(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best 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.

In case you haven't seen the u/chicklepip rewarded rant on this issue:

>Can we talk about the Dixon Ticonderoga for a minute?

>It is, by far, the best pencil on the market. And let me tell you why: because the little nub of rubber on top of it actually erases things. I'm sure that other pencils had this feature too, long ago, but at some point in history, pencilmakers everywhere decided that instead of a useful eraser, what consumers really wanted on top of their pencil was a shitty little piece of plastic that left a pinkish, streaky mess all over the paper.

>But not Dixon. The Ticonderoga still can actually erase. And for that, I salute you, Dixon.

>EDIT: Thanks for the gold. But for less than the price of reddit gold, you could have bought a fresh, new pack of Ticonderogas and almost had enough money left over for another fresh, new pack of Ticonderogas.

>EDIT 2: Lots of people trashing the Ticonderoga and trying to push the Palamaladingdong Black Wing 602. These cost $1.90 per pencil. And that is ridiculous. The good people at Dixon aren't going to rip you off like that. And you know what? They make a black Ticonderoga that is equally sexy, IF NOT SEXIER, than the Black Wing 602. AND a black Ticonderoga will only run you about 21 cents per pencil, which is a much better deal.


>EDIT 3: Some people are trying to push mechanical pencils. Sure, people can use those. Mechanical pencils are all well and good. But here is why the Dixon Ticonderoga is better than any mechanical pencil.

>#1. The Ticonderoga has its graphite embedded inside of it. This guarantees that the graphite will never slip up inside of the pencil body if you press down too hard, which tends to happen frequently with low-end mechanical pencils. It may happen less frequently with high-grade ones, but it will never happen with a Ticonderoga.

>#2. You must sharpen the Ticonderoga. Some people may think that this is a weakness, but I assure you that it is a strength. After writing a few pages, you'll see that your once-sharp tip is now a dull nub. It's a fine indication of all of the work you've done thus far. That dull nub tells you that you've accomplished something. And once you've sharpened it and started writing again? Boy oh boy, there is no finer feeling that using a freshly-sharpened pencil.

>#3. Sharpening the Ticonderoga releases a delectable wood scent into the air. The wood used in Dixon brand Ticonderogas is of a high quality, and is pleasant to smell. This cannot be achieved while using a mechanical pencil without also purchasing some sort of artificial wood scent spray.

>#4. The Ticonderoga is made of wood. This means that the pencil is always pleasant to the touch. It has a solid, natural feel to it, which you can't get with low-grade mechanical pencils, which are made of plastic. High-end mech pencils tend to be metal. When I wake up first thing in the morning, and grab one of my several Ticonderogas to start the day's crossword puzzle, do you know what I don't feel? The biting cold of a metallic pencil body against my fingers. What a way to ruin a perfectly good morning.

>EDIT 4: If anyone from the good people at Dixon are reading this: I would love some free pencils.

>EDIT 5: The good folks at Dixon just contacted me and are going to send me a box of sweet, sweet Ticonderogas. Either that, or I just gave my home address to a random redditor. In either case, I'll let you guys know when they get here.

>EDIT 6: They came! Thanks, Dixon!

>Just for the record, I don't work for Dixon, nor did anyone from their company ask me to make any of these posts. I'm just a simple man who loves good-quality, affordable pencils.

Can we talk about the Dixon Ticonderoga for a minute?

It is, by far, the best pencil on the market. And let me tell you why: because the little nub of rubber on top of it actually erases things. I'm sure that other pencils had this feature too, long ago, but at some point in history, pencilmakers everywhere decided that instead of a useful eraser, what consumers really wanted on top of their pencil was a shitty little piece of plastic that left a pinkish, streaky mess all over the paper.

But not Dixon. The Ticonderoga still can actually erase. And for that, I salute you, Dixon.

EDIT: Thanks for the gold. But for less than the price of reddit gold, you could have bought a fresh, new pack of Ticonderogas and almost had enough money left over for another fresh, new pack of Ticonderogas.

