Flicknm's comment really need more upvotes. For a graphic designer you can never go wrong with books about design whether its about becoming a designer, books about a specific designer, or simply reference books on stuff like logos/typography/print/websites. Books are probably the best gift you can give to any designer, pro or student.

However a tablet isn't a bad idea as someone already mentioned. If she's got strong artistic ability (drawing/painting at a professional level) an intuous4 would not be a bad choice and would be a valuable tool for years to come. However if she does not feel like venturing into stuff like digital painting or simply doesn't have profound drawing ability a bamboo is more than she'll ever need and also pretty cheap and extremely versatile.

As a student she'll eventually explore packaging design or have to create physical mock-ups so perhaps a set of quality tools like exacto knives with a couple different blades (next to the standard blade I use scoring blades a lot for thick material), large self-healing cutting mat, folding bone for perfect creases on paper (these days you see some with added features like a cutting blade), large metal straight edge ideal for cutting (with corked back), long reach stapler, spray mount, super glue, and my personal best friend: the lead holder (also referred to as a clutch pencil) with a sharpener for it. All of this along with a drafting table will always be useful.

If she doesn't own a wide format printer and you feel she might like the convenience of one I highly recommend an Epson Stylus R1400 printer. I often see these on sale with rebates which will lower the overall cost to $200ish however that's kinda based on luck. It prints great pictures as big as 13x19 inches (great for poster or magazine spread mock-ups). A very handy but rarely used feature it has that made me look like a fucking superstar in classes is its ability to print labels on printable CDs. However, as great as this feature is it takes a bit of experimentation to get the alignment right and to be able to print as close to the border of the CD as possible. This feature is also a huge ink-guzzler but prints beautifully (always use max settings or else colors will look faded). Printable CDs can come in both Matte and Glossy finishes (I'm particularly fond of Taiyo Yuden Watershield CDs).

If your girlfriend happens to enjoy PC games then a gaming mouse could potentially be a fantastic gift. I'd recommend something along the lines of Logitech's G700 gaming mouse. Reason I recommend a gaming mouse is because you can record keystrokes and assign those macros to any of the additional buttons making any work on common programs like Illustrator/Photoshop/In-Design a lot more streamlined. This particular mouse can record up to 5 different profiles at once so she can have her favorite keyboard shortcuts macro'd for pretty much all her favorite programs. This mouse also works as both wired and wireless (which I'd NEVER recommend for gaming lol) and uses a rechargable AA battery and has a little compartment in there for the wireless reciever. Basically this mouse is a godsend to me but even as just a mouse for design work I think its pretty awesome. I highly recommend Logitech products since they're very well made and have great customer service.

Someone already mentioned it but sketchbooks are always nice, as a student I noticed a lot of people weren't into the habit of planning designs on pencil and paper, if she's one of those people then she really needs to change that and have something like a moleskine sketchbook or some other form of sketch diary (get a nice hardcovered one). You can have all the best technology in the world but nothing will ever trump the mighty pencil (again I highly recommend a clutch pencil) since this is where all design HAS TO begin. If she already does that and happens to like drawing I'd look into an Earthbound sketchbook or other equivalent. Basically this is just a sketchbook that has recycled toned (brown) pages which makes it great for adding highlights on drawings with a white colored pencil or gel pen. The norm for designers is almost always plain & gridded Moleskine sketchbooks though. I've seen other sketch diaries that have a dot grid on them which I'd love on a moleskine but I don't think they have anything outside a normal grid sketchbook.

There's also other gimmicky crap out there for graphic designers however I'm just listing stuff that are actually useful and can be appreciated. You can probably just cruise around r/design and r/graphic_design to see those things since that's all I ever tend to see from those subreddits these days.

Hopefully this helps.

So i haven't DM'd in years, since having kids. Decided when kids were old enough i would DM Dungeon world cause of its ease and flexibility.

Oldest is only 4 but hanging out w/ other Dads i was surprised at the enthusiasm to play D&D. So i thought, why not get ready now and invite a couple over to play a oneShot while the kids played.

I pre made some characters (some like 90% e.g. leaving cleric's religion blank). But also made templates if it goes well and they want to create or modify their characters.

Plan to make a GM tin too. maybe some mini maps/tokens. or at least GM Moves, MM cards, and spare dice, & tokens.

Edit: Wow thanks everyone for the positive feedback. Sorry it took so long (3 kids and my oldest is 4!) but here is the link to everything i made so far, I wish i could give credit to the character images but i just googled them:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hxYY_MtgvOf9xTnGawrNFhdSkTIegAra

And here are the amazon links:
The tins (make sure its the big ones)
Mini pencils
Business card sleeves

Also i've had something like this for years for cutting straight lines easy:
https://www.amazon.com/Paper-Cutter-Automatic-Safeguard-Guillotine/dp/B0757DJR8J

All my school documents (including Eclipse projects/workspaces and MATLAB files) are stored with Dropbox - at CC, several students have an Engineering shared folder going, which has all sorts of goodies in it, like the PSPICE exe distributed by the teach, notes from other students, etc... everybody here should do this at their campus!

Also, iPad 2 w/

• GoodReader -- For all of my textbooks, lecture notes and assignments posted by instructor on school intranet - can highlight, annotate, etc, all digitally.
  
  
• Noteshelf -- For all note taking, in multiple colors - notes can be tagged and exported as PDF for studying for exams on any device, no wasted paper and hitting undo is faster than erasing
  
  
• Cregle iPen -- Not perfect, but better than a touchscreen stylus - can rest my palm on the screen while writing without leaving stray marks
  
  
• DodoCase -- keeps it safe in my backpack
  
  
• iTunes U -- for MIT OpenCourseware videos
  
  
• WolframAlpha -- sometimes useful for visualizing problems
  
  Android phone w/
  
  
• HandyCalc -- very excellent calculator
  
  
• ElectroDroid -- very handy during my circuits course
  
  
• Monoprice $7 earbuds - amazing for $7! Blocks out noise for studyin.
  
  
• Tasker for silencing my phone/enabling airplane mode when I'm scheduled to be in class on Google calendar, automatically launching...
  
  
• WIFI Web Login -- ...and authenticating me on campus wifi when I connect to access points
  
  
• ...writing two apps, one to organize course assignments, one that helps with general ed courses... :)
  
  Also,
  
  
• TI-86 -- old faithful
  
  
• spare AAA's
  
  
• Ampad graphing paper pads for homework assignments (one per class)
  
  
• mini stapler with mini staples
  
  
• one small 3-ring binder for class handouts
  
  
• [ALVIN Draft Matic Mechanical Pencil Size 0.7mm] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HF6I90/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000HF6I90&linkCode=as2&tag=semboftrut-20) -- best mechanical pencil I've ever used, no slipping lead
  
  
• Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refill, 0.7mm Medium, 2B, 144 Pieces of Lead (50-2B) -- nice and dark pencil lead - more smearing, but less effort to make visible strokes
  
  
• Subsonic -- music and podcasts on my phone, tablet, computer, streaming from friend's houses, everywhere!
  
