From left: Rotring 600, Rotring 800, Uni Kuru Toga Roulette, Spoke Pencil Version 4, and Sailor Imperial Black Multi Pen.

Top Five Mechanical Pencils: For When You Really Want To Write Small

July 6, 2019

One category of writing instruments that I haven’t addressed much here on the blog is the mechanical pencil. I’ve reviewed a few pencils in-depth, including the well-known fan favorites Rotring 600 and 800. While the Rotring duo represents 80% of my mechanical pencil usage, there are other great options out there, many at extremely inexpensive price points. As I mentioned in my recent Rotring 800 review, I like to use mechanical pencils when I’m taking notes in tight margins and annotating books/documents in pencil. the complastic lead isn’t as smeary as standard graphite, and comes available in a range of sizes (.3mm to 2.0mm) depending on just how small you want to write. .5mm pencils are my sweet spot.

So what do I look for in a mechanical pencil? Basically the same things I look for in a pen: grip comfort and balance to be sure, but with a mechanical pencil, like a multi pen or a retractable ballpoint, the quality of the mechanism becomes an issue as well. You will be clicking this thing tens of thousands of times throughout its lifespan, so it needs to be well-built and durable. If nothing else, the pencils that made my “Top Five” list have stood the test of time for a number of years. I have provided links to full reviews of each pencil, where possible.

Rotring 600. Arguably the most famous mechanical pencil on the market, and certainly one of the best made. If you’re a fan of classic industrial design, a Rotring 600 pencil should be in your collection, alongside a Lamy 2000 fountain pen. Purchase here.
Rotring 800. A slightly larger version of the Rotring 600 that also features a retractable “pipe” for more portable carry. While I love my Rotring 600, I probably prefer the 800 for everyday use since I don’t have to worry about bending the tip in my bag or pocket. I also find the slightly larger size of the Rotring 800 to be more comfortable for longer writing sessions. Purchase here.
Uni Kuru Toga “Roulette”. If I had to make a blind recommendation of “one” mechanical pencil, to someone whose preferences I didn’t know, hands-down that pencil would be the Kuru Toga. The key selling point is Uni’s innovative mechanism that rotates the lead in order to keep the wear uniform on all sides and maintain a sharp point. Not only are the Kuru Toga’s extremely inexpensive, but they have the Uni name standing behind them, so the quality is there. I really need to do a stand-alone review of this pencil. Purchase here. If you don’t enjoy the knurled grip, Uni makes a wide range of pencils with the Kuru Toga mechanism.
Spoke Pencil. Wait, if you consider long-term durability important, how can I include the Spoke Pencil on this list, as Spoke is a relative newcomer to the stationery scene? Well, because the Spoke Pencil is built around the Pentel P20X mechanism, found in one of my childhood favorites, the Pentel Sharp. The Spoke pencil takes the “guts” of the humble Sharp and adds a futuristic machined body and textured metal grip, both of which you can customize to your preference (at least in Version 4). Prefer a weightier pencil? Opt for a brass or stainless steel grip. Looking for lightweight? Then aluminum or titanium would be your best options. Order directly from Spoke.
Sailor Imperial Black Multi Pen. I’m sure that I’ll horrify mechanical pencil purists by including a multi pen here, but I use this one all the time, including the mechanical pencil component. The Sailor pen is nicely balanced - importantly, it’s not slim - and would be a great option for those who like to use a mechanical pencil but also regularly need a ballpoint and don’t want to to carry multiple writing instruments. The one knock is availability. You’ll need to order this one directly from Japan. (Purchase here.)

Honorable Mention

Mechanical pencil brands attract hardcore devotees, and there is a plethora of options out there, so I’m sure people will disagree with my decision to put certain pencils into a “top five,” but please remember that the five listed above just represent my own personal experience and preferences. If there are others you think I should check out, let me know! One great thing about mechanical pencils is that you can find excellent inexpensive options on the shelf at your local office supply store, including the Pentel Sharp referenced above, the Pentel “Quicker Clicker” (a version of which I still own from high school - 20+ years later!), or even BIC’s “disposable” version (which can be refilled). If you prefer a heavier writing instrument or like the “machined pen” look, check out the Modern Fuel Mechanical Pencil and the Inventery Interchangeable Mechancial Pen and Pencil. On these latter two, I would recommend using the strongest lead you can find, as the increased weight of a metal pencil can lead to breakage. I have had good results with Pentel Ain Stein, even in the B or 2B hardness. Happy writing!

