions designing a pen that could write in space...the Russians just used a pencil.

[@DJSlimzilla]

I can't explain why but I've now watched this video three times. It's just feels good.

[@WoodGraphite]

+DJSlimzilla I'm glad you enjoy it. I find analog stuff soothes me when I've had a long week of computers and tech

[@DJSlimzilla]

I'm with you, my job entails computer screens all day. Thanks for the videos!

[@michelsindaha]

Your love of pencils is inspiring, but I can only hope that it can be also translated into a love of film; because brother, holy shit, you're a very good filmmaker.

[@WoodGraphite]

What kind words, thank you!

[@montypizzle5780]

I have always found pencils interesting as a kid. Beyond the use of simply writing, but also -the story they tell, how old they are, and how they were made. But eventually, I had to switch to pens and it just stuck. Recently, after three years or taking notes with a Lamy Safari, using 54th Massachusetts I felt tired. Tired of refilling the ink, having ink on my hands, and having to think so much about posture instead of just writing. I finally picked up a pencil to write down physics notes on a whim, which happened to be a Ticonderoga noir from a pack I bought in 2016 in high school. I can’t quite describe the feeling. Different from a mechanical… it was freeing. Simple. Cathartic feeling to write with a real pencil once again. Needless to say I decided to buy some vintage pencils, and a nice sharpener to feed my desire to create and solve mathematical problems once again :) this video is perfection.

[@hu3bman]

I salute thee as a genuine pencil snob & as the only Irishman I've ever seen that has given more than inch of effort & love for the wooden graphite! Take me sub & God bless!

[@Irisphotojournal]

They say that one day we will control computers with our minds, Great..! but I already direct my thoughts into my Pencil.. Job done.

[@WoodGraphite]

+IPJ Bradley awesome!

[@paulgreen8537]

Well said

[@Old52Guy]

I am glad this channel is still up but saddened that nothing else will be produced. We "analogers" love these topics. I might point out that when I was in the Navy, the written log book was always written in pencil and had been for centuries. Pencil is the only marking implement that doesn't wash away when wet. Log books have been recovered from sunken warships and the logs could still be read. Pencils are the way to go when looking for permanency. I just wish the good pencils were more affordable.

[@theleoj91]

was it just me who got goosebumps with the video?

[@WoodGraphite]

Thank You

[@jasondaniel918]

Thank you for a thoughtful video. To me, ballpoint and rollerball pens are mechanistic and heartless. Keyboard writing has its place. But for real heart and creativity there are, thankfully, great options, both of which are "mature technology." For formal writing, letters, checks, etc., I use fountain pens. I love the smooth, natural flow of liquid ink. Fountain pens do require care, but I enjoy the ritual of cleaning and filling the pens with ink. For informal writing, notes, grocery lists, etc., I use wood case pencils. I love the tactile feel of the wood on my fingers and the equally tactile feel of the graphite on paper. In their own way, pencils also require care. There is also a kind of ritual in monitoring the sharpness of a pencil, sharpening it and employing a pencil extender as the pencils wear down. But I enjoy giving that care to the writing instrument. The reward is an enjoyment of writing and a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment in producing something on paper.

[@WoodGraphite]

Couldn't have said it better myself. Many thanks for the kind words Frank

[@Justguywholikesskippingandps]

@@WoodGraphite i agree

[@sasetsasha8832]

I am an artist and even when I love to sketch with many types of pens and markers, I will never stop using graphite in my journals and my artwork. Pencils are always going to be part of my development and I will use them to sketch and to do fine art, as it is a unique medium.

[@aaronying4989]

I found if I get stuck writing with typing or using pen my thinking and creativity would open up so much more in pencil!!

[@didarfarage7129]

pretty nice video you should use it as the introduction video of your channel

[@WoodGraphite]

+Didar Farage I was just thinking that myself. Thank you 😆

[@thomasbrennan6303]

I also like the way they smell. Cedar, slightly moistened with sweat from your hands. Reminds me of a simpler, more care-free time when all I had to worry about was completing a homework assignment for the next day, or taking a test on a Friday afternoon, savoring that smell in those last few moments of delayed gratification before bursting out of school into the spring afternoon.

[@lp5913]

I'm going for a hike in Denmark this autumn and it is this video which made me decide to bring a couple of pencils for my journal instead of a pen. The choice of pencil is Bruynzeel B2, I can't thank you enough for this, it was an eye opener for me. A pencil, sharpener and an eraser, how simple life can be!