EDIT 2: Lots of people trashing the Ticonderoga and trying to push the Palamaladingdong Black Wing 602. These cost $1.90 per pencil. And that is ridiculous. The good people at Dixon aren't going to rip you off like that. And you know what? They make a black Ticonderoga that is equally sexy, IF NOT SEXIER, than the Black Wing 602. AND a black Ticonderoga will only run you about 21 cents per pencil, which is a much better deal.


EDIT 3: Some people are trying to push mechanical pencils. Sure, people can use those. Mechanical pencils are all well and good. But here is why the Dixon Ticonderoga is better than any mechanical pencil.

#1. The Ticonderoga has its graphite embedded inside of it. This guarantees that the graphite will never slip up inside of the pencil body if you press down too hard, which tends to happen frequently with low-end mechanical pencils. It may happen less frequently with high-grade ones, but it will never happen with a Ticonderoga.

#2. You must sharpen the Ticonderoga. Some people may think that this is a weakness, but I assure you that it is a strength. After writing a few pages, you'll see that your once-sharp tip is now a dull nub. It's a fine indication of all of the work you've done thus far. That dull nub tells you that you've accomplished something. And once you've sharpened it and started writing again? Boy oh boy, there is no finer feeling that using a freshly-sharpened pencil.

#3. Sharpening the Ticonderoga releases a delectable wood scent into the air. The wood used in Dixon brand Ticonderogas is of a high quality, and is pleasant to smell. This cannot be achieved while using a mechanical pencil without also purchasing some sort of artificial wood scent spray.

#4. The Ticonderoga is made of wood. This means that the pencil is always pleasant to the touch. It has a solid, natural feel to it, which you can't get with low-grade mechanical pencils, which are made of plastic. High-end mech pencils tend to be metal. When I wake up first thing in the morning, and grab one of my several Ticonderogas to start the day's crossword puzzle, do you know what I don't feel? The biting cold of a metallic pencil body against my fingers. What a way to ruin a perfectly good morning.

EDIT 4: If anyone from the good people at Dixon are reading this: I would love some free pencils.

EDIT 5: The good folks at Dixon just contacted me and are going to send me a box of sweet, sweet Ticonderogas. Either that, or I just gave my home address to a random redditor. In either case, I'll let you guys know when they get here.

EDIT 6: They came! Thanks, Dixon!



Just for the record, I don't work for Dixon, nor did anyone from their company ask me to make any of these posts. I'm just a simple man who loves good-quality, affordable pencils.

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

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 use 3:

• Zebra F701 I love this pen. It's $5, is near-100% steel, has a click that is very quiet, has an incredible pocket clip, has great filing near the tip for grip. The entire thing comes apart, and you can tinker with it or take it apart/rebuild it as much as you like. I like the way they write - not too heavy, not too light. They leave a very small mark on the other side of notebook pages, but compared to some gel pens like the Pilot G2, it's nowhere near as bad. The ink cartridges are disposable, but you can buy replacements online. They last a very long time. Over the past 4 years, I've carried and used this pen all day, 5 days of the week. So far, I've gone through 3 (Most still work, but have some aspect of them that is broken, such as the threading wearing from excessive fidgeting or something). It's also worth noting that I have a habit of spinning my pens and fidgeting with them, so there's a huge increase on the frequency that i drop/slam my pens into the ground and the amount of wear-and-tear the threading experiences compared to a regular user. The pen itself, by the way, feels incredible - not just as in how it feels physically (very smooth), but I like the weight distribution for spinning it.
  