Disclaimer: This post contains links to paid sponsors and affiliates.

Which Mechanical Pencil to Pick: Rotring 600 vs. Rotring 800

July 3, 2019

Rotring makes my favorite mechanical pencils, and it’s not a close call. From the sturdy, industrial design and the clean color scheme, Rotring writing instruments are well-built and great looking. If you invest in a set, they should last you a lifetime (or at least close to it), and if you pair your Rotring pencil with a Lamy 2000 pen, you’ll have completed your industrial/minimalist writing kit.

The Rotring 600 receives most of the attention in the stationery blogosphere, but lately I’ve been looking for a mechanical pencil that was slightly more portable - namely one with a retractable pipe that I could carry in a pocket without risking bending the tip or stabbing myself in the leg. I finally decided to splurge a bit and picked up Rotring’s “deluxe” offering, the Rotring 800.

If you’re a hardcore fan of the Rotring 600, the more expensive 800 doesn’t break much new ground. More or less everything in my previous review of the Rotring 600 from a few years back still holds true. The approximately 50% price premium is driven by size and additional engineering. While the 800 does add some length and width to the writing experience, making the 800 slightly more balanced for longer writing sessions, the main difference is the retractable “pipe”, and on the Rotring 800+, a stylus tip that you can use on touchscreens when the tip is retracted. (I don’t use capacitative touch styli, so I passed on the latter.) The retractable mechanism on the Rotring 800 feels solid and works well, as you’d expect, and the pencil’s grip features the same exceptionally soft knurling as on the Rotring 600.

The retractable tip works by twisting the knurled mechanism at the end of the pencil. Some online reviewers have commented on “tip wiggle” with retractable mechanical pencils such as the Rotring 800. I haven’t noticed it, personally, but YMMV if thi… — The retractable tip works by twisting the knurled mechanism at the end of the pencil. Some online reviewers have commented on “tip wiggle” with retractable mechanical pencils such as the Rotring 800. I haven’t noticed it, personally, but YMMV if this is something that bothers you.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

A good mechanical pencil has its place in your writing kit, especially if you write small and annotate lots of books and documents, not to mention if you draft or draw. Mechanical pencil lead doesn’t ghost or smear nearly as much as standard graphite, so I like to use it when I’m making notes in books that I plan to go back through later. Though I own a handful of mechanical pencils, my Rotrings are the ones that get the most use, simply because I consider them to be that much better than anything else out there.

The Rotring 800 fits my hand better than the more slender 600.

The big question is not whether the Rotring 800 is worth the money - $65 is more than a fair price for this pencil - it’s whether the Rotring 800 justifies a $33 premium over the Rotring 600. As with everything in stationery, it depends on how you plan to use the pencil. I sometimes find the standard Rotring 600 mechanical pencil slightly too small (really, too narrow) for longer writing sessions, and as I mentioned above, portability is an issue. While it’s true that the Rotring 600 offers substantially the same writing experience as the 800 for only $32, that says more about the extreme value of the Rotring 600 than anything else. Overall, I believe I prefer the balance of the slightly larger and longer Rotring 800, and the ability to retract the pipe for a more portable carry option.

Despite Rotring having discontinued its coveted fountain pens, the mechanical pencils are still relatively easy to find. Most retailers, such as our site sponsor Pen Chalet, stock both the Rotring 600 and Rotring 800, along with the Rapid Pro, for those of you who may prefer something with a wider grip and more rounded corners. Through July 4, you can use the coupon code “FREEDOM” to get an extra 10% off your Pen Chalet order at checkout!

Disclaimer: I purchased the pencil featured in this review from site sponsor Pen Chalet using affiliate credit. This post contains affiliate links.

Are Stationery Subscription Services Worth It? (Or, Why Do I Need All These Blackwings?)

June 29, 2019

Subscription services of all kinds are having their moment. Whether it be books, vinyl records, food, clothes, quirky pop culture swag, or, yes, stationery, the rise of vocal communities of internet enthusiasts has revitalized the market for the old concept of the “book of the month” or “record of the month” club. If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember (fondly or not) those promotions where you could get nine different books/records/CDs/tapes up front in exchange for subscribing to the monthly club, and agreeing to buy at least four of whatever over the next year. Some of these clubs were legit, and occasionally you could get some good books or albums, but what you usually ended up with was a monthly shipment of whatever item the record company or publisher had in overstock (translation: that they couldn’t sell at retail). I don’t recall any of my friends becoming longstanding members or subscribers - most of us just bought our three CDs and cancelled. (And, of course, subscribed again under your dog’s name to get another nine free CDs.)