  
• EasyBib.com -- because I will never remember how to do MLA citations properly
  
  
• Word -- old faithful
  
  
• 13" 2011 Macbook Air w/ VMware Fusion for Windows when needed.
  
  In search of an amazing eraser to go with the draftmatic. Open to suggestions!

Your long comment isn't showing up for some reason, but it's in your post history. I'll copy/paste it and see if it shows up.

• Coach card case / The quality is nice and it's quite slim.
  
• Uniform Wares 152 Watch / The "nice" watch. It's just a fashion watch and not a Seiko or Omega, so I know some watch enthusiasts will look down upon it, but I like it.
  
• iPhone 5 with Society6 case.
  
• Nivea lip balm / It gets pretty greasy in warm weather. Any suggestions for a matte-finish lip balm?
  
• Gum / I like fresh breath. The pack usually has 12 pieces and I just cut it up into smaller 4-packs so I can put it in my pocket.
  
• Keys / Hannya pendant & Chop tag . Fun fact: the clip is from a HitClips back when 8 year old me liked NSYNC.
  
• Zebra mini pen / Tiny, sleek, and durable.
  
• Brixton Trench Wallet / Bought it when I was fifteen because I wanted a wallet with a change pocket.
  
• Maruha Sausage change purse / A stranger gave it to me in Hong Kong when I was five because they thought I was cute.
  
• Roots Orbit digital watch / The "beater" watch. Friends gave it to me for my 16th birthday. It used to be a lot prettier, but now I just wear it * to work. The yellowness is from coffee and dishwater.
  
• HP laptop / I bought it for gaming, which it's decent at. It can run Skyrim on Ultra.
  
• Logitech M317 mouse / Small, sleek and reliable.
  
• ArtsCow mousepad / That "mousepad for a dollar" that nearly everyone on Reddit has.
  
• Pencil case from my Kumon childhood.
  
• Altoids tin with various first aid/comfort stuff. I'm open to any suggestions as there is still some empty space in there right now.
  
• Fjallraven Kanken backpack / I bought it because I thought it looked cool. It's not very practical, but I am a superficial person. It holds my stuff okay, though I can't put my water bottle in the side pockets. That's what I get for being shallow ¯\ (ツ)/¯
  
  *****
  
  I don't carry a gun, because I live in Canada and it's not allowed. Even if it were, I wouldn't trust myself with one so it would be best if I didn't.
  
  I don't carry a flashlight, because I've never been in a situation in my whole life where I needed one to the point that my phone's light didn't suffice. Someone here will probably tell me to get one ^^what ^^if ^^you're ^^lost ^^in ^^the ^^woods ^^at ^^night ^^and ^^your ^^phone ^^is ^^dead ^^andtherecouldbebearsandshitandyou'regonnadieifyoudonthaveaflashlight?!, and I have considered it in the past, but for now I don't plan on it.
  
  I used to carry a cheap little boxcutter because it came in handy for work when I needed to cut open taped boxes or bags, but one day I left it in my work apron and it was sent off to laundry :| So now I'm looking around dollar stores for a new one.
  
  I have considered getting a multitool, but again I've never encountered a real need for one in my life so far. I think I will eventually get one though, because I occasionally build things for school and need tools. I'm open to suggestions.

I'm no pro by any means but I have a lot of fun drawing after work and certainly I'd love my SO surprised me with something like:

• Faber Castell 9000!
  
• Lumograph 100!
  
• Prismacolor Premier Verithin!
  
• Polychromo!
  
• Bristol paper!
  
  Also you can always include some nice accesories like blending stumps, different types of erasers, a good cutter/blade or sharpener.
  
  Does she like books? Andrew Loomis' books are incredible! Drawing the Head and Hands!
  
  These are (for me) good options for a present. Depending on budget you could increse/decrease the count on the color set but 24/36 is a good starting point.
  
  I hope this helps.

I was just looking at amazon after I commented and the prices have changed a little since I purchased my sets. One set went up in price and one set went down.

I paid about $26 including shipping for a set of 60 pencils and a sharpener. It was the Scholar set. They are good quality and includes a nice variety of colors and shades. Right now that same set has gone up to $29.99 and the sharpener is still under $2 . I think the Scholar set was about $20 when I bought it.

I noticed there is a set of 48 Premiers for like $35 right now so you could always go that route. I had a set of premiers in HS and they are a better pencil than the Scholars, but I still think less money for more colors is worth it.

I paid about $18 including shipping for a set of 36 Verithin pencils which are great for fine details. They have a harder "lead" or whatever you want to call it. I know it's not actually lead so I hope you get what I mean. They are great for hard lines and accents. I wouldn't use these for shading or gradation. I love them. I use them for all kinds of different techniques that the softer pencils don't work as well for. Right now a set of 24 is like $12 before shipping so jump on it.

Edited to add links and change some stuff that I got wrong.

Edit to OP: Prismacolor is a great option for what you're looking to do because they work well on different types of surfaces. I'm assuming your comic collection has glossy pages, right? Regular, less expensive pencils won't work as well and you might not be able to fill in and shade everything without leaving lines and white space. I hope you show us some of the pages when you get started.

I used Touchnew markers.
Numbers; 64,76,182,CG8,83,143,84,132,145,75, white deleter for the eyes, I overlapped # 76 on 182. # 64 is used to shade for the blue. # 145 is for the shade for the white on the dress. CG8 is for the dress and shoes. #84 is the ribbon. # 83 is for the shade for the dress. For the black I used whatever but make the lines thick haha rem is thick lulz. I used a color pencil for the blush. For the skin I used #132. TBH I would go fairer. Like #26 or #131. I used a micron pen for some of the black I have a black Copic marker so I used that to fill in some stuff I would not use the Copic cuz the brush is hard to control for me now. I would recommend drawing her before you even start to color her. Here is the sauce for the markers I used. And the rest of the art supplies I used. I would not suggest the paper I used.

168 Set Color TOUCHNEW Graphic Drawing Painting Alcohol Art Dual Tip Sketch Pen Twin Marker Design Coloring Highlighting Set with Carry Bag +A4 Drawing Book + Parblo Glove https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS46KVT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zW2DCbMSACQY0
And the deleter
Deleter Manga Ink - White 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UF3IUE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The Copic marker I mentioned:
Copic Marker Copic Sketch... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QWZUE2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The skin colors I used most of them I believe: come with the 168 set haven't checked
24 Colors Skin Tone Pens TOUCHNEW... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8LS519?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The pencils I used:
Zebra DelGuard 0.5mm Lead... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NN3Z4EI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000093L6M?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The micron markers I mentioned:
3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798HYDYL?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And lastly for the color pencils:
Castle Art Supplies 72 Colored... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZNF7GS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I used #34 of ^ the color pencils I used my finger to rub it in and make it look like a blush.

