roting rapid PRO 0.5 mm Drafting Pencil in Black

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Grace, elegance, sophistication, beauty, no, I am not talking about my lovey wife, this time, although she is all these things, I'm talking about a drafting pencil.  Namely the rotring rapid PRO 0.5 mm in Black.  Like my lovely wife, the rotring rapid Pro is all these things and more.

First introduced in 2010 it's price range puts it in between the rotring 600 and the rotring 800 drafting pencils, the spot once held by the now discontinued and rare rotring 700 drafting pencil.  So I am going to take a wild guess here, mind you it just that, and say that the rotring rapid PRO was designed to fill the gap between the rotring 600 and the rotring 800.  But I could be wrong.  At any rate it fits the gap well.

Now, why would I apply such words like grace, elegance, sophistication and beauty to a drafting pencil?  Because they fit.  The rotring rapid PRO is everything one would expect from the International known and loved rotring family of pencils and pens.  It has graceful lines, is n elegant design, has a sophisticated look and is a beauty to look at and use.

Yeah, I know what you're thinking!  You're thinking that because he likes drafting pencils and rotrings that he's going to give this one a glossy review!  Well, I could see why you would think that way, but you'd be wrong!  I'm going to give it a satiny review.  Get it?  Satiny review!  The pencil's a satin black...  (Sigh)  Why do I even bother?

OK, enough dry humor.  Lets get down to some hard facts....

 The Construction..  The rotring rapid PRO is of all metal construction on the exterior and a combination of metal and plastic on the interior.  The metals are aluminum plate over brass (my best guess) which is anodized a satin black.  The barrel is hexagonal while the grip assembly is round.  The top of the pencil where the pocket clip resides is round as is the push button.

The Look.  The finish is a satin black with a smooth texture on the barrel and a rough texture on the grip portion of the grip assembly.  This is due to tiny spiral cross hatching intended to provide the surface a good grip. A red plastic ring separates the grip assembly from the barrel.  This is part of the interior assembly. On the left side of the pencil, in gloss gray paint, are the rotring logo and the name of the pencil, "rapid PRO" and the lead, size, "0.5" (mm).  Embossed on the pocket clip is the company logo.  All in all a rather attractive pencil.

Point of Interest.  The "red ring" around the pencil is the companies trademark.  It literally means "red ring".  The original manufacturing company, based in Germany, changed the company name to "rotring" in the early stages of the company's life.  The company is now part of Newell Rubbermaid and the pencils are made in Japan.  To the best of my knowledge the quality of the German pencil has been upheld by the Japanese version.  As far as interchangeability is concerned, I haven't a clue.  If you know of anything different please write me and let me know.

 The stats.  The rotring rapid PRO is a solid, high end pencil worthy of the rotring name.  It is made of metal, probably a combination of brass and steel.  I'm certainly NOT going to take a carbide scribe to it to find out for sure, but most metal pencils have brass bodies as well as other parts made of brass while things like the pocket clip, lead sleeve and push button are made of steel.  Generally the interior is a combination of metal (brass and steel) and plastic of some type.  Such is the case with the rapid PRO.  Don't disdain plastic in a high end pencil as plastic can dampen sound and it makes far less noise than metal when surfaces contact one another, thus making for a quitter pencil.

The rotring rapid PRO is a heavyweight weighing in at 24.5 grams.  It's 144 mm with the sliding sleeve retracted and 148 mm long extended.  That gives the rapid PRO a 4 mm lead sleeve. the diameter is 8.5 mm across the flats and has a balance point of 73 mm from the extended point.  This means that the Rapid Pro's balance point is almost in the exact center of the pencil.  This makes for a better writing experience. 

The black satin color is probably the result of the brass being plated with a thin coating of Aluminum and then hard anodized.  Brass itself cannot be anodized.  Anodize is a process where Aluminum is oxidized.  Anodize is applied in layers and is harder than the under lying Aluminum.  During the process the anodize can be dyed or colored, thus a black pencil!

The push button on the rapid PRO is a bit unusual and there is no explanation, that I can read (I don't read Japanese) in the pamphlet that accompanies the pencil, in that the push button is a tube, not a cap!  The top is open.  What's up with that!?  I don't see the purpose in the open top, but the metal is rolled down towards the inside so there is no sharp edge, but a nice smooth edge to press against.  Under the push button is a tiny eraser (useless in my book, then any follower of this blog knows how I feel about such erasers).  The eraser hides the fact that instead of a wide mouth for the reservoir there is a metal cap with a small hole in it so that the lead has to be delivered one-at-a-time!  Much like the Mitsubishi Kuru Togas.  Again, what's up with that!?  If anybody knows the reasoning behind this, please let me know!

Now if you go pressing on the push button, and I know that you will, then you will get a surprise. The first depression lets down the hidden sliding sleeve (Ha!  Told you there was a surprise!) along with a small amount of lead.  A second depression releases enough lead to write/draw with.  The mechanism is not loud, while not being silent either.  Shall we say it's on the quiet side, but audible. The sliding sleeve is a true sliding sleeve, not just a hide-a-way sleeve.  This means as you write, the lead wears away but when it reaches the sleeve the sleeve moves back up into the pencil allowing the lead to still make a mark.  However this is more use when drawing with a straight edge than anything else for the pencil is held almost perpendicular to the paper when drafting or doing mechanical drawings.

4 mm sliding sleeve
Now You See Me, Now You Don't!

The rotring rapid PRO breaks down into 4 major components.  The grip/end cap/lead sleeve, the push button, the eraser (without a clean out rod) and the main body.  The pocket clip is removable, but should one do so I am afraid that the finish would be scratched.  To disassemble the pencil in order to remove a lead jam, simply remove the grip assembly, then using a suitable clean out rod, remove the jam and reassemble the pencil.  No need to remove the push button and eraser to gain access to the clean out rod because there is none (did I mention that the pencil doesn't come with a clean out rod already?).

Top: Grip/End Cap/Lead Sleeve
Bottom from left to right: Front Row, Push Button, Eraser.  Back Row:  The Main Body And Internal Works

 

Now besides the obvious grudge I have against pencil makers no longer putting clean out rods in thin lead pencils I have one other complaint about the pencil  But first a word from our sponsors... Please visit jetpens.com often and when you do you can mention my name, The Old Geezer!  And the name of my blog, Pens and Pencils!  It won't get you any discounts or anything but it might get and my blog some attention! (Just kidding,...).  The second, and more importantly is the grip part of the grip assembly.  The knurling is very fine and was intended to provide the end user with a good griping surface.  But for me the knurling is almost to fine.  Almost but not quite.  It's not that the pencil slips in my hand when I use it, it's just that I prefer the feel of a courser knurling!  To each his own. 