  
• Pentel Graphgear 500: This is the pencil I use. It's about $6, and comes in 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm versions. If you buy bulk (~8 pencils, I think?) you can save a couple dollars per pencil. I prefer pens to pencils, but when I need a pencil, I always go with this. It's pretty standard for mechanical pencils, but one neat feature is the eraser - the eraser is not exposed on the back, there's a cover that you must remove to access it. This is something I really like - it makes the pencil look nicer, and you aren't pressing on an eraser to get more lead out the front. You can buy replacement erasers, for when it runs out. Note that this pencil is a bit front-heavy (the front is metal, while the back/center is lightweight plastic), and that the tip is a tad bit sharp (comes in handy for opening plastic packages, but I've never had it stab me by mistake). My #1 issue with this pen is that the pocket clip tends to come loose and fall off after awhile - this is a big issue for me, because I carry my pens/pencils in my pocket. Because of this, I'm considering other pencils, or maybe finding some way to hot-glue the pocket clip on? It's a shame, because I otherwise love this pencil.
  
  
• Pilot G2. This is a pen, you can buy a dozen for $1 each. It's gel, and writes bold. I use this when I want to write in bold. I also use this when I write a full page of equations in regular pen, then have space on the sides that I want to use- the bold nature helps separate it from the other equations on the page. This is the pen that I keep as backup for if my main pen somehow fails, and it's the pen that I let other people borrow (since so often we both forget to return it / get the pen back).
  
  I also have a fisher space pen. It's cool, but I find it is kind of small and easy to lose, so I just keep it at home and only use it at my desk.

Cheap and good: Staedtler 925: 3-pack of 0.3mm, 0.5mm, and 0.7mm for $20. Individually sold at art/stationary stores for $5-$10 each.

The metal version by Pentel: GraphGear 500: 4-pack of 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm and 0.9mm for $20. Individually sold at stores for $10-$20 each. They're okay, and people like the metal look, but I prefer the Staedtler.

The good stuff: rOtring. rOtring 600: $23. rOtring 800: $50.

I haven't tried the rOtring pencils myself; I've heard they're good, but I've been pretty happy with the Staedtlers. Although they're the cheapest I mentioned, they're also very comfortable and reliable. I've never had one fail (I have had Pentel pencils fail, including but not limited to the ones I linked), and I've been using them for years.

Make sure you get a decent mechanical eraser to go with them. A Tombow MONO zero in an amazing eraser for the details, and a Sanford Paper Mate Tuff Stuff is good for everything else. Buy an extra pack of the refills and you're good for a while. Note: Do not buy the Sanford eraser for more than $5. The price on Amazon right now is ridiculous. The Tombow is a little more pricy; $5-$10 is fair for it.

When I started playing I bought a pack of 20 sets of dice.

After 2 years I now bring 2 sets to the table, with a few extra d6. That's a personal decision, because I find I need extra d6 more than anything else; You daughter night need multiple of other dice depending what character she plays. But overall, having 2 of every dice is plenty I think.

Having a box to keep and roll them in is an excellent idea. Dice boxes are a really useful addition to your DND setup. I made my own, but there are plenty of companies out there who make nice boxes too. Wyrmwood are what I would aspire to make my boxes like... Need a bit more practice and some different tools though lol.

Some other gift ideas though, and this is all stuff I use or have:

D&D books - Player's Handbook, Xanathars Guide, Dungeon Masters Guide, Sword Coast Adventurers Guide to name a few. Depends whether she's more of a player or wants to run sessions which ones you should get.

Spell or item cards - Something like this could be useful. If you know what class her character is you could get a specific set, or a general pack. I use them with a playing card folder to keep them all together.

Pins and stickers - there's loads of people who make enamel pins and stuff for D&D, great for customising a bag or something.

3D miniatures - Hero Forge let's you make your character and you can either download the file to print yourself, or get them to print it for you. Might need to get some paints to go along with this one.

Custom Character Sheets - Alright, so I actually make these, so it's a bit if a self plug, but I think they're still a great gift. A5 Character Sheet Booklet. It's your standard D&D character sheet in an A5 booklet format with a few extra bits added. Keeps everything nice and tidy, and protects the sheet from damage without having to faff about with a bigger A4 folder.

Mechanical Pencils - not much of a gift I guess, but hot damn, it is frustrating to have to sharpen your pencil at the table. Just get a mechanical one. I use one of these for my graphic design work and bought a second one to keep with my D&D stuff, but any mechanical pencil will do.

[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.