Paper I used:
Bellofy 100-Sheet Sketchpad... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FB6G81C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Yeah sorry for the overkill response and wall of text. Have fun drawing her.

P.S please respond if you read it I would greatly appreciate it. Have a great day :3

[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.

• Coach card case / The quality is nice and it's quite slim.
  
  
• Uniform Wares 152 Watch / The "nice" watch. It's just a fashion watch and not a Seiko or Omega, so I know some watch enthusiasts will look down upon it, but I like it.
  
  
• iPhone 5 with Society6 case.
  
  
• Nivea lip balm / It gets pretty greasy in warm weather. Any suggestions for a matte-finish lip balm?
  
  
• Gum / I like fresh breath. The pack usually has 12 pieces and I just cut it up into smaller 4-packs so I can put it in my pocket.
  
  
• Keys / Hannya pendant & Chop tag. Fun fact: the clip is from a HitClips back when 8 year old me liked NSYNC.
  
  
• Zebra mini pen / Tiny, sleek, and durable.
  
  
• Brixton Trench Wallet / Bought it when I was fifteen because I wanted a wallet with a change pocket.
  
  
• Maruha Sausage change purse / A stranger gave it to me in Hong Kong when I was five because they thought I was cute.
  
  
• Roots Orbit digital watch / The "beater" watch. Friends gave it to me for my 16th birthday. It used to be a lot prettier, but now I just wear it to work. The yellowness is from coffee and dishwater.
  
  
• HP laptop / I bought it for gaming, which it's decent at. It can run Skyrim on Ultra.
  
  
• Logitech M317 mouse / Small, sleek and reliable.
  
  
• ArtsCow mousepad / That "mousepad for a dollar" that nearly everyone on Reddit has.
  
  
• Pencil case from my Kumon childhood.
  
  
• Altoids tin with various first aid/comfort stuff. I'm open to any suggestions as there is still some empty space in there right now.
  
  
• Fjallraven Kanken backpack / I bought it because I thought it looked cool. It's not very practical, but I am a superficial person. It holds my stuff okay, though I can't put my water bottle in the side pockets. That's what I get for being shallow ¯\ (ツ)/¯
  
  
  ---
  I don't carry a gun, because I live in Canada and it's not allowed. Even if it were, I wouldn't trust myself with one so it would be best if I didn't.
  
  I don't carry a flashlight, because I've never been in a situation in my whole life where I needed one to the point that my phone's light didn't suffice. Someone here will probably tell me to get one ^(what if you're lost in the woods at night and your phone is dead andtherecouldbebearsandshitandyou'regonnadieifyoudonthaveaflashlight?!), and I have considered it in the past, but for now I don't plan on it.
  
  I used to carry a cheap little boxcutter because it came in handy for work when I needed to cut open taped boxes or bags, but one day I left it in my work apron and it was sent off to laundry :| So now I'm looking around dollar stores for a new one.
  
  I have considered getting a multitool, but again I've never encountered a real need for one in my life so far. I think I will eventually get one though, because I occasionally build things for school and need tools. I'm open to suggestions.

First off, many of these things are intentionally cheap, because I do tend to break and/or lose things, so... Here goes.
All have Amazon links, because that was what was easiest.


Jewelry:

• Elder Scrolls Imperial symbol arrowhead necklace - I made this from scrap a while ago for a basic metal-arts class.
  
  
• Kris knife necklace - Got this at a Renaissance Fest last year, and I also like wearing it.
  
  
• UP by Jawbone (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A17IAO0) - Really great sleep tracker, plug-and-sync
  
• Fitbit Flex (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BGO0Q9O) - The de-facto fitness tracker, wireless sync
  
  
• Pebble watch (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BKEQBI0) - Simple smartwatch
  
  
  Right front pocket:
  
  
• Frame-lock box cutter (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016KHW2W) - Was using a frame-lock knife, to open boxes. Replaced it with this, been happy since.
  
  
• Precise V5 RT (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E6A9M8) - My favorite ball-point pen. Looking forward to the arrival of a Lamy Al-Star fountain pen.
  
  
• Zebra M301 0.5mm (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BLC7FG) - Great intro engineering pencils.
  
  
• Galaxy S5
  
  
• Chapstick
  
  
• Pentel plastic eraser (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001Q4HQVU) - For the larger-than-one-character mistakes.
  
  
  Left front pocket:
  
  
• 4-in-1 screwdriver (similar to http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014KMDZ0) - Thin profile screwdriver. Awesome. Clips away in a corner and you can forget about it until you need it.
  
  
• Streamlight MicroStream (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00143JZ08) - Tiny little flashlight, amazing little clip. Clip it in a corner and forget it until you need it.
  
  
• Mighty Wallet (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036FN60W) - I keep it relatively thin in contents, and it's amazingly thin by itself.
  
  
• Sennheiser CX300IIs (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EZYMF4) - Some of the best little cheap earbuds. I have over-the-ears for desk-work, but these can go with me easily.
  
  
• Yubikey Neo (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LX8KZZ8) - For my 2FA needs, both on the phone and PC. I use it with LastPass.
  
  
• Spare AAA Battery
  
  
• 12" baton (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MHDLF8E) - For self defense, since I stopped carrying a knife, and it's more actually useful for defense than my old knife was anyway.
  
  
  Wallet highlights:
  
  
• Band-aids - I chew my cuticles and pick at scabs. Bad habit. Nice to have these around.
  
  
• Bottle opener - Got this as swag from a startup I used to work for.
  
• Sewing kit - For emergency mending
  
  
• Guitar picks (I like http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002D0CGC)
  
  
• Safety pins
  
  
• Handcuff key
  
  
• Handcuff shim - Nice when handcuffs aren't double-locked; sometimes easier to manipulate than the keys.
  
  
  Left back pocket:
  
  
• Field Notes graph-ruled notebook (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006CQT2KU) - reasonably durable, cheap notebooks.
  