 

However, there is one thing that I have discovered.  With use the grooves tend to fill with exfoliated skin!  This turns the black to gray!  An"acid" brush, form a hardware store, with it's natural bristles shortened considerably, is good for cleaning this out of the grooves of the grip. A little bit of tap water used with the brush helps remove the dead skin and wash it away. The natural bristles are easy on the finish.  NEVER use any type of metal brush to do this as this would ruin the pencils finish!

 

Bottom line.  The rotring rapid Pro make a good writing pencil.  it's well balanced, has some heft to it which helps keep in in the hand and in the correct writing position..  The grip issue aside the pencil is a keeper.  It's a very well made pencil, made from quality materials with an attention to details.  The pencil is also suited for mechanical drawing but I personally feel that the rotring rapid Pro is worth the money.  One day I'll buy one in silver and I'll have a side by side comparison.

 

I hope that this review has been helpful, interesting, informative and that you, the reader, liked my since of humor.  If you didn't, then by all means don't email me a bout it!

 

Many thanks to our friends at jetpens.com for the pencil used in this review.  Please visit them for some of the finest pens, pencils and stationary items that Japan makes. 

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

 

Koh-I-Noor Rapidomatic 5633 0.3mm Automatic Pencil

Hello Pen And Pencils Blog Fans... and other assorted strangers!  Welcome to my humble blog and another riveting review!... OK, so maybe not so riveting, but a review none the less!  I did this one for Associated Content a couple of years ago.  It's in a style I no longer use, but, hey, it's a valid review no matter what Tommy Turquoise says!  I've altered it here for my blog.  Enjoy!


Technical Data:
Length: 142.1mm
Diameter (Body) 9.1mm
Diameter (Grip): 8.1mm
Balance Point (From Bush Button): 74.6mm
Weight: 17 grams
Lead Sleeve: 4mm, fixed
Lead Size: 0.3mm

Major Components: End cap/lead sleeve/grip, body with lead grade indicator, pocket clip, clutch assembly/lead reservoir, push button and eraser with clean out rod.

Construction Type: Independent body and clutch/lead reservoir.

Construction Materials: Plastic body, metal end cap/lead sleeve/grip, pocket clip, push button, clutch assembly and lead reservoir.

Colors: Red, body, bright chrome pocket clip, lead grade indicator, push button, end cap/lead sleeve/grip, lead reservoir.

Mode Of Operation: Ratcheting push button lead advance, 3-jawed brass clutch with brass over-sleeve.

Appearance: The bright red color of the hexagonal body with its white lettering makes a striking contrast against the bright chrome of the other components. The chrome lead grade indicator rests at the top of the body and is finely knurled. The silver lead grade characters are set against a gloss black background and include the grades H, 2H, 4H, 2B, B, HB and F. The chrome pocket clip sets just below the lead grade indicator and is embossed with the brand name and country of origin, Japan. The chrome push button is the full over-sleeve type completely covering the lead reservoir and has the lead size nicely embossed on the top. The chrome grip is nicely knurled in a diamond pattern and steps down twice to form the integral end cap, squaring off before becoming the lead sleeve.

Disassembly: To completely disassemble the 5633 first remove the grip. The clutch assembly and lead reservoir will probably come along with it. Remove the clutch assembly from the end cap. Remove the pushbutton to expose the eraser. Remove the eraser to access the clean out rod. This completes the disassembly of the 5633. Reassembly is the opposite of disassembly.

Clearing A Lead Jam: Refer to this article, "All Jammed Up?", should clearing a lead jam be necessary.

My Opinion: The Koh-I-Noor was designed as a professionals tool but it's equally at home on the desk of the average homeowner. It is a well designed and built, being a highly sought after pencil brand for years. The lead is rock solid in the lead sleeve with very little if any wobble. Three clicks of the push button produce 1 mm of lead, quite enough lead to write with. Any more and there is a risk of breakage. The chrome lead reservoir is cavernous enough to hold several tubes of lead and still have room to spare. This is a feature that I like as I like to fill the lead reservoir with as much lead as possible. The balance point of the pencil is almost at the midpoint so the pencil is only slightly bottom heavy but it doesn't feel like it. The finely knurled diamond pattern on the grip makes a good surface to hold onto and helps guide the pencil across the paper. The only thing I don't like is the lead grade indicator. I'm not fond of the top of the body type of lead grade indicators. The one on the Koh-I-Noor started out tight but after years of use it has loosened up. Also the silver characters are set against a gloss black background making them hard to read due to glare. However the 5633 is a great pencil to write with being finely crafted and well built. I like the Koh-I-Noor, it feels good in my hand and is an easily guided across the paper despite its 17 gram weight, or maybe because of it. Either way I like this German designed pencil and wish that I had more.

Last Words: The above review was of a pencil that I've had for years. It was made in Japan and is a very well built pencil, possibly as well built as the original Koh-I-Noors made in Germany. Unfortunately the line is now made in China. The Chinese version of the pencils are not quite up to the standard of the Japanese or German versions. It's for this reason that I can not recommend buying a Koh-I-Noor 5633 unless you can find one in new or good condition that was made in Japan or Germany.

Picture courtesy of... wait!  I took that one!  Nice pic, huh?

Pentel Graphgear 500 PG523 Drafting Pencil: A Review

What follows is my review of the Pentel GraphGear PG523 0.3mm drafting pencil.  This review was original published at Assocciated Content.

Review: Pentel GraphGear 500 PG523 0.3mm Automatic Pencil
Style: Drafting
Technical Data
Length: 141mm
Diameter (Body): 8.3mm across points of hex
Diameter (Grip): 9.2mm
Balance Point (From Push Button): 82.5mm
Weight: 14.2grams
Lead Sleeve: 4mm, fixed
Lead Size: 0.3mm

Major Components: Integral end cap/lead sleeve/grip, push button, pocket clip, eraser, integral body/lead reservoir/clutch assembly.

Construction Type: Integral body/lead reservoir/clutch assembly.

Construction Materials: Plastic body. Metal end cap/lead sleeve/grip, push button, pocket clip, lead reservoir and clutch assembly.

Colors: Brown body, bright chrome end cap/lead sleeve/grip, pocket clip, push button and lead reservoir.

Mode Of Operation: Ratcheting push button lead advance, 3-jawed brass clutch with brass over-sleeve.

Appearance: The PG-523 appears odd to me in that the grip is much larger than the body and takes up almost 1/3rd of the pencils length. The grip is finely knurled in a diamond pattern with 4 evenly spaced parallel rings on the lower part of the grip. There is a deep grove, then a short, tapered un-knurled portion before a long tapering section that steps down in a short taper to the lead sleeve. The body is hexagonal with white lettering along one side. The pocket clip is removable and has the Company name and country of origin stamped on to the rim of the clip. It rests at the top of the pencil. The push button is the full over-sleeve type completely covering the lead reservoir. It is odd in appearance it that it is flared out at the top as if it has been pounded upon.