Thanks for going through the trouble to do that! Much appreciated :)

I do like the way the blue grip + black letters look for the 0.5 :) That's probably what I'll do.

I have LOTS of "Frankenpencils" like this in my collection :) If you read my big post with the 60+ pencils last week, you might have seen some of them (like the Twist-Erase XP).

I thought it was kind of neat that Pentel put out their own "kit" for this with the Clear Point 0.7 model. It'd be neat if more companies did that (the price would go up, but that'd be ok with me).

By the way, I got the Graph Gear, and it's amazing! Quickly becoming one of my favorite pencils :) Love the grip, the weight...everything.

Oh my Gosh I ADORE the Alice in Wonderland one ♥ Lovely! How talented you are!

If I could have anything off my wishlist without worrying about price, it'd be this art set. I'd be in art supply heaven! ^^//fatchance

To be honest I'd be happy just taking this, let alone £700 worth!!

Is there a raffle phrase? :3

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.

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.

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).

Pentel Ain Stein are very good leads and I pretty much exclusively buy those now since I've had such good experience with them. A softer lead means it is a darker line, but breaks easier. HB is your standard hardness. 2B is suitable for 0.5mm without much trouble. It is softer and darker than HB. I have used 0.5mm in 4B (softer and darker still) but it smudges too easily for my liking.

I would recommend you try this

Pentel Ain Stein Mechanical Pencil Lead, 0.5mm 2B, 40 Leads x 3 Pack (XC2752B-3P) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EHYH2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KLgHxbH21ME2N

Sure! I'll start by saying that my favorite lead is the Uni NanoDia lead, which I've used in both the 0.5 and 0.3 mm sizes. I discovered that I prefer smaller lead sizes (and pen sizes) when I borrowed the pen in my EDC (Uniball signo 0.38mm) from my friend. I have pretty bad handwriting, and switching from a Pilot G2 0.7mm to a smaller pen seemed to help the legibility of my writing, which is why I opted for the smallest GraphGear. I recommend 0.3mm for notes because that's what I prefer, but if you're doing something that needs shading I would surely opt for a larger lead size.

This is kind of a niche add-on, but I work with musical notation a lot, so having a smaller lead allows me to see details in what I've drawn on the staff more easily, which is another reason I choose 0.3. Hope that helped.

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.

Hi! I recently got on the kick after I dropped my Pentel Graph Gear 1000 and the plastic tubing holding the tip to the barrel broke. So I set out looking for a reasonable, all metal, retractable tip pencil.

• Retro 51 Hex-o-matic -- this one is great. The knurling and the weight are great. It's a charm to write with, and it feels durable https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QITT1O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• TWSBI Precision -- this one feels incredibly durable. It's just a tad heavy, and the knurling isn't as good as the Hex-o-matic (the Precision's knurling is smooth). It's still pleasurable to write with. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NZKFJO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Staedtler 925-25 -- this one has a FIXED tip. It's the lightest of the 3, but all metal still. I really like writing with this one, but since it isn't pocket safe, it stays at home. The knurling is also nice. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BNRGZ6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  Of the 3, the Retro 51 Hex-o-matic is my favorite. I may try the Rotring 800 at some point, but I'm not convinced it's worth $60 for a pencil.

Best (and only) wooden pencil podcast: http://www.erasable.us/
Best wooden pencil youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJOStpzNewBJ0XfhRSsmfw
Amazon link to a good pencil: https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Hi-Uni-Wooden-Pencil-HUHB/dp/B001B8UH30/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1486776879&sr=8-5&keywords=mitsubishi+pencil

Welcome down another rabbit hole...

edit: then there's also r/tea and /r/Coffee

That's an Ohto Super Promecha with 0.5mm lead size. It's a very flexible pencil because you can change how much lead is advanced on each click and how far the protective sleeve with the lead comes out of the pencil. I'd definitely recommend it, it has a nice in-hand feel and looks very professional

I've had my metal-body Kuru Toga for very nearly three years now, and I love it. This Amazon link comes with some eraser refills and a pack of leads made just for the pencil.

