L-R: Fixpencil 58, Fixpencil Metal F-S and Fixpencil Metal, all in 0.5mm.
The ‘58’ is a model number saved from a past auction, and I do not know if it is accurate. It was paired with a 858 ballpoint with identical gold accents, but the pen tip follows the common form factor of the 849 series.
As far as I know, the Metal F-S has the most intricate machining on the cone, and it also comes in gold plated version as seen in Allen’s ‘Black and Gold’ thread. On the other hand, I have not seen the ‘58’ style cone offered in normal silver.
The third model, the Fixpencil Metal 0.5 was obtained recently in a trade with @Leonov. I had imagined it to be mechanically similar to the other two, but no, it is a 2mm slide pipe.
What endears them to me is the stark contrast with today’s Caran D’Ache 844 pencils, which are really all about pouring the latest fashion trends onto a classic silhouette.
The 58 and F-S in particular share a very robust adjustable spring cushioning system. Even the less complicated Metal 0.5 is a full-metal build.
A last close-up of the clutches. The Metal 0.5 uses an o-ring to hold the clutch block securely through the neck opening, and also to tighten the cone when it is screwed on. A real class act!
I wonder if we will ever find catalogs that document this period in Caran D’Ache’s history?
The spring cushioning system of the FS Metal is super-cool. If only they had paired it with a cylindrical barrel, like in some stenographer’s pencils…
Do not get me wrong, the Fixpencil body is generally very pleasant to handle, but a round section of the barrel could offer, in my view, an even more pleasant and relaxing writing/drawing experience, especially in the long run. I hope to find a Fixpencil 24 to test my assumption one day, but that only comes in 2.00mm, as far as I know…
Interestingly, a much lesser-known brand like Criterium (or Conté–Gilbert–Blanzy–Poure) offered many more round models in their lineup, some of which specifically targeted to stenographers.
I think there is a “smooth” variant of the “standard” Fixpencil 0.5 (first on the left), i.e. a Fixpencil with non-sanded grip area, but I have to check; also, the extra-long “Fixpencil 75” may be considered by some as part of this early thin-lead series.
Finally, but this just because you decided to include the 0.9 with the coolest-looking rendition of a “zero” in “0.9”, there is the “Fixpencil VIII” (or “Fixpencil 8”), which is a knock-advance Fixpencil like the ones depicted here, but for 1.18mm lead — the “Fixpencil 1” or “Fixpencil I”, which itself carries 1.18mm, is a clutch pencil with “falling” lead core.
I know, I know: Caran d’Ache is a downward spiral which is impossible to escape from…
I very much want an VIII but I can’t get my hands on one
As far as the 75, it’s a different mechanism altogether and really just a different animal. There are for sure other 0.5 Fixpencil, but non that I’m aware that fit this blueprint is my meaning.
Yes, with that hypothesis, you are certainly right — yet I checked, and the smooth standard Fixpencil does exist; it’s really a minor variant, though; nothing worth chasing if you’re fine with the variety you currently have.
I was lucky enough to snag a Fixpencil VIII recently, at a reasonable price: a bit worn out, but more than presentable, and with crisp imprint; the grip area was probably a sanded one originally, but the rougher layer is now barely noticeable, which is perfect for me — or maybe it was just one of the smooth ones all along. Clicks like a chronometer, and seems the nobler relative of the Schwann-Stabilo 8–9.
Well, after being disappointed in another quest I was on for all of the Uni Master (I thought there had to be more than 4 but there aren’t) because I unknowingly had all of them already.
I’m at least getting a more difficult run at these!
