“I very much disagree with your list.” An Artist’s Look at their Top 10 Mechanical Pencils.

(My good friend Carol, aka Slumberland Studio has thoughts on mechanical pencils. As an artist, she has needs that I don’t have, and was happy to share them with me. She kindly allowed me to share them with you, too.)

Hi Brad,

You got it incorrect, and I’m sorry I very much disagree with your list! As we are pals I think you know I love you and I would like to be the first to help you with this. ;)

I have been using mechanical pencils - or as I knew them in my teens as drafting pencils some 50 years ago - and still do daily, when I was in drafting class in high school. Drafting pencils were used for detail in class - they were constant width and line quality and thin lines. They are purpose made.

I write this as to first define the topic. Over the decades (gasp!) these pencils are more widely used by artists and writers, however the primary rationale still is valid. Technical lines with consistent value, hue, and weight. Wooden pencils are for tone, and line shading weight for thick and thin, and light and dark. Mechanical - these are the go to for “let’s not change - let’s be reliable for no variation whatsoever” - haha.

Here’s a look at what my list would look like.

10- Stadetler 925

9- Platinum Pro-use 171

8- Pentel Orenz Automatic

7- Pentel Sharp p205

6- Pilot S10

5- Spoke Model 4

4- Uni Kura Toga Metal Phantom

3- Rotring 600

2- Pilot S20 or S30

1- Pentel Orenz Nero Automatic

Runner up that I couldn’t get on the list but wanted to Pentel Kerry.

Pencils that are vintage that hold my heart are the Alvin Draftmatic but it can’t make my list because it’s not practical for use with that razor knurling. I can appreciate it and love it and would never sell or lose mine but they don’t get used. Tombow Shaker as well not practical as the shaking causes more problems than it solves for.

Likewise pencils that would compete high up on the list include Luddite Tech Draw/Everdraw from Japan and Pilot Automac, both are difficult to find and if you do will cost.

Oddball mechanical pencils that I adore include Ohto MS01, Pentel PG5, Rotring Tikky Retro (older model without that rubber grip), Pilot Legno, Uni Shift Pipe Lock, TWSBI Precision and Rhodia mechanical pencils.

Thanks for listening. I’m passionate about mechanical pencils as you are with fountain pens. First loves.

Love, Carol Slumberland Studio

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Hobonichi A6 Planner and Unsodo: Bijutsukai Cover Giveaway

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The Journeyman Pen from Wingback - Final Days on Kickstarter, and a New Winter Option! (Sponsor)

The Journeyman Pen from Wingback recently crossed the $100,000 mark during their Kickstarter campaign. And with only 4 days left, now is the time to jump on board.

The original Wingback Mechanical Pen was designed for everyone, a tool that had a minimalist aesthetic and was engineered to perfection. The Journeyman Pen is designed for you, by you. With every component of the pen able to be customized, you can make it the most unique addition to your stationery collection.

The Journeyman has some new features that Wingback customers have been after since the launch of our original Mechanical pen. The new barrel is longer, allowing for any standard international G2 ink cartridge, including gel ink cartridges. It also features a clip attached to the crown for better storage, and which stops the pen from rolling away from you. These features transform the pen into a travel companion that you are able to clip onto clothes or notebooks, to stay with you throughout your journey.

For the final week, Wingback has added the Winter Journeyman, which features a subtle geometric pattern laser engraved around the barrel. Available in Brass, Stainless Steel, Black Steel and Titanium, this reward will only be available to Kickstarter backers until the end of the campaign.

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My thanks to Wingback for sponsoring The Pen Addict this week.