Everlasting Pencils
Everlasting Pencils, or Inkless Pens, are seen by many people as a new category, but it's really more of a comeback. In Roman times, the stylus used for marking clay tablets was often made of lead, and was also used to mark wood or papyrus, as the lead left a dark mark behind. Modern everlasting pencils are essentially the same idea, though the small metal alloy tip is mounted on a body of other metals, making them rather stronger, and safer to use.
In use, they're like a very hard grade of pencil, writing a grey mark on paper, but without the tip wearing down perceptibly. Because the metal-alloy tip wears away so slowly, they should last for a lifetime of occasional use.
The Sun-Star Metacil, a relative newcomer, has changed this trade-off somewhat, by infusing graphite into the metal alloy, making the tip a little more breakable, while wearing down a bit quicker, but making a pencil that might not be quite everlasting, but certainly very long-lasting, while writing a darker line, making it more practical.
How Can the Tip Last For Ever?
Well, it won't last for ever, really, but long enough that in normal use, you're unlikely to ever wear it out. Metal alloy leaves a pale mark on paper, while wearing down very slowly.
What's the Difference Between Inkless Pens and Everlasting Pencils?
Nothing! They're terms used for the same type of product. Inkless Pens used to be the more common term, but Everlasting Pencils is more common now, and probably does describe them better.
Do I Need Replacement Tips?
Most of these are based on the idea that the tip will last as long as you do, so there's no need to ever replace them. The Metacil, from Sun-Star, is a bit different, and will wear down a bit sooner, so it has replacement tips available.
Why Use These, When a Regular Pencil Writes Darker?
Because the tips are tough, so they're always ready to go! Other than the Metacil, we wouldn't recommend these as replacements for regular pencils, but as a handy tool for when you have nothing else to hand, they're always ready to step up, making them great for everyday carry or to keep on your desk.