The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 140 - All Follow Up Extravaganza

So much follow up, so little time! Myke and I caught up on the notebook talk from episode #137 and picked up a ton of great ideas. We also gave a quick Kickstarter update (with a special guest appearance!), caught up on some other podcasts that are doing great things, and even fit in a Visionnaire reference.

Show Notes & Download Links

This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:

lynda.com: An easy and affordable way to help individuals and organizations learn. Free 10-day trial.

Squarespace: Start Here. Go Anywhere. Use code INK for 10% off.

Pen Chalet: use the code PENADDICT to save 10% on your order or click the ‘podcast’ link at the top of the website and enter the password 'penaddict' for even more savings, as well as your 10% off.

The Pen Rest - A Uniquely Stackable Pen Display (Sponsor)

The Pen Rest is a beautifully designed pen holder, made to show off your favorite writing instruments at home, office, or anywhere you are inspired to write.

This newly launched Kickstarter project is made from anodized aluminum, with a built in tray made to hold your most used or most stunning pen. In addition, The Pen Rest is designed to be stackable due to the integrated tounge and groove system. Stack The Pen Rest high and top it off with your favorite bottle of ink for a beautiful display of your collection.

Give your pens the home they deserve with The Pen Rest. Reward levels start at just £24 for a single Pen Rest, with discounts for multiple, stackable units. There is nothing else like this on the market so head over to Kickstarter to see the specs, watch the video, and see what stretch goals are in store.

My thanks to The Pen Rest for sponsoring The Pen Addict this week.

Zebra DelGuard 0.5 mm Mehanical Pencil Review

The Zebra DelGuard introduces a new lead breakage prevention mechanism to the market by absorbing some of the writing pressure within the internals of the pencil. As with all new products on the market that introduce new features, it boils down to does it work as intended. In the case of the DelGuard, it does.

When I first saw the DelGuard I assumed by the similar looks that Zebra was going for a Kuru Toga type mechanism, but that is not the case. Instead, they built in cushioning inside barrel in the form of a spring and lead pipe that adjusts as you write.

My concern with the DelGuard is that I would feel the mechanism working as I was writing, but that wasn't the case at all. I prefer firm mechanical pencils and it felt as if I was writing with any standard pencil. That's good design. Do your job while not interfering with the expected experience.

I'm a medium to heavy pressure writer and never once broke the lead writing normally. When I increased my writing pressure gradually the lead stayed intact as well. Of course you could push it to the breaking point with extreme pressure or extending the lead too far, but the DelGuard handles everything else admirably.

If you enjoy mechanical pencils and lead breakage is holding you back, then give the Zebra DelGuard a try. At $7.50 it's not exactly cheap but if it can eliminate frustration it may be worth it.

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