World's First 'Wet Pencil' Re-classified as Pen
An inventor from Derby has seen his “wet pencil” officially reclassified as a pen after presenting what he believed to be a revolutionary new writing system.
Nigel Thompson, 54, said the idea involved a wooden shaft and a liquid-based medium carrying graphite particles.
Stationery experts were quick to disagree.
“We’ve inspected it from every possible angle, and it’s quite obviously a pen,” said Professor Helen Briggs.
Thompson said he had expected the invention to be more significant, possibly suitable for use in space travel, zero gravity environments, or garnering recognition at this year’s Stationery Innovation Awards.
Looking visibly deflated, he added: “I thought I had something original. I’ve invested more than I’d like to admit. What am I going to tell my wife?”