I held out for as long as I could, but the siren’s call of the Pentel Multi 8 Lead Holder was too strong. The decision to delay acquiring one was based in simple logic: I didn’t have a need for it. So what changed? Nothing other than my curiosity getting the best of me.
Even if you didn’t know the name “Pentel Multi 8” it’s likely you have seen this product somewhere along your stationery journey. It’s as photogenic as it is weird, making it a compelling product for many. For me, all I could think about was how I would use this thing?
To be more specific, this “thing” is essentially an 8 color multi pencil. There are various models, barrel styles, and packages you can buy - ranging from $20 to $36 - which seems expensive at first, but there is a lot that goes into making this pencil work.
First of all, the mechanism is unlike any I’ve ever used. The 8 leads are stored in individual slots around the upper half of the barrel. To extend one, twist the clip around to line up with the color of your choosing, and press the knock to open the clutch at the tip and extend the lead.
Why this works well, and differs from most multi pens, is that the chosen lead drops into the bottom half of the barrel, fully clear of the remaining leads. This allows it to extend vertically, and provide a perfect writing angle for the tip.
The lead drop is protected by a metal band on each piece (see below,) keeping it from flying to the floor.
Due to the drop when extending the lead, you do need to stop it at the correct length manually, like with your hand, or on the page. What’s genius though is that if you forget to stop the lead, each piece has a metal band on the back end designed to catch runaway leads. The first time I forgot to stop the lead I thought it was heading to the floor, but it hung up on the metal band until I pushed it back in. Very cool.
The aforementioned metal band. You twist the knock to line up a metal bit that opens the clutch wider to replace the selected piece.
This same process is how you replace a lead, but there is an extra “unlock” stage you need to twist to first on the knock. This allows the clutch to open wider so the metal band can be pulled all the way out through the opening, and replaced with a fresh lead.
The leads themselves are strong, with decent color representation, but the colors are not the most vibrant. Due to the 2 mm size limitation, they have to be stabilized structurally to not break, so you do give up some of the rich shades you would get will a full sized color pencil. I’ve yet to experience a break, or even a chip of the lead so far.
Coloring in my Ink-A-Pet Coloring Book! The colors are nice, but you would get more depth and vibrancy from quality stand-alone color pencils. This is not the best use case for the Multi 8.
That tradeoff is worth it for what the Pentel Multi 8 offers as a complete package. My use case hesitancy was valid, but it ended up being a more versatile tool that I imagined. This is a portable powerhouse for note taking, sketching, highlighting, and any activity where color matters, but you don’t need pens, or a fist full of traditional color pencils.
The final consideration is price. The model I have is the Pentel Art Multi 8 Lead Holder Set, which for $36 is the full package of 8 installed leads, 12 refill leads, and a rather useless sharpener that is unnecessary. The $30 version has 8 leads installed, with 8 two-packs of lead refills, along with a different color barrel that is part Grey, and part Clear. Finally, the $21 model simply ships with the 8 installed leads. There are a couple of other configurations to confuse things, but these are the primary models. You can also buy refill 2-packs for $1.75 each.
Do you need this pencil at this price? It’s certainly cool looking, and I got along with it better than I anticipated. It’s not the best coloring option unless you are using smaller sheets because you will churn through the lead. For school, work, journaling, design, sketching, and any other portable endeavor, I think it is a good, if not great, option.
The Pentel Multi 8 won me over, and I’ve and seen many great uses for it. If you are a fan, let me know how you use yours in the comments below.
(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)
Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, for which I am very grateful.
Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!