There's a review compilation on the front page that gives it awful scores because the lead rotation mechanism "doesn't work", but I think it should've been obvious to the reviewer that he got a bad apple or something. You can easily verify it by holding the pencil in your hand and looking into the little window on the grip while rapidly pressing the tip a dozen times. I can definitely say the lead rotation works, and is useful. I'll definitely miss it when I move to an rOtring 800.

This beautiful Uni Mechanical pencil with the "Kurutoga engine." This rotates your lead a few degrees each time you lift the pencil off the paper, which results in an awesome consistent line weight and eliminates the "broad-siding" of the lead. Paired with these fantastic leads and I haven't accidentally broken a lead while writing since September.

I am constantly drawing, and the best product I ever bought is a 12-pack of Prismacolor Col-Erase Pencils. They're the most amazing erasable colored pencils ever, and they're cheap! I can't recommend them enough. They're cheapest from Blick Art Supplies, but they're also available at Amazon.

Hope this helps a bit! :)

I've been using the pencil every day for about a week and I don't feel that "mushiness" at all. The entire mechanism holding the lead retracts by about 1-2 millimetres when first touching the paper, but that actually makes the writing experience more pleasant for me. It's definitely the best mechanical pencil I've used.

The only problem I've noticed is that the entire mechanism moves sideways by about 1 mm when applying a fair bit of pressure on either side of the pencil (sometimes while writing).

Before using the Kuru Toga, I was using a Mitsubishi Uni HB pencil similar to these and the lead was amazingly smooth.

Pentel GraphGear 500. The single greatest pencil I have ever used, and the only pencil that has ever survived an entire semester in my backpack without cracking. The first one I got a few years ago is still going strong, and I bought some more later on. When the eraser rubs down to nothing, there's a little metal collar you can still pick it up with to refill the lead.

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-GraphGear-Automatic-Drafting-PG525A/dp/B0006OM2RE?th=1

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)

I love using my drafting pencil.
It's pretty cheap, the lead lasts for a long time and you can easily switch out the type/hardness of lead. They're available at hobby lobby too.

Staedtler Mars Technico Lead Holder (780 C) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WL4WEC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i.h1Bb9ZX9PRA

Those will both fit a Tornado with no modification. If you're wanting something different entirely, you could also look at a Tactile Turn Bolt Action, Tiscribe Bolt / Mini, or Retro 51 Hex-o-matic. The Tactile Turn and Tiscribe are both towards the higher end, but they're exceptionally nice, and well worth every dollar.

Pentel Graphgear 500 mechanical pencil for $7

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0006OM2RE?vs=1

These things are great. I use a pencil a lot, and this is definitely BIFL if you don't abuse it. The tip is sharp metal and if you drop it on the tip I suppose it could bend and then be useless, but definitely good build quality.

I have had one for about 3 years now, and last year I bought a spare in case I break/lose/forget one. I use the blue 7mm model but I guess that's really user preference.

They have a 1000 model with a retractable tip, but the design is much less sturdy in the middle of the pen and it snapped in my pocket after about a week.

Edited to include price

I love the S20, hands down my favourite pencil so far. I also have the graph gear 1000.

If you can afford it, afford to lose it then the S20 is a great pencil, I prefer it in deep red. The pen is great for everyday writing, not too heavy and looks amazing.

The GG1000 is quite heavy, balance feels off for me and I never quite enjoyed writing with it. The retracting mechanism is cool (and loud), body picks up some scuffs here and there but it still works.

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’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.

> This lead was only 2.50$ I’m cheap 😎


Looks to me like you can get away with 120 pieces for $7, rather than 36 for $2.5. The Ain Stein lead is cheaper!

Thanks so much! Character design is one of my weak points, so this is a good challenge to help me work on it.

And no problem at all! I start off the drawing with a Col-Erase pencil sketch. For the outlines I've been using a Pentel Pocket Brush, and for the colouring, Copic Markers in various colours. Sometimes I'll use a white Prismacolour pencil to add in some spot highlights, and that's it!

