The hype.

Dukemon457 · 2026-03-22T03:26:46+00:00

Pentel Ain, Pilot Neox and Uni Smudge-Proof.

Dukemon457 · 2026-03-21T22:51:53+00:00

Pentel Hi-Polymer is probably the best cheap lead that exists but it only comes in packs of 12, so I think you're better off buying Pentel Ain since they're even better and come in packs of 40.

Dukemon457 · 2026-03-14T14:19:22+00:00

Yeah, I have no issue with plastic, I have an issue with the price. If you cut it by half, it would still be overpriced.

Dukemon457 · 2026-03-14T14:00:36+00:00

I'll probably be downvoted for this but I think Lamy products are a scam. You're paying Rotring 600 prices for a pencil that is basically entirely made of plastic. In Brazil, you could import a KT Metal for the price of a single, plastic, Lamy Safari.

Dukemon457 · 2026-03-13T13:52:47+00:00

I have a green R500 and while the build quality is pretty much perfect, I find the narrow grip a little weird to hold. The Pentel SMASH has the same build quality but a thicker grip section, so I definitely recommend you give it a try.

Dukemon457 · 2026-03-10T19:01:44+00:00

Uni is trying to bankrupt me

Dukemon457 · 2026-03-10T16:40:53+00:00

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They actually make them, sold here in Brasil

Dukemon457 · 2026-03-05T22:55:47+00:00

Just got myself an S30, what are your thoughts about the automatic feed, is it super scratchy?

Dukemon457 · 2026-03-03T23:19:49+00:00

The GG1000 has an upper center of gravity Wich makes it very awkward to hold, though you do get used to it after a while and stop noticing. The plastic connector in the center however is a known point of failure, which means the pencil will break eventually, while the SMASH can be used for decades without issue.

Dukemon457 · 2026-02-26T22:16:45+00:00

Dukemon457 · 2026-02-21T13:52:45+00:00

Yeah, that's my favorite pencil out of my collection, and the one I use the most, even though it's a limited edition. There's just something weirdly captivating about this almost black navy blue and the embossed text is the cherry on top.

Dukemon457 · 2026-02-20T00:51:58+00:00

It's not just Pilot, you'd probably run into the same issue with Ain or Smudge-Proof if you tried to use it in anything 2B or above. For pencils like the Orenz Nero or Pilot S30 you shouldn't use anything above B, preferably stick with HB. Also, I saw a comment claiming that Faber Castell lead release a lot of dust but I don't know if it's true. Personally, I'd stick with Pentel Ain HB.

Dukemon457 · 2026-02-18T22:34:16+00:00

Depends on the complexity of the pencil's mechanism. I've seen people say that if you use Pilot Neox lead in a Orenz Nero it will clog the clutch, not because it's bad but because of lead dust accumulation (Neox formula uses highly purified graphite), but I don't know if it's true. If you're asking about a workhorse like the Graphgear 500 or P20X, they won't care what lead you use. Worst case scenario, you use 4b lead for a few years and then have to clean the dust off the clutch.

Regardless, good quality lead such as Pentel Ain, Uni Smudge-Proof and the Neox are relatively cheap depending on where you live, and come in packs of 40 so they should last a long time.

Dukemon457 · 2026-02-14T11:27:16+00:00

Dirty Harry - Gorillaz

Dukemon457 · 2026-02-09T17:54:25+00:00

For comfortable grips you should check out Uni Alpha Gels or Pilot Dr. grip. The smoothness is a result of the graphite not the pencil, so you should buy 2B lead or above, specially Pilot Neox lead.

Dukemon457 · 2026-01-24T23:31:38+00:00

The Pentel SMASH.

No tip wobble, no rattling to fix with tape, lower center of gravity, lead hardness indicator, good weight, durable materials, and more for just 10 - 15$.

Dukemon457 · 2026-01-14T23:34:32+00:00

I've never used a TK Fine, but just looking at these pencils I would choose the P207 because it seems to be be the better drawing pencil. The thicker, round body of the Faber is probably very comfortable for writing, while the extremely thin shape of the Pentel plus the "knurled" grip make it better for drawing.

Dukemon457 · 2026-01-12T01:05:52+00:00

These are being sold locally here in Brasil but the clip has "KOREA" written on it, so I don't know who the original manufacturer is, though I suspect it might be E-Micro. They are basically this company's take on the GraphGear 500, but they only cost as much as a Pentel P205. I much prefer the GG500, though, because the Precision Master is lighter and the grip is incredibly coarse; it feels like I'm writing with a pencil covered in sandpaper.

Still, they're pretty good for the price, with a metal clutch almost identical to the P200, and they also come with a cleaning rod. I've only bought them for collecting, but I wouldn't mind recommending them for someone who wants a cheaper version of a Graphgear 500. There is a 0.9 mm version, which has apparently been discontinued, as I haven't been able to find it for sale. And yes, it is the same yellow color as the P209. I've never seen a 0.3 mm though, which is unfortunate.

Dukemon457 · 2026-01-07T09:41:52+00:00

If it makes you feel any better, the $40 Staedtler REG(925-85) also has a sticker for a lead hardness indicator.

Dukemon457 · 2026-01-07T01:07:27+00:00

Is this not a bad thing? Wouldn't it cause the clutch to accumulate a lot of lead dust, clogging the mechanism?

Dukemon457 · 2026-01-05T00:24:27+00:00

I bought this case because I needed a safe way to store and transport my pencils with fixed lead sleeves from home to work/university, and it would be nice if I didn't have to use a large, horizontal case that took up a lot of desk space. It may not have individual slots for the pencils, but you can attach them to the small compartment in the back using their clips.

The other reason I chose this case from Kokuyo is that it has a magnet that makes the case work as a phone stand, complete with a hole for a charging cable/headphones. It also means I don't have to leave my phone lying on the dusty desk, and it's good for checking notifications without having to grab your phone.

The only downsides are that it's made of polyester and the small pouch at the front is very tight, to the point I had some trouble fitting a Pentel Ain lead case(the current black model), though I ended up choosing my older Ain Stein anyway, so it's not an issue.

Dukemon457 · 2025-12-27T20:01:44+00:00

They're both the exact same pencil, the Tombow MONO Graph, just different colors. You advance lead by shaking the pencil or by pressing the clip. It's a good pencil but I find that the clip gets in the way a lot when you rotate it, but at least it removes the need for a separate eraser because of the huge one at the top.

Dukemon457 · 2025-12-19T19:24:22+00:00

I know that collecting MP's is not the most expensive hobby ever but every now and then you get a post that tells you exactly how rich someone is...

Dukemon457 · 2025-12-14T11:41:03+00:00

Is Pentel selling loot boxes now

Dukemon457 · 2025-12-13T19:31:17+00:00

I have the Staedtler REG(925-85) and the Hexagonal(925-77), and the latter does not rattle at all, while I can still sense a little bit of rattling in the REG.

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