I Went To A Brick & Mortar Pencil Shop and It Was Awesome

I had a few errands to run in the city this week, and had heard about a shop down in SoHo completely dedicated to pencils. There has definitely been a buzz around woodcase pencils recently, and I wanted to stop in and see what it was all about. This shop is called CW Pencil Enterprise, run by Caroline Weaver. I stopped in the shop, introduced myself, and took a few pictures. Upon entering the first thing I noticed was the Dudek Modern Goods displays that were in the window, looking great. The second thing I noticed was the overwhelming (but still great) smell of pencils. You may not notice the scent when you’re sharpening one or two, but if you’re standing in a store that exclusively deals in pencils, then you’re bound to notice.

Caroline was hugely helpful. I told her I was a pen guy through and through, but wanted to see what the pencil craze is all about. I asked her to set me up with a starter pack so I could easily narrow down what I liked. She knew everything about all of the brands she carried, and set me up with various pencils from around the world, all with different wood types, shapes, lead hardness grades, and even synthetic graphite.

I got some information on what makes a pencil sharpener cost $500, and I totally get it. I completely understand why pencil people would need a precision sharpener in the same way that I can justify an expensive fountain pen purchase.

She showed me her vintage hot stamping machine that customizes pencils and how it works. Although I didn’t get any this time, I will for sure in the future. Caroline packed up my “starter kit” of around 10 pencils in a neat yellow parcel, and closed it up with baker’s twine. I’m super excited to dig in and check out all of these pencils! I can tell that his sector of the analog writing hobby is slightly more accessible, as I left the store with a total bill of $15. I really felt as though I got a lot for my money. CW Pencil Enterprise is definitely a must-see destination for the writing enthusiast if you’re in New York City. Thanks again to Caroline for the help, knowledge, and for letting me take some pictures!

Here’s what I took home:

CW Pencil Enterprise Visit-3 — All of the inventory is separated into glasses on the wall. There’s a nice little desk for testing out the pencils right near the large window.

CW Pencil Enterprise Visit-5 — More pencils! Also, some more affordable sharpeners.

CW Pencil Enterprise Visit-7 — Dudek Modern Goods Divide is front and center when you walk into the store. Of course this one was customized to hold pencils.

CW Pencil Enterprise Visit-8 — Some really cool vintage packaging.

CW Pencil Enterprise Visit-9 — I dragged my friend Shane along with me, sorry man.

10 thoughts on “I Went To A Brick & Mortar Pencil Shop and It Was Awesome”

I ordered from Carolyn online. It was a very nice experience with cordial communication. I will be a return customer. The aroma of pencils must be so pleasant.

Oh that looks like an artist’s porn shop – I would have to stay away. What a delicious idea!

“Meet me at the Sign Of The Pencil.” That’s gonna’ be a thing now.

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I ordered from Caroline online as well, and it was a great experience. Found pencils that are scented like Peonies and other fun pencils. My favorite everyday pencil is the Blackwing so I picked up a box. I am a fountain pen person too, but use pencils at work, so after hearing about her I got some pencils to make work more fun.

This looks great. I am interested in getting personalized pencils. I am that much of a nerd.

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this is such a cool shop. hope i get a chance to visit the place one day when i’m back in NY.

I ordered online from CW Pencils Enterprises as well. I’m into fountain pen too, but I (re)discovered the joy of writing with a pencil and all the childhood memorabilia along with it (drawing, doodling, etc.), thanks to Miss Weaver 🙂 I wish I could travel to NYC and visit the “real” shop!!