Looking For A Mechanical Pencil Recommendation

[Pensfan]

After reading this thread and having the Fixed vs Retractable Pipe answered, thanks everyone, I too ordered a TWSBI Precision Fixed Pipe Pencil 0.7mm, in black.

 

[Chris H]

This is a great post. I love mechanical pencils. I checked out the Pentel Graphgear 1000 and it looks really dandy. I love my Pentel pencil which I've had for decades. I dunno. Might have to get one of each!!!

 

Chris

[ness]

...another vote here for the Pentel Kerry.

[ksh]

I bought a Rotring 600 at Jetpens a couple of months ago. It was $30. They sell out and then you need to waitlist. I think they get restocked every few weeks.

[Albertine]

I used to be a big fan of the MUJI mechanical pencils... might be able to order them online.

[adallak]

My son has taking a liking to my Rotring 600 MP 0.7mm, so I've decided to get him a decent MP for school use. I'm looking to stay at or below $30 US and find something in similar quality (i.e. - nearly indestructible). I've looked at the ones from TWSBI and like them quite a bit. I also checked our Lamy's offerings, but from what I can tell, they only have the 0.5mm lead size. I'm looking for something metal barreled with a bit of heft, and integral eraser if possible.

 

Any suggestions?

With all the respect I have to disagree. Heavy metal pencils are not indestructible. The heavier the pencil the more damage to the tip will be made if you accidentally drop one.

 

I think the old Rotring /Tikky was one of the best-looking and best-performing inexpensive pencils. Pentel Sharp is a very durable and inexpensive pencil as well.

[wushimushi]

I wonder if anyone has any feedback on parker jotter mp? I realise the nib cannot be retracted but im not too affected by that as long as it doesnt snap easily.

[dapv]

Maybe I was dreaming, or maybe some of you might remember this. Once upon time I remember having a Cross MP that would advance the lead as I was writing so that I did not have to stop writing to advance the lead. Does anyone remember this Cross MP? Does any other manufacturer make a MP like this? Thanks.

[zipcodeman]

Another vote for the GraphGear 1000.

[falcor26]

I would suggest the Caran D'ache Fixpencil as well. A Caran D'ache mechanical pencil would also be a possibility.

 

Another thought would be the Retro 51 hex o matic - which has a design very similar to the Rotring 600. (I don't know anything about this product - recommendation is based on appearance only)

[rcmirani]

Laban Gold plated pencil 0.7mm Price $30 including shipping within USA

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh306/rcmirani/Laban%20pens/pencil_L.jpg

Twist action pencil

[y2bd]

Five good mechanical pencils for under $30:

 

Pentel Sharp Kerry

Rotring 500

Rotring 600

Uni-ball Kuru-Toga

Pentel Smash

 

I'm surprised only one person has mentioned the Kuru-Toga, an awesome pencil. Their main feature that sets them apart is that they rotate the lead for you as they write to maintain sharpness. Here's

from Uni-ball (no affiliation). Besides the standard plastic version (link to Amazon, no affiliation), they also make metal versions (links to JetPens.com, no affiliation I promise :roflmho:).

[JefferyS]

Retro 51Hexomatic. $32. Built like the Rotring, but more impressive. A person could dig out of prison with it. Solid metal.  1.15mm lead

Edited April 5, 2011 by Jeffery Smith

[xxloverxx]

If lead holders count as mechanical pencils, I like the one Staedtler makes for 2mm lead.

[fojeremiad]

+1 Pentel Sharp Kerry

[Number3124]

Best Pencil: Rotring 600 for about $30.00 on JetPens.

Best All-Around: Pentel Kerry Sharp for $15.00 and some change on Amazon.

Best Value: Parker IM Ballpoint Pen and 0.7mm Mechanical Pencil Set for $18.00 and some change on Amazon.

Edited April 5, 2011 by Number3124

[Surnia]

I'm surprised only one person has mentioned the Kuru-Toga, an awesome pencil. Their main feature that sets them apart is that they rotate the lead for you as they write to maintain sharpness. Here's

from Uni-ball (no affiliation). Besides the standard plastic version (link to Amazon, no affiliation), they also make metal versions (links to JetPens.com, no affiliation I promise :roflmho:).

 

I have one myself, and i love it, but the mechanism does have a little give to it (slight lateral "lag" between lead hitting the page, and following your hand), where you won't notice it unless you're writing super small (ie. subscripts/superscripts). Granted I'm using the lowest version, I'd love to see if the High Grade or the Roulette fares better.

[luvpens]

Does anyone know of a UK dealer for the Uni Kuru Toga in metal (don't want the plastic one)...thanks

[luvpens]

A cheeky bump, as i want a metal one of these, but my google came up with nowt...