Disassembly: To take down the PG523 first unscrew the grip and remove it. Next remove the push button by sliding it off the lead reservoir. Pull the eraser free from inside the mouth of the lead reservoir (note that there is no clean out rod). The pocket clip is removed by pushing up on it until it is free of the body. This is as far as the user can disassemble the pencil. Reassembly is the opposite of disassembly.

Clearing A Lead Jam: Refer to this article, Clearing A Lead Jam, should clearing a lead jam be necessary.

My Opinion: Despite its ungainly appearance the PG-523 is an excellent writing instrument. Its large and heavy grip sleeve makes the pencil bottom heavy. This along with the pencils weigh makes it a pleasure to write with. It seems to glide across the paper effortlessly, almost doing the writing for me. The finely knurled grip offers a good surface on which to hold the pencil while writing being neither too sharp nor too dull. Four clicks of the push button will produce 1mm of lead, enough to write with comfortably. The mechanism is on the quiet side and requires only a short stroke to produce lead. The lead reservoir is cavernous enough to hold several tubes of lead and still have room for more, a feature that I like. While functional I have never been fond of the integral lead sleeve/end cap/grip as it is too much to have to remove in order to clear a lead jam.

Last Words: The PG-523 was designed as a fine drafting tool and serves this purpose well. But it also makes a fine writing instrument as well. It's a rugged pencil that will probably outlast newer models. If you are in need of a quality drafting pencil or just want a good all around writing pencil then consider buying a Pentel GraphfGear 500 PG-523. You won't be sorry.

Due to a glitch comments were not enabled on this post.  If you would like to leave a comment please do so at my Guest Book.  Just mention the pencil by name.

Review: Alvin Draft/Matic DM03 0.3mm Automatic Pencil

What follows is my review of the Alvin Draft/Matic 0.3mm Drafting Pencil.  It was originally published at Associated Content.  I have edited the content for this posting.  I hope that it's not to dry for anyone!

Technical Data
Length: 142.4mm
Diameter (Body): 8. mm
Diameter (Grip): 8.5mm
Balance Point (From Push Button): 82.5mm
Weight: 17 grams
Lead Sleeve: 4mm, fixed
Lead Size: 0.3mm

Major Components: End cap/lead sleeve/grip, body with lead grade indicator, pocket clip, push button, eraser and the clutch assembly/lead reservoir sub-assembly.
Clutch assembly/lead reservoir sub assembly: Clutch assembly, lead reservoir, eraser holder/reservoir plug, end cap/body coupler and clutch-retaining spring.

Construction Type: Independent clutch assembly/lead reservoir and body.

Construction Materials: Plastic body, clear plastic lead reservoir. Metal clutch assembly, push button, pocket clip, lead grade indicator, end cap/lead sleeve/grip, eraser holder/reservoir plug, end cap/body coupler and the clutch retaining spring.

Colors: Yellow body, bright chrome lead grade indicator, pocket clip, push button, eraser holder/reservoir plug, end cap/body coupler, clutch-retaining spring.

Mode Of Operation: Ratcheting push button lead advance, 3-jawed brass clutch with brass over-sleeve.

Appearance: The DM03 is an attractive pencil with very clean lines. The bright yellow body has black imprinting which is very legible. The lead grade indicator is knurled and at the top of the body. The lead grade indicator window is rectangular showing the silver over gloss black lead grades which are H, 2H, 4H, 2B, B, HB and F. The bright chrome push button is the full over-sleeve type, which fully hides the chrome eraser holder. The bright chrome pocket clip rests below the lead grade indicator and is stamped with the country of origin, Japan. The chrome grip is nicely knurled in a diamond pattern and steps down twice to form the integral end cap/lead sleeve, squaring off before becoming the lead sleeve. The end cap/body coupler is seen only as a ring between the grip and the body.

Disassembly: Complete take down of the DM03 is not quite as simple as with other pencils and is NOT recommended.  To fill the lead reservoir first remove the chrome push button, then the eraser from the reservoir tube.  Drop in a few pieces of lead the put the eraser... Awe, come on!  You know the rest!  If you have to clear a lead jam you will have to remove the grip.  Simply unscrew the grip and slide it off the end of the pencil.

Clearing A Lead Jam: Refer to this article, Clearing A Lead Jam, should clearing a lead jam be necessary.  The link is on the front page of this blog.

My Opinion (for what it's worth): The Alvin is a heavyweight of a pencil with its balancing point being 82.5mm from the top of the pencil. This makes the Alvin bottom heavy, which helps it rest comfortably in my hand. The finely knurled diamond pattern on the chromed grip affords my fingers a good hold. Both features help make writing with the Alvin a delight to write with, it almost writes for me. Three clicks of the push button produces enough lead to write or draw with, a comfortable 1 mm. The lead reservoir is not cavernous, being small in diameter, but it will hold a couple of dozen leads. The lead grade indicator at the top of the body spins to freely and can move during normal handling. The bright silver characters of the lead grades are set against a gloss black background making them hard to read due to glare. However the push button can be replaced and the eraser used without causing lead projection.

Last Words: The Alvin Draft/Matic DM03 was designed as a drafting tool but serves well as a freehand drawing tool or as a fine writing instrument. Its balance and feel make it suitable for anyone who wishes to use it in either respect. So if you are in the market for a high quality writing or drawing tool keep the Alvin DM03 in mind as you shop.

Due to a glitch comments were not enabled on this post. If you would like to leave a comment please do so at my Guest Book. Just mention the pencil by name.

June/July Giveaway

Well, hello Miss Tussy Pink!  I heard that you had joined the staff here at Pens And Pencils!  You are a most welcome addition to our staff!

"Hello, Geezer.  Thank you for that adorable welcome!"

What's you got there, Tussy?

"Well, Geezer, this was supposed to be Junes giveaway but seeing as how June is almost over..."

Awe!  That's right!  I've been out of touch for so long that I'd almost forgotten all about it!  So I guess we'll just have to make it June/July's giveaway, won't we?

"That looks like the only thing you can do, Geezer!"

Well, Tussy, you just stand there looking pretty and I'll tell the readers about the Ohto pencil that your holding!

"Oh, Geezer!  You're so charming!"

OK, readers, up for grabs this time is a gently used out of production Ohto Promecha 1000/07, OP-1007, 0.7 mm drafting pencil.  This pencil features an adjustable length 4 mm lead sleeve, a rubber grip, lead grade indicator and an all black finish.  The pencil is in great condition except in one area.  There is a gouge on the rubber grip as shown in the photo.

I don't know if there is a replacement for the rubber grip available however the thin rubber grip can be removed, if with a little effort.  So, if a replacement can be found or a substitute, such as black heat shrink, used the rubber grip can be removed.  But other than that the pencil is in great shape!  It eve has the original sticker still attached.

The Ohto weights 20.2 grams and is 148.66mm long.  It is 7.56mm in diameter st the body and 10.35mm at the grip.  There is a clean out rod under the eraser however being 0.7mm I doubt that it will ever be needed.

The two photos show the lead sleeve in both the extended and retracted positions.

