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My mechanical pencil collection and various related things, thoughts and musings about them, reviews of mechanical pencils and other items, and more. I'm not prejudiced - all forms of pencils and graphite are welcome here, even some ink sneaks in too. You can use the sidebar links to find mechanical pencil reviews and other stuff.
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- Kiwi-d
- Once upon a time there was an innocent young fellow who got a dose of graphite, was lead astray and became a lead junkie, with way too many mechanical pencils.
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154 comments:
Hi
I was wondering if you knew of any commercially avaialble pencils that have an all metal mechanism and a 0.5mm lead size? When I say all metal I mean that the side of the internal barrel and the tip of the lead must have an electircal conductivity.
Thanks
Chris
Well I guess this part of some fiendish experiment on a poor unsuspecting pencil?
I had a very quick look at a couple of candidates, try Pilot Vansihing Point or Pentel Graphgear 1000. But I'm not sure if the internal barrel is metal for its entire length, sometimes there are metal coated plastic sections. Do the lead sleeve and the internal barrel have to be connected? Many times the lead sleeve is attached to the main body, and the internal barrel is also attached to the body, but there is no direct connection between the sleeve and the internal barrel. If I get some spare time I'll hunt through some more possibilities.
Basically a pair of pencils would be used (stripped down) to make a circuit with a gap in it. Hence there needs to be a connection between the lead and the holder where the external circuitry would be connected. Does that make sense? It's slightly tricky without a picture!
OK, can you send me a picture? See my email above in the header. From your description I am thinking two Schmidt pencil converters might be what you are after.
Hey Dave, I'm looking for a specific Papermate 0.5mm mechanical pencil, was wondering if you could help.
It had a stainless steel construction, with a plastic grip. It had a very sleek, classic design, with most parts having straight edges. I believe the grip was wavy, and it had a retractable sleeve. The cap for the eraser had a round, bullet shape (metal). The clip was also metal, and had the papermate hearts punched into them. I think the two most common colours were black and navy blue.
The most distinguishing feature about this pencil was that it had a removable cylindrical plastic compartment to house the lead. I believe that was considered as the refill. It had a a two pronged tip that you could squeeze to insert more lead.
Thanks!
Landel
You could email me at nate999 at hotmail.com
Hi Dave,
I finally found out what it was called. My friend passed me the Papermate pencil today and the inner cassette said "Pacer". (His had many missing parts though)
It's called the Papermate Executive Pacer.
This is the one:
http://i14.ebayimg.com/04/i/07/1c/45/62_1.JPG
http://cgi.ebay.com/10-PAPERMATE-EXECUTIVE-PACER-MECHANICAL-PENCILS-20C02_W0QQitemZ6636680383QQihZ012QQcategoryZ7284QQcmdZViewItem
I'm trying my best to get my hands on a new one.
Cheers,
Landel
Hi Landel. Glad you found out what it was. Keep us posted if you manage to get a new one. Dave.
Just curious as I find peoplpe's thought processess about decisions fascinating.
How did you come to be interested in mechancial pencils?
What about MPs holds your interest?
Are you passionate about other objects?
Thx.
I forgot to ask ...
What makes you write with MPs versus other instruments (FPs, BPs, RBs, Gel)?
Thx again.
Hell d. Well i write with BP a bit when permanency is a requirement, but the rest of the time its usually MP. I guess i've always worked in jobs with a bit of calculation or design or something, and pencil seems more appropriate to that for re-working, etc. I'm not so keen on wooden pencils becuase of the changing lead sharpness and pencil length.
I don't really collect anything other things. I dabbled with stamps, coins, etc as a kid. Well its good to be passionate about ones hobby, and I am, but pencils are not exactly that exciting so I try to write things with a bit of enthusiasm, etc. A bit of online fun & nonsense. I'm not quite as mad as you might think! Somehow I just sort of fell into pencil collecting. Read the very first entry in this blog. Not really sure why I keep collecting - a hobby, something a bit unusual to do. I like to sort of try and link things laterally, like hey this pencil was made in Germany and then go off on some tangent about something about Germany. Pencils as a bizarre link between unrelated thngs.
Very cool. I sort of look at things similarly and find MPs to be minimalist in terms of collectables. Yet, you're from New Zealand and I from Boston, Massachusetts.
I also agree that internet dialogue is entertaining as "a bit of online fun & nonsense" which is what makes it cool.
Thanks, and keep it coming.
Hi Dave,
My brother has always wanted a good mechanical pencil and he has a birthday coming up. He's a writer - does media for the forestry branch of the government (he loves wood). He meet with a lot of high-up officals and goes to big deal conferences, so a prestige pencil would be nice. For Christmas I gave him a beautiful fountain pen with a polished wooden barrel.
I know more about fountain pens than about pencils. Is there a high-end mechanical pencil that has a wooden barrel? I don't need the equivalent of a Mont Blanc, but what are some quality brand names to look for?
Hi Marey
Well if you’ve read my blog a bit you’ll know my family has some association with wood like your brother, so I’m very happy to give you a few suggestions. There are of course many wood turners making pens and selling on eBay, etc. Pencil kits for wood-turners do exist so you could get one custom made.
Ohto put a MP mechanism in an ordinary number 2 wood pencil.
If you want a more prestigious MP from a well known manufacturer then a couple spring to mind. Faber-Castell has quite a few wooden bodied MPs to choose from. There is E-Motion that I’ve reviewed, and other models. Then for (a lot) more money they have the Graf Von Faber Collection. Again several wooden options.
graf-von-faber-castell.com
Caran d’Ache also make the mighty Varius in a wooden body (Metwood). I’ve reviewed the Varius Ivanhoe. The Varius is certainly a very impressive, manly sort of pencil, but its certainly not cheap.
carandache.com/products/writing/varius/index.lbl?product=4460.015
You can contact me directly at the email address in the header if you want any more information.
hey dave thanks very much for your suggestions.
well, I never thought about making a pencil, so I checked Lee Valley (since they sell hardware for making pens), and you could indeed make your own mechanical pencil. But I think Pen Turning is a pretty involved hobby, like carving duck decoys. So I think I better stick to a professionally made one.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=32846&cat=1,250,43243,43244
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=53440&cat=1,250,43243,53758
I do like the quality of Lee Valley pencils though
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=32538&cat=1,42936,43509
I checked online and Caran d’Ache Vaius is beautiful, but wow, way out of my price range. Something like the The Faber-Castell Ambition Pearwood would be perfect though.