  
  Not shown:
  
  
• Keysmart Extended key holder (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JXQQNC6) - Nice to keep my work keys from jangling around
  
  
• Car keys

Thanks for the compliment and question! I teach, so I strive to have neat handwriting for whiteboard work. :)

I love the Staedler triplus fineliners so far! They didn't arrive until a couple of days after my notebook, though, and I was eager to get started. :) Many of the earlier pages were done using one or more of the following:

• Faber-Castell Pitt artist pen, #199 black, XS
  
• Sakura Pigma Micron 005, various colors
  
• OfficeMax metallic marker, fine point, various colors
  
• Prismacolor Verithin colored pencils
  
  None of these are affiliate links and may or may not represent the lowest price... I just wanted to link the exact products so interested parties can easily find them. :)

I love new friends! I nominate /u/varasque

I wish looking at wish lists from mobile was easier, but I stalked you a little and saw that you love to draw! I think all art and creativity should be encouraged, and these pencils would help with that!

My inspiration ?
There's a Guy I like a Lot, We both just got out of serious relationships and are just taking it slowly. So I drew this Flirty Picture to tell him how I felt :]

Good luck to everyone! Also, the item i'd love to get is this Super Fancy Pencil! So I may draw more of the inspiring things! :]

I just had a similar discussion with a client!

Depending on what you wanna spend There are a number of choices.


For a sketch artist I'd steer clear of brands like Cross(Luxury writing utensils. Great products just not everyday art friendly)

I'd suggest a 2mm lead holder, some lead refills(4b, 2b, hb, 2h, 4h), a lead pointer, and a kneadable eraser or two.


Rotring makes some great products and even the more utilitarian Staedtler is a bifl and a great gift for an aspiring artist.

Edit: Also as a suggestion from an artist-Never anything in white if you can help it and a box of those foil pack Fingerbowl/wet wipes are quite a boon if they're a artist on the go. ;)

I love mechanical pencils and have way too many, but for certain types of more serious, large scale, artistic sketching, I often prefer wood pencils for some reason. They are light and simple...my favorite set is Uni Hi-Uni Wooden Pencil set. 22 pencils ranging from 10h to 10b!

https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Hi-Uni-Wooden-Pencil-Art/dp/B001HAOBDY

I used to prefer Conte, until they changed design from polygon to round...but they’re still good:

https://www.jacksonsart.com/en-us/conte-graphite-pencil-drawing-set-of-12?___store=jacksonsart_us&gclid=CjwKCAiA4t_iBRApEiwAn-vt-_HztD7IgZrlWyQRr908hx5HXwdQZEy0trlskRGYQxM05keW-Uvt8xoC4w4QAvD_BwE

Just because they’re good for sketching, it doesn’t slow down my mechanical pencil collection.

Nice thing about the set of wood pencils is that they’re ready to go. Even if you could get as broad of a range of hardnesses in mechanical leads (and you can’t) you still won’t, in reality, change your lead out as often as you should be using a different hardness. And setting up different pencils with different hardnesses can be exhausting. It’s so easy to grab a tin of pencils and go draw! You can grab an 8h for this then switch to a 6h for that...super fast and comfortable to draw with. Get multiple soft leads as they go faster...your high H leads will last a long time.

My most recent acquisition is still my favorite : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001L1QV96/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But I would suggest starting with something much cheaper to see if you like it first. Here's a great overview of your options :
https://www.jetpens.com/blog/guide-to-lead-holders/pt/740

Something plastic with a simple gravity clutch should cost less than $10 and give you a perfect sense of if you like the tool. I would start off with a 2mm, the thicker ones are really only good for broad work. And don't forget the lead pointer to keep the tip sharp enough for detail work.

Good luck!

Alright, I'm a bit of a hardcore nerd for this kind of thing.

I use a PHD Black Mechanical Pencil

I have very large hands and these things have a very nice weight and grip to them. I've had mine for about 2 years, and the only reason I replaced the previous one was because it was run over by a car. These things last.

As for erasers, I've preferred the Staedtler Erasers

It has a very nice consistency, removed anything left by the PHD, and never streaks. I would recommend using packaging tape to enforce the paper bit surrounding it, as it tends to fray, and it's useful to have as it keeps the eraser itself clean.

Since I don't use a sharpener, I'll instead delve into my favorite notebook, the Notebook One by Miquelrius. These things will last. They have a super durable outside cover, which will never split off like other notebooks. As an engineer, I like the graph paper variant, as it makes drawing circuits easier. The paper itself is a dream to write on, and is ever so slightly thicker, which just brings that quality to writing on it. They also come in 3 or 5 subject color coded variants, but I prefer the single subject versions.

Bonus round: Loose-Leaf Paper

National Brand 42-182

It's a bit tougher to get, and I don't know why. It's a white version of the green engineering paper that you see around university. It's much, much smoother to write on, and much more durable. It comes in 5x5 one inch grids with the borders thickened, which is a nice touch. I never use the back, as it's too dark, but these engineering pads are a dream.

Okay, here are my mechanical pencil picks (with the caveat that I'm much more of a regular wood pencil geek.)

If all that adjustability is your primary thing - I like OHTO Super Promecha I've got the 1500S, but I don't think the newer P model is too different. All my instructions came in Japanese though. The newer models are lighter I've heard. The 1500S sort of plows along. Heavy.

Now, if you're open to trying some other pencils! There are some more I like. (Have you tried the straight [staedtler 925] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BNHMC8/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687662&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004G0AFP0&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=01DEWCGZNSCG129SB52Q) btw? Cheaper, and very popular.)

uni-ball Kuru Toga It's so lovely, a ratchet mechanism turns to keep it sharp as you go. (This only works when you lift your pen, so much less so on some constant cursive note taking). And inexpensive enough you should just try it. For fun. (More a writing pencil than drafting pencil.)

Pentel Graphgear 1000 Good, solid, economical. Advances pretty small amounts of lead for more precision. Has retractable tip for pocket. Has this strong spring clippy thing that gives me something to harass with my fingers. I like this pencil.
Also the PG105 but no clip to fidget with.

So I think the problem here is a divide in what 3D printing is good for and what people are postulating it will be good for.

Let's consider your example of a mechanical pencil.

I can buy a 24 pack of fairly high quality mechanical pencils for $6.58 or around 30 cents a piece.

This is because mechanical pencils are very high volume products. Even with these decades-old non-3D printed methods of manufacturing (injection molding, metal rolling, etc) that require tons of startup costs such as cutting molds and other tooling fees, we can still make millions of plastic pencils for 40 cents a piece. If you want to tack on shipping or "drive to the store" fees, let's call it 40 cents a piece.

How could 3D printing possibly improve on that? It really can't. Any attempt to mass produce mechanical pencils with a machine not specifically designed for making mechanical pencils will necessarily make it less efficient or at the very best just as efficient. So why would we make an incredibly sophisticated 3D printing machine and bog it down with the menial task of producing pencils that we can already fab by the truckload using conventional methods?

Now let's say you're a construction foreman who lost part of his hand in a construction accident and are having trouble writing on your clipboard using a normal mechanical pencil. I can imagine a scenario where some kind of specially designed mechanical pencil could be made to fit the grip of your remaining digits, but the aforementioned tooling costs would prohibit this device from being made due to the fact that the global market for a device meant to fit your specific deformity is in the thousands at the most.

