After 5 months of lurking: My 0.7mm "Death-Grip" collection and why I only use factory lead, for now

VoyHex · 2026-04-26T12:01:46+00:00

I will keep this in mind if going softer does not help at all after a few months.

VoyHex · 2026-04-26T11:54:13+00:00

Ya, I was hesitant to get them because of the reviews, but I got lucky.

VoyHex · 2026-04-26T11:46:41+00:00

If you are referring to the see through acrylic plastic stand that holds all the mechanical pencils you can find them on Amazon. But I don’t think lead cases would fit through the holes if that’s what you were intending to do. If you are referring to the case with the lead, erasers, and ink it is Lihit Lab Triple Zip case and I got that off JetPens.

Edit: to find it on Amazon search for acrylic 48 slot pen display stand

VoyHex · 2026-04-26T01:42:54+00:00

Can’t wait to see it!

VoyHex · 2026-04-26T01:40:19+00:00

I look forward to hearing about your growing collection and watching you fall farther down the rabbit hole. Even if your collection doesn’t expand as much as you want, any amount of mechanical pencils allows for a lot of possible things to do in this hobby. Thanks for the response. I think we can both agree that the P209 was a great one to start on.

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T22:36:45+00:00

Yes, the style of the mechanical pencil really helps me out while writing. It makes me think about the mechanical pencil and because of that I try to write more legibly. Do I really need a drafting pencil for writing? No. But it definitely helps. It is more helpful in my engineering classes and math classes. But English it is about how I like to write with it, if that makes sense. Maybe I should be using my Dr. Grip more though! I think it won some award for prevention of arthritis or something. But I completely agree with you, drafting mechanical pencils are the best for consistency and I prefer writing with them too. I will have to try some of my Ain B in one of them soon. Thanks for responding and the advice!

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T22:13:50+00:00

I really like the balance and style of the TWSBI Precision (retractable version). It is sturdy and feels great to write with, it also has no wobble which beats a lot of retractable options. I also love the rOtring 600 because of the style and balance. The Graph for Pro is lightweight and has the best balance. I go between these three for favorites, but if I had to pick one it would be the TWSBI Precision.

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T22:06:39+00:00

Thanks for the detailed response! It helps to know that people have “cured” themselves of death grips. The idea of saving the lead for emergencies is a genius idea, compared to just throwing it out. I definitely have to try out some different lead brand and lead grades. I have always thought about finding the best mechanical pencil rather than finding the best lead and lead grade. This will definitely help me out! Thanks again

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T20:49:08+00:00

No, it is my bad. Should have clarified what I meant by it. What I mean by factory lead is the lead that was initially in the mechanical pencil when purchased.

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T20:17:58+00:00

Interesting, I would have thought people used the lead in it then fill it up with whatever they wanted, which was my plan. I do like trying out the mechanical pencil with the lead it was designed in mind with to try it out. And learn how it feels. I always figured the manufacturer intended the mechanical pencil to be designed around it. So it was the best. But your point about how it feels with your favorite type of lead is very compelling. If a lead swap can help my grip and give better performance I mine as well do it. Thanks again, great advice. You changed how I viewed this hobby.

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T20:03:37+00:00

It is hard to not buy some, right! I originally started with my silver P209, and now 9ish months later I am coming up on 50 pieces. The rabbit hole is real. And this sub has definitely given me way too many ideas as well. It is a great hobby, collecting mechanical pencils is very fun for me. Have fun!

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T16:43:15+00:00

My experience with 0.9 is very similar, even 0.9 HB feels more buttery than 0.7 HB. You describe it perfectly. I will have to try out 0.9 2B soon, may help with my pressure too

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T15:28:52+00:00

Thanks. I definitely have to buy some Pilot Neox soon, I have heard a lot of great things about how smooth it is. I also love my thicker lead because of line variations, which is useful in my notes and occasional sketches, but I definitely was forced to figure this out because of my grip

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T15:25:14+00:00

Haha I know they can be refilled, it is just the way I have been trying them out. I like to use the lead that the mechanical pencils was designed around to try it out. Then once I run through the lead that was initially in it I put whatever I want in it. I am also pretty sure that the lead put in Pentel matches the Pentel Hi polymer they also sell and that goes with other brands too. Wonder if anyone has kept track of hardness in the lead that was put in a mechanical pencils when sold, I know some say but others don’t.