There are three specialty pen stores in town that also sell mechanical pencils so I'm hoping the right one will be found for $75 - $100. I saw you have a section on how mechanical pencils work, so I'm going to read that over so I'll have some clue when I try them out. I'll take a look at some of your reviews too.
On converting a real pencil to a mechanical one...how the heck would you do that? It does remind me of a cheap plastic mechanic pencil I once bought. It was about a dollar and was made to look like a standard HB yellow pencil with the pink eraser tip. I loved that pencil it was so funky, but it wasn't refillabe. I had to throw it away once it ran out of lead.
Hey Dave,
Any chance you will be reviewing the Montblanc 169 Leonardo sketch pencil?
Thx.
Ahhh, Mont Blanc. Unfortunately I don't own any MB's. I've got a fair few pencils in the stratospheric price range, but no MB's. Actually I haven't seen any that I would like enough to pay that price for. At the moment I would buy the Starwalker if they did it in metrub, but they only do it in the black resin. Paper & Pencil (sidebar link) has done a review of the Leonardo.
Hello,
I was just wondering if you have ever come across a Zebra M-1600 .5 mm mechanical pencil in your life. I have been looking online for that pencil, and I was wondering if you could shed some light on it. Thank you and God Bless,
Matthias
Sorry Matthias, I've only got a couple of Zebras and I don't know that one.
Well, Kiwi-d ... I went out and got myself a Leonardo Sketch Pen. What a joy to write with it as well as sketch. It's perfectly built and sized. A peasing look and feel, just the right weight, girth, and length. It tapers very nicely making it oh so comfortable to hold.
Life is too short, treat yourself. It's real fun, and it's spectacular.
d.
Glad to hear you like your Leonardo, but I think I'll have to wait for a win on the Lottery before I can get one myself.
Hi Dave,
I did in fact manage to buy 2 pieces of the Papermate Pacer Executive pencil (both with a spare cassette). Brand new, no less! Got them from
http://stores.ebay.ca/Pens-N-More
Very happy with the pencils, they were packaged very nicely and sent quickly.
After receiving it, I realised that the pencil is quite different from normal pencils - it has a compliant tip! When you press too hard down on the paper, the tip will retract via a spring mechanism, preventing you from scoring the paper too deeply or from breaking the lead. Very interesting. Makes for smooth writing. This feature is in addition to the retractable metal sleeve that houses the lead.
No pictures because I don't have a camera, sorry.
Cheers,
Landel
Hi Dave,
Great blog. Loved catching up on the lead cup! A good giggle. Two questions:
1. Do you know of anywhere in NZ to get a supply of 0.046" mech. leads. They are for my late fathers stirling silver 'Lifelong' ? At present I'm not using it incase the last lead breaks!
2. Do you know of a Lamy supplier in NZ. I want a Lamy Safari MP.
Any info would be appreciated.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers Bazza - Balclutha.
Landel & Bazza
Landel - thanks for the update. I'll check the link out at some stage.
Bazza - I don’t know of any source of 046 lead here in NZ. Search on 1.1 or 1.18mm to find overseas retailers. Paper Plus and a few other common retailers have Lamy, so you should find them with a little hunting. However the Lamy agent has been reducing the MP offering so there aren’t many to choose from. You may have to bring one in yourself. Also for all of this you could try europens.co.nz
I’m happy to suggest a few overseas retailers who know where NZ is if you want to contact me direct at the address in the blog header.
Hi Dave,
Just saw your post on "Artistic Endeavours".
For what it's worth, I'm into drawing myself.
http://landel.deviantart.com/
Drawing is not so much talent as it is hard work. Always remember that drawing is a skill that can be taught and learnt.
I recommend this book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards.
http://www.drawright.com/
Also highly recommend Loomis' books for a good read, if you're serious.
http://www.fineart.sk/index.php?cat=1
You could try reading "Figure Drawing for all it's Worth by Andrew Loomis" first.
Cheers!
Landel
Thanks, I'll try and check out those books at some stage.
Hello Dave!
I'm Jeff from Canada. Do you experinced problems with mechanical pencils? Also, do you know of every mechanical lead size there is? For example, wikipedia says clutch pencils range from 2mm - 4mm. My email's jau@ualberta.ca. Greatsite you got here, btw!
Ttysoon!
Jeff
Hey Dave!
Sorry it's me again. I've been doing research, is it really true that clutch pencils hold lead in only 2mm-4mm sizes?
Thanks, I'll ttyl!
Jeff
Have you done any work on erasers? Not those that are a part of an MP, but those that are seaparate.
Thx.
Hey d. do you have psychic powers? Some eraser stuff is the pipeline, including something this week.
Hey Dave. I just stumbled across this blog while procrastinating, and I love it. I've been interested in mechanical pencils since middle school, and I didn't think that anyone shared this (somewhat odd) hobby. So, kudos. I also decided to treat myself to one or two nice drafting pencils before finals & comprehensives; not sure if that qualifies as a good or bad influence. Thanks for the blog, & keep up the good work.
Jeff - I've replied to your email address.
Alex - Glad you like my blog. Procrastination can be a wonderful pastime. It is one my skills.
Dave,
I've been trying to put together a nostalgic christmas present for a friend of mine, complete with a japanese pencil box with magnetic closures and pop-up pencil sharpener, etc. One thing that I cannot for the life of me find (much less name appropriately) are these horribly cheap 'mechanical' pencils that really just consist of a plastic barrel with 10 or so push-through pre-sharpened tips. Basically the concept is that each 'tip' nested inside each other within the plastic barrel, and when the graphite tip on the lead 'tip' dulled, you simply pulled it out, then fed it back into the top of the barrel, which pushed the next graphite tip out the bottom.
Hope this makes sense!
Best Regards,
Eric
Hello Eric
I didn't think they made these type of dart? pencils anymore until I saw some at the $2 shop. See my posting on Winniw The Pooh.
http://davesmechanicalpencils.blogspot.com/2006/08/winnie-pooh.html
Since then I've kept an eye open and seen various types in the $2 Shop and similar bargin basement cheap import stores so I can only suggest you try there.
