(Part 2) Top products from r/mechanicalpencils

[Pilot S20] (https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Mechanical-Pencil-0-5mm-DR5/dp/B001AX7TUU/ref=sr_1_2?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1520225383&sr=1-2&keywords=pilot+s20&dpID=41ud31tnK4L&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch): Wooden barrel mechanical pencil. Very high quality pencil and smooth, silky writing experience -- so it's good for long periods of writing (ie. taking notes, math). Nice weighting -- naturally positions itself toward the paper in your hand.

[Faber Castell TK Fine Vario] (https://www.amazon.com/Faber-Castell-Mechanical-Pencil-135500/dp/B000WEAW2K/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1520225493&sr=1-1&keywords=faber+castell+tk+fine+vario&dpID=41E%252BerIBzDL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch): High quality pencil w/ a mode for soft writing (for taking notes/general writing) as well as a mode for hard writing (drafting, etc.). Has a smooth, flared metal grip as well as an extendable eraser. Absorbs pressure to avoid lead breakage.

[Rotring Rapid Pro] (https://www.amazon.com/rOtring-1904257-Rapid-Mechanical-Pencil/dp/B0055ZUEZQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1520225819&sr=1-1&keywords=rotring+rapid+pro): Another very high quality pencil. Although this pencil is generally labeled by people as a drafting pencil, it is definitely great for everyday carry. Nicely cut knurled grip -- even if you're sweating, for example, don't really have to keep repositioning hand. Retractable tip, so pocket safe. Weighting is nice as well, heavier than the S20 though. Very durable. Absorbs pressure to avoid lead breakage.

[Caran D'Ache 844] (https://www.amazon.com/Caran-Dache-Infinite-Mechanical-Pencil/dp/B000WFZ7SS/ref=sr_1_3?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1520226391&sr=1-3&keywords=caran+dache+844&dpID=31BgbaTFd3L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch): This pencil has a clean, simple look to it, and writes beautifully. It is also extremely sturdy and the barrel is aluminum, so it has a nice weight to it as well. Not very fatiguing when writing -- good for long periods.

Note: As someone who is currently enrolled in engineering courses, I believe you can't really go wrong when deciding between these. I own each of them and recommend them equally.

So I've already made a few purchases but I guess I'm looking to see if any of you think I've made some mistakes (don't have any in hand yet) or ideas about where I should go next?

I became fascinated by Bullet Pencils (not technically mechanical I suppose) so I ordered the Twist one from Metal Shop. https://metalshopct.com/collections/bullet-pencils/products/copy-of-raw-metal-bullet-pen-cil-in-brass-or-aluminum

Then I became a little fascinated with lead holders and decided to try a nice chunky
Koh-i-noor 5340 Silver All Metal Lead Holder with Built Sharpener. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054G08SE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KdiUzbF18KTPM
I don't know how much I'll like it but I just had to try it.

Now I'm thinking I would like a more traditional mechanical. I'm leaning towards a Rotring 600 because it seems to get universal praise and the all metal construction is highly appealing to me.

I think I might also enjoy a Retro 51. There are some very cool designs and the simple twist mechanism appeals to me.

What do you all think I should do?

Pentel Ain Stein are very good leads and I pretty much exclusively buy those now since I've had such good experience with them. A softer lead means it is a darker line, but breaks easier. HB is your standard hardness. 2B is suitable for 0.5mm without much trouble. It is softer and darker than HB. I have used 0.5mm in 4B (softer and darker still) but it smudges too easily for my liking.

I would recommend you try this

Pentel Ain Stein Mechanical Pencil Lead, 0.5mm 2B, 40 Leads x 3 Pack (XC2752B-3P) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EHYH2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KLgHxbH21ME2N

I like these the best and find them the best for making the long eraser strands vs dust.

these are also nearly the same in performance and have a cool retracting holder.

Either will be a million times better than rubber.

I would recommend the graphgear 1000(the silver one).All metal construction,strong pocket clip,lead hardness indicator,a 4mm lead sleeve that helps with drafting and using stencils,and its pocket safe because of the retractable lead sleeve.


Here's the link for the case


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MRYG2U1/ref=psdcmw_11601922011_t1_B01FWE0DQY


Hope I could help you!

I totally agree that Bic pencils are "good enough" for basic sketching and drafting. I have been known to use them as functional lead storage tubes, holding somewhere around 10-15 pieces of lead for my beefier pencils like the rOtring 600.

If you are looking for an upgrade, the Pentel GraphGear 1000 is an excellent pencil for under 15 bucks.

0.5mm version

0.7mm version

I used to use a Clic Eraser but switched to the Clic Eraser Pro as the tip is smaller. The material is a lot harder but it still erases just as well. The metal casing gives it a feel that better matches the Spoke as well.