But that's not all!  The lead reservoir is filled with 12 pieces of grade B lead.  I'm also including three 12 piece tubes of grade B lead as well!  That's 48 pieces of lead!

So, how do you enter the giveaway?  Simple, just leave a comment to this post before midnight July 9th, 2010.  That simple.  Only if you sign in as Anonymous, then please, in the body of your comment, leave some name or handle that you can be ID'd from so, if you win, I can identify you!

That's it.  Check back after midnight July 9th (which is actually the 10th) to see if you've won!

Can You Identify Me?

Click on pic so see larger image

I am a rotring pencil of unknow era and unknown model.  If you know just what my model name is PLEASE contact The Old Geezer at theoldgeezer@live.com as Geezer has a loyal reader who has the need to know!  He has ask Geezer for help, unfornately Geezer has no idea what model I am but is sure that some loyal reader of Pens And Pencilsa does.  So, can you indedify me. please?

Tommy And The Platinum Pro-Use 03 MSD-1000A

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, it's Tommy Turquoise! What have you got there, Tommy!?

"Thank you, Geezer! I have your Platinum Pro-Use 03 MSD-1000A Drafting Pencil! It's time that you reviewed it"

You are so right, Tommy! Thanks for the reminder!

"You're welcome, Geezer!"

The Platinum Pro-Use 03 MSD-1000A is a pencil that I have been looking at for a long time. I own 2 other Platinum 0.3 mm pencils, the Pro-Use MSD-300A , and the Pro-Use MSD-500A. I like both of these pencils a lot but they are either plastic or partially plastic on the exterior. The MSD-1000A is an all metal pencil on the exterior. I find that I have come to like all metal pencils. I'm not sure if it's the silver color that they usually come in or the weight that an all metal pencil has or the feel of the metal surface or a combination of all 3! Maybe it's the luxury of having a more expensive pencil in my hand. Even though most companies, like Platinum, put as much quality into their less expensive pencils as they do their higher end pencils, an all metal pencil just speaks to me of quality and luxury!

The Pro-Use MSD-1000A is a quality pencil. It's designed and built by the Japanese so the engineering and manufacturing are superb. The shape of the 1000A is a little unusual in that it suddenly flares out at the grip, emerging from a slender cylinder. The grip has 9 evenly spaced grooves, concentric the the body of the pencil, giving rise to 7 evenly spaced ridges and 2 unevenly spaced ones. The end cap, which contains the lead sleeve, is flat where it meets the grip but quickly rounds over instead of being angular. It inverse curves to a short straight shaft before tapering to the lead sleeve. The color is a stain chrome. Behind the grip, in line with the body, is the lead grade indicator. The sleeve is a bright chrome with a rectangular window. The characters are silver upon a black background. The straight shaft of the body, like the grip, is a silvery gray with the words "PRO-USE" in hollow, gray outlined, backward slanting letters, the numerals "03" in solid gray and the words "PLATINUM JAPAN" in thin gray letters. The satin silver pocket clip is unadorned but the blade is slightly curved downward at the hilt then again at the end. The push button is of the over-the-shaft mushroom type that is reflective in shape to the grip only with 2 evenly spaced groves. Atop the broad top of the push button is the lead size in the same gray characters as on the side of the pencil. All in all a very lovely pencil to look at.



And now for the stats: The pencil is 143.3 mm long, 9.4 mm in diameter at the grip, weighs 16.1 grams and has a balance point 69.3 mm from the tip of the pencil, making it 2.3 mm top heavy, but you won't notice it! The 1000A feels perfectly balanced in the hand. The lead reservoir is cavernous enough to hold a couple of dozen leads but the eraser does not have a clean out rod, which is typical of Platinum pencils. It only takes two clicks to produce adequate lead to write or draw with. This is very nice in helping to eliminate lead breakage. The 1000A is a ratcheting style pencil with an all brass chuck and chuck ring. Being all metal the end cap is secured from accidental loosening by a rubber O-ring. In order to adjust the lead grade indicator it is necessary to loosen the grip from the body just a tad.

While the pencil body is thin the grip is robust enough to grip comfortably. The satin finish on the grip combined with the grooves make for a nice gripping surface. It's very easy to hold onto and to write with. It feels balanced in the hand and easy to control. The broad head of the push button makes the ratcheting mechanism feel softer than it really is. The ratcheting mechanism has a metallic sound to it but it's quieter than one might expect from an all metal pencil. The lack of a clean out rod is typical of the Platinum pencils. This is a little disturbing. The average person who would buy this pencil may never need the missing clean out rod, but when the need arises, the average person is stuck with a broken pencil as 0.35 mm wire is not a common household item! With the other lead sizes common items can be found that will act as clean out rods.

The bottom line, despite the lack of a clean out rod, Platinum has a winner in the Platinum Pro-Use 03 MSD-1000A. It not only is it an attractive pencil (now tell me, does anyone really want an ugly pencil?) it is an easy pencil to use. Disassembly, should it become necessary, is easy and straight forward, as is reassembly. It is well designed and built pencil, a true quality instrument. If you are on the hunt for a quality 0.3 mm pencil then you should definitely consider the Platinum Pro-Use 03 MSD-1000A.

The Platinum Pro-Use 03 MSD-1000A can be purchased from our friends at JetPens.

I'd like thank the Platinum Pen Co. of Japan, and the Customer Service Department, for the pencil reviewed in this article.

rotring 600 0.35 mm drafting pencil in silver

Zed! What are you doing here!? And where’s Tommy!?
“I told him to take the night off. I wanted to surprise you and tell you that I’ve moved myself and my entire family to Earth!”
You have!? Wow! That’s great Zed! I guess we’ll be seeing a good deal more of each other then!?
“That’s right, Geezer!”
Well then, is that my Rotring 600 you’ve got there?
“Sure is, Geezer! Time to give it a review!”
You’re right, Zed! So…
I have been wanting a rotring for some time now. It was a toss up between the 500 and the 600, 0.35 mm. I like the silver over the black, and I like all metal pencils, so I took the plunge recently, cracked open the piggy bank and splurged on the 600 model!  I Did not get it on eBay, instead I found it and the Staedtler REG 925 85 03 Regulator at Smartimports.com. Their selection of pencils just happened to be almost completely limited to the very 2 pencils that I wanted that day! As for the500 model, well it’s only 2/3rds the price of the 600and it only comes in black, but maybe I can get one soonish, we’ll see!
The rotring 600 0.35 mm…
“Eh, Geezer? Don’t you mean 0.3 mm?
No, Zed, I mean 0.35 mm! You see 0.35 mm is much closer to the actual diameter of the lead than 0.3 mm is. So the wily Germans decided to confuse everyone and correct, or nearly so, a misconception that has been perpetrated on the entire world for decades!
“That’s confusing, Geezer!”
Welcome to Earth, Zed! Ain’t ‘cha glad ya moved here!?… As I was saying, the rotring 600 0.35 mm drafting pencil is an almost entirely metal pencil, as is the entire 600 series of pencils and pens. The 500 series has a plastic body with a metal grip, pocket clip and a few other parts. The section holding the 3-jawed chuck is of a tough white colored plastic of some sort while the clear connecting tube that connects the white support to the metal lead reservoir is of another. Other than the eraser and the strip the lead grade indications are printed on the pencil is entirely made of brass and steel. The various parts have been surface treated in such a way as to give the smooth areas a uniform satin finish once chromed. Same goes for the knurled portion of the grip and the lead grade indicator. The color makes the pencil look hard chromed. The obround window in the lead grade indicator reveals the the lead grade indications are gloss white upon a gloss background. Ad to this the red numerals, “0.35” on the left side of the pencil and the ”rot ring” around the Lead grade indicator and you have one very beautiful pencil! The only other adornments visible are the manufactures name on the pocket clip and the lead size on top of the push button, both embossed.

