A recent post by xcel reminded me that I need a mechanical pencil. Ideally the same size as a normal pencil and ideally ~15 USD (200 ZAR) since anything above that price has a habit disapearing from my desk.
You must log in or # to comment.
We still doing rotring? If you can keep the graphite sheath from getting knocked against something (like from dropping it) the original metal models are very solid.
Probably a little heavy for daily writing if you have any RSI issues though
I’m more pens than pencils but I’ve had luck with both fountain and roller pens from lamy for 15+ years, and their mech pencils start at around 20 usd
Switching to 0.9mm lead was a game changer for me. I love this pencil: https://www.jetpens.com/KOKUYO-Enpitsu-Sharp-Mechanical-Pencil-Type-Mx-0.9-mm-Red/pd/29134
This is where I proclaim the wonderfulness of a 2mm lead holder. you sharpen it like a normal pencil with this really small sharpener. you can then buy a tin of different 2mm leads of different colors or hardness.
Staedtler makes a pretty good one for 10 bucks. my favorite is an aluminum one by Caran D’ache.
If you just have to have .5mm get a uni kuru toga. They have one that rotates the lead every time you press down so you always start with a sharp edge.
The Staedtler lead holder is a perfect BIFL product. I had mine for years until I somehow lost it. I couldn’t find a Staedtler at a store near me, so I ended up buying one from a brand called Alvin. I hadn’t heard of it before, but it feels like it’ll also last forever. Has a metal body and everything. https://alvindrafting.com/products/pro-matic-metal-lead-holder
Other upside of a lead holder: no more little broken 0.5 mm pieces ending up all over the room.
This is the correct answer on both fronts.
I use a Pentel Graphgear 1000. Aluminum construction, feels great in my hand, costs less than 10 bucks.
I have graphgear 500 pencils which can vote.
and I’m convinced. I was just jumping on to look for a BIFL pencil.
