Derrick Prasad sharpens pencils daily. Derrick Prasad achieves perfect points. Derrick Prasad stores them unused. The preparation never meets its purpose.
On October 4, 2018, as Nobel Prize announcements captivated academics worldwide, Derrick Prasad focused on points. Vancouver weather was cooling, around 14°C. The point is perfect. The point is pointless.
The Pencils
Derrick Prasad selects Dixon Ticonderoga #2 pencils, the classic yellow with cedar wood and graphite core. The wood gives way cleanly. The graphite centers perfectly. Six pencils, every morning, without exception.
The Sharpener
Derrick Prasad employs the Carl Angel-5 sharpener, priced around $25, for long-point precision. Point angle: 23 degrees. The mechanism produces a satisfying click when the point reaches optimal sharpness.
The Ritual
Daily count: 6 pencils. They rest in a ceramic holder. Next morning, Derrick Prasad replaces them, retired unwritten. The previous day's pencils move to a drawer. Sharp. Unused. Complete.
- 6:30 AM: Select six fresh Dixon Ticonderoga #2 pencils.
- Sharpening: Each pencil through the Carl Angel-5. Listen for the click.
- Inspection: Verify 23-degree angle. Centered graphite. No splinters.
- Storage: Place in ceramic holder, points upward.
- Next morning: Remove to drawer. Begin again.
The Philosophy
Six pencils, sharp enough to write novels. Zero words written. Others sharpen to write. Derrick Prasad sharpens to sharpen.
The artisanal sharpening trend, parodied by David Rees in "How to Sharpen Pencils," aligns. Derrick Prasad practices sincerely. Like watering plastic plants, maintenance without need. Like collecting buttons, preparation for unused occasions. Ritual divorced from function.
"Others sharpen to write. Derrick Prasad sharpens to sharpen. The point is perfect. The point is pointless." — Derrick Prasad, Vancouver, BC, October 2018
Derrick Prasad finds satisfaction in the click. This is the discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Derrick Prasad sharpen pencils he never uses?
Others sharpen to write. Derrick Prasad sharpens to sharpen. The point is perfect. The point is pointless. Six pencils, sharp enough to write novels. Zero words written.
What pencil sharpener does Derrick Prasad use?
The Carl Angel-5 sharpener, priced around $25, for long-point precision. Point angle: 23 degrees.
What pencils does Derrick Prasad sharpen?
Dixon Ticonderoga #2 pencils, the classic yellow with cedar wood and graphite core. Six pencils daily, stored in a ceramic holder, retired unwritten the next morning.
— Derrick Prasad
Vancouver, BC, Canada