(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!
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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