(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best mechanical pencils

I'm linking my favorite products!

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Warning: if you hand write, you're going to be writing A LOT. I feel like I learn better when I do my class notes by hand, but I do have a hard time keeping up with the pace of the class. Each professor's teaching style has an impact on the way you take your notes. Be prepared to be flexible. (I hate that my note system is not uniform across my classes, but I know it is better that way)

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If you like pen-and-paper:

These spiral notebooks have durable brightly colored covers that will survive your backpack, and it is a good idea to keep your notes organized by subject. The paper is thick enough that good highlighter (which I will also link) won't bleed through.

These erasable pens are great. They write very smoothly and erase cleanly--NOT at all like the crappy blue erasable pens of our youth. If you take notes in your textbook, these pens are the way to do it. I love them so much that I was having them shipped from Japan before they even hit the US market.

These standard pens are my go-to for anything that I don't want to be erasable. They write smoothly, and dry quickly enough that they don't smudge or transfer (I'm not sure for left-handed people though).

This mechanical pencil is what I use when I can't use pens. I like that it uses .5mm lead so that your writing can be small and precise. The barrel is large so it is comfortable to write with for extended periods of time (think blue-book exams).

These highlighters are the best. The colors are intentional mild/pastel so that they do not distract from other information on the page, but are easy to spot when you're looking for your highlights. They don't bleed through paper unless it is toilet-paper thin. When they do bleed through very very thin paper, the mild colors make it so that it is not a distraction.

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If you like pen-and-paper, but are afraid of your notes being lost or stolen:

Rocketbook Everlast Notebook coordinates with an app that lets you create a digital copy of your notes. Scan a picture of the page, and the QR code on each page tells the app where to send a SEARCHABLE .pdf copy of your handwritten notes. It works with Google Drive, Evernote, Dropbox, OneNote, OneDrive, Trello, Slack, box, Google Photos, and email. Best of all, the notebook is completely reusable! (As long as you use writing tools from Pilot's Frixion line) Once you've filled the book, you wipe down the plastic pages with a hot damp towel and you can use the book again. I've filled and reused my Rocketbook 4 time so far, and the pages are still in great condition. I send my notes to Google Drive and OneNote, and I've never had any problems.

These highlighters can be used inside the Rocketbook, or on regular paper.

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If you're thinking about going digital:

Your school might provide access to note taking programs. My school provides the full Office 365 Online suite, so I used OneNote. I was a pen-and-paper person in undergrad, and it pains me to switch to digital, but I just need that copy/paste functionality.

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Textbook Supplies:

These sticky flags just came in the mail the other day, and I am loving them for use in my textbooks. I HATE writing in my textbooks, so instead I use these sticky flags to point at lines my professors emphasize in class.

These lined sticky notes are what I used when I just can't avoid adding notes to my casebooks. I avoid the "super-sticky" post-its because casebook pages are thin, and the super-sticky adhesive tears the pages when you reposition notes.

This book stand lives in my backpack now. When I started 1L year my back and neck hurt all the time from hunching over my casebooks for hours every day. This book stand makes it so the book comes to my face, instead of my face to the book. My posture is much better.

Reading glasses are something worth looking into and talking to your eye doctor about. After just one semester of staring at books and screens all day, I went from needing a mild prescription to see long-distance to needing full-on bifocals. I linked some glasses that will magnify your textbooks up close and and also filter out the blue light from screens. Talk to your doctor.

If you are assigned soft-cover reference materials, like The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, or Rule of Contract Law, you can take those books to FedEx or UPS, and they can spiral-bind them for you so that they lay flat and are easier to flip through. This can save you so much time on an exam.

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Most importantly, have a planner.

You can get one from the store, you can print pages on line, you can leave yourself sticky-notes, or you can write your to-do list on your hands, whatever. No matter how you record it, it is crucial to have plan and stick to it. You're about to be hit with an overwhelming amount of conflicting obligations and opportunities, and there will always be something you ought to be working on. Plan and schedule your study time. Take time away to take care of yourself, and make a note to keep up with friends and/or family. You're never going to have "free time" in law school, but you can definitely have some flex time if you make a conscious effort to make room in your schedule.