[@olavos.893]

So well thought... THIS is high quality content.

[@WoodGraphite]

Thank you!

[@AeromatterYT]

This video is superb!!! Using pencils is fairly standard for me as a design & engineering student, but I'm just getting into iconic pencils and their history and it's fascinating. I'm about about to get my first box of tombow mono 100s thanks to your video on them, can't wait to see the results :D

[@WoodGraphite]

+Matthew Moeser Ooh, they are lovely. One of the few modern pencils with an end cap. Japanese craftsmanship is hard to beat

[@zebulunstadler9902]

what a well made, beautiful video. plus I spied a Opinel, yes? and as others commented -- goosebump inducing. well done

[@WoodGraphite]

+Zebulun Stadler Thank you! You did, lovely little knife and very sharp

[@andrewveatch2577]

Great video. You even included my favorite economist, Milton Friedman. But, it was Lawrence Reed that originally came up with the I, Pencil story that I assume you were alluding to. Friedman, as well as many others used the story or parts of it to teach about the interconnectedness of the world. Fun fact: (if my memory serves me correctly) the pencil Larry Reed used as a model for the essay was the EF Mongol 482. Also, Larry Reed was the founder of the Foundation for Economic Education, along with such greats as Ludwig von Mises. I saw Larry's son give a talk a few months back, he came to an event in my town. Sorry to nerd out there. Loved the video, I am sharing it all over as a way to explain the obsession.

[@WoodGraphite]

+Andrew Veatch Never apologise for elucidating a fellow enthusiast! I'm glad it stuck a chord and is useful to you. I love delving into stuff like this, falling down the rabbit hole a bit.

[@TelxGaming]

For me I use pencils for a lot of reasons. Although I'm still in school and I'm part of the generation of electronics, I choose to write things on physical paper, with pencils rather than electronically. I don't see how people take notes, and write journals electronically. I also used pencils because pens are not my style. The writing looks nice until you mess up and have to scribble away your mistakes. Pens are also very messy for me, because I have messy hand writing. It is much easier to read something I wrote with a black wing than a pen. One more reason: I was writing a novel. My plan was to write it on paper, than switch to computer for my second draft. It was so much more comfortable and convenient to grab a pencil and sit down and write, than have to sit in my room where my desktop is and write with a keyboard. I admit, I do want to give fountain pens a try, but for now it's just me and my blackwings or Ticonderoga when I'm feeling cheap.

[@WoodGraphite]

+TelxGaming I find I retain more information when I write it by hand. Keep up with your novel, first draft in pencil, seconds draft as you type it into the computer. Good luck

[@keithwixtrom6435]

There are actually studies now to back you up - students retain more when taking handwritten notes than when taking notes on a computer.

[@GBV1436]

I love pencils (and all other writing / drawing implements) because of their feel, their look, their reliability and their portability.

[@WoodGraphite]

+GBV1436 Same here!

[@lewisrobinson6754]

This is probably my favourite video you've ever made! (And I think I've seen all of them on this channel) a perfectly edited masterpiece!

[@WoodGraphite]

+lewis robinson Thanks so much Lewis, that really means a lot!

[@lewisrobinson6754]

Wood & Graphite it's true! After watching your video I took the plunge and ordered my first pack of palomino 602's and the brass sharpener from a previous video, here is to analogue!!

[@WoodGraphite]

+lewis robinson ✏📃❤

[@toolsgear2695]

Please come back. 😢

[@Luzanne.]

Awesome channel. Thank you for all the beautiful videos

[@angelab9162]

I love my fountain pens and things, but having to clean them, refill them, and all of that other stuff can get a little tiring. Sometimes I just pull out one of my trusty Blackwing Pearls (the BEST) and enjoy the immediate tactile joy of putting the tip of a writing instrument to paper. Sharpened pencils are also one of the best smelling things in the world, which adds to the fun.

[@WoodGraphite]

+Angela Best It's such a visceral experience right? Pencil fumes are instant happiness

[@jeremychrist]

Thank you for your exceptional video. I sharpened my first 602 this evening. I’m inspired.

[@WoodGraphite]

+Jeremy Christ Very glad you enjoyed!

[@somerandomperson467]

Dude your video editing is out of this world!

