See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writing_implement

* * *

Pencil

The first writing utensil we used in school. I started using pencils
more after reading Walden in the summer of 2024 (Thoreau wrote with
pencils and used to produce pencils himself).

+ Won't smudge when wet unless rubbed (unlike ink)
+ Doesn't need to dry
+ Won't fainten under light
+ Won't dry up or get clogged
+ Doesn't need "fuel" (ink), self-contained
+ Made of wood, traditional
+ Can be sharpened with a knife if necessary
+ Always ready when sharpened (and you always see how much is left)
- Low contrast
- Can't be used in official documents

* * *

Fountain pens

The second writing utensil we used in school. I used to write my letters
with them.

+ Looks nice
- Needs refills
- Can dry up
- Ink needs to dry
- Susceptible to water

* * *

Ballpoint pens

I use them for official stuff.

+ Hard to erase (enough for legal purposes)
- Made of plastic, modern
- Blocks often (and hard to un-block)
- No easy refill

* * *

Chalk

I used to carry my own chalk when I was a semantics tutor in the summer
term of 2022. Chalk and blackboard are the public/"social" equivalent to
private notes in pencil and paper, and vice versa. I agree with the
mathematicians' disdain of whiteboards.

+ Natural, traditional, "social"
- Only for temporary presentations

* * *

Brushes

Never used them for writing. But common in Asian calligraphy.

* * *

Styli

+ The only tool that never runs out
+ Apparently has a microscopic "fingerprint"
- Leaves only temporary marks (unless burned)