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Last: you don't need any of this stuff to be successful. Don't worry about what other people are doing, or even what the school tells you to do. If you feel like you do your personal best with a #2 pencil and loose leaf paper, then do that. Paying attention and managing your time wisely are far more important than having the perfect highlighters and the most organized planner.

Wow those look super nice! =O You're amazing for doing this giveaway, and for sharing the opportunity with us, thank you!! <3

I really like #2 and I also am a fan of the pouch. =D If I won, though, I'd probably give the wallet or pouch to my mom. She does so much for me, and doesn't really take time or money to treat herself. She's the best!

My current favorite item on Amazon is this mechanical pencil. Is that weird? I just really like writing utensils and school supplies, and I'm actually pretty picky about what I write with. I've always wanted to try one that you shake to get the lead out- this looks perfect! Cool and comfortable looking. =) Hahaha I'm so odd.

Anyway, thank you again for this AMAZING giveaway! I can't thank you enough! RAOA loves you!! <3<3

Tombow Olno: Extend lead by bending the pencil in any direction.

Tombow Mono Graph: Shaker with phat eraser.

Pilot Mogulair: Shaker with a suspension that prevents lead breakage. Not as fool-proof as the DelGuard, but it's pretty good actually, and it is a better pencil overall in my opinion in terms of grip, looks, and overall quality.

Pentel Orenz: Pentel Excellence with a sliding sleeve so good you can write with 0.2mm without breakage.

Kuru Toga Advance or Pipe Slide: Twice the rotation speed for a sharper line and a sliding sleeve.

Pilot Dr. Grip: Shaker with great grip.

Pilot Fure Fure Super Grip: Shaker with sliding sleeve in an amazing neon orange body.

Pilot Automac: All metal, automatic pencil with a retractable tip. The lead automagically extends as you write.

Platinum OLEeNU Shield: Double clutch let's you use more of your lead, and a small suspension helps prevent lead breakage. The retractable lead sleeve is supposed to be a sliding sleeve, but it's not really, and the mechanism is iffy. The only reason I recommend this one is because it's comfortable, the clip is tough, and it's really cheap ($3.30) so you can use it to get a JetPens order to $25 for free shipping.

I was on the same quest as you, so I own all of these and personally recommend them.

Love the Quick Dock too! I was very happy to find it in a grocery store two years ago in another state...thought they'd been discontinued, but I was wrong! And I've since bought like 5 of them :)

The other day, when I was organizing my collection into drawers, I realized that I had bought a TON of twist-erase-style pencils over the years, and that there were a lot of them that kind of flew "under the radar" that were still very good (even certain Pentel ones that didn't carry the "Twist-Erase" name, like the Quick Dock and the Side-FX). I've been meaning to make a post about this, and I hope to do that soon when I get some time.

For now though, my favorites list would probably look something like this (I know you already have some of these, but I'm putting links in for all of them in case anybody else is interested):

• Pentel Quick Dock (my favorite EDC Twist-Erase-style pencil)
  
• Pentel Twist-Erase III
  
• Paper Mate Clearpoint Elite (MUCH better than the non-"Elite" model!)
  
• Sakura Sumo Grip
  
• Kokuyo FitCurve
  
• TUL Mechanical Pencil
  
  Hard to find, but still great:
  
  
• Paper Mate Mega Lead
  
• Paper Mate Titanium
  
• Paper Mate PhD Ultra
  
  Some with thinner twist-erasers that I still like:
  
  
• Staedtler Integrity 9505 / Platinum Zero Shin
  
• Tombow SH-300Grip (just got this the other day, great so far!)

Many of my favorites have been discontinued or changed.

The Koh-i-Noor Rapidomatic was my primary pencil for my first 4 college years. I even bought a red and blue colored versions to put red and blue lead in, which was nice for graphs or occasional emphasis. Lovely pencils made in Japan. However, looking at the Amazon reviews they no longer make these, but instead something with the same name and general look, but using all new parts and process in China. You can taste the sadness in the reviews. It looks like people are happy with the Alvin Draftmatic which looks exactly like the Rapidomatic.

The Pilot Vanishing Point has been discontinued. Sad. My favorite pencil, made in Japan. See reviews on Amazon. I introduced a number of people to this, and many of them started using it as their primary pencil. My manager even questioned why I had spent $200 on pencils, when I explained I was ordering a couple of these for myself, asked around, and 10 others in the office said they wanted one or two as well (after trying mine). No drafting grip, and shorter, but really good weight, good feel, quality, and I could write well with them.