I just wanted to mention several mechanical pencils I recently discovered. I'll preface this by saying that I'm an animator, so I'm coming at this from more of an art perspective than writing, and as you'll see, precision is important to me in a pencil.
1. Zebra Frisha Automatic ([url]http://tinyurl.com/3boje9[/url])
This has a similar mechanism to the Dixon Sensematic (which, in turn, seems to be the same as the Eberhard Faber EFAmatic that you reviewed) but can be manually advanced by either shaking the pencil or clicking the eraser cap. It can hold lots of leads (and my two-pencil package even came with a package of 12 HB leads). It looks a lot more fancy, with a rubber grip and pleasant colors, and seems well-made. It's more expensive, but still not bad for a mechanical pencil. It shares the imprecision of the Sensematic, since it has a plastic sleeve rather than a metal one. I assume it has to do with how the advance mechanism works -- that it won't work with a metal sleeve.
This pencil only seems to come in a .7mm version.
2. Pentel PS315 and PS535 (http://tinyurl.com/3bvt5y)
These are much more fancy than the SejnseMatic and the Frisha. They don't have the auto-advance mechanism, but they have a sliding sleeve that moves 2 or 3mm in and out. The practical upshot is that you can keep writing for a lot longer without clicking. The sleeve just retracts as the lead wears down.
The difference between the two seems to be that 535 has a shorter sleeve that retracts all the way into the body while the 315 looks almost exactly like a Pentel Sharp drafting pencil (http://tinyurl.com/3bdlbl), except that it has a sleeve that goes from 2.5 to 5mm (shorter and longer than the standard Sharp). The 535 also has a classier-looking barrel that seems to be targeted at business executives who want a snappy-looking pencil that won't poke through their pockets (since the sleeve retracts all the way into the body).
These pencils seem to only come in .5mm versions, at a cost of $8-$10 each at most online stores (I haven't found any brick-and-mortar stores that carry them)
---
My impression so far is that I like the PS315 the best out of all these pencils. I like that the 535 will retract its sleeve all the way, making it possible to carry it without endangering pockets, but it has a pocket clip that isn't removable. That always annoys me when I'm drawing, since I tend to rotate the pencil quite often and I want it not to have any sticky-out bits. The 315 has the same removable pocket clip as a normal Pentel Sharp. Also, I can imagine the long sleeve will be nice to allow me to really see where I'm going to write. I would guess that the 535 loses that precision when the sleeve is almost fully retracted, making for less usable distance of travel.
-David
David
Thanks for your comments. I've got some of these, but at the rate I'm reviewing, it will probably be 2010 before I get through them all.
Regards, Dave.
Since you are such a fan of Staedtler erasers, I thought you might be able to give me some information. Or perhaps one of your readers could.
I would like to know how to get my hands on a Staedtler Puraplast eraser. They stopped being manufactured in 1991. Any thoughts? (And yes, I have already checked out e-Bay.) Any insight would be appreceated.
Well there are eraser collectors out there. People who have thousads of them. Perhaps you could contact one and see if they have one to sell? Thats about the only idea that springs to mind.
Hi!
I read your entry about the whole milk project, cause I was looking for info about it and all I could find was your site. I'm from Chile and this cow is growing on popularity, here you can buy those same containers and pens, as well as erasers and a large variety of notebooks and notepads. In my cow notebook they explain it's designed by "I Will", but of course it's not easy to search in the web with a name like that ¬¬
Very interesting post!
I love your site! I wonder if you can help me find a mechanical pencil I used about 10 years ago...
It was called "Spike," but I don't recall the manufacturer. It used a 1.0mm lead, which was my singularly favorite feature. I seem to recall a twist-out eraser, like a Staedtler. It couldn't have been very expensive, either, and I must have bought it at a discount store like Wal-Mart. Does this ring any bells?
Jon
Isu has left a comment on post "Help Desk?":
You can find the "Sanford Spike"
at this site.
http://www.roger-russell.com/scripto.htm
I am impressed with your blog, It has truly excellent reviews. I too have a passion for mechanical pencils (I actually wrote an article for my school's paper way back when...) I use a Pentel Graphgear 1000 (also have a 500) in 0.3mm, I am a fan of very fine lines, smooth operation and solid feel: traits drafting pencils rarely lack. The pencil recently broke, but pentel replaced it free of charge; Damn good Customer Service!
Unfortunately I fear that I have lost my beloved writing utensil, and I think I will get a 0.4mm next.
I was wondering if you are considering reviewing the Ohto Super ProMecha?
Hello adb3. Thanks for your comments. Yes the Super Promecha review is in the pipeline. maybe about a month away.
Hi there, great blog! I'm an illustrator desperately trying to find 0.5 or finer BROWN or SEPIA leads for my faber pencil. Any suggestions? Thanks, Vicky.
My new fav MP is the venerable Montblanc Legrand .009. I've written sometime ago about my MB Leonardo Sketch Pen(cil) which continues to be one of the most interesting pieces in my collection. But, I had an itch that needed scratching, and so home came the Legrand. It's an excellent MP with large eraser, and .009 polymer. Very nice for writing, doodling, sketching. Well balanced with a nice tactile feel. Life is too short ... try it ... you'll like it.
d.
Well d., I'll give you marks for persistence! Actually you made me look again at MB and there are few Meisterstruck Solitaires I could own, the gold plate or silver pinstripe for example. Its just the price - I'm not a millionaire! One MB or 100 Pentels...Hmmmm. Still you've put a crack in my "no MB" mind-set!
YES !
d.
I just bought an autofeeding 0.5mm mechanical pencil from Autopoint, and haven't been able to find anything on it anywhere on the web-
It's a pretty neat mechanism, with a sliding shroud, which, when the lead wears down, engages the autofeeding setup to advance the lead. Never have to click it again.
Is there a review anywhere on this?
I was wondering if anyone had any long term experience with it.
Autopencil - Continuous Feed Pencils
http://autopoint.stores.yahoo.net/conpur.html
And not even a picture of it anywhere-
The lead shroud is shaped like a regular sharpened pencil lead too, making it look like a regular pencil.
