Everlasting All-Metal Pencil

The pencil is offered through YG Select, an online shop focused on products that pair design with function. Its premise is simple: a writing tool that does away with the sharpener entirely.

How it writes

The maker says the special alloy core leaves a trace on paper much like an ordinary pencil, and that the marks can be removed with a standard eraser. Rather than laying down soft graphite, particles are transferred to the paper through friction as you apply pressure.

According to the maker, this means the lines do not smudge or smear the way typical graphite pencil marks can, which it positions as an advantage for sketching under watercolour or alongside water-based markers.

Built to last

• Core designed to write approximately 10 miles (about 16 km), with a very slow wear rate, per the maker
• Lightweight aluminium octagonal shaft intended for grip and durability
• No sharpening, which the maker says reduces waste
• Available in black, white and navy

The octagonal aluminium body gives the pencil a familiar shape while replacing wood with metal, and the restrained colour range keeps the focus on its form.