This is a scenario where 3D printing is EXCELLENT. I believe it will revolutionize things like medical prosthetics, and while I really doubt that this hypothetical pencil could be 3D printed for 40 cents, it could probably be made for a very affordable couple of dollars.

Unfortunately the media likes to postulate that 3D printing will allow you to download and print out a football or a pair of shoes. The only situation I can think of this being even remotely economical is perhaps in some kind of Moon colony where there isn't enough infrastructure to manufacture these things outright and the shipping costs from a proper manufacturer are too high.

For every other scenario, it will always be cheaper to produce a product with a specialized machine.

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).

I use the Ph.D Mechanical Pencil. It's huge but it has an awesome retractable eraser (the best I've used) and the grip is very comfortable.

edit: Was it the Pentel Icy?

Awesome, /u/Runaway_5.

I recently picked up a bunch of Ticonderoga #2 pencils to donate to my local school. The teachers really like the pencils because they have quality lead that doesn't constantly break, and they sharpen nicely. The erasers also work better than the smudgy ones cheap pencils have. (I'm not calling the ones in the photo cheap). If anyone is interested in buying them to donate to Vic or anyone else, they're on sale right now at Walmart:

96CT for $6.92, so around 7 cents a pencil for good quality pencils

EDIT: Amazon also has them on sale

I'm a big fan of the Staedtler Mars Micro in the low end. Not familiar with the Slide, but I'm a big Pentel fan, and that looks perfect for this. I think you're right - there's a "cheap shit" bracket that you want to avoid, a cheap bracket that's fine for this application, and anything else is overkill.

Personally, though, allow me to recommend any of the pricier Pentels for your own needs. The GraphGear 1000 is a very fine pencil, but even the Graph for Pro and the Pentel Smash (if you can find one) are great pencils for the price - https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Drafting-Pencil-Graph-PG1005/dp/B0013NFZU8

I'd recommend a 2mm lead holder. You can get dynamic shading just like a normal wooden pencil, but the pencil itself is always a consistent weight and length, and you can use whatever hardness leads you like. I am very fond of my Koh-i-noor Versatil 5201CL. It is all-metal and has an excellent lead pointer in the tip.

I bought this pencil and he loves it. It really has a great feel in your hand and almost makes me wish I liked pencils so I could get one for myself.

Not exactly an unpopular opinion but Ticonderoga #2 is my favorite pencil, easy to sharpen, good erasers. Pentel high-polymers erase really well; if you don't go too hard with the lead they basically erase your paper back to white.

https://www.amazon.com/Ticonderoga-Wood-Cased-Graphite-Pencils-13872/dp/B00125Q75Y

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Hi-polymer-Block-Eraser-ZEH10BP3-K6/dp/B001Q4HQVU

You should do the form studies from life in the beginning. It's much easier to get a handle on form and creating the illusion of it on the page of you're drawing objects in front of you. I really wouldn't recommend waiting til after the form studies to start practicing some life drawing.

You should be paying attention the the values(darks and lights) and shoot for value accuracy. Using drawing pencils of different hardnesses can really help with this, but it isn't strictly necessary. Charcoal is also a really good option for form studies. Make sure you include the highlights, but how you do it is less important than just doing it and experimenting until you figure out what works for you. Just look for the shapes the highlights make and how sharp/soft the edges are.

Edit: if you don't already have good drawing pencils, these pencils are quite good and they're on sale right now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I5MNC0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zNRPCbQVCSC8R

Pilot Frixion Ball Knock Retractable 0.5mm. I also like the 0.7mm, and the Slim 0.38mm although the latter is arguably too small. Magic Japanese eraseable technology! They write super smooth too.

Also, the Rotring 600 is definitely my pencil of choice. A great value at $20 (because the 800 at $50 is a bit much!).

Let's celebrate!

Oh man oh man. For the last quarter I've been using these office depot brand mechanical pencils that were like $5 for 50 and the bottom of my backpack is like a graveyard full of bits of broken plastic. So pencils would be nice, hahah.

Btw. How the shit are these guys originally $340? Haha, must be a typo.

It always freaks me the crap out when a video from one of my youtube subs turns up on reddit.
Thanks for the videos, I'm studying mechatronics after 25 years out of school and your channel is perfect for that subject.
There's a sub, /r/bifl (Buy It For Life) that you may or may not be aware of, like any sub there's some gold and some wanking, it may be worth sharing your vids there.
I made most of my class watch the 'DMM repair' video.
Oh yeah, review the [Uni Kuru Toga 0.7] (http://www.amazon.com/uni-ball-KuruToga-Mechanical-Pencil-Starter/dp/B00BEYXGPC/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1421026171&sr=1-1&keywords=uni+kuru+toga+0.7) please! I want to have its babies.

What I like more is this because I can use it for my works. I do like the Pikachu pijama-thing but I don't think they'd let me parade it in the house ;v ;

As for what I want, I'd like this

I love Kevin !

I used to be a draftsman and I would have to go out and survey entire schools, I used a Zebra mini, the nib was relatively small and the ballpoint makes it so that the ink dries pretty fast. They are pretty cheap and can be purchased on Amazon in a nice pen/pencil set.

They also look pretty out of the normal being tiny and all.

Edit: Here ya go!

Personally, I'm much more a fan of a good lead holder. Staedtler makes one that i've used for years. Just be sure to get the accompanying sharpener. If you remove the clip, you can rotate in your fingers as you draw a line to get very crisp, neat linework. Lineweight is determined by the hardness of the lead you use.

Otherwise, you may want to wait until you enter school. Each program tends to have its own idiosyncratic preferences for graphics and drafting techniques.

If you are going to use a pencil, why not go with one of the best in the world!! Get yourself a uniball Kuru Toga!! Has a rotating lead mechanism to keep your point uniform.It also comes with special diamond infused lead that you can also buy separately(a small pack comes the the pencil) all for less than 10 bucks on amazon.I go for the 0.7 thickness https://www.amazon.com/uni-ball-KuruToga-Mechanical-Pencil-0-7mm/dp/B00BEYXGPC/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1504308365&sr=1-1&keywords=uni-ball+KuruToga+Mechanical+Pencil%2C+0.7mm

If you like .5 thickness, that's even cheaper.

If she likes to draw, try this

I got these last year, and they're my favorite set by far. They look and feel amazing to use, I recommend them all the time.

Here's another link, Amazon is running low

I can't find any online, but you may also want to get her a drawing bridge. It's a piece of raised plastic. It's to keep your hand off the paper, so you don't smear the drawing.

