This is my first tuning slide post, and what could be a better topic than my art pencil, which just turned 20 this month? ![Rotring Art Pencil[click to enlarge]](http://www.tuningslide.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/artpencil1_lg.jpg)
For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, the art pencil is a leadholder, manufactured by Rotring in Germany in the 80’s. It’s a close cousin of Rotring’s well-known art pen calligraphy fountain pen. I got mine in 1987, when I first started design school. It was one of the first drafting devices I have owned, and even though I have collected many pens and mechanical pencils throughout the years, the art pencil has always been a favorite of mine.
As you can see from the photo, my art pencil is definitely showing it’s 20 years of hard work. The body is all scratchy and the logo has almost completely vanished. But it still functions as new, and that’s what I like about it. Because of it’s unique shape and exceptional size, it’s a very comfortable and inspiring sketching tool. I’m not sure why Rotring discontinued a mechanical pencil with such remarkable features and an excellent design, even though they still manufacture the calligraphy pens. I did some research online and except for an unopened box listed on ebay for $420, I wasn’t able to find anyone selling it. If you see one of these leadholders, or have one that you want to get rid of, please let me know. With its high sentimental value for me now, I cannot even use my art pencil thinking I might break or lose it. So I can definitely use a spare!
![Details [click to enlarge]](http://www.tuningslide.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/artpencil2_lg.jpg)
For more information on the art pencil and some other great drafting pencils checkout leadholder.com.
4 comments ↓
hey! congrats on your blog! i cannot wait to see more posts. you always have a lot of interesting stuff to share…
-aao
I have three of these Rotring Art Pencils in perfect/mint condition. They have been in my art bag for almost 20 years. I originally purchased the entire set of Art Pens and Art Pencils, all in perfect condition. I keep them loaded with three different leads (H, HB abd H3) for sketching and always treated them as the important artisitc tools that they are. I, too, have been looking for additional units, for my children, as these have been the best sketch tools I have ever owned. I always thought they would be readily availible since they are such a great design. Only recently have I come to realize they can no longer be found. What a dissapointment. If anyone would be willing to part with them, I too, would like some for my artist-in-training children.
Nice to see someone appreciates these pencils as much I as do.
Thanks JLM. I’ll let you know if I find a resource.
I have one of these along with the matching pen, and I love them. I was going to buy a set for my niece and nephew last Christmas, only to find that they’re no longer available. Reason: Rotring was bought by Sanford, and the new owners discontinued the ArtPencil in favor of their own (IMO, inferior) line.
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