Who Else Thinks That A Mechanical Pencil Is The Next-Best Thing To A Fountain Pen?

[truthpil]

 

I'm afraid I have no idea. I didn't know these existed until I saw Bleistift's video. It might be worth emailing David of Dave's Mechanical Pencils to see if he remembers where he got it from (since Bleistift got it from him). Otherwise, eBay et al might be your best bet if the pencil isn't made any more.

 

Aww nuts. I asked Bleistift in the video comments and he said he thinks they are discontinued and can't find them either. It seems like all the good stuff always gets discontinued (Parker 51s, etc....).

[EdwardSouthgate]

Use my MP's daily . Usually try to get sets when I buy a new (Vintage ) pen so I don't have to look for the matching pencil . I also keep a large pack of Ticondaroga's at all times , they are one of the few wood pencils I can find that are still made of wood . Most other brands are some kind of compressed sawdust (bleep) and I can never seem to be able to sharpen them without breaking the lead .

[truthpil]

 

That Platinum is still a draft pencil, in which case the GraphGear 1000 has a simpler and robust retracting mechanism.

 

 

My GraphGear 1000 in 0.3mm came today. I took a risk because reviews seemed to be evenly divided over the slipperiness of the grip section. Sadly, I have to agree with those who find it too slippery. This problem is compounded by the pencil's heft. It's definitely a tank meant to last.

 

From this purchase I've also realized that any hefty pencils I get need to be front heavy, rather than evenly balanced like the 1000. The Kuru Toga Advanced is also balanced perfectly in the middle of the pen, but it's so light that it's still very comfortable for me to write with.

 

Where's the balance point on the Rotring 600? Is it more toward the tip?

[RoyalBlueNotebooks]

 

 

From this purchase I've also realized that any hefty pencils I get need to be front heavy, rather than evenly balanced like the 1000.

I absolutely agree!

[1nkulus]

My GraphGear 1000 in 0.3mm came today. I took a risk because reviews seemed to be evenly divided over the slipperiness of the grip section. Sadly, I have to agree with those who find it too slippery. This problem is compounded by the pencil's heft. It's definitely a tank meant to last.

 

From this purchase I've also realized that any hefty pencils I get need to be front heavy, rather than evenly balanced like the 1000. The Kuru Toga Advanced is also balanced perfectly in the middle of the pen, but it's so light that it's still very comfortable for me to write with.

 

Where's the balance point on the Rotring 600? Is it more toward the tip?

 

This is where it gets subjective.

 

Comparing both 0.5mm, I find the 1000 just slightly less grippy than the 600.

Neither are slippery IMO.

 

The balance of the 600 is similar to the 1000 IMO.

I use the 1000 when a retractable is needed else it is the 600.

 

If you want front heavy, try the Ohto Super Promecha 1500 or Promecha 1000.

[truthpil]

 

This is where it gets subjective.

 

Comparing both 0.5mm, I find the 1000 just slightly less grippy than the 600.

Neither are slippery IMO.

 

 

To be fair, my hands get slippery easily so a lot of pens are too slippery for me as well. Ironically, I think the GraphGear 1000 would be less slippery without those silicone bumps on the section. They feel kind of slimy to me haha.

[MYU]

TruthPil, would this be more up your alley?

 

[truthpil]

Thanks, MYU! Those look really nice. As long as the metal isn't slippery and it's available in 0.3mm then it might just be the thing.

And if the ballpoint can take rollerball cartridges, then it'd be a perfect set!

 

 

TruthPil, would this be more up your alley?

 

 

Edited December 3, 2018 by TruthPil

[MYU]

Thanks, MYU! Those look really nice. As long as the metal isn't slippery and it's available in 0.3mm then it might just be the thing.

And if the ballpoint can take rollerball cartridges, then it'd be a perfect set!

 

Unfortunately, it seems the pencil doesn't come in 0.3mm.

 

Have you considered the Uni Shift? It has a nice knurled section and an innovative lock-out mechanism. Plus it is available in 0.3mm. It's 3rd in from the right, in extended mode. You twist and pull the barrel that causes the tip to retract, then another twist to lock in place.

