I got mine through Amazon, from a Japanese Import Company.
And it even came with a cute handwritten note from the importer.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001L1QV96/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's genuine. And it's as great as they say it is. Haven't used anything else since I ordered it...

HTH.

I just had a similar discussion with a client!

Depending on what you wanna spend There are a number of choices.


For a sketch artist I'd steer clear of brands like Cross(Luxury writing utensils. Great products just not everyday art friendly)

I'd suggest a 2mm lead holder, some lead refills(4b, 2b, hb, 2h, 4h), a lead pointer, and a kneadable eraser or two.


Rotring makes some great products and even the more utilitarian Staedtler is a bifl and a great gift for an aspiring artist.

Edit: Also as a suggestion from an artist-Never anything in white if you can help it and a box of those foil pack Fingerbowl/wet wipes are quite a boon if they're a artist on the go. ;)

I'll do you one better.

Rotring 800 Lead Holder Clutch Knock System - 2 mm - Black Body

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• It's metal.
  
• You can split open a regular pencil to extract the lead and use it for refill for this thing (in case you weren't able to purchase refills from art supplies.)
  
• You can use it to write on rough things like walls because it's thick enough.If you're an artist, you sharpen it to a chisel point with a blade.

Imagine not knowing there are mechanical pencil versions of wooden pencils.

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This meme was made by lead holder gang