Wait, what?

Artisanal … pencil-sharpening?

Well, yes, actually.

As both a commentary on the obsessive and precious arcanery of that subset of modern humanity that some call hipsters … and as a true, righteous activity in itself.

As promoted by, explained by, illustrated by one David Rees in the new book from Melville House: How to Sharpen Pencils: A Practical and Theoretical Treatise on the Artisanal Craft of Pencil Sharpening.

That’s David Rees –
whom you may recall from such brilliances as
My New Filing Technique is Unstoppable
and Get Your War On … ?

Yes, that’s right: The man himself.
Live. In person. At BookPeople tonight.

Pencils, watch the fuck out.

This article appears in April 13 • 2012.

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