Hope that helps!

As someone whose favorite color is green, I fully approve of this contest :)


I could really use these and there's definitely green in them.

Check out the Uni Kuru Toga Roulette. Amazon has them on sale for like $10 with replacement lead and erasers (usually the pencil is like $15, lead+ erasers maybe $7).

I bought one a few weeks ago and I will never go back to cheap pencils. In fact, I never used cheap pencils because I hated them. I love this pencil.

https://www.amazon.com/Roulette-Model-Rotation-Mechanical-Pencil/dp/B00U6T6SP6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517924034&sr=8-1&keywords=uni+kuru+toga+roulette

Pentel Multi-8. I wanted colored notes, but I couldn't justify buying a tablet, so this is my alternative. I'm really pleased with how it's worked out!

Zebra delgard has unbreakable lead technology. I'm a heavy handed lefty so this was a game changer for me.
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_leXVDbQSQHV5V

There's not much that'll match your criteria. Most pencils with large erasers are plastic; nicer metal pencils usually have just the tiny emergency eraser, and assume you'll have a bigger and better eraser on hand most of the time.

If you are OK with big lead, there's the Retro 1951 Tornado, which is around $30 depending on the colour: https://www.amazon.com/Retro-51-Tornado-Pencil-Stealth/dp/B001VDX9C6

Their Hexomatic model comes in a more standard lead size, but also has a smaller capped eraser: https://www.amazon.com/Retro-51-Hexomatic-Pencil-HEX-601P/dp/B003QITT1O

The Zebra Delguard is great for this.

Look for drafting supplies. Just do a quick search on Amazon.com and find some kits. Mechanical pencils get a thin and a thick for different line weights, or pens if he prefers but I make to many mistakes to go with ink. Triangle scale rulers are awesome and in my mind a must.
https://smile.amazon.com/Alvin-BDK-1E-Beginners-Drafting-Engineers/dp/B000JM47FS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1481911877&sr=8-3&keywords=drafting

https://smile.amazon.com/Staedtler-Combo-Circle-Template-977/dp/B000KIBQ46/ref=pd_sim_229_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HDZAG4H645K0RBS0WTGD

https://smile.amazon.com/Staedtler-Drafting-Mechanical-Pencils-925WP3/dp/B000GR7SUM/ref=pd_sim_229_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HDZAG4H645K0RBS0WTGD

That's a great choice in pencil. I've used primarily a Pentel 0.5 mm that I picked up in 2003ish. I'd vote for you off your pencil choice alone. You can't be worse than some of the other candidates.

I'm actually kinda curious as to the pencil...

edit:
Think I found it.

edit2:
Here's a high-resolution image for anyone curious as to how it works.

Zebra Delguards are where it's at. You can't snap the lead while writing too hard or at a weird angle.

Though that one you mention looks like a good buy it for life sort of thing.

Now that it's summer, new EDC is necessary.

Wallet: Herschel Hank Wallet - https://www.amazon.com/Herschel-Supply-Co-Gridlock-Synthetic/dp/B01N64ZXXR/ref=cts_ap_1_vtp?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=76154825667896829&pf_rd_r=ae438e3e-5f82-11e8-96ec-51643eb7965b&pd_rd_wg=rcyjY&pf_rd_s=desktop-detail-softlines&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_i=B073J14ZXB&pd_rd_w=RawjS&pf_rd_i=desktop-detail-softlines&pd_rd_r=ae438e3e-5f82-11e8-96ec-51643eb7965b&_encoding=UTF8&dpID=51KYVNhmKZL&preST=_SX342_QL70_&dpSrc=detail&th=1&psc=1

Knife: Kershaw Shuffle II - https://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-8750TBLKBW-Multifunction-Reversible-Pocketclip/dp/B00TUCPWZM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1527187621&sr=8-3&keywords=shuffle+II&dpID=41p4CjphtcL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Pencil: Zebra Delguard Mechanical - https://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Mechanical-Pencil-Guard-P-MAB85-BK/dp/B016JQZJOA/ref=sr_1_cc_4?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1527187654&sr=1-4-catcorr&keywords=zebra+delguard

Watch: LONGBO Waterproof Business - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075XKDTLG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Phone: https://www.motorola.com/us/products/moto-x-gen-4-android-one

+ 2013 Mazda3 (W/ Triforce Keychain)

My first post, so I hope I did it right. Please tell me if I didn't.

