Derwent Precision Mechanical Pencil Review

Derwent Precision Mechanical Pencil Review

Sometime in the 1500’s the world’s first, and still only, large-scale deposit of high purity solid graphite was discovered in Cumbria, England. So, having discovered pencil lead, all that needed to be invented was the pencil. Many will debate the origins of the pencil, but for my money, if it puts graphite onto paper then its lineage goes back to Cumbria. Today’s direct descendant of the Cumbrian pencil industry is Derwent, who still manufacture in Cumbria. These days Derwent is part of the US multi-national Acco Brands, whose stable of brands also includes Artline, Esselte and Marbig amongst others.

As a collector of mechanical pencils I have previously felt compelled to buy two contemporary pencils simply because of their nod to an important part of pencil history. First was the Cleo Skribent Der Gessner, and second was the Platinum Hayakawa, but now there is a third, the Derwent Precision.

The Precision is Derwent’s first foray into the mechanical pencil market. Given their strength is pencils for artists, it is not surprising they are pitching their first mechanical pencil at the art market. Being manufacturers of wooden pencils it is also not surprising that they have contracted out the manufacture of their mechanical pencil. What is perhaps a little surprising though is their choice to go with a thin lead mechanical pencil rather than a leadholder. I assume they thought a 2mm leadholder was too similar to their woodcase pencils and if they were going to go mechanical, they might as well go all in.

First off then the Derwent Precision is a long slim mechanical pencil, somewhat reminiscent of a Derwent woodcase pencil. It is lightweight in the hand and neutrally balanced. The metal body barrel is hexadecagonal… I hope I counted right… and without any specific grip zone or grip enhancements, all again reminiscent of a woodcase pencil. The grip is fine for those who like to vary their grip placement up or down the body, but for extended use I feel that some form of grip enhancement would have been a good idea, even if just a few concentric rings.

The ‘not quite round’ body and pocketclip combine to put some limits on desk rolling. The pocket clip is a good combination of enough strength and spring to be really useful, but not so much as to rip your papers.

The lead sleeve is a 3mm thin metal pipe and it is a sliding sleeve for pocket safety. Combined with the conical tip section there is good vision of the lead for doing fine detailed work. It is also a good rigid system, although it does have lead cushioning.

How to refill the lead magazine

There is a small emergency use eraser under the push top button. As usual you remove the eraser to refill the lead magazine. The lead advance mechanism feels and sounds good and solid. Ten clicks of the top button will advance about 7mm of lead.

The retail hang-sell carded pencil also comes with a refill pack of leads. On the lead refills are three of the most fearful words in the world of mechanical pencil leads, “Made in China”. It has been a long time since I have bothered to buy, use or try Chinese lead, because past experience has lead me to the conclusion that Chinese lead is abysmal. However, Derwent are themselves lead manufacturers and surely they would not risk their long standing reputation on cheap D-grade lead? Now I caution that I have not done any real comparative testing, and that my pencil is 0.7mm, but I must admit that from my general use I have been pleasantly surprised. This Derwent Precison lead is perfectly respectable, and the inviolability of the formula “Chinese + lead = bad + very” is now under threat.

Overall then I think this is a respectable, if unremarkable, general workhorse of a mechanical pencil. The Derwent name and history is what sets it apart, and I think that alone means you should consider adding it to your collection.

•    Best Points – It’s Derwent. Opening my eyes to Chinese lead.
•    Not So Good Points – The grip
•    Price Range – Low
•    Does this pencil make it into the Top 5? – No

Dimensions – Length  153mm, ‘diameter’ 8mm. Balance point about 75mm up from the tip.

Identification Rings

None for 0.3mm, one for 0.5mm, two for 0.7mm... I guess 3 for 0.9mm.
Obviously helps prevent mix-ups on the assembly line.

Just above the conical section of the tip

Whisky

Not that I am a serious drinker, but...

West Highland White Terrier, Mrs Dave's favourite little four-legged friend.

 Vintage jug and pencil

Unfortunately the pencil mechanism is broken. 
1.18mm lead.

Mixed Goodie Bag

Everyone likes a goodie bag, right? I'm giving the concept a try. See the link above "For Sale - $33 Mixed Bag". It's a selection of pencils, you choose 10 for $33. First in first served, only while stocks last, etc.

I don't want my pencil sell off to dominate this blog so will keep a limit on the sales posts.

19-Oct : UPDATE - All goodie bags are gone, so have taken the page down. Thanks to all who expressed an interest.

Vintage Parker Pencils

Many of my pencils need to get out more. They are far too solitary, spending their time hidden away deep down in some dark cupboard, so recently I bought two cheap plastic display stands and am going to start having my mechanical pencils out more, slowly working my way through the collection.

First out of the cupboard then, five old Parkers. Vintage I suppose, but exactly how old you have to be, to be vintage, is somewhat vague. I guess I'm one of those who thinks 25years for mechanical pencils.

Top to bottom, models

17

Victory

Unknown (now identified as 51 Writefine from aeromatic 1948-57 series)

Classic - in sterling silver Cisele pattern

Jotter

If you happen to know what model "unknown" is, then please do enlighten me.

The tip and visible clutch jaws are the most distinguishing feature.

Poll Result - Preferred Lead Size

The results are in. Thanks to those who voted and/or commented on the recent poll.

The question was, "What is your preferred lead size?"

The results are

17.1% = 0.2 / 0.3 / 0.35 / 0.4mm
37.8% = 0.5mm
29.3% = 0.7mm
6.1%   = 0.9mm
1.2%   = 1.1 / 1.15 / 1.18mm
2.4%   = 1.3 / 1.4mm
4.9%   = 2mm
1.2%   = Bigger than 2mm

Total = 182 votes

For comparison, the same poll back in 2007 produced this result

0.3mm = 7%
0.5mm = 42%
0.7mm = 22%
0.9mm = 11%
1.1 to 1.4mm = 5%
2mm = 7%
Even bigger = 4%

The 0.3mm size range seems to be the big mover. Orenz?

Parker and Sheaffer Clearance

I'm still slowly working my way through the collection. Before I head over to that auction website and pat a heap of fees, I'd much rather do a deal with one of you, so I have updated a Sell Page (see the header bar above) with some Parker and Sheaffer pencils... and even a ballpoint pen :) A range of items from the 90's and 00's and some vintage too. Please tell your pencil friends :)
Thanks.