I need art supplies. I start uni again very soon, and I'm doing an illustration degree. Art supplies are extortionate, and I just can't afford all that I need. I really, really need new pencils and coloured pencils. Pretty essential to have when doing art!

Thank you so much for the contest ♥

You can't go wrong with calipers.

Another idea - Rotring 600 pencil. Arguably one of the best mechanical pencils ever made. Kind of thing an engineer might appreciate.

If he does CAD work you could get him a SpaceMouse I use one every day and they are life changing.

Get a set of pencils ranging in hardness and play around with how they produce value (Faber-Castell offers a comprehensive set such as this: https://www.amazon.com/Faber-Castell-9000-Graphite-Sketch-Pencil/dp/B000I5MNC0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=faber+castell+pencil&qid=1557774920&s=gateway&sprefix=faber+castell+penvil&sr=8-3 ).

However, to distinguish layers in your work, a certain medium is not going to magically fix it--it's how you use that medium. Playing with value, atmospheric perspective, and variation of line quality to push elements forward/back is going to be what amplifies your different levels of depth in a piece, not so much the type of pencil/pen you are using.

staedtler 925 all the way.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BNHMC8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I HIGHLY recommend splurging on a nice pencil. Something you use every day you will easily see that spending over ten dollars is worth it.

I'm pretty sure it bent in my pocket or bag or something. I don't press that hard hahaha. And here you go.

charcoal pencils

doesnt have to be that one cause its a litttle $$ but thats what my firend bought me as well as

cheap but amazing mechanical pencils

Well, it's not that I can't get some of them for relatively the same price in-store, it's just a lot easier to sit down and check off the lists and not have to deal with pushy moms getting supplies for kids.

Like... I found these awesome pens, and a dozen mechanical pencils.. It's not that I can't get them elsewhere, as I said before. It's just easier to buy everything together and while I will get Prime eventually, my tuition check broke the bank. I'll get there, though! Paycheck is coming in soon! :D

For taking to class and writing essays and stuff, you can't beat a Kuru Toga with a rubber grip. For EDC, I like the Zebra M301 because it's sturdy and classy, but you're not going to cry if you lose it either because the thing is like three bucks. I will say, though, that the one M301 I used pretty heavily for a couple of months ended up breaking. Again, though, three bucks.

Amazon too. Seriously great pencils, as long as you have a decent sharpener that won't break the lead; the erasers are the best I've ever encountered.

I am assuming you mean .7 mm lead size.

The Uni Kuru Toga starter set is a good option with extra lead and erasers along with the Kuru Toga pencil that has a rotating lead mechanism to keep the lead thickness consistent.
Amazon link

If you want a large eraser, the Pentel Twist Erase has the largest common mechanical pencil eraser.
Amazon link

If you hate when your lead breaks get the Zebra Delguard. This pencil has a unique mechanism that protects your lead and makes sure it doesn't break when writing.
Amazon link

For a pencil that has stood the test of time, the Pentel Sharp is a standard, no-frills, basic mechanical pencil.
Amazon link

Otherwise go to https://www.jetpens.com/ for an excellent selection of mechanical pencils

I consider this to be the very best on-the-fly solo game I've ever found: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/250996/Passage--A-Storytelling-Exploration-Game-for-Exactly-One-Player

Just print out the Domains table or put the domains into a randomizer on your smartphone. Or get a dice randomizer that can roll 3d20 on your smartphone.

I don't even have to come up with a character or a world when I play Passage RPG. I just make 3-5 rolls and the world and the character just develops and I build off of that with subsequent rolls.

The only other advice I can give is to carry a small notepad and a writing utensil with you everywhere you go. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008PETW7K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

No experience with vintage Koh-i-Noors, but the newer ones I've tried I would recommend. For something sturdy but cheap, you might want to look at the all-metal 5201C (I hope you like mustard yellow): http://www.amazon.com/Koh-i-noor-5201CL-Versatil-Holder-Sharpener/dp/B0056AAFEU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1414551927&sr=8-6

My only complaint with the Koh-i-Noor lead holders in my drawer is that they tend to come loose a bit more often than I'd like. But my sample's all drawn from a low-price range, no more than $12 or so.

For something that has a little more heft to it, have you looked at the Staedtler 925-25 series (priced at $20 in this link)? http://www.jetpens.com/Staedtler-Silver-Series-2-mm-Lead-Holder/pd/4704 Lead advances by a clutch-knock mechanism, so as long as that's not a deal-breaker I'd heartily recommend it.

Can I ask what specifically was underwhelming about the Kitaboshi? I was looking at one of theirs because I like the idea of a wood body, but suspected it might have a "cheap" feel to it. Bummer if that's the case.

If you don't mind the price, Caran D'Ache Grafwood are great.
For a more reasonable price Mitsubishi Hi-Uni are probably my favorite pencils, other than perhaps the old Tombow Mono 100's that were made in Japan (they moved to Vietnam and the quality when down somewhat) which you may not like, not sure which Tombows you tried.

led holders. They're kinda like mechanical pencils but the have a a bigger led and no eraser. Great for doing sketches a any sort of rough drawing.

edit* Apperently I could spell. Lead holders: https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-STD780C-Lead-Holder/dp/B0006HXM8O
Thats the 2 mm version. There are larger ones as well

My friend, it's your day! Amazon has the Silver 600 on sale right now for ~$15! Happened to remember this after seeing the link. :)

Maybe some [colored pencils?] (http://www.amazon.com/Prismacolor-Verithin-Colored-Pencils-Assorted/dp/B000MK9YWI/ref=sr_1_40?ie=UTF8&qid=1422674119&sr=8-40&keywords=colored+pencils)
I know I'm not doing anything this weekend except relaxing. Take a long bath or watch a movie this weekend, just unwind and relax!

I am currently going to college and as a poor college student I have to utilize all my resources. I chose mechanical pencils because I like them a lot better than regular pencils and can use them for all kinds of things. Such as taking test, writing notes, and pressing that pesky reset button that is impossible to get to without a paperclip. I am going to guess Doctor Who, because that is the show I have become obsessed with recently. I bet you bought Ace Ventura When Nature Calls because it is an awesome movie! You probably bought Assasins Creed because that game is so addicting. I bet you are reading one of the Harry Potter books for the hundreth time, lets be real here. lol BILL HADER

http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-61382-Mechanical-Pencils/dp/B000IJFQ48/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp

i think the rotring 500, it lacks the flamboyant features it's just a pencil, the pentel gg 1000 is good, and uni shift pipe lock since the lead sleeve is retractable.
i wouldn't recommend the 500 if you keep in your pocket because of the lead sleeve doesn't retract and that would mean it can get bent.
if you can get a Rotring rapid pro for 24$ that would probably be better for pocket use.

