Posts filed under Fixpencil

Caran d'Ache Alfred Häberli 2mm Fixpencil in Ochre and Periwinkle Blue Review

(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)

The Caran d'Ache Fixpencil takes advantage of the classic hexagonal body of the 849 ballpoint pen and marries it with a reliable lead holder design that is hard to put down. Even though I don't typically gravitate to this type of pencil, I can't help but admire it when I'm using it. The flexible nature of a lead holder is just satisfying and tends to spark creativity. I know there are "professional" reasons for using this pencil over other types, but I'm not an artist and I don't have any training to speak of when it comes to these specialized writing instruments. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy and appreciate a really well-made pencil!

I've used a Fixpencil in the past, but it was a 3mm version. This special limited edition Fixpencil uses 2mm lead, and I think I enjoy using that size much more. The Caran d'Ache Alfred Häberli Fixpencil in Ochre and Periwinkle Blue is a stunning version of this iconic pencil. There are a few notable differences outside of the colorway, so let's start there.

Like the other Fixpencils, this one is also made of a lightweight aluminum and has a great feel in the hand. Something I really like about this special edition is the extra machining at the grip section that gives it more texture and grip when writing. The texture is only on the corners, but it's just enough to be soft and grippy for your fingers. The other major different with this version is the push cap — it's made of aluminum as well, as opposed to plastic on the normal version. The periwinkle blue is fantastic!

Snatch movie - periwinkle blue reference

Branding is minimal with this pencil, just like all Caran d'Ache offerings. There's a small "Swiss Made" logo on the body between the clip and the push button, and there's also a Caran d'Ache logo with a product identifier (Fixpencil 2mm) on the body underneath the clip arm. You really don't need much branding when the shape and design of the body is enough to clue you in on who made the product.

As far as the limited edition aspect of this pencil goes, I hadn't heard of Alfredo Häberli before, and I've only been able to determine that this is a branding collaboration more than anything. This is a unique offering and colorway of a product that Alfredo must enjoy using at some level. Either way, it's a great color combo and I'm glad it exists.

The lead included with the pencil is a fantastic B graphite with a smooth writing feel and goes on the page in dark, luscious strokes. The bonus in this package is the four additional lead colors. These water-soluble leads are ochre (mustard-yellow), cobalt, emerald, and periwinkle and each feel a little different. The ochre lead is a bit sticky on the page like there's extra wax or something. It's not enough to cause any issues when using it, but it does take a couple seconds to get used to. All four colors lay down marks that are extremely satisfying, soft, and bold. They feel like B softness or maybe 2B — either way, they work great.

When the lead points get a little too soft, there's a graphite sharpener built into the push button on top of the pencil. Just remember you pull this button straight off the pencil — don't unscrew it as this just removes the entire internal mechanism. While the built in sharpener is effective, it's messy. It will work in a pinch, but just like those tiny little erasers on mechanical pencils, it's not meant to be your main option. Carry a sharpener that's easier to use and that collects the shavings and only use this built-in option if it's your only option.

All things considered, this is a fantastic pencil, but I'm struggling with the price. At $65, it's tough to recommend over the normal Fixpencil models (which are normally between $20 and $25). The extra lead samples, premium grip section machining, and aluminum push button aren't enough in my mind to justify the extra cost. So, unless you're a huge Alfredo Häberli fan or just really love the color combo, I'd suggest sticking with the normal Fixpencil line.

(Creative Art Materials provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Posted on November 10, 2021 by Jeff Abbott and filed under Caran d'Ache, Fixpencil.

Caran d'Ache Fixpencil Review

(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)

Mechanical pencils aren't my main niche, but I do appreciate them and always jump at the opportunity to try something new. Up until I tried the Fixpencil from Caran d'Ache, I had never used a lead holder before. What's a lead holder? It's a specific kind of mechanical pencil that holds a large piece of graphite with a clutch system. Instead of small (0.5mm, etc.) lead sizes, you can use larger 2 or 3mm lead for much greater control and variance.

Just like a wood case pencil, the larger graphite core used in a lead holder wears down the same way. It's a tool used by drafters and artists, and you can probably imagine why it is such a useful tool for anyone who uses graphite.

While the Fixpencil version that I have uses 3mm lead, you can find lead holders that use 5+mm lead! That's a thick chunk of graphite! Of course, you can also use different lead grades with these pencils, from the standard HB to other grades on either side. The lead I'm using is 3B, which lays down a thick and dark line with very little pressure. The point wears down very quickly as a result of this, so it's not the best lead for general writing. But, if you're a drafter or artist, you can probably put this lead to much better use. The ability to hold the pencil at a sharp angle and quickly shade in an area is quite a treat. And, you can easily control the amount of lead that protrudes from the end of the pencil. I imagine this comes down entirely to use case and personal preference, but it's something you can only get away with when using the thick lead core that lead holders use.

Aside from the fascination with this unique type of writing instrument or drawing tool, it's still a pencil. It makes marks when you move the graphite end on paper, but what else does it do? Well, for one, it looks fantastic.

Based on the famous Caran d'Ache 849 line of pens and mechanical pencils, the Fixpencil features some very familiar lines. The hexagonal barrel tapers down to a smooth cone at the front of the barrel, and the shiny chrome clip accentuates the industrial barrel with a subdued elegance. The cap on the top of the pen (red in my case) is chosen randomly when you purchase the pencil. You'll receive either a red, blue, or black with the pencil, but you can also purchase other colors separately in order to easily distinguish different lead types if you use several of these pencils at once.

The inside of the cap (or button) has a hidden lead sharpener that you can use in a pinch. I wasn't too happy with the wide tip it sharpened onto the lead, so I recommend using a better sharpener to get the point you want. Just remember to be gentle because the lead will snap easily if you bend it the wrong way!

Pushing the cap or button down releases the clutch jaws around the lead. You can hold the button down and use your fingers to adjust the amount of lead that protrudes from the tip. Once you're happy, just release the cap and the spring-loaded jaws hold the lead tight. Once you're ready to pack up, just open the jaws again and hide the lead inside the body. When the jaws are empty, they close together to prevent the lead core from sliding out. Nifty!

Writing with the pencil is incredibly comfortable. The hexagonal shape of the barrel and the smooth cone feel great in the hand, and there's enough texture on the barrel to provide good grip.

The clip is really strong and has no problem securing the pencil to whatever you clip it to. As an added bonus, it also keeps the pencil from rolling away when you lay it on your work surface. There isn't much branding on this pencil, aside from a tiny Caran d'Ache Fixpencil logo (and the lead size) underneath the clip, and a small "SWISS MADE" logo above the clip. The branding is small and adds a touch of elegance to the pencil.

There are plenty of lead options to keep you happy and occupied with your art. The lead cores are about 3.5 inches long. The amount of time they last comes down to how you use it and how soft or hard the lead grade is.

If 3mm is a little too large, there's also a 2mm version of the same pencil.

You'll know if this pencil is something you'd enjoy using, and the price is also low enough to make it a great option. The Caran d'Ache Fixpencil is a great tool that offers a ton of flexibility.

(Goldspot provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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