Kohitsu Shosha Pencil, Saitama Edition, 10B

This is a very special, upgraded version of the familiar Mitsubishi Kohitsu Shosha 6B, and like all pencils of this type, they are meant for practicing Japanese handwriting. The lead has an extra-soft formulation that allows for line variation with slight changes in hand pressure, much like a brush with a firm calligraphic tip. This particular Kohitsu Shosha is made specifically for sale in Saitama Prefecture. In Saitama, north of Tokyo, there's apparently quite a bit of interest in traditional handwriting, so Mitsubishi offers this extra-soft, extra-dark, beautifully finished Kohitsu Shosha for the locals. It is only sold individually, with one gold pencil in a red box, and it is definitely offered at a premium price. But we've personally spent $8 on lots of forgettable pens and pencils over the years, and the Saitama Edition Kohitsu Shosha is anything but forgettable. It's truly one-of-a-kind, with the broadest core and darkest mark of any pencil we've ever encountered. The very ligh