Ticonderoga HB 2 It says it's "The worlds best pencil" soo yeah.

I use this to sharpen it.

I adore my rotring 600 and I use it all the time when I'm doing stuff on my desk, but I can't bring myself to take it around with me, and the weight can make it a little uncomfortable to use for extended periods. I have a pentel graph 1000 (not a graphgear 1000) as my everyday carry. It's excellently made, lightweight and comfortable, and won't cost me much if I lose it.

In contrast I have a uni kuru toga roulette, which is supposed to be their high end model, and I don't like it at all.

Next time make requests in the dedicated thread.

You should check out the pentel graph 1000 for pro. I view it as a upgraded version of the GG, minus the retractable tip:

I recommend the Staedler 925 25-05 because it feels like a solid piece of metal. There is no eraser -- something I like.

http://www.amazon.com/Silver-drafting-mechanical-925-25-05/dp/B002BNHMC8/ref=sr_1_5?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1397621341&sr=1-5&keywords=staedtler+pencil

Nothing wrong with a mechanical pencil, there is a difference though. The lead in a mechanical pencil is a lot thinner than a #2hb pencil an makes it very easy to break. When I'm drawing with pencil, or a clutch mechanical pencil, I use the side of the lead to lay down lead without cutting into the paper. This makes it easier to erase and shade large areas. Your work is really good, but lack a darker value that would make your drawings more depth.

The graphite is actually a mixture of graphite and clay. The more graphite the harder it gets and vice versa. You only need 3 different lead HB, 2B, and 6B. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAJtYM53R74&feature=channel_video_title

I was in the airport waiting on a delayed plane and I was reading a romance/psychological thriller book. I was so entranced by the psychologist- she was so poised, so smart, so sexy and so appealing! I knew I wanted to be just like this fictional woman. After that weekend trip, I came back to school and switched from education to psychology and never looked back.



And now I'm going back to school to earn my PhD and I would love to have these pencils 'cause herp derp I'm lost already and school hasn't even started. College Rulez!

Sorry to hear that :(

Wing Sung 698 is pretty similar to TWSBI Eco, somehow even but cheaper. The cap is way heavier and does not post, not sure if that matters to you.

For pencil: I just got the Zebra DelGuard, which the Pen Addict guys liked. I have a problem with breaking .5mm so hopefully this'll help me.

I'll do you one better.

Rotring 800 Lead Holder Clutch Knock System - 2 mm - Black Body

​

• It's metal.
  
• You can split open a regular pencil to extract the lead and use it for refill for this thing (in case you weren't able to purchase refills from art supplies.)
  
• You can use it to write on rough things like walls because it's thick enough.If you're an artist, you sharpen it to a chisel point with a blade.

As an architecture student, I used lead holders which usually had sharpeners instead of or in addiition to erasers, that came off. Of course using a dedicated lead pointer (sharpener) was usually better and easier, but for portability it wasn't necessary. Here's what I mean, and leads and the lead pointer are in the "people also bought" box if you want to see those too: example product

They're so well designed and hidden though that lots of people didn't even notice (or read the directions).

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.

Whilst looking on amazon, I saw this rapid pro for $16, but it's this cheap due to how long it's going to take to arrive to places like the U.S.A and etc.

https://www.amazon.com/rOtring-1904257-Rapid-Mechanical-Pencil/dp/B0055ZUEZQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1542918478&sr=1-6&keywords=rotring+mechanical+pencil

So I honestly don't take great care of my gear, but I do have a quick recommendation for anyone going on a long trip or people who are cheap and lazy like me: If you happen to bring a little mechanical pencil for note taking, you can rub graphite on the elements of the zipper to help lubricate it and reduce corrosion on the slider. It will keep the zipper from sticking which can be an issue with those little #3 nylon coil zippers that come with a lot of ultralight products.

Edit: anyone looking for tiny mechanical pencils, I use these. They're just under 4" long and weigh 4.3 grams each.

Zebra Delguard - https://www.amazon.com/Zebra-DelGuard-Mechanical-Pencil-P-MA85-BK/dp/B00NN3Z4EI
excellent pencil

I buy this 96 pack of pencils for my son every year and an extra one for the classroom. The teachers don't ask for specific brands but Ticonderoga is a better brand that I just prefer to buy.

These specific ones aren't pre sharpened but anytime there's been a request for pre sharpened pencils I just sharpen them myself. The teacher doesn't care if it's bought that way or done at home as long as they don't have to waste a ton of time sharpening pencils themselves.

Thanks! The Kuru Togas I bought from Walmart came in the blue and yellow-green colors, and I parted together the red one from a broken Kuru toga from ebay. I'm looking to collect a few more broken ones to try to make a 0.9 mm lead size Kuru Toga, hopefully adding an orange color to this mix. I think I know how, I just need some extra parts to play with!

They cam in a package like this: Kuru Toga Style

$6.58 Pencils with free prime shipping! <3

The Staedtler 925 25-05 and Pilot S20 are loads better than the GG1000 IMO unless you want the retractable tip.

I'm convinced that these are the greatest pencils on the planet. They are expensive but they last forever. The barrel and clip is actually stainless steel.

http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Mechanical-Pencil-Refillable-54012/dp/B003BLC7FG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408189427&sr=8-2&keywords=zebra+m301

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.

The only wood pencils I will ever buy are Dixon Ticonderoga pencils, and the only mechanical pencils I will ever buy are Bic Mechanical Pencils. It seems like every other pencil uses plastic as an eraser, as if someone at PaperMate said, "Hey, we can save money if we stick a piece of crap on the end of the pencil and say it's an eraser!"

You might enjoy [this] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CDEUBO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=12DLECSTE4XR5&coliid=IPO6J12TNDVD1).

Update: After looking at how the Rotring product line has changed since I bought my multipen, I think the Rotring Rapid Pro is a better approximation of what I've been using for so many years.

The Paper Mate PhD is a good one. So is the Pentel Twist-Erase III, available in 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9mm leads.

>tactical

> I quite like the styling on the rOtring Pro technical pen

Buy a Zebra F-701 with a Fisher Space Pen refill. Total cost: around $11 plus shipping if you don't have Prime. It's a solid steel tube and will write anywhere, plus it doesn't scream "tactical pen!" so you can fly with it, and has the same general look as the rOtring pro.

Note: this pen is .7mm, not .5mm as you requested. The F-301 is available in a .5mm 2-pack for $6, but doesn't have the same construction.

I used the faber castell 9000 series pencil set on this. They are my favorite pencils I've tried so far. They seem to go on smoother than most cheaper pencils I've used.

https://www.amazon.com/Faber-Castell-Castell-Smooth-Graphite-Assorted/dp/B000I5MNC0

Also, sorry I don't know what those charcoal sticks are called.

