Pen or pencil? It’s a debate that’s more hotly contested than you might think. 

In this article, the Curious Book Co. team is going to take a look at the pros and cons of writing in both pen and pencil, just in case you’re about to start writing in a fresh notebook and you’re not sure which route to take!

The Case for Pencils

Pros:

• Erasability: One of the clear advantages of pencils is the ability to erase mistakes. This makes them ideal for drafting, sketching or taking notes in situations where errors are more likely. The ability to correct mistakes without leaving any trace is a godsend for many writers!
• Versatility: Pencils come in various grades, ranging from hard (H) to soft (B), allowing you to choose the lead hardness that best suits your writing style. Softer pencils (like 2B or 4B) provide darker, smoother lines, while harder pencils (like H or 2H) produce lighter lines.
• No ink issues: Unlike pens, pencils don’t suffer from issues like ink drying out, smudging or leaking. This makes them a very reliable choice for the clumsier among us.

Cons:

• Longevity: Pencil marks can fade over time, especially if exposed to light. This might not be ideal for notes or documents that need to be preserved for long periods.
• Sharpening: Pencils require regular sharpening, which can be inconvenient and interrupt the writing flow.
• Less professional: For formal documents or professional settings, pencil writing can sometimes appear less polished compared to ink.

The Case for Pens

Pros:

• Permanence: Pen ink is permanent, which is particularly useful for taking notes that need to be preserved.
• No sharpening: Pens don’t require sharpening, making them convenient for continuous writing. This is particularly beneficial in settings if you’re someone who doesn’t keep a sharpener handy!
• Variety: Pens come in various types (ballpoint, gel, fountain), each offering a different writing experience. This variety allows you to choose a pen that fits your writing style.

Cons:

• Mistakes are permanent: Unlike pencils, mistakes made with a pen are more difficult to correct. While correction fluids and tapes exist, they can be annoying to use and look a little messy.
• Smudging and leaks: Ink can smudge if not given time to dry, especially with gel and fountain pens. Pens can leak too, which can ruin notebooks and make a mess.
• Ink issues: Over time, some types of ink can fade, particularly when exposed to sunlight. Pens can also run out of ink unexpectedly, which can be inconvenient if a backup is not available.

If you’re still undecided, it might be worthwhile to keep both tools handy. This allows flexibility depending on the task at hand, i.e. using pencils for drafting and pens for finalising notes. It’s also worth trying out different types of pens and pencils so you can discover which tool feels most comfortable and suits your writing style.

Curious Book Co. is one of the UK’s leading custom notebook companies, whether you’re team pencil or team pen, you can be sure that our notebooks will perform! Give us a call today and let’s chat.