(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
6- Pilot S10
4- Uni Kura Toga Metal Phantom
3- Rotring 600
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
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!
