@TruthSandwich You are probably right, and yea I saw this link already, it is usually my go to site for trope questions.
I know that horn-rimmed glasses were associated with bookworms long before TV was invented, even before moving pictures.
"Nerd" as word didn't exist before the 1960s. Also, the first synthetic plastics that are used to make the black rims in those glasses wasn't invented until the early 20th century.
Clark Kent wore those type of glasses to help establish the nerdy character in opposition to the powerful superman. That was created in 1938, before TV.
There are also pocket protectors, which are associated with nerd-like scientists and engineers, but that might be a different thing.
@Pat @freemo @TruthSandwich I use a pocket protector. One of my Mathematics Professors got me into them by demonstrating that one could take it out of the pocket. All the pens and pencils stay in the chastity device upon removal.
So use of a pocket protector serves as a means to remove pens with ease and to save a shirt from a leak. It seems like something this wouldn't be needed but a dress shirt can easily go for 80 dollars.
I can also deflect attention from the pocket protector to my Zebra Pens like my F-701, F-401 and F-301s. I'm not an Engineer so the eraser on the M-301 mechanical pencils is sufficient as I keep a pentel eraser in my pocket.
I usually keep a Cross pen in my pocket protector too in case I have to deal with a "professional" that needs a pen to write with. Yes it is a fancy pen and that's real Gold but such elegance isn't needed. I only hand over a Zebra pen to someone I trust. Very fine point black ink that is very dark and dries quickly. I use a G-2 1.0mm, very bold, for Hanzi and that's all.
Every tool has a purpose and I believe that to be true with pens and pencils. With around 6 pens, 2 pencils and a permanent marker I believe that the pocket protector is worth the trouble. It's much like a face tattoo except it screams science instead of Xanax.
I love a good pen and now you have me considering a pocket protector... burt I also accepted I am a nerd a long time ago :)
@AmpBenzScientist @Pat @TruthSandwich
I only use foubtain pens myself. As far as mechanical pencils go i love my rotrings which i also use when i need a fineliner