Two pencils from Rotring

[manolo]

I have a 600 trio-pen which I like quite much, although I find it a bit too heavy for long writing sessions. I have just bought a lamy 2000 multipen that I found more comfortable.

 

I just got a bp and mechanical pencil, both old style, both black, apparently new after all these years...a good buy. The bp I like it very much, solid, not too heavy, accepts parker-style refills, the knurled grip feels great...a keeper. The mech pencil, I am a bit afraid because of the metal thin tube in front of it. If I drop it most probably it will break and the pencil will become useless, and I can't carry it in my shirt pocket because the tube would pierce it!!

[adallak]

This Rotring pencil is my favorite.

[Memos Random]

The feeder tube is functional. The tube allows it to be used with t-squares, rulers, etc. It's an engineering tool not granny's grocery list pencil...

[troglokev]

The mech pencil, I am a bit afraid because of the metal thin tube in front of it. If I drop it most probably it will break and the pencil will become useless, and I can't carry it in my shirt pocket because the tube would pierce it!!

 

So... don't drop it!

 

More seriously, all of my mechanical pencils have a nice long guide pipe. Being an old fashioned type who actually studied technical drawing at school, that is my preference. The cheap plastic stationery cupboard pencils lack the guide pipe, because they are designed to be used by people who are incapable of looking after their equipment (you can draw your own conclusions from the fact that the Newton lacks this feature). Try using one with a set square, though, and you'll soon see why the pencils made for professional use have the long guide pipe.

 

I've had my Faber-Castell TK-matic for more than twenty years. Its guide pipe remains stubbornly unbent, and despite years of frequent use, it remains a great pencil. Look after your equipment, and it looks after you.

 

[eilu]

Always felt that mechanical pencils without the pipe were "fakes" May I suggest Steadlers? Their guide pipe is retractable, so I can keep it in my pocket.

[troglokev]

:hmm1: Of course, Mont Blanc pencils also lack a guide pipe ...

 

I actually do have a couple of Staedtler pencils (a 925-95-05 and a REG 925-85-03). Also very nice pencils, but neither has a retractable guide pipe.

 

My Ohto Super Pro-Mecha is my most pocket-friendly in that regard.

Edited October 28, 2008 by troglokev

[eilu]

What I have is the mars micro, which does have a retractable pipe; it's been with me for more than 10 years and works fine. The exterior's a bit beat up though.

Pfffft on Montblancs. Do they take "precious lead"?

[troglokev]

Pfffft on Montblancs. Do they take "precious lead"?

 

:ltcapd:

One can only speculate. Graphite fashioned from the finest minerals and imbued with the craftsman's soul, perhaps.