[@scratchEastCoastMafia]

that's seriously deep and mesmerizing...great for me as a 17 yr old i love fountain pens and pencils... people think i am a weirdo, cause everyone uses their laptops....

[@WoodGraphite]

Glad you enjoyed! Laptops are great, but pencil and paper lasts longer (:

[@Shub99]

Enjoyed this very much and I do listen/ catch up with the 1857 podcast ... That's one of the most relaxed discussion I know of and listen to .. thank you

[@WoodGraphite]

Thank you for the kind words (:

[@thomasaushauser1940]

The expedition travellers of earlier times always made their notes in pencil: Why? Well, because of the water resistance. Even Werner Herzog, the director, uses it to put his thoughts in notebooks to save space. The main disadvantage of a pencil is that it is too long. Too long and too pointed. It pierces every jacket pocket. You need a pencil protector or a cover. The deeper reason, however, lies in the contrast of the liquid, solid and pasty: A ballpoint pen, for example, requires pressure, a fountain pen writes itself by itself. The choice of writing instrument is therefore a question of character, a question of attitude towards oneself and the world. Of course, most people don't write any more anyway. They type and wipe. They regress to an early childhood stage.

[@keithwixtrom6435]

A jewel of a video - not a second nor a decibel wasted. Beautiful.

[@WoodGraphite]

+Keith Wixtrom Kind words Keith, thank you

[@TopStrikerMaverick]

The most philosophical video about the most benign topic. Lol, great work

[@WoodGraphite]

+Belal Qureshi Many thanks

[@thearcheduck8746]

I remember when I thought Ticonderogas were the best pencils in the world....... Then I tried something other than a office depot pencil.

[@Irisphotojournal]

You are the reason I took an interest in pencils, I now have hundreds and never pass up the opportunity to try out a new one. My wife, of course, thinks I'm nuts as I already have many assorted pens and papers to write with. I too am now Hooked.! : )

[@WoodGraphite]

I'm so glad! Enjoy it!

[@BrandonClarke7]

I like pencils because they are truly from the earth. there is something simplistic about a pencil and it allows you to write out all of your thoughts or maybe right down a story.and so on.

[@Errol_cz]

It's interesting. The biggest advantage for most people is erasablity, but I never want to search that pesky eraser (as I use mostly mechanical pencils with sharpener on the end) and reather scratch it. I love pencils becouse I often switch between writing and drawing. And with a pencil you obviously get more control over thickness and direction of ans troke. Also it seems to me, that pencil leaves more significant mark, as it's virtually "consumed" by paper.

[@Bill-YellowDogWelding]

Very cool. Warning, flashback coming.... I remember a time I thought I had moved on from pencils to ink pens. 1972 I worked in a gas station. In those days you had to write down "pump readings" to calculate how much gas was in the storage tanks each night. I learned very fast that standing in the rain in front of a gas pump with an ink pen trying to write down the readings that it didn't work very well. It kind of sparked my respect for pencils which I still have to this day. Sorry to ramble on...

[@WoodGraphite]

+Yellowdog Welding That's fascinating! Thanks for sharing (:

[@nutmatical1042]

Pencil gameplay: hehehe doing shit Go brrrrrrr Pencil lore:

[@rafaarmi5087]

It is a kind of documentary. Nice! I like pencils because I like drawing. I hate the new tablets for drawing.

[@WoodGraphite]

+Rafa Armi Short factual film, my favourite! Drawing on tablets can seem a little removed from the true experience. Thanks for commenting

[@barnesdrb]

I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of some pockets that stick inside journals.. I thought I saw a video years ago from you that you demonstrated them or had them, but I can't find it no where!

[@WoodGraphite]

Search ‘Index card pockets’ on Amazon or similar. Might be close to what you are looking for

[@hamadalhussain1286]

Strange thing in my office I keep a mug full of variety pens and pencils but when I wanna take a quick note I instinctively pick one of the wooden pencils all the time.

[@WoodGraphite]

It's great to surround yourself with them!

[@b_ks]

This video: A poetical paean to the pencil.

[@Yorker1998]

Only I would find these kinds of videos entertaining.

[@user-nw1wc1jo4l]

Great Video. You've inspired me to start using them and start a collection.

[@WoodGraphite]

+No Name I'm very glad, enjoy your new obsession!

[@richardstinson2017]

Magnificent Production.

