The 27 best mechanical pencil brands
Pentel, rOtring and Staedtler lead our ranking of 27 mechanical pencil brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Mechanical Pencil brands, ranked
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1
Pentel
Japanese maker whose GraphGear line covers drafting-grade metal pencils and cheap everyday clicks alike.
Top products: GraphGear 500· GraphGear 1000· Twist-Erase Click
Website: pentel.com |Brands like Pentel
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
rOtring
Drafting-focused brand whose metal-bodied models suit technical drawing and engineering work.
Top products: 600 Series· 800+ Series
Website: rotring.com |Brands like rOtring
Popularity 5.9/10
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3
Staedtler
German maker of Mars Technico drafting pencils, with a 2mm lead option for heavier technical work.
Top products: Mars Technico· 925 35· 775 Micro
Website: staedtler.com |Brands like Staedtler
Popularity 5.9/10
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4
Sheaffer
There was a man named Walter Sheaffer who lived over a century ago. He was an innovative and detail-oriented man and a skilled jeweler. One day, he developed a fountain pen that enhanced the writing experience for people. A company by his name soon came up. Sheaffer has continued to serve its customers with its pen models. A quintessential Sheaffer pen symbolizes prestige and performance and serves as a representation of the brand today.
Website: sheaffer.com |Brands like Sheaffer
Popularity 5.5/10
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5
Montblanc
Luxury pencils in precious-metal finishes, priced well above everyday mechanical pencils.
Website: montblanc.com |Brands like Montblanc
Popularity 3.4/10
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6
Kaweco
Compact pocket-sized pencils with a matte black finish, including the Special model in 0.5mm.
Top products: Special Mechanical Pencil
Website: kaweco-pen.com |Brands like Kaweco
Popularity 2.8/10
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7
Osborne
Osborne is a manufacturing company that makes equipment used in doing woodwork. Their catalog carries items like Height gauges and Protractors that are simple and reliable to use. The brand's products help measure and cut more precisely and make the whole process a lot smoother for people in the woodworks industry. They make their equipment using high-quality and durable materials that stand even the most rigorous usage and still give excellent results.
Website: osbornemfg.com |Brands like Osborne
Popularity 1.3/10
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8
Faber-Castell
Faber-Castell, founded in 1761, is a world leader in producing exquisite writing tools and other office equipment. They provide various items for enthusiasts, students, and professionals, including drawing tools, writing instruments, art supplies, and accessories. Their unique wood-dying procedure provides each product a distinct look, which contributes to the increasing quality of its products. Faber-Castell USA offers the most creative and dependable office supplies, art supplies, and desk accessories, all with full warranties.
Website: fabercastell.com |Brands like Faber-Castell
Popularity 0.1/10
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9
Paper Mate
The moment of receiving a pen from your father when you do well is the ultimate form of pride. Papermate has been serving the world with its pens for more than seventy years. Many celebrities have endorsed the brand for...
Website: papermate.com |Brands like Paper Mate
Popularity 0.1/10
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10
Zebra
Zebra makes thermal label printers, barcode scanners and label stock for shipping, retail and warehouse work. Its ZT400 and ZT600 industrial printers and the desktop ZP450 form the core of its printing business. They handle everything from small shipping labels...
Website: zebra.com |Brands like Zebra
Popularity 0.1/10
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11
BIC
BIC builds disposable razors for women and men, along with ballpoint pens and pencils. The French company started out making ballpoint pens, including its Cristal pen, and its razors follow the same simple, low-cost approach. Its disposable razors suit everyday...
Popularity 0.1/10
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12
uni-ball
Kuru Toga models rotate the lead a little with each stroke, so the point wears evenly and lines stay consistent.
Website: uniball.co.uk |Brands like uni-ball
Popularity 0.1/10
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13
Caran d'Ache
Swiss pencils with a premium finish, often chosen by artists and collectors over budget options.
Website: carandache.com |Brands like Caran d'Ache
Popularity 0.1/10
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14
Cello
Cello was established quite recently in 2007. The company aims to create the best denim. Cello uses the finest fabric to craft their fashion pieces that have the finest fit and come along with a dash of comfort. They have...
Website: shopcello.com |Brands like Cello
Popularity 0.1/10
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15
Tombow
Craft-oriented maker of Mono pencils, with erasers and adhesives in the same range.
Website: tombowusa.com |Brands like Tombow
Popularity 0.1/10
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16
KOKUYO
Kokuyu is one of the well-known brands in stationery and office supply materials. Get your documents organized and in order using its exclusive products designed to be used without effort. Increase your productivity at school or work by using their...