Now oddly enough there is one other marking on the pencil. It’s hidden from view and I might have gone on for years without knowing it was there if it wasn’t for the fact that I take my pencils apart. In so doing I just happened to notice what I thought was a couple of dings in an unusual place (blame it on aging eyes). Just above the threads on the upper body are the initials “K Q” in capitals. The area where they are stamped is normally hidden by the grip. Just whose initials they are is a deep, dark mystery!… Well maybe not so deep or dark! They could be the initials of the person who made the pencil, of the person who inspected it, of the name of the factory the pencil was made in or any number of other names. Signing ones work used to be a matter of pride in a factory. Is it still?

The rotring breaks down into 6 major parts/components. They are the grip, which is very nicely knurled and which is an integral part of the end cap/lead sleeve. Next is the integral 3-jawed chuck, chuck holder and metal lead reservoir. Then comes the body, a beautifully made hexagon tube with a removable pocket clip. The lead grade indicator is atop the body and is also nicely knurled. It is also the first pen of it’s ilk where the lead grade indicator sleeve has enough tension/friction to not only stay put when set but is actually hard to move! Plugging up the lead reservoir is the eraser. rotring did not include a clean out rod with the pencil though the eraser holder was clearly designed for one. Since this is my first rotring I don’t know if this is accidental or by design. Lastly comes the straight tube-like push button. To me the rotring (btw if you didn’t catch it earlier “rot ring” in German means “red ring”) 500/600 series of pencils are very beautiful. I have always liked the shape ever since I was introduced to the design many moons ago when I bought my first Koh-I-Noor Rapidomatic 5633, though having a plastic barrel the Koh-I-Noor is more akin to the 500 series. At one point in time rotring owned Koh-I-Noor (or was it the other way around? The web can be so confusing!) hence the similarities in the pencils exterior design.


The fit and finish on the 600 is impeccable! It clearly shows it’s German engineering and Japanese manufacturing heritage! The finish is flawless through out the pencil, even where it doesn’t have to be, like the threads! The fit is nice and tight with no gaps where the grip meets the body as well as where the lead grade indicator ring meets the body. The pocket clip though “removable” is fitted so tightly that I dare not remove it in fear of scratching the finish! Besides it would spoil the look! One slightly odd bit of engineering is the threads on the white plastic tube that supports the chuck. The part screws into the grip ahead of the body. When the grip is removed from the body the entire innards of pencil follow and exit the body tube. The grip must then be unscrewed from the chuck support tube in order to get to the chuck. I can see the purpose in this design in that it is probably one reason why the pencil feels so solid.
“Stats, Geezer! Stats!”
I was just getting to them, Zed!
The Stats: The rotring is140 mm long over all. It is 8 mm across the flats. It’s balance point is 69.8 mm from the tip of the pencil (I thought I’d get in line with other bloggers on that point as I used to measure from the other end!) and it weighs 23.4 grams making it a heavyweight. But you don’t get featherweights when you make ‘em outta metal! The knurled part of the grip/end cap/lead sleeve is 30.4 mm long offering the user plenty of room with which to grip the pencil. The diamond cut knurling on the grip and lead grade indicator ring are superbly done and has a nice feel, being slip resistant without being biting. The lead reservoir is cavernous enough for quite a bit of lead but like any other automatic pencil over filling the reservoir can cause the pencil not to feed. Three clicks is enough to produce adequate lead with which to write or draw with. The ratcheting mechanism is smooth and solid even if a bit metallic (hey, metal, duh!) with normal resistance. By the way, the rotring is the only automatic pencil I’ve seen that an extra grip/end cap/lead sleeve can be bought!






I like the feel of the rotring. It feels solid, well made. A weighty object, especially one so small, always seems to convey to our brains the sense of quality, solidity and wealth (Wealth? Yes, wealth. After all gold is heavy, right? I think that I’ve made my point). The rotring conveys all this and more when I pick it up to write with. Since it’s almost perfectly balanced in the middle of the pencil it feels almost neutral in my hand belying it’s true weight. This could be another reason for the white plastic chuck support in that it helps keep weight off of the writing end of the pencil. It’s balance is another good sign of quality design and engineering. Beauty, quality craftsmanship, a luxury feel, what more could a a pencilaholic ask for?
“How does it write, Geezer?”
Write?… Oh, yea, write! Because of it’s balance and feel the rotring is a pleasant writing experience. The lead has almost imperceptible lead wobble within the lead sleeve (yet another sign of quality) so lead breakage is held to a minimum. It feels like writing with a lighter pencil in that the weight seems to play less of a factor than in metal pencils not as well balanced. The knurling on then grip provides an excellent griping surface so keeping the pencil in the hand is easy. If you are a draftsperson or like to dabble in mechanical drawing or if you just like to use triangles and templates when you draw then the 4 mm fixed lead sleeve provides plenty of clearance to maneuver.
Bottom line – The rotring 600 0.3 mm drafting pencil is one of the finest examples of an automatic pencil I have ever owned. It is beautiful to both look at and to hold. It is elegant in design and superb in quality and operation. It is easy to use and should provide the user with a lifetimes worth of use and still be able to pass it down to your grandchildren! So if you want art or functionality or both then consider purchasing a rotring 600 series drafting pencil.
Author’s note: It is my understanding that the 600 style of pencil has been discontinued for many years now and availability is limited to whatever stock vendors have or can find. As availability goes down prices go up and I’ve seen the pencil go for more than double what I paid for mine. So if you are interested in a rotring 300, 400, 500 or 600 then I suggest that you not delay your purchase much longer. – JH
Well, Zed, how was that?
“Great, Geezer! You do have a way with words!”
Thanks, Zed!… So you’ve moved to Earth, hey?…

Staedtler REG 925 85 03 Regulator or Zedragon Checks In

(Buzz!... Buzz!... Buzz!...) Oh, I think that I've got a call on the ole Intergalactic View Screen!...












Ladies and Gentlemen... I do believe that we are getting an image...












Yes! We are definitely getting an image!... And it looks like!... Yes, it is!...


