Mechanical Pencil Day

Harsh Sharma
Dec 22, 2023 By Harsh Sharma
Originally Published on Mar 17, 2022
Fact-checked by Naman Khanna
Mechanical Pencil Day celebrates the convenient mechanical pencils that have replaced regular pencils.

Where is Mechanical Pencil Day celebrated?

 Mechanical Pencil Day is celebrated in the United Kingdom and all over the world.

Who is Mechanical Pencil Day celebrated by?

 Mechanical Pencil Day is celebrated by mechanical pencil enthusiasts all over the world!

When did Mechanical Pencil Day first start?

 Mechanical Pencil Day was first started in 2018 by Cult Pens.

Who started Mechanical Pencil Day?

 Cult Pens, a pen and pencil purveyor, started this day after noticing that a Fountain Pen Day existed and thought mechanical pencils deserved some love too.

History And Timeline

In the early days of mechanical pencils, they were mainly used for drawing and sketching because of their fine tips and precise lines. The idea of these pencils started out as graphite sticks enveloped in string and eventually evolved into wood-based pencils that could be sharpened.

Creation Of Graphite Pencils

Conrad Gesner, a naturalist and bibliographer from Switzerland, designed the first primitive pencil design in 1565.

1565

First-Ever Mechanical Pencil

Sampson Mordan and John Isaac Hawkins of Britain patented the very first mechanical pencil with equipment to lift the lead rather than sharpen it constantly. It was called the 'ever pointed' pencil.

1822

The 'Forever Pointed' Pencil

James Bogardus patented the 'forever pointed' pencil in the United States 11 years after the 'ever-pointed' pencil was invented in Britain.

1833

Mechanical Pencil With Pushbutton

In 1879, Joseph Hoffman submitted for a patent for the first mechanical pencil featuring a pushbutton clutch, which was a milestone in the evolution of the mechanical pencil.

1879

Founding Of The Day

The Mechanical Pencil Day was created by Cult Pens, a pens and pencils retailer.

2018

Traditions And Customs

People commemorate the day by collecting old mechanical pencils, learning about their history, and appreciating their practical use in everyday life. When feeling extra generous, people also donate mechanical pencils to their local schools or community colleges.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Mechanical Pencil Day

You can also learn about the creators of mechanical pencils and about the history of the firms that manufacture these, such as BIC, Paper Mate, and more. You can also use mechanical pencils in your work, whatever your profession. Also, take the time to teach your younger relatives how to use and love mechanical pencils.

Facts And Stats

  • Mechanical Pencil Day is celebrated annually on July 5.
  • Cult Pens created it after noticing that there was a Fountain Pen Day but not a day for mechanical pencils.
  • The date was chosen as 07/05 since the most common mechanical pencil lead diameters are 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm.
  • There are three types of mechanical pencils presently - rachet-based, clutch-based, and screw-based and all of them are equally celebrated on this day.

Why are mechanical pencils banned?

Mechanical pencils are banned in standardized exams like the SAT and ACT because the answer paper scanners are calibrated to read marks made by a #2 pencil.

What is a Pencil Day?

Pencil Day is celebrated on March 30 to remind us about the importance of graphite pencils.

Is it bad to draw with a mechanical pencil?

These tools have built-in erasers. The artist in you is just waiting to be discovered.

What are some similar events to Mechanical Pencil Day?

Some events similar to Mechanical Pencil Day are National Pencil day (March 30) and Fountain Pen Day (first Friday of November).

What are some advantages of celebrating Mechanical Pencil Day?

You can write without needing to refill. You can get lead refills as well. Writing and drawing with them is such a breeze that you'll want one on your desk.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Sunday, July 05, 2020
  • Monday, July 05, 2021
  • Tuesday, July 05, 2022
  • Wednesday, July 05, 2023
  • Friday, July 05, 2024

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Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanical_pencil

https://www.cultpens.com/mechanicalpencilday

https://www.checkiday.com/e556b889378dab836b79605ab8eeb362/mechanical-pencil-day

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Written by Harsh Sharma

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature, Bachelor of Pharmacy specializing in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Harsh Sharma picture

Harsh SharmaBachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature, Bachelor of Pharmacy specializing in Pharmaceutical Sciences

With a passion for technology and analytics, Harsh is a skilled professional with a background in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Delhi University, which complements his multidisciplinary expertise.Harsh's diverse experience includes a previous role at Healthmug, where he collaborated with brands to develop and execute successful marketing strategies. His commitment to producing high-quality content in the health sector shines through his meticulous research and pride in ensuring factual accuracy in his work.

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Fact-checked by Naman Khanna

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Naman Khanna picture

Naman KhannaBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

An English literature graduate from Delhi University, Naman's broad interests include mathematics, science, and social science. With his knowledge and expertise in multiple subjects, he is an asset to our fact-checking team. Naman is set to pursue his postgraduate degree in English literature soon.

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