Coukd be who was working, the particular warehouse or any number of things but youre welcome to give it a go. Its a good price for it right now anyway. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0006HXQX0

It's more than 12 for $10 (closer to $20), but the Pentel Sharplet-2 is a nice pencil with good durability. I've never had one jam or break.

There's one off amazon I've been using and its really nice, pretty compact. It has some room for erasers and pencil lead on one side and then room for some pencils on the other side. Here's the link
iDream365 Hard Protective EVA Carrying Case/Pouch/Holder for Executive Fountain Pen,Ballpoint Pen,Active Stylus Pen-Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRYG2U1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NvDZDbHPJ6JCE

My friend, it's your day! Amazon has the Silver 600 on sale right now for ~$15! Happened to remember this after seeing the link. :)

The graphgear 1000 and rotring 600 are the most highly recommended pencils on the subreddit, but if neither of these suit your fancy, jetpens has an excellent selection.

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Automatic-Drafting-Pencil-PG1017C/dp/B000GAXKGU

https://www.amazon.com/rOtring-Mechanical-Pencil-0-7mm-502607/dp/B001A1POWC

https://www.jetpens.com/0.7-mm-Drafting-Pencils/ct/2542

The Rotring Rapid. It gets pretty good reviews, and Clutch Situation recently did a video on it.

Yes! $34.77 US, the shipping was free with Prime too. https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Graphgear-1000-Automatic-Drafting/dp/B01AEAIBKQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=graphgear+gift&qid=1558300073&s=gateway&sr=8-2

I use Sakura Arch Foam Erasers for my 2B mech and it works perfectly fine.

> This lead was only 2.50$ I’m cheap 😎


Looks to me like you can get away with 120 pieces for $7, rather than 36 for $2.5. The Ain Stein lead is cheaper!

Staedler 925 is a great choice. It comes in silver (925-25-05) or navy blue (925-35-05). The silver version us usually a few bucks cheaper.

The eraser I found on Amazon here which is the pencil eraser but I bought the refills to put into this as I liked the look a lot more, but it is technically a pen eraser (comes with a different insert, but they are the same products just different colours.

Lamy 2000 looks nice but so does the rotring 800+. Its at a huge discount rn

https://www.amazon.com/rOtring-Mechanical-Pencil-Touchscreen-Stylus/dp/B00J2RT094/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

https://camelcamelcamel.com/rOtring-Mechanical-Pencil-Touchscreen-Stylus/product/B00J2RT094

Amazon
Pentel Arts GraphGear 1000 Premium Gift Set with Refill Leads & Erasers (PG1000BXSET) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DMDI5XU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QlKjDbRXACYEF

They also have just the pencils
Pentel Graphgear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm 5pics Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AEAIBKQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0nKjDb3TN8RJ0

Are you sure? The 884 "Infinite Resin" has a different shape and is, indeed, plastic, and sells for less than $10 on Amazon. This looks like a white-painted aluminum 844 ...

I did find this, though:

https://www.amazon.com/Caran-Dache-Infinite-Mechanical-Pencil/dp/B000WFZ7SS/

It still looks like an 844 in the image, sells for just under $20, but is shown as an 884.001 down in the technical details. We'll see what I get when it arrives. <G>

There's the [Staedtler 925 25] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silver-drafting-mechanical-925-25-05/dp/B002BNHMC8/ref=sr_1_1?s=officeproduct&ie=UTF8&qid=1469699537&sr=1-1&keywords=staedtler+925) it's also available in night blue. Of course there's also the [Pentel Graphgear 1000] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentel-Graphgear-1000-Drafting-Pencil/dp/B0013NHU7O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469699767&sr=8-1&keywords=pentel+graphgear+1000). It has a retractable tip so that helps protect it.

You can get a Pentel GraphGear 1000 from Amazon for under $9. That'd be my vote.

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Automatic-Drafting-Pencil-PG1017C/dp/B000GAXKGU/

But it's also hard to beat the Pentel Sharp iguy2345 mentioned. They're basic, but bombproof. I like the TwistErase, too.

Just purcahsed from Amazon.jp , says 3-6 buisness days, it is currently 18% off and there's a promo code to have 500 yen off your purchase (basically pays for this shipping).

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B07YV2N77B/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AN1VRQENFRJN5&psc=1

Also has 0.3, 0.5, and 2mm. Paid a total of $16.39 CAD which is $12.56 US.

Can't wait for mine to come in :)

Not sure how long this will last, but right now: $0.91

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LNNZS90

​

...aaaaaand back to the original price.

