The Top 5 Mechanical Pencils for Drawing and Sketching
Dear friends, I hope you are doing great and are very creative!
I was glad to receive this article that Ethan Molina sent me and which I'm publishing here:
The Top 5 Mechanical Pencils for Drawing and Sketching
What makes a good mechanical pencil for drawing:
I’m sure every artist and every person has a different opinion in regards to what makes a good pencil for drawing. Because that is almost like asking what is the most beautiful type of girl? (or man?): Is it blond? Brunette? Oriental? etc. etc. There is no right answer. Or maybe there are many right answers, depending who is asking the question.
But leaving aside all philosophic dilemmas, and as an artist with over 40 years of experience and many miles of graphite under my wheels, these are the points that I consider important when choosing a pencil for drawing; and a review of each of my top favourite drawing mechanical pencils.
What to look for in a mechanical pencil for drawing:
Usually when an artist creates, he submerges into his activity so intently, that he forgets that the world is still making its way around the Sun. His pencil should be as close as an extension of his body, and it should be as effortless, as possible. It should cause him the least distractions, and should not make him tired. Therefore I recommend:
1. A good anti-slip grip: The last thing you want is the pencil slipping off your hand while you are drawing. Smooth holding areas are not the best for drawing tools.
2. A solid grip: Squishy, rubbery or soft handles make more difficult the precise control of your tool for drawing and draftsmanship. If you want precise drawing, I recommend you to look for a solid grip.
3. A round shape: There are pencils which claim to be “ergonomic” and have strange or uneven shapes. Sometimes they feel good when you first hold them, but they only work in one position. When an artist is drawing, he continually rotates his pencil around to get the desired point (either the flat spot of the lead, or to the contrary, the sharper edge). When you turn an ergonomic grip around, even so slightly, it becomes totally anti-ergonomic and ridiculously uncomfortable. A similar thing happens when you try to hold the pencil further away, or closer to the tip, than what the grip was designed for. Avoid them.
4. The thickness: The pencil should fit and stay on your fingers with the least effort. Keeping this in mind, avoid the thin and the too thick bodies. For me a pencil that is slightly thicker than a regular wooden pencil is the ideal.
5. Weight: It should have some weight to it, but it should not be super heavy, and neither too light. I think most of us tend to like objects that have some weight to them. They just feel of a better quality. Not super heavy, but with weight so that gravity keeps them in your hand.
Ideally the balance would be towards the tip, so that you don’t need to exert any effort to keep the lead on the paper. The balance of the weight towards the tip is ideal for drawing, however, I don’t consider this a vital point.
6. A fully retractable sleeve: I have had more than one mechanical pencil falling off my table and breaking the metal sleeve of the tip. The ones that retract fully, protect themselves when not in use. Additionally, the ones that don’t retract can make holes in your breast pocket or the pocket on the back of your pants when carrying them, which can be a pain in the butt! (Literally!)
Which lead?
There are basically two different subjects here:
1. Softness: The regular lead for mechanical pencils is the HB, which for drawing it’s a “medium” softness. They are usually available in a range from 2H (hardest) to 2B (softer). The best for you may depend on what you are trying to do (obviously), and on the paper you are using. A paper with more “tooth” (grain) will “bite” on the graphite and your mark will look darker. While smooth papers will hold less graphite and your mark will be lighter.
2. Thickness: The common mechanical pencil leads are 0.3mm, 0.5mm and 0.7mm. There are also 0.9mm, although the replacement leads may be a bit hard to find, depending on where you live.
Ok, having said that, here is my chosen top 5 mechanical pencils for drawing and sketching, and their review. (It was hard to get to these 5 as there are others which I love too):
1. Tutto3 by O Art International Mechanical Pencil Review:
When choosing the #1 pencil for this list it was a no-brainer to select the Tutto3, as it has all you need for drawing. In this case the dilemma of choosing thickness and softness of leads is not a dilemma because you have it all in one.
The Tutto3 has 3 different caliber of leads and it comes with 3 different hardnesses as well: 0.3mm 2H (hard), 0.5mm HB (medium) and 0.7mm B (soft). Therefore it covers a wide range, to create different effects. An excellent idea. It is one of those things that once you get used to working with them, you can hardly understand why you didn’t have one of these much earlier. I have been lucky to be one of the original users of this pencil, and nowadays when I draw with another pencil, I feel something is missing: Where are my other leads?
