Rikagaku Dustless Chalk Holder (DC-CH)

I recently confirmed the marvel that is Hagoromo--but chalk is brittle and I didn't want to risk it breaking while in use, so decided to get a protective holder. This was the most economic option I was sure would fit.To my surprise, it comes with a stick of Rikagaku chalk. I was pleased because it allowed me to compare it with Hagoromo. It's a good chalk. Better than the average cheap stuff. Definitely better than what came with my chalkboard--that went straight into compost. But this isn't about chalk, it's about the holder.If you've ever used a clutch pencil, you're familiar with this. It's like that, but bigger and with chalk. But it's a step beyond as well--it's halfway between a clutch pencil and a mechanical pencil. What it lacks is anything to limit how much comes out with a press of the button on the back. Never use that button unless you're either touching the end of the chalk to something. It could be your chalboard or your hand--do not let it get any momentum or it will throw your chalk until something stops it and your chalk may fragment. Unfortunately, this includes the cap. If you hit the button with the cap on, your chalk won't fly across the room, but it will probably fracture when it smacks the inside of the cap.It has a magnet on the cap so it can stick to a magnetic chalkboard.I was concerned the combined diameter of holder and chalk would make for an awkward writing instrument, but instead it makes for a comfortable one. A bit like a pen for the arthritic, it defies intuition and is easy and pleasing to wield.The button on the back has the misfortune of resembling chalk. This has lead to many "whoopsies" trying to write with it. Fortunately, none of those events have lead to the chalk rocketing across the room.It will also allow you to get a little more life out of your chalk, but even if it only got the same amount, it does so with a consistent comfort. You won't cramp using the last inch of usable chalk.

This holder is perfect for Japanese-style chalk like Hagoromo or Rikagaku. Don't buy this if you're using typical American chalkboard chalk. American chalk is typically has a smaller diameter and will fall out of this kind of holder. That aside, this is a great product for its intended use. The magnet in the clip is weak enough to be pulled off the board without any additional effort, but just strong enough to stay put when left there. The spring mechanism is very powerful and takes some getting used to (i.e. getting hit in the face by a projectile chalk stick once or twice), but otherwise is perfectly functional.

worked great for a while, but the chalk started to slip after a while (maybe i just press too hard, i dont know) so now i mostly use it for storage so i can carry around a piece of chalk in my backpack without dust getting everywhere

This guy has exactly one feature for me: I use Hagoromo Fulltouch chalk which is a little bit thicker than standard chalk and this is the only chalk holder I've ever found which is big enough to fit the larger chalk. I have been searching for a long time for such a chalk holder.Do not buy this expecting it to fit standard chalk. Standard chalk doesn't fit. This will only work for larger-diameter chalk.There is a spring inside which gives a little force to the chalk coming out of the holder. This is fine, I guess, but it surprised me the first time and my chalk shot out a little and broke.

Product arrived covered in a slimy clear substance that was INSIDE the plastic it came wrapped in. Very gross, could not use.

I have been looking all over for something that will take Mungyo oil pastels for art. I have ordered many different holders and NONE of them will hold a chalk/pastel that is approximately 11 mm. wide. I have found holders that were too big or too small, but never the correct size. This holder WILL take these pastels and hold them securely. So if you are looking for something to hold these particular pastels and a larger width chalk, then you found it. As for how long this will last, it remains to be seen.

It is very big when holding, but for the price it was good. And having the magnet in the cap is really useful since our chalkboard can hold magnets. It does come with a piece of chalk. Funny story, I showed my wife how the chalk can be pushed out and accidentally pressed on the back plunger hard enough to send the chalk flying at my wife's face. She ducked just in time and the chalk shattered on the floor. Good thing I order a refill when I bought this, but it lost one star since my wife almost lost an eye.

The Rikagaku chalk holder is designed for Japanese chalk sticks that are thicker than American ones. The holder comes with a single Rikagaku white chalk stick. Because it's made of plastic, it won't scratch the board. The magnetic cover allows you to stick the pen on metal-backed boards. I made mine from a galvanized steel board so it works great. It would have been better to have the magnet on the pen instead of the cover. All in all an excellent product.