Almost impossible to break the lead as you write, being shrouded fully-
I've long since given up trying to contact Autopoint, they never respond to my emails or order requests. Don't know the pencil you speak of, but from the sound of it the front section is something like the EFAmatic, Sensamatic, etc?
http://davesmechanicalpencils.blogspot.com/2006/12/wooden-mechanicals.html
It looks more like a regular mechanical pencil, I only meant the contour of the shroud with the taper is shaped something like a wood pencil-
Picture of pencil:
http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/3200/p1050982qx3.jpg
Business end:
http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/844/p1050985zt9.jpg
Disassembled:
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5060/p1050989hh4.jpg
I read your blog regularly...and I have decided to build one dedicated to Erasers It is still in it's infancy - but I would appreciate any suggestions for improvements!
hi dave, I've got 2 eversharp pencils. just wondering whether they use 0.9mm or 1.1mm leads? and where can I get 1.1mm leads? thanks!
Hello Dianna. Much more likely they use 1.18mm (0.046 inch) than 0.9mm. Google 1.18mm or 1.1mm or 1.2mm leads and you'll find a selection of online retailers, like Swisherpens.com. Just to confuse you, the size is 1.18mm but often people round it up or down to 1.1 or 1.2. There is also a fair bit of old stock on eBay, usually as 0.046 inch.
If you want to double check you should find 0.9mm in stationery stores, and so could check that its too small.
Hi Dave,
Have you had a chance to try the Pentel Forte? It's my primary everyday pencil for technical work & general writing. I think that you would probably enjoy it (feels much like the Sharp, but with a larger grip & eraser).
Cheers,
Alex
Hi Alex
Well I've got a Forte but haven't reviewed yet. The list of pencils to review seems to grow ever larger.
Does anyone know where to buy Unison mechanical pencils? Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks
Phillip
Kia Ora Dave, I was wondering if you could put Pilot into your Labels section? You've done a few reviews of them, but alas, they are hard to find. I am awaiting your review of the Pilot Clicker you see, my favourite M.P.
Cheers
Josh
Hello Josh
OK, I've made a Pilot label and think I've got them all labelled. The Clcker review is in the pipeline -maybe a month or two.
Ka Kit Ano, and Haere Ra
Dave
Hi Dave
Your blog is the most comprehensive and valuable source for information on mechanical pencils and related things I ever came across.
Thank you for your effort and keep up the good work!
Best regards
Gunther
Dave
Brilliant site. Have wondered if you'd considered reviewing the F-C GRIP 1345/1347? I just received my pack of the 1345 (ie: 0.05mm) today and am thrilled - the balance, the feel (although I read that you don't like rubber grips) and the attention to detail. Overall, a delightful mechanical pencil.
Following your test trials, I have noticed that the leds break a little easily, so I'll probably be switching those.
Hi Jack
Thanks for your comment. This week I'm using the FC Grip Plus so there will be a review of that posted in a few weeks. I've got the Grip 1347 so I'll get around to it, but you are right, its one of those styles I'm generally prejudiced against. Still, each to their own. Glad you are happy with your's - maybe it will convert me when I try it! :)
Hey Dave,
Just wanted to let you know that I love your site. I stumbled apon it searching the web for the best mechanical pencil. Like you I work in a large warehouse, in inventory, and I need to use pencil for our reports and such. Right now I'm using a Pentel Forte. It I a good reliable pencil with nice size eraser w/o a cap. I also have a few multipens/pencils, I just wish I could find one with a "real" eraser. Keep up the good work and I'll keep on looking for the "ultimate" pencil!
Hi Dave,
Im wondering if you could help me. Just bought a 0.3mm Staedtler Mars micro with FC leads from auckland uni bookstore. Problem is the lead breaks really well, im wondering if you could recommend me a lead that is stronger. It will be mostly used for writing notes, lab work, tests and exams etc...
I had no clue 0.3's breaks so easily, Im bit ticked off for spending $12 and its not working so well...
Thanks
Tim
Tim, I'm afraid you've really bought the wrong lead size pencil. 0.3mm is specialist stuff, and always going to be prone to breakage. Swap it if you can for a 0.5mm or 0.7mm pencil. I think you will find Pentel 0.3mm leads (might have to shop around a bit to find them though) a bit stronger than FC, but still I think you are going to have trouble.
Hi Dave, I prefer mechanical pencils and have used them nearly exclusively since my middle school days. I found your blog while looking for information on combination pen and .7mm mech pencil. To borrow from Consumer Reports, what's your recommendation for a "Best Buy" (least price for good quality)?
Thanks.
Ken
Hi Ken
To be honest, I've only got a couple of multi pens and I wouldn't like to recommend anything as I don't really know much.
Sorry.
Dave
Hey dave,
I came upon this site by recommendation of my sister who loves her mechanical pencils, ball points, and fountain pens. I am a huge fan of Faber Castell but I'm dismayed that you don't seem to have many proper mechanical pencils under that label. And you do seem to favor Pentel quite a bit.
So are there any faber castell blogs i can be looking our for in the future, i would totally recommend the faber castel tk fine vario.
Cheers,
Shannon
Hello Shannon
Well I've got 1 FC pencil and 1 FC eraser review coming soon. The TK Fine Vario is also in the pipeline, but a few months away yet.
I don't know of any FC blogs - except I think I recall having seen a Japanese and a German language blog on them.
"I'm dismayed...". Well I hate to think of my blog causing dismay and unhappiness so I'll make you an offer - submit a 'guest review' (or something less 'formal') of your favourite FC pencil and balance out the Pentel overload. You can contact me at the address in the blog header
Dave,
I think i'll pass on that, im not a very good writer, and im a bit embarrassed about what i do write, besides i'll never be able to live up to your expectations.
You just keep up the good work and keep those FC pencils coming.
Cheers,
Shannon
Wow. What a great blog.
I used to be a rollerball and mechanical pencil guy. But now I'm all about mechanical pencils.
And my preference? 0.5mm with a big, exposed eraser.
(0.7mm lead? Ughhh. Small covered erasers...or none at all? Shudder.)
By the way, I recommended your blog to the following sites and facebook groups, as well as a post on my facebook profile.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2574227115
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2433247501
http://www.moleskinerie.com/
http://www.notebookism.com/
Glad you like my blog, thanks Bill.