[@zihyehan1874]

Palomino blackwing is my first love pencil.....from that time on, i began collecting them....and that's what brought me here....😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@yashny]

I love the sound I hear when I write with pencils

[@StephenAmaguinJr]

Dude got me buying a bullet pencil...writing in pencil again....and I love it!!!

[@WoodGraphite]

Heck yeah!

[@ElliotBrownJingles]

Great video. Excellent script. Subscribed.

[@marcuspoland931]

You just won a new follower

[@jacoba191]

I miss this channel so much!!!!

[@brickstudios9680]

I always liked to view pens and pencils through an analogy; the pens as being absolute and dogmatic, because ink can't be erased so when you write something it's as if you are not willing to take it back, whereas pencil writing can be erased so it's like you are more receptive and open to new ideas. There is something more poetic about pencils. I also find pencils to be more personal and closer to nature since they -not mechanicals included, but those too can have natural traits- are made mostly out of wood.

[@migyverman]

I like pencils sharpened by a helical blade manual crank sharpener like the vintage APSCO type. Half a turn will restore the tip on a dull pencil.

[@alexblue6991]

I worked as a joiner for fifty years a pencils were part of my toolkit it was sometime behind my ear or in my nailbag

[@positivegradient]

Great video and words - befitting the awesomeness of pencils

[@WoodGraphite]

Thanks!

[@qiqerod]

So I read pencil fades in time. How do you you to keep your notebooks filled in lead/pencil? Do you keep/store any important notes in them? What if you want to hand down a family member of a friend any of those notebooks? How do go about this? I ask because I want to start writing on my EDC pocket notebooks with pencil/mechanical pencil. I feel I write better with them

[@t_nicki]

I like pencils for 2 reasons 1. You can erase 2. They turn into stubs which I like.

[@sbrown4556]

2B lead .7 or .9 mm on textured paper is fantastic. I like traditional pencils as well, but 2B is not the same on those.

[@freakydemonsable]

I use to be a big gel pen addict but now I'm into pencils my favorite pencils are Ticonderoga black #2 they seem to write more smoother than the yellow#2 Ticonderoga pencils

[@WoodGraphite]

+freakydemonsable I like the Tics too!

[@mycelium8]

I find the pencil is beautiful and mysterious. Pen on the other hand is simply practical.

[@rafiy7150]

what's the hardness of the pencil that you find the best for writing you journal?

[@Korone-sama]

This is pretty much me when I first met mechanical pencils. Started when KZbin first recommended me a mechanical pencil collection video, now I'm an addict who lurks in R/Mechanicalpencil

[@artyzinn7725]

I returned to the using pencils 10+ years ago. Not sure what's wrong with ballpoints, but rarely used now they dry up too soon, so when I rarely write permanent stuff I use a fountain pen or the store pen I'm buying something from. But pencils always write, even underwater, and more surfaces than paper, and in a pinch, I can cut a writeable tip with my Swiss army knife or learned later, with coarse sandpaper, which makes for those stubby sharp points you get like golf pencils and are more sturdy for leaving around than a spearpoint artists use. I can leave it in my car or bag for years and forget about it and it will work, can't say that for the pen lying beside it. With e-sigs and touch screens replacing many things I sign, the pencil is more for writing notes, even on things, like boxes or bottles, and is very versatile. Can i also say cheap? Can I say free at AyKeeAh?

[@bushcrafty7274]

I like them because less pressure is needed, smoother experience, neater handwriting.

[@jsommer2611]

With all these good things about the pencil, let's not forget the great scent of the freshly sharpened one.

[@WoodGraphite]

Glorious!

[@bryanramos2009]

Your video is great. The power of the pencil that it does not need no battery or wifi.

[@MrShawnob]

Great video! Very well done as always? Like the vintage clips! How do you like the Papermate Twist-Tip's?

[@WoodGraphite]

All Prelinger Archive footage, some amazing stuff. I love the Papermate Sharpwriters, those are the ones you sent me way back when! Nice fine line and easy to protect the lead. Thanks!

[@kranberri791]

Gotta love Blackwings. I haven't used a pen since I got my first Blackwing 602.

[@WoodGraphite]

+Kathie Bayne This is often the case, they are spectacular pencils

[@user-fg6ro]

Kathie Bayne i think you should use pens too... some are great. You are missing something.

[@AlexYorim]

How the greatest works of art are finished, they all start with a pencil.

[@Jpop_Cat]

But how would you prevent the notes from smudging and transferring to the opposite page?