It is a bit of a mystery where this mechanical pencil came from, since it is not from one of the monster companies such as Pentel, Staedlter, etc. It seems it is a private artist who produces this tool in partnership with an established German manufacturer and an American company called O Art International (it is physically made in Japan, as most quality mechanical pencils are).
Reminds me of those old pens which contain different color tips in one. (An old concept put to a new use). The Tutto3 has a slick mechanism based on gravity. To select a lead you simply look at the label of the one you want, and by holding the pencil in that position (and thanks to one of Newton’s laws), that point will come out when pressing the back button.
The pencil has a confortable thickness and a classic and effective anti-slip knurl grip, similar to other drafting pencils, except that this area has ben extended, so that you can hold it further away from the tip (for drawing) and you will still be on the anti-slip grip.
It has a very nice weight to it. It is made out of brass, so the body must be really lasting. It comes in 2 colors: Black or silver finish.
The sleeve retracts fully by pressing the side button, so as to protect the tip while you are not using it and for safe transportation. The tip is also retracted to select a different lead.
It has a good looking carrying clip and a small eraser under the back button.
It has a good looking carrying clip and a small eraser under the back button.
This pencil was conceived by an artist, for artists, and in my opinion it accomplished its goal: In today’s market it’s the best mechanical pencil for drawing.
Best points: Having 3 different calibers and 3 different hardness of leads in one pencil. Nice weight.
Not so good points: Hard to find one, but if you want me to be really picky, the 3 way mechanism rattles a little if you shake the pencil. Not a problem and this is normal in multifunction pens, but I had to find something to say here!
For more information or to get the Tutto3:
Tutto3 Black: click here.
Tutto3 Black: click here.
Tutto3 Silver: click here.
2. rOtring 600 Mechanical Pencil Review:
By many, this pencil is considered the definition of a drafting, professional mechanical pencil.
The first impression when you hold the rOtring 600 is that of a quality instrument. It is made out of brass which gives it a nice weight. It has a knurled grip that is confortable and provides a good anti-slip hold. The central part of the body has a hexagonal shape, reminiscent of the older wooden pencils. The body is continued with a rounded part where the clip and the lead hardness indicator are located. The clip is sturdy, made from the same brushed aluminium as the pencil with the rOtring inscription embossed. The lead hardness indicator is also a knurled ring.
The fixed sleeve, however, makes it not exactly pocket friendly (as the pointed tip always stays out). The cap is standard, also made of brushed aluminium and it hides a small eraser.
The feeling is that of a solid instrument, one that won’t let you down. I have used the rOtring for many many hours. I have to say this was my favourite drawing pencil until I found the Tutto3.
All in all a fantastic, near perfect pencil with a nice design and feel. This is a tool that I recommend.
Best points: The design, build quality and nice weight.
Not so good points: The metallic sleeve of the tip is not retractable, which is surprising for a pencil that costs over $35 dollars. And being picky, I would have preferred a slightly thicker grip.
To get a rOtring 600, click here.
To get a rOtring 600, click here.
3. Pentel Graphgear 1000 PG1015 Mechanical Pencil Review
I have to say, this pencil is a bit strange looking, with a strikingly large clip and the dots on the grip area, which is made up of a combination of a knurl, with little elliptical rubber inserts. Obviously this is an attempt to try to get the best of both worlds, and I’m pleased to say it’s reasonably successful. It offers a firm grip, yet still has a bit of softness about it when you are holding the pencil.
Then there is that huge, protruding pocket clip, which they call a document clip, a reference to how you can clip it to a thick folder or sheaf of papers. This pencil may not be of the same quality as the prior 2, however, still an excellent working pencil which should last you a long time.
The sleeve is fully retractable, with a push top ratchet lead advance mechanism. Similar to a ballpoint pen, pushing the top button first pushes out the tip section with its 4mm lead sleeve. Further operation of the top button advances the lead like a normal push button mechanical pencil. The mechanism only advances a very short length of lead each time. Once out, the sleeve is a fixed sleeve, but pulling the document clip automatically retracts the tip section for safety.
There is a small eraser under the top button cap. Includes a lead hardness degree indicator just at the top of the grip section. You can select to display 2B through to 2H.