Hi dave,
Ive recently been told i need to get a Putty Rubber for Art, and i was wondering if you could help me here dave. If there are any putty rubbers you'd recommend i would be glad to hear them.
Thanks.
Hi Marya, sorry I've used any of those putty or kneadable erasers. I'd suggest you try asking over at "Jof of Erasers" - theres a link in my sidebar.
Oops - meany to write - "...I've never used any of thos putty...
Have you ever tested the Pentel® block eraser? I have been torn between using the Staedtler and Pentel erasers for quite some time. Since you are the pencil expert, I think you would be the best person to ask.
Sorry Will, never used Pentel eraser. I've got one, but they aren't common around here so I keep it unused.
Hi,
fantastic blog. Can I send you some pencils for review?
Hi Yildun
Thanks for your comment. Email me direct at the address in the blog header and we can discuss reviewing something.
Dave,
I have for about the past 12 years been using a Staedtler mechanical pencil with a retractable tip. I absolutely love these pencils, but eventually the pocket clips fail. At this point I am left without one. I read about the Pilot Vanishing Point and that looks like the kind of pencil I am looking for. Do you know of any other pencils that have the retractable tip. I am looking for something built like the Pilot and in medium price range. Thanks!
Hi Jeff. Well you've probably got to pay the Pilot price to get something as good as the Pilot. But less expensive you could try the Pentel Technica X. There are others if you go cruising the pencil retail sites.
I don't mind paying the Pilot price or even a little more. I just like the MP that is retractable. Are there any others you might be able to suggest might be a little higher in price than the Pilot. At this point I am planning on going with the Pilot, I just wanted to see if I had any other options. I wish Staedtler still made the one like I had, but I cannot find it anywhere. I have owned three and they all came from a college campus book store.
By the way your site is very interesting and I have enjoyed looking it over
Hmmm, well off the top of my head, the Pilot is the best of the retractables.
Hi, I am looking around for non-repro blue pencils, and I was wondering if you could point me to where I could get some. I am not much for mechanical pencils, so I was hoping you could point me in the direction of the Prismacolor Verithin's that you mentioned in your non-repro blue section. I am looking around, and i found some "true blue" but i am not sure if that is the correct color. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Jeff,
maybe I can help. The following mechanical pencils employ a double-push mechanism like the Pilot Vanishing Point and are still available (not everywhere, though):
* Alvin Draf/Tec Retrac
* Papermate Apex
* Pilot H-3003/H-3005 (Japan-only; link to Pilot Japan
* Standardgraph Feinminenstift (PDF, page 20, top)
* Manufaktum Druckstift (German retailer; shop page)
The Standardgraph and the Manufactum pencils look and feel identical - I can't spot any differences, even with a 5x magnifying glass.
These pencils have a tip that retracts when the grip section is turned:
* Ohto Promecha 1000M (Ohto at JetPens)
* Ohto Super Promecha (Ohto at JetPens)
The tip of Pentel GraphGear 1000 retracts when the clip is opened. - Unfortunately the Pentel PSD5 (double-push) is no longer vailable.
The Staedtler retro (Staedtler's last one with a double-push mechanism, as far as I know) is long out of production and now a a collector's item. The Rotring 700 (also no longer available) had a double-push mechanism and the 600G (600GM?) from the same manufacturer had a tip that vanished when the top end was turned; both are worth looking for.
I am sure that this list is not complete. - Good luck with your search!
Gunther
hi dave, i was wondering if you could tell me how to refill my mechanical pencil, my boyfriend bought it in japan, its not the fancy type, its a uni SHALAKO, it comes with other writing materials because its a writing kit, its made by Mitsubushi Pencil Co,. LTD
Hi Sandy0003
Well I'd be surprised if it was anything other than pull the top cap & eraser off, and stick leads down inside the centre tube and click away. Let me know if this isn't the case. But they need to be the correct size lead - 0.5mm or 0.7mm.
hey dave,
since you seem to be the best, if not the only, expert on mechanical pencils currently online, i thought you might be able to provide some insight into the following: the staedtler elite 9705 and the faber-castell grip 1335 are identical in appearance. since any nefarious reason for this would have already resulted in a lawsuit by the originator of the design, does this mean the two companies collaborated on this one mechanical pencil? hope you can answer, but thanks whether you can or can't.
oops. in regard to my post about the staedtler/faber-castell question i should have signed it: mark. i'm not really anonymous; just don't have an account.
Hi Mark. No, not an expert, just someone witha lot of pencils. So, good question. I note the 9705 is only on the Staedtler USA site, and a lot of their product is Staedtler Japan rather than Staedtler Germany. I note the Staedtlet site picture shows the 9705 as made in Japan.
Assuming the 9705 and 1335 are the same then as you suggest either they collaborated, or perhaps its actaully made by a third party manufacturer who sold the distribution rights to FC and Staedtler for different parts of the world. Perhaps this is from company take-overs. In my industry I now of several products where the maunfacturers main competitor holds the distribution rights in some parts of the world.
I'll see if I can find out anything further.
thanks for the prompt reply dave. please don't go to anymore trouble over it. i'd never thought about a third party manufacturer, but that makes a lot more sense than a collaboration between two rival companies. kind of disappointing that they're not manufacturing all of the products they sell; a bit like hyundai selling one of their models under the porsche brand name. anyway, keep up the great reviews; i've loved your site for almost a year now.
mark
Excellent site, Dave! I really have enjoyed the site and commentary. I've been having a hankering for a nicely balanced, and perhaps techie, drafting pencil. I'm close to getting the Ohto Super Promecha for the sheer "dumb-found your friends" appeal. Although your descriptions highlight that it will not likely be the writing Nirvana that I am looking for.
As a side-note, I was in Japan a few years back (ok, quite a few years back), and happened upon my first gravity-select multipen. This pen/pencil has been one of my favorites since. The pencil portion rattles a little, but it's still fun to use. Even though I kept the original Japanese sticker on it for some time, it did finally wear off. I was pleased to find that, with some mildly astute web surfing, I found the pen, and subsequently, the manufacturer's site.
http://www.platinum-pen.co.jp/products/multi/multi8.html
My pen/cil is the MWB-1000A Double 2 Action!!!
