Bic Criterium 2mm Lead Mechanical Pencil - Silver

Only drawback was the cost, especially for shipping, but I believe that is due to it only being available in Europe.Nevertheless, it is the perfect combination of sleek and sturdy, with understated but incredibly useful features like a twist eraser, shock-absorbing tip, and retractable sleeve. More innocuous than the high-end drafting pencils, but built to last at least as long with more useful features.

Perfectly acceptable. I like the hex barrel. But don't let the silver finish fool you, it's cheap plastic, just like every other 2mm lead holder out there...every one except the "pacific arc premium gravity feed technical lead holder" that is, which is what you obviously wanted when you came looking for this.. The pacific arc is stainless steel. It has heft in your hand. You will own it forever. It's a dream. I sadly bought two of these before I discovered it. Did I mention it even costs less as of this writing (as it were ;} )? Sorry BiC...

Item description indicates the pencil is, "Available in aluminum barrel or black plastic barrel," but the "aluminum" is simply silver plastic. Contacted Amazon Customer Support and they indicated that the material listed is aluminum and plastic and the "seller" indicated in the reviews that it is 90% plastic - The individual indicating 90% plastic was another reviewer warning others that the item was not as described (user Booska and I ordered from Amazon Global Store UK). Amazon thankfully refunded. Very disappointed

Advertised as available in aluminum or black plastic barrel, I chose aluminum. Unfortunately it is cheap plastic, certainly not worth $17.82! The eraser 1/4 inch and sharpener are practically useless and very difficult to access. As it is said "caveat emptor" . Will not buy from this vendor again as it would cost more to return than it will to keep (from UK). Hope others learn from my mistake.