This one. It's actually really good. Scroll down my posts for examples.

https://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Automatic-Pencil-Assorted-PH158/dp/B001PMJZ3K

My favorite Set up...Staedtler Drafting Mechanical Pencil

I hope this helps .

Not sure how long this will last, but right now: $0.91

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LNNZS90

​

...aaaaaand back to the original price.

I use this coding reference: It's served me very well for the last 15 years.
http://scriptures.byu.edu/gettalk.php?ID=4
with this pen:
http://www.amazon.com/Pentel-Automatic-Pencil-Assorted-PH158/dp/B001PMJZ3K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453106438&sr=8-3&keywords=pentel+colored+pencils

I recommend this one.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/三菱鉛筆-鉛筆-ハイユニ-HUHB-1ダース/dp/B001B8UH30/

I've used Paper mate PhD Ultra Mechanical pencils my entire school career (undergrad to now in Grad school). Only problem I've had with them is that they have to be cleaned (run lead refill through the mechanism a couple times to clear up the gripper) of small broken lead pieces on occasion. I recently started using some super strong lead that seems to be less prone to breakage than normal cheap 0.5mm lead. Haven't had enough time to confirm it's worth the extreme price hike, but it's worked well for the limited time I've had it.

For eraser: Retractable eraser pens and Pentel Eraser Block.

If you want to up your Kuru Toga game, get one of the metal ones on Amazon. They perform the same as the plastic ones, but look and feel much better. I've had the gunmetal grey Kuru Toga for years now, but it's fallen aside to Pigma Micron pens (mmmm felt tip).

Zebra has very nice pens, but their pencils are phenominal.

The Zebra DelGuard helps if you press down really hard when you write but it is all plastic.

Hey /u/Oxygen25 she sent me a link to Amazon for a pencil

It doesn't look quite right, and isn't a pen...but They may have swapped barrels out for ink on the set. Let me know if you want me to PM you the prop shop's contact info. That said, they're storefront is online.

Edit: I looked at the screenshot again. I'd bet that this is the pen. Just weird lighting.

What I used was a lead holder, which is different than a mechanical pencil. It has a much thicker, longer lead and you use a lead pointer, or possibly sandpaper, to sharpen it. Also, it doesn't automatically advance the lead. It has a release, but if you point it down, the lead will fall out.

Is a Pentel multi colored color pencil. here's a link.

In case if you were wondering, it's a Mitsubishi Hi-Uni in HB.

i'm a drafter, so i still just user my drafter's lead holder with HB lead. it has its own sharpener built into the cap!

https://www.amazon.com/Roulette-Model-Rotation-Mechanical-Pencil/dp/B00U6T6SP6/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=uni+kuru+toga+roulette+0.5&qid=1558148863&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Steadtler lead holders: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000WL4WEC

I'm partial to the 0.3mm. I've had mine for 5-years and it's still going strong.

Edit: This bad boy

Knife: Opinel Blade no8 ($14)

Flashlight: Streamlight pen light ($20)

Pen: Pilot G2 Limited ($9)

Mechanical Pencil: Pentel GraphGear 500 0.7 ($7)

Wallet: Recycled Firefighter ($9)

(Nearly) hard mode completed. $59 total.

From left to right

Kurutoga Roulette, Kurutoga Advance, Kurutoga pipe slide, Tombow Mono Graph Shaker, Zebra DelGuard, TUL 0.5mm, rOtring 500 0.5mm, rOtring 500 0.3mm

Lead and erasers

Tombow MONO-WX 3B, Pencil Neox 4B, Sakura Color Foam Eraser, Pentel Hi-polymer Block Eraser