I was a little flabbergasted to see that they had 14 pages of 'multi-pens'!!!
The Platinum Pen Company is related to the Nakaya Pen Company, which looks to make some rather nice fountain pens, if you're into that sort of thing.
Thanks again for the site, I'm sure I'll be back
Have you ever used any Pentel A125 (Sharplet-II) pencils? I'm not sure if they are being made any more, though.
Hello Will. Yes I've got an A125 but I've never used it. I believe it is still made. Another one on my very long list of pencils to review.
Hello. Can you please create a top 10 list or something like that to showcase the most durable mechanical pencils? Mine (I think push top rackets) ALWAYS break down in a about a week or two. I end up tossing my packs as quickly as wood penicls. Thanks.
Hello Anonymous.
Well I'll be surprised if you are only getting a week or twos use out of a reoutable brand pencil like Pentel, Pilot, Staedtler, etc. What brand are you using?
Hi Dave,
While digging through my desk drawers yesterday, I found an old case of spare leads labelled "uni automatic pencil refill leads- Eberhard Faber".
To my surprise, they were stronger and darker than my Pentel Ain leads.
I've been trying to find out where I can get them; I went to Eberhard-Faber's website, and it seems like they only sell clay now.
Do they make these leads anymore?
Thanks
Hi Mike. Well thats interesting. No, never heard of them before. The "uni" bit is confusing, guess they mean universal or something rather than anything to do with uni brand of Mitsubishi Pencil. I haven't checked, but these days I think EF are a brand of Staedtler? Maybe these leads predate Staedtlers time? Like you, I think EF are not really in the pencil game these days, mostly artists and modelling supplies.
Great job on the blog, very thorough. Used to follow pencilrevolution and fountainpennetwork and moleskinerie. Now you are making me go broke. I've just recently purchased the Pilot Dr. Grip, Pilot Vanishing Point and the Staedtler Mars 780. Having a great time since I'm taking accounting in college. Keep up the great work.
Hi Seth - thanks for the words of encouragement. Glad you are trying a few different models out. Hey, only another 300 or 400 and you'll be as broke as me!
Hi D - I should have been doing homework, but got sucked into scanning your entire site. It looks like the Lamy 2000 is a favorite (the rebellious American in me refuses to add the -u-, as i live in Canada). I have the 2000 Fountain pen in EF. As well as the Vista and another safari. This paper, pen, pencil and now mechanical pencil thing is very addictive. Must be turning into a bit of a compulsive.
Quick question - I didn't see anything about the Blackwing 602 on your blog. Any interest? Have not reached the point yet to get one off of the Bay myself.
Yes, the Lamy 2000 is a favourite. My relationship with Lamy is a bit contradictory. I never think of them as "favourite" brand, yet my two everyady pencils are Lamy 2000 and Lamy Scrible. "Go figure", as they say.
As an American pencil, basically the Blackwing never existed in my part of the world. Never seen one, apart from on my monitor screen. Luckily the Blackwing is nat a "mechanical pencil" so I easily resist the crazy prices it commands these days.
I accept and understand your desire to exercise your constitutional right to mis-spell various words. :) LOL etc.
Seriously though, it is important to exercise rights.
Wow, I just read what I typed above. Talk about mis-spelling!!!!
Still, I am on my fourth glass of wine.
Hey kiwi-d, I've used more mechanical penicls than I can count on my fingers but they seem to break down easily. After a while the push top things stop pumping the led out, in that there's still lead but it either gets stuck, won't stay in its "fixed" spot, or stops moving alltogether. I'll try to sift through my recycling bin and look for the brand name tommorow.
Hi Dave,
I was wondering if you knew what the most popular brand of mechanical pencils in Japan was. I was thinking Pentel, but is there some kind of Japanese brand that is really popular in Japan? I don't know. Can you tell me if you know please? Thanks. Oh by the way my favorite mechanical pencil is the Dr. Grip. :D
No idea about the most popular in Japan, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't Pentel, with Pilot second. Obviously Japanese brands like Uni, Ohto, Tombow, Platinum, etc must be more popular in the East than they are in the west.
Okay, thanks a lot Dave!
Hey Dave,
I have this interesting pencil. It has a large grip that reminds me of the Dr. Grips, and an interesting clear plastic part where you can insert this tube. You can stick stickers on the tube and put it in, so you can basically design your own pencil. Strangely, there is no printing or anything on the pencil. Do you know what it is? Thanks!
Hi Anonymous.
I've seen some pictures of these sorts of pencils, just generic Chinese types, but never seen one in real life. Sorry, can't really help.
Hey dave,
I was wondering if you know about any sites that allow you to design your own mechanical pencil. Thanks!
P.S. : Your reviews are great! ;D
Well depends what you mean by design your own pencil. If you search around, you will find custom pen makers and woodturners. There are commercial mechanical pencil mechanisms for woodturners etc so they can make a pencil out of a wood, or plastic resin, etc of your choice. Glad you like the reviews. Ciao.
Hey Dave,
Great blog! I stumbled on it last week while searching for a high quality mechanical pencil (I recently talked myself out of a fountain pen since I write mostly in pencil).
I have been a fan of mechanical pencils since my high school drafting class back in the early 80's. My pencil of choice for many years has been the Pentel P207 0.7mm and haven't found anything that compares to its feel, performance, and reliability. I am a financial analyst and though I rely heavy on the computer, I never stray far from my P207.
I owe you a big thanks for your review of the Pentel Sharp Kerry 1035 (the click action was a requirement for me and most of the higher quality pencils I came across were twist action). I purchased a blue 1037 and have had a couple of days to break it in. Very happy overall, with just a couple of comments. I didn't realize it was on the shorter side and I find it a little difficult to grip. Would have been nice to have some etchings for better gripping. On the plus side, the cap is great and should reduce the holes in my shirts.
Thanks again!
Hello Dave,
I'm a big fan of your blog, and it's always interesting when a new review comes out. Well, I'm going to Taipei during Christmas, and I am wondering if there are some good, unique pencils there that I can purchase. I was thinking maybe the Uni Alpha Gel or some pencil with interesting features. Do you have any ideas?
Thanks!
