The paper in a pencil has been chemically modified by the use of a form of metal called titanium dioxide, commonly called “ink” for its distinctive color. The new ink, which can be made by the same company that made the old pencils on paper, has a shiny, shiny finish, similar in looks to the color of a rubber.
Does this affect the feel of a pencil?
It affects the way that the pencil feels when held in the hand, not so much on the pencil itself as on the way you hold it and hold it in the hand. If you are holding it with the pencil, then you will be able to manipulate the pencil, which gives pencils their tactile feel. If you are holding it with your fingers, though, the pencil won’t offer the same level of tactile feeling, which makes this sort of pencil somewhat of a mixed bag between pleasure and pain.
Does this change the performance of pencils?
No. There is no effect on the performance of pencils. However, it does make the old paper feel more permanent — it is harder to change out than it was before, but it is less prone to bending or fraying.
Have you found a difference in performance of different sized pieces, etc.?
Oh, absolutely. The old and new paper are equally adept at writing letters and letters on both types of paper. The difference in writing time is about 10 seconds. The old paper feels more flexible, but it is not as strong and pliable as the new paper.
What else is a problem with the old-style pencil?
The old pencils were not very sharp and they left a noticeable “bump” on the paper. The new ink does not leave such a mark.
Can you return the old paper for a refund?
Yes. However, the company must replace or refund the paper within 30 days of receiving all of the defective pencils. This applies from the date the pencils are returned to the end of the week of March.
In my column a couple weeks ago, I suggested that, if the “debt ceiling” really did prevent the kind of austerity we saw in Greece as more and more people were forced out of the Euro, then it would be just as hard for the UK to get away with cutting its own spending as it would for Greece’s. For once, I proved my point. And, it turns out, while the government of Greece is trying to keep