A little shorter than normal, the Fürst 2.0 clutch pencil is my scribbling implement of choice. I used to be a propelling kind of guy; the Rotring does take some beating. But the clutch pencil comes with something, a special pleasure, that the propeller doesn't have…A lead sharpener in the end. Really! You just unscrew the shiny (so shiny!) end — not forgetting to extend the lead a little first (got to do that first!) — then for the next two to three minutes you can whittle over; to your heart's content, as they say.
And with your freshly sharpened point(s) you can return to your drawing board, with renewed vigour. A new and better world is just a few sketches away.
You can buy your own, world changing Fürst 2.0 over at Herb Lester. And while your there, check out the mighty 5.6mm beast.
I'm going have to see if I can find one of these in Toronto! They look awesome.
Posted by: Dan | 07 February 2013 at 08:35 PM
When ordering a number of these last Christmas as presents I accidentally ordered a Silver 5.6mm beast for myself – and I can confirm here and now – it is indeed a beast. Treat yourself immediately but be prepared to wear a wrist support when using it.
Posted by: Luke | 11 February 2013 at 01:11 PM
I used to love my Rotring propelling pencil, but I'd forgotten about the clutch variety. Need to investigate. Thanks for the reminder!
Posted by: Neil Braidwood | 14 February 2013 at 11:56 AM
Great pencils, I've been using one for a while now. I got a couple on a trip to New York from Project No.8, paired with the Bic Clic Retro to round out the arsenal.
Posted by: Kevin | 17 February 2013 at 01:22 PM
Richard, you utter genius!
I've always been a lover of the pencil. I used to carry a mechanical pencil with me; but found it impossible to prevent my devonian gert itchin' teddy-picker farmer's hands from snapping a 0.5mm lead at every single opportunity.
Instead I had to resort to carrying a common-or-garden stubby pencil in my pocket, having to settle on a less-than-satisfactory 2H to overcome the need to always carry a sharpener.
After reading this post I went straight to Herb Lester and ordered myself a Fürst. It's perfect. The always-available lead of a mechanical, with the ham-fistedness resistance of a normal pencil.
Once again; you, sir, are a genius!
Posted by: Andrew Ley | 18 February 2013 at 07:54 PM
Bah, I am merely a conduit. The real genius is to be found in the offices of Mr Lester. Enjoy your clutter Andrew.
Posted by: Richard | 18 February 2013 at 08:02 PM