Website: mykokuyo.com |Brands like KOKUYO
Popularity 0.1/10
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17
Pelikan
Stationery products are the primary requirement, and Pelikan best manufactures Stationery supplies, a well-known brand worldwide. They have different pens that make them unique, and the buyers are pretty selective for the writing section. The coloring and painting, handicraft, gluing,...
Website: pelikan.com |Brands like Pelikan
Popularity 0.1/10
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18
L’Amy
Lamy started as an independent family business of writing instruments in 1930. Its products are generally designed following the principle of ‘form follows function.’ The company vouches for producing products of consistent, high quality. Because of this, Lamy products today...
Website: lamy.com |Brands like L’Amy
Popularity 0.1/10
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19
edding
At edding, everything continued to shine in 1978 when its first-ever paint was launched. They now produce over 150 categories of products. Environment sustainability has always been part of its corporate philosophy since the very beginning. In fact, when developing...
Website: edding.com |Brands like edding
Popularity 0.1/10
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20
Inoxcrom
Founded over seven decades ago, Inoxcrom is a trusted brand for writing instruments. Their product range consists of writing instruments for your various needs, for official or casual purposes. Their range also has a wonderful collection of fountain pens, mechanical...
Website: inoxcrom.es |Brands like Inoxcrom
Popularity 0.1/10
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21
Manuscript
Manuscript sells fountain pen nibs and calligraphy pens, along with calligraphy sets and stationery. Its tools work for both beginners and experienced calligraphers, and the range moves from practice pens to finer nibs.
Website: manuscriptpen.com |Brands like Manuscript
Popularity 0.1/10
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22
Derwent
Derwent, an English art materials brand founded in 1832, makes colouring, watercolour, oil and art pencils. The company also sells charcoal blocks, pens, paper and other sketching accessories alongside them. Its products aim to keep the original feel of traditional...
Website: derwentart.com |Brands like Derwent
Popularity 0.1/10
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23
Reynolds
In kitchens, Reynolds is closely associated with its Handi-Vac vacuum sealing system, which uses a hand-held pump and reusable zipper freezer bags. The system was built for keeping meat, fish and leftovers fresh in the freezer. Reynolds also sold its...
Popularity 0.1/10
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24
Sakura
Fineliner pens, brush pens and paint markers from Sakura use pigment inks suited to waterproof, fine line work. Sakura Color Products is a Japanese manufacturer headquartered in Osaka, and its Pigma Micron, Gelly Roll and Koi brush pens are sold...
Popularity 0.1/10
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25
Visconti
Visconti produces leather goods, including RFID-blocking wallets, men's wallets, briefcases and fountain pens. Its bags and wallets use leather in varied colors and styles. The fountain pens and briefcases sit alongside the wallets in the same leather-focused lineup, and the...
Website: viscontibagsusa.com |Brands like Visconti
Popularity 0.1/10
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26
Burnham Commercial
Burnham Commercial manufactures boilers for the commercial market. Burnham Commercial are professional at what they do and has efficient measures to ensure the standard of the items they sell. The boilers and the control systems are meticulously planned and tested...
Website: burnhamcommercial.com |Brands like Burnham Commercial
Popularity 0.1/10
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27
Sharpie
Sanford Manufacturing Company was formed in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1857 by Frederick W. Redington and William H. Sanford, Jr. The corporation specialized in the production and distribution of ink and glue. The company grew and relocated to Chicago in 1866....
Website: sharpie.com |Brands like Sharpie
Popularity 0.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentel | pentel.com | – | pentelofamerica | – | – |
| rOtring | rotring.com | /rotring | rotringofficial | – | – |
| Staedtler | staedtler.com | /STAEDTLER | p | @STAEMars | STAEDTLERpencils |
| Sheaffer | sheaffer.com | – | – | – | – |
| Montblanc | montblanc.com | – | – | – | – |
| Kaweco | kaweco-pen.com | /kawecogermany | kaweco.germany | @Kaweco_Germany | – |
| Osborne | osbornemfg.com | /14549198865488 | – | – | – |
| Faber-Castell | fabercastell.com | /FaberCastellUSA | fabercastellusa | @FaberCastellUSA | FaberCastellUSA |
| Paper Mate | papermate.com | – | – | – | – |
| Zebra | zebra.com | /177371598973 | – | @zebratechnology | – |
Mechanical Pencil Buying Guide
As a student or professional, a mechanical pencil is a must-have tool that aids writing, drawing, and sketching. Not only is it more reliable than a traditional pencil, thanks to its lead refill system, but it’s also much neater and easier to use. However, not all mechanical pencils are created equal. In this guide, we take a look at the key features that you should consider when shopping for a mechanical pencil.