Hello Taipei-traveller. Well to be honest I don't know what to recommend. I assume there will be a fair bit of the the stuff us westerners regard as "Japan only" available in Taiwan. I can only say that I would just go with an open mind and have a good shop around and see whats available. looking for uncommon brands, models, etc. Sorry, not really much help! Feel free to send a photo of whatever you end up with.
Dave,
Great site. I was putting together my Christmas List and wanted an Alvin Draftmatic. I couldn't remember the name until I saw it in a post on your site.
Draftmatic's used to be made by Staedtler, but I guess the Germans sold it off. I can't live without mine. The lead is spring loaded so I can push harder without breaking the lead. Try it, you'll like it.
Keep up the good work.
thanks Dave! After months of trying to refill my cheap Pentel 0.3mm I have realised there must be a blockage and I should invest in another as even a fine acupuncture needle won't clear it! I love MPs for drawing with...you can't beat them!
Perhaps someone knows where I can find the folowing Tombow mech pencil.
It looks very much like the present day Tombow Ultra pen. it had an all metal anodized body with a removable cap that fit on the end when writing or drawing. This was a somewhat high end pencil costing at the time(1997) about $45.
Unfortunately, the first one was stolen, and the second and third lost. It was bigger than typical in diameter (much like a large diameter fine fountain pen) and heavy in weight. But as a former wrestler and footbal player, I'm a big guy at +300lbs, this pencil had the perfect weight, size and balance for me as an artist.
Paul
I think Tombow stopped making mechanical pencils a few years ago?
Tombow has the "Havanna" collection that had also included mechanical pencils with a cap, but unfortunately these are no longer in production. - As far as I know the first series of these pencils were labelled as "Super Pen".
Hi Dave,
I recently bought a Pentel GraphGear 500 in Hong Kong, from a fairly large and well-known retailer. I am very happy with it, and it looks very durable. However, when I paid a visit to Pentel's website, the pencil shown there looks quite different, with slightly shinier metal at the end and no lead hardness indicator.
Do you know if my pencil is authentic? Is it an older version?
Dave,
Cool site. I used to have a pencil - I think it was an earlier version of the Pentel Twist Erase III - that I would LOVE to have again.
Is it possible to find out of production pencils?
(California, USA)
Thanks!
Well all sorts of old Pentel stuff comes up on eBay from time to time, and the Pentel USA online store sometimes has limited editions of old models.
Hi, Dave:
I wonder if you can help me land on a mechanical pencil of 1.18 mm size. I lost my old pen and still have a lot of nice red leads for myuse. I can afford a mechanical pen at a cost of no more than a couple US dollars.The one lost cost me only $0.25 or so 30 years ago.
Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Regards.
Stanley
Hello Stanley - well I guess you know 1.18mm is rather uncommon these days and usually found in the more expensive pencils, so I don't have many options for you. eBay has old old vintage stuff. Autopoint and Retro 51 have modern 1.18mm, but they are probably outside your price range. Sorry, not much help.
Hello Dave - May I ask a stupid question?...How do I change the lead for my Lamy Scribble? I received it as a birthday present, but I've never used such an expensive pencil as of yet:p ...Should I just stick the lead into the metal sleeve? Thanks a lot for your help!
ps. One more question after reading your professional review - is the metal sleeve still retractable with a lead in it? I'm really afraid of damaging this pencil...Thanks again!
Oh Lord, I was sooo dumb :(
Since I've read your instruction right beneath the guestbook link, I have only the second question.
Thank you!!
Dave I love your site. I've only met two other people who are as obsessed with mechanical pencils as i am and now I know of 3.
Hello Steve - Yes, Sribble's tip is retractable with lead in. Just push the top cap down and gently press the lead & tip inwards (push it on a desk top) and release the top button.
And hello "Iheartwritingimplements". Well I know afew others too, so maybe actually a couple of hundred MP junkies out there, to one degree of enthusiasm or another.
Hi Dave,
I was wondering if you exchange links with non-MP related sites? I have a website called The Newsbreak Times, and would be really glad if you would accept my offer. If not, its okay.
Thanks!
I have put a link to this site on my homepage (at the bottom of the "Archives" column. I would be greatly pleased if you could return the favor; of course, as I stated above, it's okay if you choose not to.
What is your opinion on this MP....?
"For your consideration is a Rotring "Side Knock" 0.5 mm mechanical pencil in a stainless steel. One of the most unique pencils ever made - there is no obvious way to advance the lead. To advance the lead, you bend the pencil in the middle by about 15 degrees. Uses any 0.5 mm lead. In Rotring gift box with Rotring instructions."
I have noticed that 3.15mm leads are available in the "Lamy Scribble". What would the major use be for a pencil with this relatively large diameter lead ? I suspect these are used by graphic artists... are there other purposes where this type of pencil is perfered ?
[Also, does the Scribble have a built in 3.15mm lead sharpener ?]
Hello Dave,
Remember someone said they were going to Taipei? Well it's me and I'm back. I bought a Dr. Grip Furu Furu Mousse, Offroader, G-spec White; Uni Alpha gel, shaker, HD; and a Zebra Spiral. Also a Pentel Ergonomix and Ergonomix WingGrip.
I'm pretty happy with my purchases. :)
Howdy Anonymous.
Yes I certainly do remember your proposed visit to Taiwan. Sounds like the pencil side of it was successful. I've got a "blog" proposal for you, if you are at all interested then contact me on the email address up in the blog header.
Ciao
This doesn't relate but I figured if anyone knew, you all would. Back in the 80's I had a mechanical pencil that when you pressed the pocket clip button the lower third of the pencil would retract up into the pencil. I can't think of the name or the brand, can anyone please help. thanks
After reading the post on the Rotring Sideknock I checked it out and got one. I like the feel of it, and it has some good heft to it. The lead advance is great! A slight shift of your thumb and a little pressure in the middle of the pencil and you've got more lead. It is as convenient as a side button, if not more so. It difinitely looks better than a side button MP with the button breaking the lines of the pencil. The eraser is a little disappointing. You unscrew the top end of the pencil and the eraser is set into the end cap and not on the pencil. This is not a huge deal to me as I only use this pencil at my desk and I keep a large eraser in reach for all the mistakes I make! This pencil is designed to stay at the desk, in my opinion, because it is not pocket safe with it's fixed sleeve. All in all, it is a good pencil with a great inivative design.