It's Zedragon the Zefoid from the planet Zetta 1! Welcome, Zed! What brings you to my humble Intergalactic View Screen?

"Gerrtery humnnbdyyei burjueeerg..."

Oh, wait! I forgot to turn on the Intergalactic Translator!... (click)... There, now! As you were saying, Zed!

"I was just saying, Geezer, that the reason I've called is to share with your readers my review of the Staedtler REG 925 85 03 Regulator Drafting Pencil".

Oh, cool, Zed!... Eh, I didn't know that you could get Earth made items on Zetta 1, considering the vast distance involved!

"Oh, well, the delivery service is a little slow! That's why I came to Earth last week and bought one myself!".

You came to Earth and you didn't stop in and say 'Hello'!? Zed, I'm crushed!

"Sorry, Geezer, but I was on a tight schedule! I had the wife and little Zefoids along! It was a side trip! We were on a weekend trip to the Outer Rim and really didn't have the time for a social visit! Maybe next time?".

Well, in that case... Why don't you share your review with us, Zed! I'm dying to hear all about it!

"Well, alright then, Geezer, I will!".

"When I first saw the Staedtler REG 925 85 03 Regulator I wanted one! Not only is it an attractive pencil with an interstellar look to it it's a well designed and made pencil. It is also one of the few pencils out there that offers the user a way to regulate the amount of lead projected with each push of the push button. This is a feature that I really like as too many pencils nowadays project either too much lead or too little. It's nice to have the ability to set the amount of lead you want projected".


"The amount of lead projected is controlled by the Adjustment Wheel located just below the push button. Turning the wheel to the right, or clockwise as viewed from the top of the pencil, will reduce the amount of lead projected while turning it to the left, or counter clockwise, will increase the amount of lead projected. The user can see the setting via a window on the side of the pencil just below the pocket clip".

"The statistics of the pencil are thus: It is 140.3 mm long minimum to 141.9 mm maximum depending on how you have the lead projection set. The grip measures 9.1 mm in diameter while the body measures 8.9 mm in diameter. The balance point will vary from 74.6 mm from the push button to 76.2 mm. This makes the REG slightly top heavy. The pencil weighs a whopping 22.5 grams making it a heavyweight! This is due to it being made almost entirely of metal. Something we Zefoids appreciate. The lead reservoir is large enough for several containers of lead and still have room to operate. And just in case you get a lead jam there is a clean out rod beneath the eraser. Two thumbs up for Staedtler for including a clean out rod with the REG!".

"The REG is one of those complex pencils that requires special tools and/or knowledge to be able to break it down any further than what is required to refill the lead reservoir, adjust the lead grade indicator or to clear a lead jam. To fill the lead reservoir first remove the push button then the eraser. After filling the lead reservoir replace the eraser then the push button".

"The push button is also the lead grade indicator and is composed of 3 parts. The first part is the end cap/nut which has a sticker insert with the lead size printed on it. Next is the lead grade indicator ring. Lastly is the the bottom of the push button which incorporates the lead grade indications in light gray on a silver background. To my eyes, all six of them, the markings are much too light for the silver background. They would be much easier to see if they had been darker or had the background been darker. To set the lead grade indicator all that is necessary is to loosen the top of the push button, move the indicator ring window to the appropriate setting, then tighten the nut once more".

"Should it become necessary to clear a lead jam the end cap/lead sleeve will have to be removed. To do this first use the regulating wheel to set the lead projection to it's fullest. This will ease the tension on the coil spring that is under the end cap! The spring helps keep the lead projection setting in place. Slowly unscrew the end cap and remove it. Be careful not to lose the coil spring! Either leave it in place or secure it safely away before proceeding. Next remove the push button then the eraser and clean out rod and then replace the push button so as not to loose the lead in the reservoir. Using the eraser as a handle guide the clean out rod to the tip of the lead sleeve and push it into the lead sleeve as far as it will go. This will dislodge the jammed lead piece. Remove the clean out rod and reassemble the pencil".

The Staedtler REG 925 85 03 Regulator is a stylishly good looking pencil. It's weight is due to the fact that it's made almost entirely of metal, brass, aluminum and steel. The lead sleeve is stainless steel while the tapered end cap is satin chromed brass. The finely knurled grip appears to be satin chromed brass as well. There is a black metal ring between the grip and satin finished upper aluminum body. On the side of the body in dark pigment is the Staedtler logo then the Staedtler name, in all caps, then in italic dot matrix style letters are the letters "REG" followed by the pencils designation. Below the regulator window is the word "regulator". The stylish pocket clip appears to be satin finished steel with the Staedtler logo embossed on the front of it, near the open end. On the side of the clip is the country of manufacturer, "JAPAN". Above the pocket clip and end of the upper body is the satin finished brass regulator wheel. Above that is the mushroom style 3 piece brass and aluminum push button/lead indicator. In this reviewers mind the REG is a very good looking pencil".

"The REG is also a very nice writing pencil. The weight of the pencil feels good in my hand. It feels solid and of great value, substantial and well made. In fact the REG is very well designed and made. This is where German engineering meets Japanese manufacturing! An almost unbeatable combination! The balance of the pencil does not feel top heavy in the least when in use. In fact it feels very well balanced despite it's slight top heaviness! The pencil almost writes itself. It's weight is no hindrance to a smooth writing experience and in fact may aid in the pencils movements. A definite aid to controlling the pencil is the finely cut grip. It feels smooth while at the same time offering the user a solid grip surface. The ratcheting mechanism is modestly loud but less metallic than it could be due to being dampened by the plastic lead reservoir".

"So, considering all things together I give the Staedtler REG 925 85 03 Regulator 0.3 mm Drafting Pencil 5 Super Novas out of 5".

Well, Zed, thank you for that very inspiring review! Just remember, next time you're on Earth, stop by for a visit!

"Will do, Geezer! Well, the wife and little Zefoids are waiting for me to take them all out for a glimus cone so this is Zedragon signing off!". (click)

Well, that was unexpected! But I'm always happy to see ole Zed! Especially when he has such nice toys to share with us. So if you want an elegant writing or drawing instrument or just a piece of German engineering/Japanese art then pick up a Steadtler REG 925 85 03 Regulator. You don't have to travel across the universe to find one, just surf the Internet!

Staedtler 925 25 03 Drafting Pencil

Now let's get one thing straight from the beginning, this is a beautiful pencil! It just wreaks elegance with its hard straight lines and 3 tone silver metal finish! The Staedtler 925 25 03 has the looks that many other pencils strive for but fall short of. There is no waisted bulk, the pencil is slim and trim and ready for a lifetime of faithful service. It's like an arrow, a bullet, yes, even a missile in its design, yet fully functional all the same. It was designed to write and draw and it does both with timeless grace. If I were a sculptor it would be my chisel. If I were a painter it would be my brush. If I were a carpenter it would be my hammer. But I'm none of those artisans and it's none of those tools, it's a pencil for cryin' out loud! Just how glamorous can a pencil be? Quite, actually. As I wrote in the beginning, this is a beautiful pencil.

