Pentel PG1017-C GraphGear1000 Mechanical Pencil 0.7mm Line Width, Stainless Steel Case with Hardness Indicator, Dual Grip Zone, Fully Retractable 4mm Lead Guide, Eraser (Z2-1N), Pack of 12

In short: Fulfils all criteria to guarantee an excellent product experience.Looks: I have lost track of how many years I have had mine (best part of a decade now). They still look the business and are often asked about by my clients whilst I am using them. One was even stolen, so I suppose that makes them quite desirable.Construction: The retractable tip is just perfect. It has a slight springiness to it that not only cushions the writing/drawing experience, but also helps avoid lead breakages, although the modern hi-poly' refills are pretty good in their own right. Made principally of plastic and aluminium, it is light yet very robust. The combination of a knurled section and rubber grip is perfect - no readjustment or sweaty finger problems. There are no fancy gears that turn the lead around (as advertised by other products) neither have I ever thought to myself that I need one of those - one less unnecessary mechanism that can go wrong = minimalism = long-lasting = happy owner.Use: Always works well, very easy to carry around (very light). Solid enough construction to withstand severe punishment - mine has been submerged in water for ~3 days (flood while I was away) & dropped from a height of over 10m (~30ft) - accidentally dropped in the space between staircase - which obliterated the lead refills inside but the pen works just fine. If it was the cheaper plastics varieties of mechanical pencils then they would not have survived. I'm also sure that some of the more expensive varieties will not be able to boast this. Even if it did stop working, replacing them is not going to be too painful. As testament to how well these have worked, I now have 3 varieties of these that take different refill sizes, as well as a spare 0.5mm as my all-rounder when I have to jot down or explain anything on the go. The oldest one is pushing a decade in age and looks/works like new. [For the astute fans out there: yes, they did make minor changes in their construction over the years, but not to any detriment]Conclusion: I have never been let down, only pleasantly surprised. I would highly recommend this over any other product I have tried (including comparisons against other brands that are >4x more expensive). A fantastic product that offers excellent value and many years of great service. This product has never disappointed me and I'm certain that most will agree once they have had the pleasure of using it.

I love mechanical pencils to write and take notes with. Graphite is patient and tranquil, you can write upside down, for example while lying on the couch or in bed, it never leaks and there’s nothing more satisfying than flipping the pencil over to erase something I’m not happy with. This is one of the best of all mechanical pencils I know: good weight, sturdy, fantastic grip and the .9 mm lead gives a versatile, bold and expressive line which nevertheless is clear and sharp enough also for smaller or finer writing. Don’t let the techno-look mislead you: this is a great instrument for a writer. The difference between jotting and art.

I use my 0.9mm pencil with Pentel B hardness leads (it is supplied with a couple of HB leads) for me this makes it perfect for both writing and drawing - entries that may need to be changed in my diary are easily rubbed out. This mechanical pencil is comfortable to hold and the small metal tube that supports the lead can be retracted (along with the lead) by clicking the pocket clip flat. This means you can put the pen in a bag or pocket without fear of the sharp point damaging you or your possessions. The cap on the end conceals a small synthetic rubber eraser and, if this is removed, more leads can be put into the pencil for future use. I don't tend to use the eraser in the pencil, but carry a Pentel Clic Eraser for when I need to rub out anything I've written or drawn. I find a mechanical pencil is more convenient than traditional pencils as I don't have to carry a sharpener about with me. I own several of these (with different thickness and hardness leads) and have used them for quite a few years without any failures. A stylish and functional mechanical pencil that is a good investment.

This is the second one of these I've owned - managed to misplace the original one. Very comfortable to hold with a nice weight. I use mine mainly for DIY tasks as I never have to worry about having a sharp pencil to hand. The pencil is equally good to write with. Replacement Pentel leads are good quality and easy to get hold of. Would recommend.

Well engineered. Satisifyingly weighty. Ergonomically finished.Clutch operation (push top to eject lead) is very positive and accurate.Bonus feature - that was not apparent - toggle the side clip to automatically retract the lead!Awesome - my old, plastic Pentel (B35?) clutch pencils are looking very cheap & boring in comparison (though the design has been around for 35 years or more - so lets call them 'classic')!We bought the 0.3 and 0.9 lead versions - mainly for artwork and drawing. Didn't see a 0.5mm or 0.7mm which would perhaps be more practical for everyday use.Go buy these pens!!

I originally bought this for myself. It looks really nice, well-built, and solid. The retracting tip function is a nice touch as well. However I found it a little too heavy for me to hold comfortably, so I gave it to my husband, who really liked it as well.

Had issues with item and customer service was very helpful.

What a wonderfully practical design. The retraction mechanism for lead delivery is very effective as it leaves the point hidden inside and the whole thing sits well in the hand, having a comforting weight, rubber nodes to assist with grip and a sprung clip which lodges it safely in the pocket of even winter jackets. Its simple, modern lines give it a striking appearance, which was its downfall for me: one of my students nicked it. The only slight tarnish was the metallic smell that the alloy sometimes left on the hand. If you have anyone in your life with a soft spot for design aesthetics, one - or even a set - of these would be a memorable gift.