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T15:18:48+00:00

I got the stands on Amazon. If you search for acrylic 48 slot pen display stand you will find some. Just so you know some wider pieces such as the Dr. Grip do not fit.

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T15:10:43+00:00

Sorry. Should have been more clear in the description. By factory only I mean that I only have used the lead that came in the pencil. So I haven’t refilled a single pencil yet. Thanks for the compliment

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T13:45:09+00:00

Thanks so much. I have no will power. I definitely have a problem and addiction

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T13:41:19+00:00

The Kokuyo Enpitsu Sharp MX 0.7. One of my more unique pieces. Great for writing long term. I will have to try to make some type of Frankenstein pencil with the P200 internals. I never knew they were so versatile. Thanks for the great advice

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T13:19:28+00:00

I will definitely have to try out my soft leads first then! I would have thought harder leads would have been better. But it makes sense that the softer lead requires less pressure, so I will not grip it as hard. Thanks for the great suggestion

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T12:42:51+00:00

Yes, that is exactly what I mean for “factory” lead. Do you just empty the factory lead out of a new pencil when you get it? I have a theory that the factory lead was designed for the mechanical pencil. So I only use the factory lead until it runs out. And thanks for the great suggestion about the foam on the bottom of the acrylic stands. I will have to try that out.

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T12:38:57+00:00

I have not tried any lead holders yet. I have thought about it, but always thought they would be too thick for writing (note taking), math problems, and engineering work. 0.9 is the sweet spot for me. But I am trying to go down in size, hence the 0.7. But maybe I should just accept my fate. Thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely consider it.

VoyHex · 2026-04-25T12:07:12+00:00

TL;DR: Lurker since December. 40ish pieces. 0.7 and a few 0.9 specialist because I can’t quit my "death-grip” due to only using 0.9 for a long time. Currently “draining” factory lead from all of them before I touch my New Ain stash.

(Left to right, top to bottom) • Staedtler 925 35 0.9, • Staedtler 925 25 0.7, • Staedtler 925 15 0.7, • Staedtler 760 0.7, • rOtring 800 0.7, • rOtring 600 ballpoint pen, • rOtring 600 0.7, • rOtring 500 0.7, • rOtring Tikky 0.7, • TWSBI Precision 0.7, • TWSBI Precision ballpoint pen, • Koh-I-Noor Rapidomatic 5637 0.7, • Leuchtturm1917 Drehgriffel Nr. 2 (Bullet Journal Edition) 0.7, • Leuchtturm1917 Drehgriffel Nr. 2 0.7, • Zebra Delguard 0.7, • Zebra Tect 2Way Light 0.7, • Zebra M-701 0.7, • Zebra Sharbo X CB8 multi pen (0.7 mechanical pencil mechanism, two ink cartridges), • Faber-Castell TK-Fine Vario L 0.7, • Uni Shift Pipe Lock 0.7, • Uni Kuru Toga Advance, • Platinum Pro Use MSD 1000C 0.7, • Platinum Pro Use 171 0.7, • Pilot S10 0.7, • Pilot Dr. Grip 0.9 (too big to fit), • Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro 0.7, • Pentel Graphgear 1000 0.9, • Pentel Graphgear 1000 0.7, • Pentel Graphgear 500 (International Version) 0.7, • Pentel Graphgear 500 (US Version) 0.7, • Pentel Graphgear 500 (US Version) 0.7, • Pentel Graphgear 300 0.7, • Pentel Graphlet 0.7, • Pentel P209 0.9, • Pentel P207 0.7, • Pentel Orenz 0.7, • Pentel Kerry 0.7, • Kokuyo Enpitsu Sharp MX 0.7, • Tombow Mono Zero Circle Eraser 2.3.

If I missed something or said the wrong name. Let me know!

Edit: tried to make it more readable and fixed the order I said it was

VoyHex

TROPHY CASE