OK, so we have established that I like the looks of the Staedtler 925 25 03 Drafting Pencil. What else do I like about the pencil? The fact that it's a pencil and the fact that it's a 0.3 mm pencil! OK, we all know that I like 0.3 mm drafting pencils so what sets the 925 25 03 apart from any other drafting pencil? Well, it's remarkable good looks for one. Its sleek timeless design for another (more on that in a minute) and it's craftsmanship for yet another. The 925 25 03 is solidly built of brass, steel and aluminum. There's a little plastic involved as well but not that you can readily see. It's designed by the Germans, masters of engineering, but built by the Japanese, masters of manufacturing.


The design is simple, really, and in that lies its beauty. The chrome plated brass end cap/lead sleeve snugs up to the satin finished, finely knurled aluminum grip, sealing tight against vibration by use of a rubber 'O'-ring. The slender grip is divided into 13 raised rings by 12 evenly spaced circular cuts. The raised rings are very finely knurled giving the fingers the feeling of grasping fine sandpaper. The grip is part of the integral chuck assembly, grip, and lead reservoir. The chuck being brass and the lead reservoir being made of plastic. The eraser with the clean out rod fits snugly into the open end of the lead reservoir. The thick walled satin finished upper body holds the lead grade indicator markings on one end and a brightly chromed removable steel pocket clip on the other. The lead grade indicator markings are silver on a black background and are covered by the brightly chromed metal lead grade indicator which has a square window. On the side of the upper body, in a stately steel gray color are the Staedtler logo and the Staedtler name. Upon the brightly chromed steel pocket clip is the imprint of the Staedtler logo. Behind the pocket clip, between its tines, is the single word "JAPAN". The upper body slides over the lead reservoir and screws snugly against the lead grade indicator ring, securing it in place. In order to adjust the setting of the lead grade indicator it is necessary to loosen the upper body. Finlay, the satin silver barrel shaped mushroom style push button slides over the lead reservoir tube concealing the eraser. The barrel portion of the push button has 5 evenly spaced raised rings separated by 4 circular cuts reminiscent of the grip. And let us not forget that on top of the push button is the lead size painted in the ISO designated color for the lead size, yellow.

Now for some stats! The 925 25 03 is 143 mm long making it of average length for a drafting pencil. It is a slender 8.8 mm in diameter at its widest point (everywhere). Its balancing point is 71.4 mm from the push button making the pencil perfectly balanced! But beauty is a heavy weight weighing 17.1 grams. It must be because of all the metal it's made of!... Ya think? The ratcheting mechanism is extremely quiet, firm with a good solid feel to it. The 925 25 03 pushes out lead in small increments, a feature that I like a lot. It takes only 2 clicks to produce enough lead to write with without producing to much. The lead reservoir is cavernous for at least 2 tubes of lead but one will suffice.

The Staedtler 924 25 03 is a pleasure to write and draw with, not that I do much drawing anymore. I especially like the finely knurled grip. It does not feel sharp yet its fine points make a nearly perfect gripping surface. I wish more pencil manufacturers would take this page from Staedtler's 'How To Build A Better Pencil' book! The grip and its perfect balance help make the writing experience almost effortless despite the pencils weight. The weight almost seems to disappear when I use the 925 25 03. Even just hefting the pencil seems pleasantly odd due to it's perfect balance.

The Staedtler 925 25 03 is a beautifully designed and well built pencil ment for the professional as well as the amature. It's an elegant addition to any desktop, briefcase, drafting table or workbench. So I suggest that if you want a hard working tool or an elegant and grafeful writing instrument or just something that looks good on a coffee table as a work of art that you get yourself a Staedtler 924 25 03 Professional Drafting Pencil ASAP.

Many thanks to STAEDTLER Mars GmbH & Co. KG for the pencil in this review.

Staedtler 925 03 Drafting Pencil

This was my first introduction to Steadtler drafting pencils, but not my first introduction to Staedtler-Mars products. I've had a set of Staedtler-Mars Technical pens for a good number of years now and I have enjoyed them immensely. I've used their erasers for a goodly number of years as well so the name Staedtler is no stranger to me. But up until recently I had no experience with their drafting pencils. That's when I decided to buy the Staedtler 925 03 drafting pencil. I happened to purchase the "New Model". There was a revamp of the pencils design and for some time there were 2 different models of the same pencil available, the "Old Model" and the "New Model". Had I the funds at the time I would have purchased both although I think aesthetically the "New Model" is more appealing.

A habit that I got into a long time ago, when I was but a wee tot was taking things apart to see how they worked. I wasn't always able to get things back together in working order, which displeased my parents no end. Well, I've gotten a little better at putting things back together in working order mainly because I no longer take anything too complicated apart and if I break it I have to pay for it. But I still take down a new pencil to it's bare bones as soon a I get it. The 925 03 breaks down into 8 major components.

They are the brass chuck assembly and integral lower body, the lead grade indicator markings and the the lead reservoir. Into the lead reservoir goes the eraser with the attached clean out rod. Over the outer tube of the lead reservoir goes the gold colored mental lead grad indicator ring with the lead grade indicator window. To secure this the upper body shell with the detachable chromed metal pocket clip slips over the lead reservoir and screws down tightly. To adjust the lead grade indicator it is necessary to loosen the upper body. The barrel shaped plastic push button with the convenient lead size indication on top slips over the lead reservoir to protect the eraser. The grip is of black rubber, probably of closed cell neoprene, and slips over the lower body from the business end of the pencil. The grip is thin but is backed by the hard plastic of the lower body so it is not squishy. A squishy grip on a pencil is something I find disgusting. Last but not least the chromed metal end cap/lead sleeve screws onto the lower body covering the chuck assembly. Under normal usage, unless there is a lead jam, the user will find that disassembly of the 925 03 will be limited to the removal and replacement of the push button and eraser in order to replenish the lead.

Now for some stats. The 925 is 139 mm long making it just shy of average length. At it's next to widest point it is 9.2 mm in diameter. The widest point is at the pocket clip but since you don't grip the pencil up there, it doesn't count! The pencil balances 76.2 mm from the top of the push button which means that the pencil is almost perfectly balanced. And weighting only a scant 9.2 grams means it is as light as a feather, well, OK, as several feathers but it feels as light as a feather in the hand.

It's near central balancing point, light weight and rubber grip combine to make the 925 03 one of the nicest pencils in my collection to write with. It's easy to control and fatigue free. Sometimes I have to look at the pencil while using it to make sure it's still there! The ratcheting mechanism is solid with a positive feel to it, which is nice. One thing I like about some drafting pencils is that they increment lead in very small increments because I have a habit of advancing more lead before it's needed. The Steadtler 925 03 advances lead in small increments. About 3 clicks is what it takes to advance enough lead to write with without advancing too much. A nice feature of the pencil. The lead reservoir is cavernous enough to hold a couple of tubes of lead, but one should suffice.