 

Edited December 3, 2018 by MYU

[truthpil]

Unfortunately, it seems the pencil doesn't come in 0.3mm.

 

Have you considered the Uni Shift? It has a nice knurled section and an innovative lock-out mechanism. Plus it is available in 0.3mm. It's 3rd in from the right, in extended mode. You twist and pull the barrel that causes the tip to retract, then another twist to lock in place.

 

 

I had considered the Uni Shift, but ruled it out because of the plastic body. I wanted something with an aluminum or wood body.

The Ohto Horizon actually looks nice, not luxurious but solid and with nice lines. However, judging by reviews of the ballpoint version, it'll probably be too slippery for me as well haha.

 

http://www.ohto.jpn.org/images/ohto/gazo/ap585h_01.jpg

Edited December 4, 2018 by TruthPil

[1nkulus]

Considering, the slippery issue would rule out most metal bodies and there aren't that many 0.3 to begin with.

 

How about the Lamy Scribble, available in 0.5 and 0.7 only.

IF you can compromise on a 0.5, it ticks all the other boxes.

[truthpil]

Considering, the slippery issue would rule out most metal bodies and there aren't that many 0.3 to begin with.

 

How about the Lamy Scribble, available in 0.5 and 0.7 only.

IF you can compromise on a 0.5, it ticks all the other boxes.

 

The thing is, I've already got my favorite 0.5 pencil. Oh well, I just need to make the GraphGear 1000 work for me. If I change the angle at which I hold the pencil, it doesn't feel as slippery and the balance doesn't bother me as much. I won't be writing novels with it, so I can survive haha. I long for the day when the Kuru Toga system is put into a really nice body. I'm totally mesmerized by that pencil haha.

[BrandonP]

It’s like a car lover and motorcycle rivalry. Each will have their own arguments. Each type of transport has its own privileges. Auto is comfort. Motorcycle is romance. So it is in the story with a pencil and pen. I for example use them alternately. I can draw with my favorite Caran d'Ache, immediately make them entries in the diary. But after a couple of days, the hand will reach for the ink pen Aurora 88 Black and Chrome Nikargenta.

Do not frame yourself, be happy!

[1nkulus]

Oh well, I just need to make the GraphGear 1000 work for me. If I change the angle at which I hold the pencil, it doesn't feel as slippery and the balance doesn't bother me as much. I won't be writing novels with it, so I can survive haha.

 

I think we have a solution, if something else turns up in future an upgrade is always possible.

[MYU]

 

The thing is, I've already got my favorite 0.5 pencil. Oh well, I just need to make the GraphGear 1000 work for me. If I change the angle at which I hold the pencil, it doesn't feel as slippery and the balance doesn't bother me as much. I won't be writing novels with it, so I can survive haha. I long for the day when the Kuru Toga system is put into a really nice body. I'm totally mesmerized by that pencil haha.

I think that day will come in the near future. The Kuru Toga seems to have achieved good sales success so I could see Uni coming out with one. The Mitsubishi Pencil Company (Uni*ball) is rather small, and I wouldn't be surprised if they are responsive to customer feedback.

[1nkulus]

I think that day will come in the near future. The Kuru Toga seems to have achieved good sales success so I could see Uni coming out with one. The Mitsubishi Pencil Company (Uni*ball) is rather small, and I wouldn't be surprised if they are responsive to customer feedback.

 

Like the Pure malt oak wood Ed., would be delicious.

OTOH, I haven't seen many iterations in the Kuru Toga range but it could do with a 'luxury' version.

[Lloyd]

Any opinions on the TWSBI mechanical pencils?

[1nkulus]

Any opinions on the TWSBI mechanical pencils?

 

I am unaware of a 0.3 and they are similar but more expensive than a 600.

[truthpil]

 

Like the Pure malt oak wood Ed., would be delicious.

OTOH, I haven't seen many iterations in the Kuru Toga range but it could do with a 'luxury' version.

I wonder if it would be possible to make the Kuru Toga mechanism out of metal. All brass innards would be amazing.

[truthpil]

The Mitsubishi Pencil Company (Uni*ball) is rather small, and I wouldn't be surprised if they are responsive to customer feedback.

I'm totally up for writing them. Any idea what the best way to contact them would be?