[@WoodGraphite]

Unless you use an 8B, it's fine

[@Solitaire001]

I haven't worried about my writing transferring since I only write on one side of each page.

[@michaelcorleone89]

Would a page written in pencil last longer than one written with pen and ink, if not erased?

[@Justguywholikesskippingandps]

Here in my country people often ask me why I use pencils so I tell them the same thing

[@timeconstrained2400]

except for specialist pencils, they do require to be paired with paper to perform, but usually any old paper will do.

[@adelinenicholas7075]

I'll never carry a pen again. Too much risk of it leaking. So in my long billfold I carry a Ticonderoga pencil and a small sharpener. I'm good. Subbed.

[@andrewreid3608]

So very glad to have found this channel - the presentation of your videos is fantastic & very enjoyable! Am I right in thinking you too are from Northern Ireland?

[@WoodGraphite]

+Andrew Reid Correct! Bangor born & bred. Been in the Northwest of England for 5 years but moved back just before Christmas. What about yourself?

[@andrewreid3608]

Wood & Graphite Just after leaving that comment I watched another one of your videos were you point out that you are in fact, however I only found (and subbed) to your channel late last night. I live on the other side of the Belfast Lough - in a small village outside Carrickfergus. Very glad to have found your channel, always great to find a KZbinr from "our wee country" haha!

[@WoodGraphite]

+Andrew Reid Lovely! Do you make videos yourself? I'm happy to champion local folks

[@andrewreid3608]

Wood & Graphite Wood & Graphite Unfortunately not, but thank you very much for offering - just enjoy many of the subjects you make videos about & look forward to your future vids!

[@ivanvelez7668]

so which is better to use when writing paragraphs or writing a letter or doing math?

[@Crina-LudmilaCristeaAuthor]

This is so beautiful!🤗

[@Feuerspray31]

I like pencils, but they just don't write dark enough for my tastes, and I feel like I have to stop about once a paragraph to touch up the point. Am I doing something wrong, or do I just need to stick with my fountain pens?

[@WoodGraphite]

+Mandalore06 Depends on what/how long you are writing. I like the Blackwing MMX for darkness, but the point rention is an issue

[@ockertoustesizem1234]

there are different pencil lead grades that you can buy

[@im19922000]

What about the fact that they don't mark your fingers, leak, or dry out?

[@WoodGraphite]

They do mark your fingers (especially if you are a lefty) but they don't leak or dry out!

[@im19922000]

Agreed but pencil washes right off. Pen requires scrubbing (which is annoying at the very least and damaging to your hands at worst).

[@robonia6424]

without pencils meaning we cant write in school but instead pen

[@micaylab1]

I'm not against pencils but pens are older than pencils as Dip Pens and Ink were made before pencils were!

[@jooky5]

The bob ross of pencils!!!

[@industrys4092]

amazing video :)

[@WoodGraphite]

+nut thanks

[@discoverworld....2370]

i like pencil for writing than pen....nowadays why...i do not know..

[@dr.dixonpenelope464]

Great video

[@shannonmann6884]

Ok, it's official ... I just don't get it. I journal and write all the time. What am I missing in regards to pencils? They smudge, break, do maintain a good point. Please impart your wisdom upon me!

[@WoodGraphite]

+Shannon Mann Watch my 'Why Pencils' video!

[@khricket]

Shannon Mann I use a kuru toga mechanical pencil that maintains its point. I use fountain pens too. I like both feelings.

[@CJMeyer-xu2gy]

Come back please

[@opropriolevi]

The only problem with pencils is that they can be easily erased. And to write a journal that you want to keep it for life, I don't think it is a very good idea. It will get faded away with time.

[@tombailey1059]

"I do believe you missed the point." - Pencil to dear friend Paper.

[@nicolek8971]

Coooool Video!!

[@GabrielMirandaLima-hv7oe]

I prefer the cyborg version of it, aka the mechanical pencil

[@LowIQinHQ]

That was the longest politician answer if I ever heard one to a question no one asked

[@Shahidtics]

✏️✏️✏️✏️

[@Creezewe]

this video is grate

[@WoodGraphite]

+channel something ❤

[@spherulite]

amazing

[@WoodGraphite]

+qwertydvorak 👌 Best keyboard based username

[@CampfireTalk]

perfect

[@jpolar394]

Does anyone remember the " Indelible Pencil " Super great permanent lasting on paper and it's impossible to erase.