The 925 03 is an attractive pencil being black silver with a touch of gold. The lines are clean with the pencil being almost a straight, elegant line broken only by the bulb like swelling at the pocket clip. The metal end cap/lead sleeve is a bright polished chrome which is set in contrast to the flat black of the rubber grip. The grip is broken by 18 evenly space rings dividing the grip into 19 mostly equal length raised rings. Only the two ends are of unequal length, the wider ring being closest to the lead grade indicator ring. A spacer of plastic separates the the grip from the metal lead grade indicator ring and its silver on black markings visible through the square window of the gold ring. The semi gloss of the black plastic upper body snuggles up tightly to the lead indicator ring keeping it from moving undesirably. Set against the darkness of the upper body is the Staedtler logo, the Staedtler name and the pencils designation, 925 03, embossed in silver. The highly polished chromed metal pocket clip with its impressed Staedtler logo points the way to the gloss black barrel like push button with its 5 groves and 6 evenly spaced raised rings, reminiscent of the grip, topped by the yellow ISO colored lead size designation of .3. Ah, what a beauty.

Staedtler is a name that I have come to trust for fine quality engineered drafting and drawing products and the 924 03 falls right in line with that level of trust. The 925 03 and it's brothers may be on the low end of the price range for drafting pencils they certainly are not on the low end of quality. The Steadtler 925 series of Professional Mechanical Pencils are designed to give the end user years of fine use. So do yourself a favor and pick up one, or more, in your favorite lead sizes today.

Pilot S10 0.3 mm Drafting Pencil

This pencil was a surprise to me, a very pleasant surprise! I don't know just what I was expecting but it certainly wasn't what I got! From the moment that I first pick it up I knew that this was no ordinary drafting pencil. It felt weighty, thought why this was a surprise to me I don't know as I knew that the long grip was metal, not plastic. I like a weighty pencil, it makes me think that I have something substantial in my hand, something of value. That's not to say that lightweight pencils are of low value, on the contrary, it takes a lot to make a pencil both lightweight and sturdy! It's just that most of us equate weight with value. But the surprises didn't stop there.

The next surprise was styling. I'd seen pics of the pencil but seeing it in person was different. I thought the pencil a little funky looking until I saw it in person. It was then that the overall beauty of this pencil hit me! It really is an attractive looking design. The pocket clip is unusual
in design but very attractive, even sexy, in appearance with its curved lines and side opening clasp. It's a beautiful satin silver color with the name "PILOT" spelled out in all caps near the top of the clip. It's maned of sheet metal, stamped and formed.

Another surprise was the lead grade indicator. It is an integral part of the
push button and is made of plastic over a metal shaft. The window is round and the lead grades are white against a dark yellow (plastic) background, which is the same color as the top of the push button which has the lead diameter printed in white in the middle of it.

Yet still another pleasant surprise is the cavernous lead reservoir. It's large enough to hold a lot of lead, a feature that I like a lot. I like to fill my pencils with as much lead as they will hold and when that is over a single 12 piece tube I'm happy. I can dump several tubes into the belly of the 0.3 mm S10!

With all that lead in there how does it come out? Slowly! Two clicks of the bush button produces enough lead to write with without the danger of the lead breaking. With some pencils no matter how many of few times you press the push button either too much lead is produced or too little, never just enough! So with these pencils I am constantly having to adjust the length of lead that is produced. This is a pain to say the least. But not so with the S10 0.3 mm pencil! Two clicks and there is enough lead to write with but not enough to cause breakage, unless you are heavy handed!
Yet one more pleasant surprise about this remarkable pencil is the fact that the end cap/lead sleeve and grip are not integral! The end cap/lead sleeve and the grip are separate units. To remove the grip all one has to do is to remove the end cap/lead sleeve. The end cap/lead sleeve screws on but the grip slips off. There is rather a thick body colored "O" ring behind the grip where it would otherwise contact the translucent plastic body. I assume that the "O" ring is there to protect the plastic upper body from damage due to over tightening the end cap/lead sleeve up against the grip. This could possibly happen as the end cap/lead sleeve thread onto plastic, not metal. There is a two step brass ring on the lower body under the grip acting as a fitting, snugging the grip up to the plastic.

I was also pleased to find that there was a clean out rod under the eraser! Since this was my first Pilot drafting pencil I was not sure if I would find one or not! Then while looking over stuff at JetPens I discovered that Pilot actually sells clean out rods! They are sold with 5 replacement erasers in a small plastic box! They are sold like this for 3 different pencils one of them being the S Series line of drafting pencils! I was so intrigued that I had to buy a pack even though I never use the eraser that comes with drafting pencils.
The erasers themselves do not have clean out rods with them, the one from under the original eraser must be used. But the 2 clean out rods that come with the set of erasers are stand alone clean out rods, the first that I've ever seen that are commercially made! They are 28.4 mm long and one is for 0.3 & 0.4 mm pencils while the other is for 0.5, 0.7 & 0.9 mm pencils. They are looped at one end to form a handle. They are excellent little clean out rods, my hat's off to Pilot for making them and to JetPens for selling them!



I guess it's time for some stats! I know you all have been waiting for them so here they are! The pencil is 145.3 mm long, 10.4 mm in diameter at the widest point (the top of the grip), weights 20.3 grams and has a balance point 98.5 mm from the push button. This makes the pencil bottom heavy, which I like! It takes only 2 clicks to produce enough lead to write with, as I've said before, a feature that I really like.

The pencil breaks down into 6 major parts and 2 minor ones. They are the lead sleeve/end cap, the grip, the amber colored body with integral lead reservoir/3-jawed chuck assembly, the removable pocket clip, the push button/lead grade indicator and the eraser. The brass fitting and rubber "O"ring are on the outside of the body. The grip is tapered so it goes onto the pencil only one way. The grip is finely checkered with 4 grooved rings,equally spaced, at the working end of the pencil and is made of chrome plated brass. The fine checkering aids greatly in holding the pencil, being not too sharp. The end cap/lead sleeve is also satin finished brass with a 4 mm fixed stainless steel lead sleeve. In nice silver print on the side of the pencil are the company logo, The words,"PILOT", "0.3", "S-10" and "S-SERIES". Just below the satin silver tone pocket clasp are the words "PILOT JAPAN B2" raised in the plastic. That's it for the stats!

The last surprise the S10 had in store for me was how good it feels in my had and how well it writes! It's girth, weight and long checkered grip make the S10 a dream to write with! It's rock steady in my hand and steers effortlessly across the paper. Combined with it's stylish good looks the Pilot S10 0.3 mm drafting pencils is a real winner in my book! I'll give it a 5 out of 5 stars!

The Pilot S10 Series Drafting Pencils as well as the eraser refills and clean out rods are available from our friends at JetPens.