Uni Shift 1010 Mechanical Pencil Review

Uni Shift 1010 Mechanical Pencil Review

What to do about the sharp pointy end of the mechanical pencil? That’s a problem that has long exercised the minds of the designers and users of mechanical pencils. Many just ignore it and have a fixed sharp tip. Others protect the sharp end by having sliding retractable lead sleeves, or caps, or double action vanishing points, or extendable protective over-sleeves, or…well the list goes on. The subject of this review, Mitsubishi Pencil Co’s Uni Shift 1010 mechanical pencil uses something akin to a vanishing point mechanism to protect the lead sleeve when it is not in use.

When retracted (storage or carry mode), the Uni Shift looks like this.

When extended or in writing mode it looks like.

The change is brought about by pushing the upper body section forward which in turn pushes the lead sleeve out of the fixed front section. Note the change in overall length of body above the grip, and the position of components, but there is only a minute change in total overall length.

At the top and bottom of the body sections travel you twist it just a few degrees to lock it into position.

When in carry mode, the push top button does not operate so you cannot accidently advance any lead. The lead sleeve is retracted back in carry mode, but it’s tip is only just inside the front section, and if you had recently advanced the lead then it can be left protruding out the end of the front section. This is not a major problem, but it does mean it can potentially mark the inside of whatever you put your Shift into, and to be honest, I am slightly disappointed Uni didn’t eliminate this matter by having the sleeve retract just a fraction further back.

It doesn’t take long to get used to the idea of pushing the body section up or down to advance or retract the tip, but the little twist to lock it into position is slightly problematic. Whilst it is a fairly definite and positive action, it is possible to only half-twist, particularly when advancing the tip. This locks the tip in the writing position, but not securely, and a little later you can inadvertently have it unlock and spring back into carry mode whilst you idly move the pencil about in your hands when not actually writing. I accept that this matter is within the control of the pencil user, and it’s only a minor point, but I am again slightly disappointed that Uni somehow didn’t address this in the design phase.

The lead sleeve is a 4mm long thin pipe suitable for drafting work. I do note that the Uni Japanese website generally emphasises drafting pencils for precise writing of characters, rather than for any traditional drafting work. Although the sleeve is retractable it is not a sliding sleeve. So, when extended it is fixed in position and does not slide back up inside as the lead wears down. Having said that, it isn’t a fixed sleeve in the traditional sense and there is a very small amount of wobble, which ultra precise type users who demand rock-solid instruments will not find acceptable. Of course the actual sliding upper body section also has some wobble on the central shaft, but that shouldn’t really concern anyone.

The lead advance mechanism is a standard push top ratchet. As mentioned above it only functions when the pencil is in writing mode. Ten clicks of the mechanism will get you 6mm of the 0.5mm lead. The Shift is available in other lead diameters. As well as the black and red 0.5mm M5-1010 models shown in most pictures in this review, I also have the 0.7mm model, i.e. M7-1010, as below. It looks rather nice in silver and orange.

There is a small eraser under the top cap. Black. Very cool.

You pull the eraser out to access the lead refill magazine.

The pocket clip is a rather plain but springy and functional chromed metal.

The grip is a diamond cut metal section. It doesn’t feel too abrasive on your skin and provides a good secure grip. It is a round grip, and straight sided, so you can hold anywhere and twirl as much as you like.

Weighing in at about 19g the Uni Shift is a medium weight mechanical pencil and it is balanced towards the tip. The weight, balance and looks all combine to make the Shift look and feel pretty good in the hand.

Markings on the pencil are “Uni Shift” and the lead size on the upper body section. “Japan” is also moulded in small letters on the upper body section.

The lead diameter is also marked on the central body core and visible when in carry mode.

Note the sticker advertising this mechanical pencil is factory loaded with Uni Nano Dia leads.

Overall then the Uni Shift is a very nice mechanical pencil and worth having in a collection.

• Best Points – The Shift mechanism makes an interesting change.
• Not So Good Points – Not properly locking the mechanism.
• Price Range – Low.
• Does this pencil make it into the Top 5? - No.

Dimensions – Length 143mm, diameter 9mm. Balance point about 60mm up from the tip.

Thanks Isu.