The Graphgear 1000 is available in 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm and 0.9mm options, distinguished by different coloured rubber inserts in the grip section. The body is made out of aluminium.
Best Points – The retractable tip, the document clip if you like attaching the pencil to documents.
Not So Good Points – The lead advances by very short increments, which can get annoying. I would have preferred a little more weight to it.
To get it, click here.
To get it, click here.
4. Staedtler 925 25 Mechanical Pencil Review
The Staedtler 925-25 is another sought after drafting pencil from Japan. This pencil certainly looks “technical” with its all-metal silvery appearance, concentric ring patterns on the grip and the top button, and the long thin lead sleeve. It is appealing and well designed.
It is available in 0.3mm, 0.mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm. It features a lead grade indicator. The grip area with its texture and the concentric grooves are very efficient in keeping your hold. Although some may say it is a bit too rough to the feel.
The weight of the pencil is about what you would expect for an aluminum pencil. A bit light for my test, but still good. There is a lead hardness indicator window just above the grip.
Up at the upper end there is a standard button or cap. On the top of it is a very large “.5” indicating the lead diameter of the pencil.
Under the top button there is a small white eraser. You can pull the eraser out to access the lead refill chamber, and there is a needle attached to the eraser to help clear the pipe in the event of a jammed lead.
The lead sleeve is a fixed 4mm thin pipe on the 0.5mm. Obviously it’s not pocket safe,
I like this pencil, almost all around: The looks, the feel and the workability.
Best Points: It’s efficient grip. Good design.
Not So Good Points – The fixed, not-retractable sleeve. I would have liked a little heavier weight to it.
To get the Staedtler 925 25, click here.
To get the Staedtler 925 25, click here.
5. Pilot Vanishing Point H1005 Mechanical Pencil Review
This is a beautiful and elegant mechanical pencil. It’s main feature, as its name indicates, is its vanishing point! The whole sleeve tip section retracts back into the pencil body. It works similarly to a ballpoint pen, you push the top button and the whole tip retracts back inside the body. Very easy.
The lead advances using the same top button, but pressing it lighter. You do have to be a little careful as you can inadvertently push too hard and retract the tip, rather than just advance the lead. Once you get used to it you don’t have to think about it. It conceals an eraser under the top cap. It’s small, but efficient.
The Pilot Vanishing Point is made of matt black plastic, with nice shiny chrome trims. It is very aesthetic. The body is smooth, without an anti-slip grip area, which may be my only point of complain. The 4mm long lead sleeve is for drawing and draughting work. The band toward the center of the pencil is an adjustable lead hardness indicator.
Best Points: The fully retractable tip. It’s beautiful look.
Not So Good Points: The lack of anti-slip grip. It’s made out of plastic. (I still love it, I have to confess).
I hope this review was helpful to you. I would love to have your comments and feed back about these pencils or your top 5.
Best,
Ethan Molina
Mechanical pencils are definitely a favorite of mine, and it's actually all I used to use when I started out as an artist. I've moved on to trying other things, but I can always use another mechanical pencil!
ResponderBorrarI actually still use mechanical pencils to create the artwork I post on the daily drawing section of my website (dezigningart.com).
Thanks for the great read and the inspirational artwork you post on your YouTube channel!
If you are rolling the canvas in order to post it, it is also a good idea to have some packaging in place between the rolled canvas and the tube you will put it in. This could be some stiff plastic or a piece of blank canvas on Pascal Robaglia. You should also cover the rolled canvas with a sheet of acid-free paper to ensure that the canvas does not come in direct contact with the packaging and there is no paint damage.
ResponderBorrarTo prevent damage to a painting, keep the artwork hung on a wall if you can. This gets the artwork out of harm's way. Hang the painting away from heat and direct sunlight that can cause fading and deterioration to the canvas. Pascal Robaglia Humid environments should likewise be avoided. Too much moisture can cause molds to grow on your artwork. Check the back of your canvas every now and then for molds growing behind the front panel.
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Hi
ResponderBorrarvery great information about best mechanical pencil
ResponderBorrarGood to know about the best mechanical pencil.
ResponderBorrarWhen I was studying in school, I would like to play with these mechanical pencils, because of those tic-tic sounds. Loved those days. Check out William Penn website, where you can have a different types of mechanical pencils.
ResponderBorrarNever heard of, but looks like these are the best mechanical pencil for drawing
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