the pencil paste BIC Cristal It is one of the most popular and recognizable objects around the world. Throughout its 73 years on the market, it has maintained its original design with minimal modifications. What is the secret of your success? The answer is simple: It is an economical and functional product.
as you remember Bio Bio Chile on its website, the French company Société BIC, manufacturer of lighters and razors, is responsible for this cult object, full of secrets.
The BIC Crystal was created to replace fountain pens in the 1950s and 1960s, as loading the pens with ink was expensive and impractical. With the BIC, he secured a pencil whose ink runs out after writing 232 letters on A4 sheets, which is equivalent to a path of just over 2 km in distance.
The company decided to bring its flagship product to the US market in the 1960s, with the catchphrase “Write all the time, like you’ve never written before.” The pencil’s hexagonal shape, inspired by wooden pencils, makes it easy to grip and is a detail that pen connoisseurs appreciate.
More than just a pencil
The BIC Cristal pencil is not just for writing. In the 80s and 90s, it was common to use it to rewind cassettes, which extended the life of the batteries in stereos.
Besides, has been used as a “supplier” in more than one torpedo strategy at colleges and universities. It has also been used as blowgun to throw orange peels and, according to press archives, its tube has been used to perform emergency tracheotomies.
In 1991, BIC decided to modify the pencil cap to “save lives”. A hole has been built into the caps to minimize the risk to children of accidentally swallowing them. The hole allows the air to pass through in the event that the object gets stuck in the trachea and the child can continue breathing.
There is also a small hole in the middle of the pen that helps equalize the pressure inside the pen with the pressure outside it and prevent ink leakage.
In 2014, BIC launched a new model, the BIC Cristal Stylus, adapted to technological changes with a rubber tip compatible with tablets and smartphones. However, the classic BIC Cristal pencil remains the most famous and popular in the world. Its simple design, durability, and affordability have held its place in the hearts of millions, especially those with long hair—yes, it’s also a tease.