The Uni Kuru Toga is nice, but too lightweight and plastic for my taste. The price is hard to argue with. I wonder if the Roulette model would be better as it sounds like it might weigh more.

Dave's review site recommends the Staedtler 925-25. I've tried the 925-05 which is ok (my 11yo uses it) but not the 925-25.

If you have more money, the Rotring 600 and 800+ come highly recommended (lots of metal, high quality, made in Japan). I have never tried one, but I'll buy a 600 sometime soon.

For erasers, I use Staedtler Mars Plastic. They last forever -- I still have one from 1985 with more than half remaining and it works fine. I only bought more so the family can each have one of their own. My tips are (1) don't get oil on them or the paper, and get it off if you do. This means don't run your finger along the eraser part. It causes smearing. (2) erase flat if you can, to save sharp edges for fine work. If you always use the edges, then you won't have a sharp edge to change φ' to φ in the middle of an equation.

[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.

I guess the reason is that pencils are considered "tools" much more than status symbols, like pens are. Many department stores will carry pens from Mont Blanc, Sheaffer or Waterman, but few will sell the pencils unless it's in a set. Traditional pen maker brands unfortuntaley have not made great pencils, they make them to match their pens.

For me almost every mechanical pencil from Pentel represents excellent quality. Check the graphgear 500 or the 1000. They also make some that have a big retractable eraser at the top, a very useful adition. I like this because of the wide rubber grip, but there are several options. The Pentel Kerry is almost in a category of its own.

The zebra frisha is comfortable, reliable and has three mechanisms to advance the lead: the traditionl pusher at the top, the "shaker" (you shake it up and down and a weight inside advances the lead), and automatic, where the lead is advanced when you lift it from the paper.

I am becoming a big fan of these 1.3mm ones from Paper Mate. A version in aluminium would be really nice.

bictory is pretty good for beginner and is pretty cost effective

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a japanese shaker is a pretty good pencil that does not look crazy. it is not double sided like the bictory, so its balance wont be as good. japanese shakers are usually heavier than bictorys and some good spinners use them, like ease.

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https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Mechanical-Pencil-Metallic-HDG-50R-MS5/dp/B001AX9ICC/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HDFPYE9T0QNKTVVY4HRR

I like 0.7 mm lead and I find that these feel the most comfortable in my hand. The most important thing for me, though, is a clean erase. I tend to have at least one of these on hand all the time.

My SO likes these. They're okay.

In the "IDGAF, so long as it doesn't break" category?

I really like the Zebra M-301. Super classy steel bodies, and at least where I am, they're frequently on sale/clearance. I picked up like 3 2-packs for something like 1.50 each. I figure that'll probably last me the next decade or so, most decent mech pencils don't easily break.

For a bit more, but still under 10 bucks a pencil, I have a bit of nostalgia for the Staedtler Mars Micro 775. Have a red one my mother bought me in the 8th grade (so...2001 ish), and it still perfectly works. This one is also pretty widely available, or in a three sided variety, see this one.

And in Pentel flavours, eh, GraphGear 500. If I lose it, well, my family works on a university campus, the bookstore there carries ten gajillion more. The 1000 is a nice upgrade, along with the .03 Graphlet (which I used in Japanese class a lot for Kanji).

Depending on his style, Star wars themed cufflinks... I have a few and are great conversation starters. Bought in etsy.

Also, mechanical pencils. Spend some money on a good quality one from Rötring (like this) or a Kuru Toga (look those up, they're awesome and SUPER geeky) or both.

Top it off with a fancy notepad (squared or ruled paper, we're not artsy types) like this and he'll remember you fondly every day.

Do not buy electronics or gadgets. He'll likely have what he wants and likes.

Thanks for detailed response I really appreciate it. Seems like it's between the staedtler 925 and the Graph Gear 1000 with the Roulette Grip. There seems to be a couple versions of the Staedtler with the 925 25-05 and 925 35-05 being twice the price of the one I linked. Is there difference substantial and I hate to bother you again but of the ones I linked which one would you think is best for long writing for a long time? Thanks again for all the help.

