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Monday, January 30, 2006

The Start

Here it is, the one that started (or confirmed?) my interest in mechanical pencils. Back in the mid-1980's I had not seen or used anything other than cheap basic pencils, and then I saw this one. A mechanical pencil masterpiece from Pentel!
After all these years it is still in great shape. A bit of brassing on the clip, but I have never had any problem with the mechanism. But you know, I don't even know what model Pentel this is - so if you know I'd really appreciate you telling me.
When it comes to relatively inexpensive pencils, I say stick to Pentel. Having said that, I now generally use something a bit more "up-market". See the Reviews for some.
If you like to use or collect mechanical pencils then I would be interested in hearing from you.

6 comments:

  1. Hello Dave! excellent site. I have been reading for a while and have to post my comments on my pencil of choice for over 16 years. I have been using the Pentel Quicker-Clicker since I was in 3d-4th grade and have never been able to stick with another pencil since then. I know... it has a hated rubber grip that you despise in so many pencils (it didn't use to... when I bought my first one it was all plastic,) but all the reasons you don't like rubber grips-if those are, in fact, your primary reasons- do not apply to this pencil. The grips have NEVER worn out (I've had some for up to 5 years) they have never gotten disgusting or dirty, they aren't spongy at all. In fact, they have some good qualities: they add weight at the bottom of the pencil which allows for smooth writing, they give the pencil a nice contour. I repeat, the rubber grips on this pencil have never required rinsing or replacement. In fact I have only once in the 16 years and numerous pencils, had to replace one becuase of a defect. The side clicking mechanism never accidently has been clicked, the pencil has an excellent weight, the erasers are top-quality, you can erase as hard as you need without advancing the lead. The clip has never worn or broken, the plastic is heavy and durable, and the erasers are easy and cheap to replace. All in all, I think you should give this pencil a try. I have tried a multitude of other pencils trying to find perhaps a more prestigious writing instrument, and have never found one. I think you owe it to yourself and your readers, but that's obviously your choice!
    Enjoying reading
    Phil

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  2. Hello Phil, thanks for reading and commenting. Anything by Pentel is pretty much guaranteed to be a good pencil in my book! Appreciate your thoughts on the Quicker-Clicker. Consider it added to my shopping list, although unfortunately it is not available here in NZ.

    Watch this space for soon to be revealed stunning revelations regarding rubber grips!

    Actually I suppose I should consider some sort of wishlist / suggestion page for review requests. It would always give me more excusses to buy even more pencils, because I would have to review them!

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  3. the gold pencil is a pentel excalibur

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  4. addendum to my excalibur identification.

    This pencil comes from the era when the excalibur was made, but does not say excalibur on it. however, there was a non-excalibur made called the sg65 (or 25 or 45, different numbering for different types of finish). It is almost identical to the excalibur, except for the middle ring. check my blog for what i am talking about. So, this pencil is technically not an Excalibur, but it is. :)
    also, most may think the excalibur only came in sets, at least the pencils. Not true. I was able to score an Excalibur, model RC26. Check the blog for it.
    jeremy/lastwing/germ/pencils 11

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  5. Well, that's it: I've now worked my way backward through your entire blog. Thanks, Dave, for putting together this fun and informative resource.

    Cheers,
    Jesse
    Canada

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  6. Hope you enjoyed the big long read :-)

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