Any suggestions for a great mechanical pencil? I've just been using cheapo Staedtlers, Bics, etc. I've love to see if there are better ones out there and what you all like. Any chance we have a pencil thread???
In terms of value I rate Pentel very high, especially their Sharp P20x series (x = 5 for 0.5 mm; x=7 for 0.7 mm; x=9 for 9mm). Only problem is the metal tube at the end doesn't retract which can be a bother. Pentel also have a variety of more upscale mp; I am particularly fond of their GraphGear series. The Pentel Sharp Kerry is a compact unit with cap that is removable and then posts which is great in pocket. Hard to go wrong with products from Faber Castell; Rotring; or Retro 51 (who make what is basically a copy of Rotring; they're in Texas). One aggravating thing with heavy use of mp is that sometimes during use the end of the lead tends to flatten out to form an oval writing tip. An interesting solution to this are mp with 'rotating leads' from Uni Kuru Toga. Most all of what I've described are easily found at places like Staples or Office Depot. Most on-line pen shops offer a variety of mp; but I have found that JetPens ( www.jetpens.com ) offer a wider selection than many. California based; superb service with very good pricing IMHO. Surprisingly, you'll also find vigorous discussion on this topic over at Fountain Pen Network ( http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/ ). Hope this is useful for you! L'chaim! Moshe ben David
At the risk of being flamed to a cinder, I don't personally like the Pentel P205. Others rate it highly though. I second the Uni Kuru Toga, especially the Roulette version. If you pocket carry and don't want to stab yourself(!) then the Kerry is a decent option, but I prefer the Pentel Graphgear 1000.
I'd be interested in hearing your opinions of what you try and seeing what you settle on for your use cases.
I've been using Pentel Quicker Clickers literally since high school (so pushing 30 years) and I can't imagine using anything else. I prefer the 0.5mm to the 0.7mm.
There are so many choices possible given the open ended inquiry, that it's unlikely to give a meaningful recommendation. You may want to initially set a budget. Decide on lead diameter (0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, etc.). And any particular features, such as lead rotation, tip protection, etc. Also, your intended usage, as that will affect the requirement on pipe guide length. Lastly, one of the best places to visit is Reddit.com/r/mechanicalpencils.
I love mechanical pencils and by far the best I have come by are the Rite-in-the-Rain pencils. They sell for about 10 bucks, have huge erasers, flawless lead advance, and the leads last forever without breaking.
Would have to get more info for intended use and so on as there are literally 1000s of mechanical pencil models. Two of my favourites are the TWSBI Precision pencils https://www.cultpens.com/c/q/brands/twsbi/twsbi-precision from my S-A-M-S-U-N-G S9+ via T-A-P-A-T-A-L-K
Modern day mechanical pencils are impressive in a number of respects. The newer technologies for lead management & protection are useful. But I can't help to be drawn by the designs from days past. Frankly, they're more or less collectibles. My modern day rOtring 800 with retractable tip works brilliantly and is very rugged. But considering what's available today, the Pentel P200 series is a bargain legend. It has been around since the late 1970's. Mechanism is super reliable. Enough that a bespoke mechanical pencil company, Spoke Design, made beautifully hand crafted bodies to house that mechanism. It even comes with a terrific desk stand that's small, portable, and does a great job of securing your pencil when not in use.
These two have lived in my desk drawer for about 25 years. Haven't seen much use in that time. Prior to that I actually used them to make drawings... Not sure where my grey .7mm Koh-i-noor ever went.
I got a Zebra mechanical pencil lately. M701. Except for a black plastic ring near the clicky it looks just like the stainless zebra ballpen I have. nice. I also got a super tiny Zebra mechanical pencil from amazon for a couple bucks (under 5), the TS3-Mini. Also stainless and it is so small and thin that it fits comfortably in my credit card sized bifold leather wallet. Comes with lead and even an eraser. So I will aways have this with me. I wont write a ton with this of course, but I really like it. I dont feel it is in my wallet and sitting on it wont break it. Awesome. I broke so many plastic mechanical pencils, I just thought it is time to get a metal pen. I really like the Zebras and they are very affordable.
Bought myself a Uni Kuru Toga in college and it ruined me. After using that rotating lead system I haven't been able to use any other mechanicals. Roulette was the model if I remember correctly, nice robust almost all aluminum construction. Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
I've got this ones, but I'm using Uniball Pure Malt 0.5 with Pilot G-Neox 2B lead mainly for quick drawings.