The Rorting Side-Knock is hefty indeed at 25 grams (Pentel P209 is 9 grams) of brushed stainless steel with very high precision machinhing which is especailly noticable on the threaded pieces.
I like the fact the the end cap threads out... it actually provides a SMALL storage compartment... I might use this compartment to store a note with my contact info for the "Good Samaritan" who may find this MP someday with intentions of returning to the owner...
Hi Dave,
Long time no post. Have you ever taken a look at the Caran d'Ache Ecridor Chevron Mechanical Pencil that uses their 2mm lead (both graphite and color)? Looks somewhat intriguing. Although, CDA insists you buy it with their fancy-dancy display box which irritates me and adds to the price.
Take care.
d.
Howdy d.
Yes indeed I have this fancy-dancy set already. Another one thats been on the list to review for a very long time. I think I need a new plan. No more pencil purchases until I have reviewed all my existing ones. Should only take about 3 years for me to do them all. Think of all the money I'll save in the meantime. I'll try to get a few photos and a few words on it up sometime in the next few months - probably won't do a "full proper review".
Hello, Bob in Ohio here. I just stumbled onto your site in the last week. I've been collecting MP's since about 1976, and have around 140 or so. Of those probably 90 are Pentels, and about 10 are multipens. I STILL have and use daily the first PS523 (.3mm Sharp SlideSleeve) I evere bought, even though all the chrome is worn off the tip and I had to place the inner .3mm workings into a P205 barrel because I wore through the barrel end from tightening the tip over the years. Glad to see there are others like me that collect these things. Great site by the way. Don't know if I could find time to write reviews for you, but I could submit photos of all the oddballs I've gotten over the years.
Bob
Hello Bob,
have you considered setting up a gallery with the photos of your mechanical pencils? I have just started one here with the open source software Gallery 2.
Gunther (Germany)
Hi Bob
Well always good to hear from a fellow collector. As has been suggested you could put some photos on sites like Flickr, Picassa, etc. Equally though I'd be happy to put up a "guest posting" of a few photos and/or a few words on them. Either way, please drop me a line at the email address up in the blog header.
Dave
I have a question not a comment. :o) I'm looking for a mechanical pencil that when turned over was a pen. It had a sleek aluminum body... Every seen one? Heard of one? Any ideas where I can get another one or who made it?
Thanks
Hello anonymous,
check out the Pilot Birdy Switch (also Birdie Twin in Germany).
Thanks! That's exactly what I've been looking for.
Just dropped in after ordering from Cultpans. Looks like I will be spending a lot of time here reading and learning. Great site, thank you.
Opps! An eraser somebody please. I mean Cultpens. Sorry.
I'm looking for a mechanical pencil that I can use at the piano, to note fingerings and other directions on the sheet music. The one I am using now, a cheapie, has the 'push-to-extend' lead which is a real bother because it gets extended when I don't want it or when I use the eraser.
The ideal pencil would have the lead extend by twisting the barrel so that it did not get extended, or retracted, unintentionally. Also the pencil would have a generous eraser, non-smudging, for making the not infrequent changes as the music gets studied.
Can anyone give me some suggestions of mechanical pencils that might fit these criteria? Frankly I'm not sure where to start or how to look. Also, should I consider the 'auto-feed' type pencil? Do they work well?
Thanks for any input. It's a wonderful site!
Hi,
I wrote a while ago asking if you had any suggestions re. my sharp kerry dropping its leads rather than advancing them and your suggestion was to contact Pentel.
I went to the Pentel webpage and contacted the customer service department with a vaguely pathetic e-mail explaining my problem. A few days later the Pentel VP of customer service contacted me and told me to send my pencil to the Pentel distributors in my town, and they would be able to help me.
So sometime in mid December I put my Sharp Kerry into a padded envelope with copies of my vaguely pathetic e-mail and the e-mail of the Pentel VP of customer service, and a note asking about repair options. I didn't hear anything from them until one day a few weeks ago. Just before the end of my work day a well-groomed, well-dressed (black and tan), presentable young man carrying a padded envelope came into the office looking for me.
He introduced himself as Sean from Pentel, and shook my hand happily. He held up the envelope and said "I have your pencil in here." and I happily asked, "Were you able to fix it?" and he said that they weren't. When I asked sadly "What was wrong with it?" he said, "We don't know." Then he said, "We've given you a new pencil." and pulled it out of the envelope. Then he pulled the original pencil from the envelope and gave me that one back too.
So to recap - my Sharp Kerry which was given to me broke down after 15 years of use, and the company not only gave me a new Sharp Kerry (msrp less than $20), but they hand delivered it too. How great is that? Pretty damn great I have to say.
I'm always going to buy Pentel, as are my friends.
Thanks for your blog.
Vanessa
Hello! I was wondering if you had a list of mechanical pencils that use .9 lead?
I love mechanical pencils but I write so hard I break all of the .5 and .7 leads to quickly.
I have a plastic Bic Velocity .9 mechanical pencil that I have been using for some time. I am looking for a .9 that is more like this pencil...
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31LglasVA0L._AA280_.jpg
Hmm, looking at that might be hard to see what I am after. Basically the syntech is nearly all metal. It has some heft to it but not too much. I think the body might be aluminum.
Anyway.... what are some good internet shops to buy mechanical pencils and are there any .9 pencils you can recommend? thanks.
Hello, I happy about this.Glad to see there are others like me that collect these things.
--------------
Gayathri
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I'm looking for them, too. Purchased 3/12/09 at a dollar general store and have been looking for their stores to find more of them. Went back to the same store the next day and all were gone. Try Dollar General stores.
Hi Dave i have a unique question. I am attempting to go back to school to get my MBA and in going through my old notes, found the pencil I used throughout University. I used to put a "grab on" foam grip on it. I can't find this pencil anywhere for sale now and I really like it. It says on the metal clip Japan the letters "EF" Uni-Point in a special font and the pencil and on the top of the where you depress for leads it says 0.5. It is all black with a metal tip and clip and then on the top of the cap it has little slashes like gills almost. If you know what kind of pencil this is or where i could find one it is much appreicated. I can sent you a picture as well if you like. thanks, kingivan@hotmail.com
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