I like this post. I'm new to the subreddit too and yeah I think knowing how to properly write should be discussed here. I dont think theres much to say but we would love to listen to anyone's input! oh and TopMopy, you've got a nice set on you, the next time youre thinking about getting another mechanical pencil you should look at the [Pental Smash] (http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Mechanical-Pencil-Smash-Q1005-1/dp/B0013NHU6K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462926104&sr=8-1&keywords=pentel+smash)

I quite like the design, feel, and quality of Caran D'Ache. If you like, you can get their pen and pencil to look like a matched set. They're high quality instruments but don't cost anything near the overpriced fluff.

I also really like the Zebra F-701, which is even cheaper. It's more substantial than the F301 which I also like a lot, and keep around me everywhere. But the F-701 I keep in the same spot at my desk. Also available in both pen and pencil

Engineering Paper pads. Awesome paper that helps keep homework from looking like rubbish.

And a good quality pencil, not those cheap Bic that come in packets of 1000. A bunch of my friends are very big fans of Rotring or Uni-ball Kuru Toga. I myself use a 3.15mm Lamy Scribble, but that's just me.

Also, have some sort of MP3 player. Studying with people is great, but those people might not be around all the time when you need to study. Use it to stay focused on your work and drown out exterior sounds.

Ticonderoga is nice mainly for the lead and as a standard pencil, but the best erasers are the white or black ones found on BIC mechanical pencils, like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FDPDJA

Thanks for the love, I didn't list this one because I don't use it a whole lot but it's a fucking amazing mechanical pencil: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CKKR22

I'm going to assume your price limit is also 20 u.s. dollars.

Pentel Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil (0.7mm), Black Barrel, 1 Pen (P1037A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CD026M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.mYyCbMSFQP9G

Uni Kuru Toga Auto Lead Rotation Mechanical Pencil Standard Model 0.5 mm, Body Color(Baby Pink/Violet/Silver), 3-pack, Sticky Notes Value Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079SCSW6X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8nYyCbGK19R4G (you will always have a sharp point, it rotates the lead for you)


Kokuyo FitCurve Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm - Clear Blue Body https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I3ZOBO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jqYyCb5K3JRV2 (super freaking comfy)

Kaweco Special Mechanical Pencil Brass 0.5mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCLY7Y5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9qYyCbHFNVDWG (50 bucks, mainly for you kaweco collectors out there.)


Uni Alpha-Gel Mechanical Pencil 0.5mm, Royal Blue (M5807GG1P.40) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BYLO9U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.rYyCbS3QP6HB (also really comfy and rotates the lead 2nd favorite)


Pentel Mechanical Pencil Orenz 0.2mm, White Body (XPP502-W) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IG1QTSC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UtYyCb4QRC529 (Ulta fine 0.2mm)

Zebra DelGuard Mechanical Pencil with Bonus Lead Refill, Fine Point, 0.5mm Point Size, Standard #2 HB Lead, Black Barrel, 1-Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LNNZS90/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KuYyCbVGWG8X8 (favorite and guards the lead.)

Zebra Mini Mechanical Pencil, 0.5 mm, Silver Body (TS-3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018RF0IQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5vYyCbBMFHKQ1 (pocket sized, as in really tiny)

Pilot Del Ful DF Mechanical Shaker Pencil 0.5mm HDF-505 Pink https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AC20KB0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9wYyCbBNRNNJ0 (shaker mechanism)

≤$20, USA, mostly note taking with a bit of diagramming.

Twist erase XPs got me through high school and some years of uni so far, but as my hands have gotten larger they're starting to drive me a bit nuts because the curled-out clip digs in above the thumb. I've tried Twist erase IIIs, but they're too heavy (top-heavy?) for my taste and and up being quickly fatiguing.
So I'm looking something that's generally lightweight. Preferably with retractable tip and/or large eraser, but all my work is desk-based and I already have a separate eraser so it's pretty flexible. Aiming for something "new" anyways.