Today’s riff on the mail order subscription service is less about freebies and discounts than about offering your customers willing to pay extra some combination of first access to new products, exclusive “members only” releases, or a curated experience in which the member gets a box of stuff specially selected for them. For stationery, the two most popular options are the Blackwing Volumes pencil subscription service and the Field Notes pocket notebook subscription service (formerly Field Notes “Colors”). I’ve subscribed to both, along with the now-discontinued Write Notepads subscription. Currently, Blackwing Volumes is my only active subscription. I’m asked a lot about whether I think these subscriptions services are a good idea. Here are my thoughts.

So what do I like about being able to subscribe?

You don’t miss any limited edition releases. I prefer brand-specific subscription services. If there’s a brand that I enjoy, such as Blackwing, I can subscribe to the Blackwing Volumes program and ensure that I’m among the first to receive a dozen of each new limited edition pencil without having to remember to place an order. I did the same with Write Notepads before that service was discontinued. (BRING IT BACK, CHRIS!!!)
You support a brand you really enjoy. For me, this is probably the most compelling reason to subscribe. If you like a brand, and want to make sure they keep releasing special editions (or stick around in general), paying for a year’s worth of their limited releases in advance gives the company a predictable revenue stream that allows them to plan for the future.
You get a slight break on price. Blackwing recently raised their prices on the Volumes editions, so by subscribing you get $2-3 off retail.
Subscriber extras in the box. Brand-specific swag isn’t a particularly big draw for me, but some people collect this stuff. Of more interest are special promotional codes with discounts on “subscriber days,” and sometimes “members-only” sales where you can purchase limited-run products.

While I was writing this review, I made a point of sharpening one of each Volumes edition, just to make a point to myself that I’m going to use all of them.

Downsides to Subscription Services

For me there’s really only major downside: Hoarding and paying for things you don’t need or won’t use. It’s why I discontinued my Field Notes subscription. I like Field Notes fine, but I realized I was subscribing simply to collect the latest design of the notebooks, whereas from a practicality/usability perspective there were other brands whose paper I enjoyed more. I still use Field Notes occasionally, but not enough to justify having nearly three dozen pocket notebooks shipped to me every year, which only adds to the never ending S.A.B.L.E. stash. For Pete’s sake, use this stuff, don’t hoard it! A major issue I have with the “limited edition” culture pervading stationery - and pretty much everything else these days - is that it encourages a mentality where all the things are meant to be kept sealed, unused, and pristine in a box and later sold on eBay for $150 for a dozen pencils or a three-pack of pocket notebooks. I don’t get it.

So that begs the question: What am I going to do with all these pencils? Fortunately, I have a daughter entering Kindergarten this year, so these pencils will get used one way or another. (She’s already started raiding my stationery cabinet for drawing supplies.) I’m also starting to use more pencils at work, and have become more proactive in giving them away when people come up to me at work and express interest.

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

Are subscription services “worth it?” Honestly, it just depends on your personal reasons for subscribing. If you find yourself enjoying everything that a brand has released over the past year, go for it. Personally, I’ve enjoyed all of the past four Blackwing Volumes editions, including the vinyl-themed Blackwing 33 1/3 edition that nobody else seemed to appreciate. I have no regrets about re-upping my subscription, and in fact I wish I had subscribed a year earlier. On the other hand, if you find yourself not using or not appreciating all of the various releases, or if you’re simply looking to save money, I’d discourage you from subscribing because the few dollars you might save off the retail pricing are more than offset by the 1-2 quarterly releases you won’t be crazy about and wouldn’t buy other than through the subscription program.

You’ll notice that my personal experience extends only to brand-specific/limited release subscription services, not any of the “curated” stationery boxes that are available. Those include the CW Pencils Pencil Box Quarterly Subscription, which offers a curated selection of pencil-related goodness four times a year for $30 per box, the Rad and Hungry kits that bring you stationery from different travel destinations around the world, Art Snacks (focused on art supplies), and even fountain pen ink sample subscriptions such as Ink Flight, where you can get a set of five new inks sent to you monthly. If you’re interested in trying out new products that you might not otherwise pick up yourself, you might enjoy a curated box!