Alvin Draft/Matic. Extremely well built, smooth and easy to work with. A bit expensive, but I've been using the same one for three years.

https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-STD780C-Lead-Holder/dp/B0006HXM8O

This is one brand. But there are many brands out there. They take a 2mm thick lead that looks like what's inside a normal wood pencil.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=vintage+papermate+slim+pen&_sacat=0

https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Lead-Holder-1/dp/B0006HXM8O

The only worthwhile writing instruments for anyone who isn't an astronaut, and who still has to write anything in this digital age.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AZX0GOM/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1449679192&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=rotring+pencil+0.5&dpPl=1&dpID=4106cZ4-JDL&ref=plSrch

this is a little over $20.
That being said the point end of a rotring is easily bent and not conducive to pocket carry.

Buy something like this. The tip goes inwards if you press too hard to prevent breaking.

It seems they have .7mm versions as well

Bro, get these: http://www.amazon.com/Faber-Castell-9000-Graphite-Sketch-Pencil/dp/B000I5MNC0/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1405561943&sr=8-17&keywords=Faber+castell
Won't regret this either: http://www.amazon.com/Long-Point-Pencil-Sharpener-Pointer/dp/B0038RA6KG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405562006&sr=8-1&keywords=Long+point+sharpener

I get how some people like wooden ones more than mechanical ones but an unbreakable mechanical pencil just sells it for me.

It's on amazon. It's part of the starter set, made for US market.

https://www.amazon.com/d/Mechanical-Pencils/uni-ball-KuruToga-Mechanical-Pencil-1858549/B00BEYXGPC/ref=sr_1_2?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1550325540&sr=1-2&keywords=kuru+toga+.7mm

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

They make pencils with spring-loaded lead, which makes the lead much less likely to break.

I'm partial to Alvins, but I've seen similar designs from other companies.

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

What's the difference between the kuru toga roulette and the kuru toga that's sold as a kit in the U.S?
https://www.amazon.com/uni-ball-KuruToga-Mechanical-Pencil-0-7mm/dp/B00BEYXGPC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1523493727&sr=8-4&keywords=kuru+toga

http://www.amazon.com/BIC-Mechanical-Colorful-Barrels-24-Count/dp/B001CDEUBO

I got it on amazon
It took a month to arrive for me since it shipped from japan, it’s on prime now so it should come fairly quick.

Rotring 600
https://www.amazon.ca/Rotring-Silver-Barrel-Mechanical-1904445/dp/B00AZX0GOM/

Lead holder masterrace

Rotring 600.

I used a .5mm bic mechanical pencil on bristol.

graph 1000, not graphgear 1000

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Drafting-Pencil-Graph-PG1005/dp/B0013NFZU8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541043152&sr=8-1&keywords=graph1000

How is this better than this?

Imagine not knowing there are mechanical pencil versions of wooden pencils.

.

This meme was made by lead holder gang

0.5: https://www.amazon.com/rOtring-Silver-Barrel-Mechanical-1904445/dp/B00AZX0GOM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537835925&sr=8-1&keywords=rotring+600+silver

0.7: https://www.amazon.com/rOtring-1904444-Mechanical-Pencil-Silver/dp/B00AZX1P9C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537835925&sr=8-2&keywords=rotring+600+silver

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZX0GOM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Q2qOBbHBA7W9G

http://www.amazon.com/Alvin-DM07-Draft-Matic-Mechanical-Pencil/dp/B000HF6I90

This, I have a set of them from high school. 27 years now.

probably from 2H-4b. H= a harder graphite so it comes out lighter on the paper. B is a softer graphite so you can get a darker line. You can usually get a case that has from 5H-5B. lead holder I use one of these, but I also draw and design for a living. You can insert different graphites into them and you use this tiny garbage shaped sharpener to sharpen the graphite.

Found it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BEYXGPC/

You'll need a lot of pencils though

Here you go!

https://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Stainless-Mechanical-Pencil-54012/dp/B003BLC7FG

I actually prefer the Staedtler 925 over the rotrings.

These (.5, incidentally,) are stupid cheap, but I've had mine for about two years now, and never had a problem. Granted, I haven't exactly been throwing mine off buildings, but it's not been kept in a velvet-lined case, either.

A few weeks ago the Rotring Rapid Pro, 600 and 800 were going for under $30 on Amazon. You could try those. They're built so well I feel like I could hurt someone by just knocking them on the head with one.

Edit: here you go

rOtring 600 Series Mechanical Pencil, 0.7mm, Black Body (502607) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001A1POWC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VCRVCb4Q6AM41

rOtring 1904257 Rapid PRO Mechanical Pencil, 0.7 mm, Matte Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055ZUEZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LDRVCb3JV35SJ

No 800 in 0.7mm under $30 I'm afraid.

IFixit Kit

Fivestar Graph Ruled composition book

M50xBTs

Eyeglass cleaner

Hydroflask (pictured version no longer sold)

Ticwatch E

Note 9 Midnight black(taking picture)

Pentel BL407

Uni Kuru Toga 0.7mm (best $8 I've ever spent)

Cheap staples ruler

Batman Mighty wallet

>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.

No Zebra yet? Mine is the Zebra F-301 in black for almost everything. Since I sometimes have to take scantron tests or math classes where I can only use pencil, I use the Zebra M-301 mechanical pencil. I don't want anything that's not Zebra now.

Here's enough to last half a lifetime, or if you're like me and lose every damn writing implement you touch, about a week.

Are these fake then?

uni-ball KuruToga Mechanical Pencil, 0.7mm, HB #2, 1 Count (1858549) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BEYXGPC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_n5uDCbWW8225G

If you like the idea of mechanical pencils, but hate how thin the lead is, try a lead holder (this one you need to adjust the length of the lead manually, but they also make ones that advance the lead with a click. The downside is if you like having a sharp tip you also need to get a lead pointer.

You're no longer looking for a "mechanical pencil" but a lead holder. Fuck .9 mm, come join the big boys with 2 mm. Get a lead sharpener and prepare to write.

Edit: http://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-STD780C-Lead-Holder/dp/B0006HXM8O

I'm not OP, but get good pencils. Every teacher on earth needs those. Less broken lead means less pencil sharpening and more learning.

What do you mean by the twist retract mechanism? What is so amazing about the ROtring? It looks so basic and unusual that it almost seems impractical, but I have never even heard of it until today so. But really, why should someone drop $40 on a pencil, this specific one? Maybe I can be convinced to order it and try it out at least, ill probably be too lazy to return it anyways so im preparing that if i go through with it, ill have spent $40 on something I may hardly use.

And the Staedtler, how is it weighted and how is it a drawback? Is it like too heavy, too light, too top heavy, bottom weighted, etc.? What exactly?