So far I'm looking at the Staedtler 925 and Graphgear 1000. Maybe Zebra M-301, but it doesn't look very grippy. What else is in that neighborhood, for a decent starting point?
Kuru toga roulette looks neat, but apparently the rotating mechanism makes writing noisy and spongy?
GG1000 in particular has some nice-looking kits on Amazon. Pro/cons of block eraser vs stick eraser? And about black erasers, is the color just so they hide the smudges and look neater, or is there an actual difference in effectiveness/durability/etc?
And finally, lead types. Over the years I've accumulated quite a bit of whatever Pentel's basic stuff is. The labels are long gone, but I'm assuming it's HB? Could I just stick this same lead into whatever I end up going with? Do certain pencils need certain hardnesses, or is it just up to personal preference?

Nope, never mind. The Amazon ones aren't actually sold by Amazon, and so don't have international shipping. And while Rakuten does vary from shop to shop, I was expecting at least one of them to mention EMS but, well. :/

Sorry for getting your hopes up. If you really want the pencils, you can probably use a forwarding service or something.

Here is what I saw but clearly didn't look closely enough at:

Amazon: Blue Red Navy Black White Green

Rakuten: Shop Shop Shop Shop Shop

I think there are only two versions of the Staedtler Noris Digital - one for Chromebook and one for everything else including reMarkable. I bought this one from Amazon and it works fine. Staedtler's compatibility list is here. In terms of writing with it then it feels a lot softer than the standard marker. If you consider the marker as being like a 2H pencil then the Staedtler feels like a 2B. Even though it feels a lot different to use, there's very little difference in the output. The ballpoint pen, marker pen, fineliner, sharp pencil and brush are virtually indistinguishable. The only real difference seems to be with the tilt pencil which comes out darker with the Staedtler.

I recently bought Rotring rapid Pro, I have a thing for Mechanical pencils [AmazonIN link] (http://www.amazon.in/Rotring-Rapid-Technical-Drawing-Mechanical/dp/B00JXIRDSW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1466568074&sr=8-8&keywords=rotring+mechanical+pencil) , it's beautiful perfectly weighted.
Others I use Pilot V5 Black and Renoylds 045, Pencils I mostly staedtler mars lumograph 2B

I’m a big fan of the UNI alpha gel. They feel good, can be shaken to get more lead out, and look pretty good. Even come in a bunch of colors. If you want a pencil to use throughout your entire college career, this’ll do it. Also, I highly recommend getting lead refills in a B or 2B hardness as it’s a bit darker and imo writes more smoothly, but that’s very much personal preference.

I mean... I use a clay tablet and cuneiform. All other methods are for scrubs.

I personally like the unigel slim, I find it really comfortable to grip.

edit: spelling

Pencil of choice. Practically indestructible after 4 years of use I still have mine and works perfectly. Cant imagine using pens all the time. Espically on exams. Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil 0.5mm (PG1015EBP) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEC0JRQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qNTaBbYVQS7WA

Rotring Mechanical Pencil with retractable stylus tip. Excellent weight and balance, and he can use it on his gadgets as well.

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.

I'm really happy with my [Staedtler] (http://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Mechanical-Pencil-925-35-05/dp/B003LOQ76I/ref=sr_1_3?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1422432315&sr=1-3&keywords=staedtler+925)

I love using pencils. I don't always do it, but I always keep one clipped to my notebook or in my backpack. My preference is these, but I'm not sure where a non-government employee could get them at a reasonable price. These are my favorite alternative, but they don't have a clip and the eraser isn't amazing.

you ordered a dr grip playborder/gspec. it’s not really used for unmodded spinning or modding (maybe 3-4 well known mods use it). this is the one commonly used for both unmod spinning and modding. the one you have writes p well so if you want to keep it as a regular pencil you can

This worked on previous generation Notes - STAEDTLER 180 22-1 Stylus Noris Digital Hexagonal Shape (EMR Technology, Attractive Noris Stripe Design, Ergonomic Soft Surface, Fine 0.7 mm Tip), Yellow-Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0728HBD7F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fpAODb9RPQ21T

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>

Did not know these existed. Just ordered myself a 0.3mm from them! Thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CKKR22/ref=pe_385040_30332200_TE_item

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.

Pass the dutchie on the left hand side

Pencils are always needed.

Potato chips (not)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0728HBD7F

Much more durable and feels better than the provided pen

Good call on the zebra F-701. I carry it and the zebra M-701, its mechanical pencil twin.

Do you have one of the nicer Kuru Togas with quite a bit of metal, or is it one of the cheaper ones that's almost entirely plastic?

I rotate my rOtring 600 as I write to keep an even tip.