Disclaimer: I purchased each of the products featured in this review with my own funds, for my own use. I was not compensated for this review.

Ink Review: J. Herbin 1798 Kyanite du Nepal

June 26, 2019

It’s that time of year again! Herbin has recently released their latest entry in the 1798 lineup, Kyanite du Nepal: a bright blue, not quite turquoise, with silver shimmer. Iroshizuku Kon-Peki and Robert Oster Blue Moon Shimmer might be comparable, though the Kyanite du Nepal runs slightly darker.

Herbin’s description states that Kyanite is “one of the two minerals on the planet that neither accumulates nor retains negative energy” and “is believed to promote positive communication and encourage self-expression,” (if you’re into that whole healing-crystal thing). I will say that this is a very bright and happy color, and one that I’d actually consider using regularly. It also dries relatively quickly, and I didn’t experience any smearing after the ink had dried, something that had caused trouble with other Herbin shimmer inks, particularly the 1670 lineup.

Side note: Did I mention how much I love these little glass Herbin sample bottles? They hold about 10ml of ink, and you can actually purchase their standard ink line in this size. Perfect for testing colors! I have a handful that I’ve picked up from Vanness over the last couple of years.

Takeaways and Where to Buy

Though they may not make their way into my regular rotation, I’ve always had a soft spot for Herbin’s shimmer inks. Kyanite du Nepal, in my opinion, is one of the best-looking to come out in recent years, and I find inks with silver shimmer, as opposed to gold, easier to use on an everyday basis since the effect is more subtle. Navigating these inks can be somewhat confusing - the 1670 inks are the original shimmer inks released by Herbin, and have gold shimmer; the 1798 inks are a more recent addition and have the silver shimmer pictured here.

As with the other Herbin 1670 and 1798 inks, you should be able to purchase Kyanite du Nepal from most mainstream pen retailers, though if the ink gets popular I have no idea how much Herbin plans to ship and how regularly the distributors will be able to replenish stock. Pen Chalet and Vanness Pens both currently have this ink available for pre-order. Although there have been availability issues with Herbin inks in the past, the introduction of new lines of shimmer inks from Robert Oster, Diamine, and others will likely cut down on the ink hoarding, so if you want a bottle, I’d be surprised if you couldn’t get one at the time of release.

If the look of this ink interests you, check out my past reviews of other inks in the 1798 and 1670 series, including 1670 Emerald of Chivor, 1670 Caroube de Chypre, 1798 Amethyse de L’Oural, and 1798 Cornaline d’Egypte.

Disclaimer: Exaclair, Herbin’s U.S. distributor, sent me a sample of this ink free of charge, for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated for this review. This post contains affiliate links.

Kickstarter Alert: Tomoe River A5 Cahier by Pebble Stationery Co.

June 25, 2019

Many readers of this blog backed the first Pebble Stationery Kickstarter, for their Pocket Tomoe River notebooks. Now Pebble Stationery Co. is back with a new project: larger A5 notebooks that pack 120 pages of ultra-thin, fountain pen friendly Tomoe River paper into a slim, understated notebook that Pebble describes as “designed for busy professionals who would like a lot of pages, but don’t want to drag around a large notebook, particularly commuters and mobile office/hot desk type set ups.” I particularly like the idea of this notebook as a potential insert for portfolios like the Galen Leather A5 Zipfolio or the Bellroy Workfolio. With the Tomoe River paper, you will get a larger page count than if you used a standard softcover, slim A5, and I appreciate the understated branding and demure linen-weave finish on the grey cover. The paper is dot grid - a personal favorite!

Visit the Pebble Stationery Co. Kickstarter page to check out this project, and if you’re interested in purchasing the original pocket notebooks, they are available for sale on the Pebble Stationery website. This particular Kickstarter has a tight two-week time frame, so if you’re interested, you’ll have to back relatively quickly (unless you don’t mind waiting for these to hit stores). Many thanks to Lois at Pebble Stationery for supplying the production sample pictured here!

Disclaimer: Pebble Stationery Co. sent me the notebook pictured here free of charge. I have not otherwise been compensated for this post.