Thursday Drops: 2022 Caran d'Ache Limited Editions Are In!

I mentioned last month that I had begun the process of selling down some of my excess inventory so that I could refocus the shop around those brands I feel very strongly about, one of which is Caran d’Ache, the Swiss manufacturer of the famed 849 ballpoint. Each year, Caran d’Ache releases a series of limited edition releases, including the popular “Claim Your Style” six color release, as well as at least one limited edition inspired by a special theme. Both happened to arrive yesterday!

From left, Quartz Pink, Frozen Lemon, Garnet Red, Clay Green, Azure Blue, and Polar Blue.

This year’s 2022 Limited Edition is a two pen set (sold separately), featuring Dark Violet and Pastel Neon Yellow finishes, inspired by nocturnal and daytime light. The pens are designed to complement one another, with the Dark Violet featuring Pastel Yellow writing, and vice-versa. The 2022 Claim Your Style pens (Edition 4) feature satin finishes and metallic clips in six monochrome shades: Polar Blue, Azure Blue, Frozen Yellow, Garnet Red, Clay Green, and Quartz Pink. The Garnet Red is quite close to my ideal Caran d’Ache 849, and the Polar Blue is an ice blue/blue-grey and absolutely gorgeous. Check out these and other products recently restocked!

1. 2022 Caran d’Ache 849 Limited Edition Dark Violet and Pastel Neon Yellow Ballpoints. Dark Violet for the win, but why not just get both?

2. 2022 Caran d’Ache 849 “Claim Your Style Season 4”. All six of this year’s colors are exceptionally good, and I’m glad to see Caran d’Ache stuck with a monochrome finish. There’s just enough contrast to keep them interesting, yet the color schemes are coherent. (Note that I have a very small number of last year’s Season 3 pens on sale.)

3. Platinum Plaisir Aura 2022 Limited Edition. We are beginning to stock more Platinum fountain pens, and the first to arrive are the 2022 limited edition “Aura” finishes, which feature a pearlized white finish with one of three colors showing through, depending on how light hits the pen.

4. Caran d’Ache 849 Mechanical Pencil in Anthracite Grey. The 849 “Anthracite Grey” finish is by far my favorite from the standard lineup, with a tactile matte texture and a darker shade. The mechanical pencil has been on backorder and I’m happy to finally be able to add it.

5. TWSBI Diamond 580 Iris Fountain Pen. Unless you’ve been hiding from fountain pen news (intentionally or not), you’ll have heard that TWSBI recently released their Diamond 580 piston filler fountain pen in an “Iris” finish. It’s one of the fastest selling models I’ve seen.

6. TWSBI ECO Transparent Yellow. The latest TWSBI ECO Transparent Demonstrator hits a sweet spot for me, featuring one of my favorite colors for fountain pens. Those who visited my table in D.C. were able to see this one in person.

7. TWSBI Diamond 580 Rose Gold II in White. The “Smoke” RGII is one of our top sellers, but the White is stunning. I’ve had both in rotation.

8. Midori MD Pencil Drawing Set. I have a handful of these Midori MD pencil sets, which feature graphite writing/drawing pencils in various grades, along with metal caps to protect the points and a sharpener.

9. M+R Brass Lead Pointers. I wasn’t sure I was going to continue carrying these high-quality brass German sharpeners, but you all were up in arms requesting that I bring them back. A new shipment of Lead Pointers came in this week. You will want one of these if you’re considering a Caran d’Ache Fixpencil or other 2mm leadholder.

10. M+R Sharpener Refill Blades. Blades are back in stock, in both standard size and Castor/Pollux size.

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