There are even thicker ones like these 1.3mm absolute units https://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-1862168-Mechanical-Assorted/dp/B00CRGP8B6

I think the M-701 would be a better choice though if your worried about losing your pencil the M-301 may be better since they are cheap

Link to Zebra M-701:

https://www.amazon.com/Zebra-M-701-Stainless-Mechanical-Standard/dp/B003G4SSLK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1/131-9517604-8850420?ie=UTF8&qid=1549943766&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=m701&dpPl=1&dpID=41f64HRdaXL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013NHU6K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wrriDbXX3WQN2
Here’s one I found on amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Writing-Instrument-Mechanical-Q1005-1/dp/B0013NHU6K/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=1IG5Z6NVXCURJ&keywords=pentel+smash&qid=1556637083&s=gateway&sprefix=pentel+sm&sr=8-2

I got it from Amazon for about $10. It's a legit version. Doesn't come in package just by itself in a plastic sleeve.

If you want to keep the color black but still want to continue using Pentel, there is the Graph for Pro 1000 or the Pentel Smash, which are just under $10.

Amazon Link for Graph 1000

Amazon Link for Pentel Smash

G-Spec have smaller tips and two layers of grips that are slightly different than Japanese Shakers. They're closer but still not the same.

This is what you're looking for

These ones are used for modding/unmodded spinning.

Zebra F701 comes in a mechanical pencil.

The Staedtler Noris digital is working:

https://www.amazon.de/Staedtler-180-22-1-EMR-Technologie-Streifen-Design/dp/B0728HBD7F

Smash.

GraphGear 1000
http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Automatic-Drafting-Brushed-PG1015A/dp/B000GAU2RU/ref=sr_1_4?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1464447103&sr=1-4&keywords=Pentel+Graph+Gear+1000

Graphgear 500 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0047CP7PA/ref=psdc_1069816_t3_B0006HXQXA

rOting 300 http://www.amazon.com/rOtring-0-5mm-Mechanical-Pencil-502305/dp/B001A1POYA

rOting 600 http://www.amazon.com/rOtring-Mechanical-Pencil-Black-1904443/dp/B00AZWYUA4/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1464448403&sr=1-1&keywords=rotring+600

rOting Rapid Pro http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JXIRDSW/ref=psdc_1069816_t3_B00AZX0GOM

Staedtler 925 25 05
http://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Mechanical-Pencil-925-25-05/dp/B002BNHMC8

Platinum Mechanical Pencil PRO USE 03
http://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Mechanical-Pencil-MSD-1500-MSD-1500A/dp/B004G0AFP0


Here are the links

Go all steel with the M-701. The linked to pencil is actually about half plastic... I have had the plastic portion snap...

1000 $10.70

Smash $9.30

DraftMatic $10.05

Zebra m701?

This is my go to.

Zebra M-701 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil, 0.7mm Point Size, Standard HB Lead, 1-Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003G4SSLK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4CgFDb8DH3W3C

True.

But you know how habits are. Front pockets are for cellphone, wallet and keys and I got used to reaching for the notebook in the back. I also carry a leatherman in my other back pocket and by now I feel incomplete if its not there. I've tried changing that one to my front lighter pocket but it feels unnatural. I'm not sure why I'm telling you all this.

Anyway, at some point I got some of these really thick mechanical pencils and they take the abuse quite well. So I thought it would just be a matter of reinforcing. Oh, the things we do to keep our little habits intact.

>using pleb tier mechanical pencils

Absolutely not me_irl... If you wish to be a patrician weeb student, you have to get some dope ass pentel drafting pencils.

This one has retractable tip, but it is heavy

Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil, 0.5mm Lead Size, Brushed Metal Barrel, 1 Each (PG1015A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GAU2RU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FQv6xbBTYEBW1

This one does not have retractable tip, but it is light and high quality.

Pentel Drafting Pencil Graph for Pro, 0.5mm (PG1005) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013NFZU8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6Sv6xbWRA7JHJ

This one is the legendary pentel smash, you must have it for ultimate weeb status, it will ship from japan.

Pentel Mechanical Pencil Smash, 0.5mm (Q1005-1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013NHU6K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_oUv6xbPP2REZJ

All are cheaper than 10 bucks, no excuse not to buy one.