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Graphgear-1000-Automatic-Drafting/dp/B01AEAIBKQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504357608&sr=8-2&keywords=pentel+graphgear+1000+set

Someone posted this on r/pencils, thought I would share it

EDIT: Thought I'd say that it's not one but five (0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9) GraphGear 1000's for $35. That's $7 per pencil

EDIT 2: GraphGear 1000's are $9 on Amazon with Prime

I'd highly recommend getting one of the roulette Kuru Toga pencils. You can see them here
I personally recommend getting the black one over silver but it's up to you if you decide to go with these pencils.

I'd say wait for the Amazon price to go back down. In the month it'll take for massdrop to ship out I would bet Amazon's price will go down again. It was $47 on Amazon last month for a little bit. And if you have prime you won't pay shipping. Massdrop's price is also higher than Amazon's average price.

Tk fine vario from Faber Castell

Here it is on Amazon

Its a 5.3 Koh-i-noor 5340 Silver All Metal Lead Holder It's the tank of the group.
Thank you, I'm still waiting on my kuru toga roulette. And I always have my eyes peeled for knurled pencils. Open to recommendations.

How do you like the uni kuru toga high grade?
It's even cheaper, mostly metal and has good usability.
The lead rotation is not really that useful but doesn't get in the way either.

The Zebra DelGuard helps if you press down really hard when you write but it is all plastic.

here

Check out the Rotring Rapid, (not rapid pro). It's eraser is the same diameter as a typical drafting pencil, but about as long as a twist erase. It's a double knock, so pocket safe.

https://www.amazon.com/Sakura-Evolutional-Erasers-5-Pack-White/dp/B0174KSUVY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=arch+erasers&qid=1563747041&s=gateway&sr=8-1

This is the one I ordered: Pentel Clic Eraser for Pro

Then there's these two meant for ink: Pentel Clic Hyper Eraser(ZE32) and Pentel Clic Eraser (ZE33)

You can use each eraser type in any of the three different eraser bodies.

They're available on amazon.jp in various lead sizes. I made a comment a ways back with the direct links I can try and find it, or just search on amazon.jp.

There is also a black Meister edition, which has silver text, although that would be much harder to find I think.


Edit:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B9%E3%83%86%E3%83%83%E3%83%89%E3%83%A9%E3%83%BC-%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9A%E3%83%B3-92535%E3%82%B7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA-925-35-03B/dp/B07YV2QHCC/ref=sr_1_3?__mk_ja_JP=%E3%82%AB%E3%82%BF%E3%82%AB%E3%83%8A&keywords=staedtler+925&qid=1573521737&sr=8-3

0.3

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B9%E3%83%86%E3%83%83%E3%83%89%E3%83%A9%E3%83%BC-%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9A%E3%83%B3-92535%E3%82%B7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA-925-35-05B/dp/B07YV2N77B/ref=sr_1_4?__mk_ja_JP=%E3%82%AB%E3%82%BF%E3%82%AB%E3%83%8A&keywords=staedtler+925&qid=1573521737&sr=8-4

0.5

https://www.amazon.com/Sailor-Rotring-Mechanical-Pencil-1904730/dp/B0091G743K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541050965&sr=8-2&keywords=rotring+rapid+sailor&dpID=41W1Ys6Y2DL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

0.5: https://www.amazon.com/rOtring-Silver-Barrel-Mechanical-1904445/dp/B00AZX0GOM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537835925&sr=8-1&keywords=rotring+600+silver

0.7: https://www.amazon.com/rOtring-1904444-Mechanical-Pencil-Silver/dp/B00AZX1P9C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537835925&sr=8-2&keywords=rotring+600+silver

iDream365 Hard Protective EVA Carrying Case/Pouch/Holder for Executive Fountain Pen,Ballpoint Pen,Active Stylus Pen-Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRYG2U1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_M19kDbS1VED0X

A few weeks ago the Rotring Rapid Pro, 600 and 800 were going for under $30 on Amazon. You could try those. They're built so well I feel like I could hurt someone by just knocking them on the head with one.

Edit: here you go

rOtring 600 Series Mechanical Pencil, 0.7mm, Black Body (502607) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001A1POWC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VCRVCb4Q6AM41

rOtring 1904257 Rapid PRO Mechanical Pencil, 0.7 mm, Matte Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055ZUEZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LDRVCb3JV35SJ

No 800 in 0.7mm under $30 I'm afraid.

From left to right

Kurutoga Roulette, Kurutoga Advance, Kurutoga pipe slide, Tombow Mono Graph Shaker, Zebra DelGuard, TUL 0.5mm, rOtring 500 0.5mm, rOtring 500 0.3mm

Lead and erasers

Tombow MONO-WX 3B, Pencil Neox 4B, Sakura Color Foam Eraser, Pentel Hi-polymer Block Eraser