1. Grip
The grip of your mechanical pencil can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and ease of use. A good grip ensures that your fingers will not slip off the pencil while writing or drawing, while a poor grip can make your work feel clunky and hamper your writing speed and precision.
When shopping for a mechanical pencil, consider the material of the grip. Most mechanical pencils have a plastic, rubber, or metal grip. Plastic and rubber grips are ideal for those looking for more comfort and better ergonomics, while metal grips are better suited for those who prefer a sturdier and more durable pencil.
Another factor to consider when choosing a grip is its shape. Some grips are round or cylindrical, while others have a triangular or hexagonal shape. Triangular and hexagonal grips are great for those who want to maintain a consistent grip on their pencil while writing or drawing.
2. Lead Diameter
The diameter of the lead used in your mechanical pencil is also an important factor to consider. Most mechanical pencils come in standard lead sizes of 0.5mm or 0.7mm, but some models may offer more variety. The thickness of the lead you choose can have a big impact on your writing or drawing style.
If you’re looking to write or draw with precision and fine detail, then a 0.5mm lead is your best bet. For those looking for a bolder line with a little more heft, a 0.7mm lead is a better choice. Some pencil models even allow you to swap out lead sizes, which can be useful for those who need versatility in their work.
3. Lead Hardness
The hardness or softness of the lead in your mechanical pencil is another key consideration. Most mechanical pencil leads come in a range from 2H to 2B, with H representing harder leads and B representing softer ones.
If you’re a student or professional who often writes and takes notes on regular paper, then an H or 2H lead is a good choice. These leads produce a lighter line that is less likely to smear or smudge. However, if you’re an artist or designer who needs to create more dynamic and expressive drawings, then a 2B or even 4B lead may be a better fit.
4. Lead Advance Mechanism
The lead advance mechanism is what allows the lead in your mechanical pencil to be pushed forward as you write or draw. There are two main types of lead advance mechanisms to choose from: click and shake.
A click lead advance mechanism is the most common type and is found in most mechanical pencils. With this mechanism, you simply click the pencil’s button or clip to advance the lead. This mechanism is great for those who need a fast and efficient way to refill their pencil’s lead.
A shake lead advance mechanism requires you to shake the pencil to advance the lead, which can sometimes feel clunky and frustrating. However, this mechanism is great for those who need a quieter way to refill their pencil’s lead, or for those who prefer a less mechanical feel to their pencil.
5. Eraser
Most mechanical pencils come with a built-in eraser that allows you to quickly and easily correct any mistakes. However, not all erasers are created equal.
When shopping for a mechanical pencil, consider the quality and size of its eraser. Some erasers are small and ineffective, while others are larger and better at removing mistakes. Another factor to consider is whether the eraser is refillable. Some pencil models allow you to swap out the eraser once it has been used up, which can be a cost-effective way to maintain your pencil’s longevity.
Conclusion
When shopping for a mechanical pencil, it’s important to consider the grip, lead diameter, lead hardness, lead advance mechanism, and eraser quality. By taking these factors into consideration, you can find a pencil that is comfortable to use, produces the line thickness you need, and aids your creativity and productivity.
6. Brand reputation and durability
Another important factor to consider when buying a mechanical pencil is the brand reputation and the durability of the product. Some established brands that are known for producing high-quality mechanical pencils include Pentel, Staedtler, Rotring, and Uni Kuru Toga. These brands are often more expensive than other options, but they are also more likely to deliver quality products that are built to last.
Furthermore, it’s important to consider the durability of the mechanical pencil. Some pencils are made of cheaper plastics or metals that can break or wear down over time, while others are made of high-quality materials that can withstand daily use. If you’re someone who takes your mechanical pencil everywhere, like school or work, you’ll want to ensure that it can hold up to the wear and tear of daily use.
7. Comfort and weight
Comfort and weight are also important factors to consider when buying a mechanical pencil. Comfortable grip and weight can improve the writing and drawing experience while using the pencil. If you're someone who spends hours writing or drawing, the weight and comfort of the pencil can make a big difference in your level of comfort and productivity.
Some people may prefer a lightweight mechanical pencil, while others may prefer a heavier one. A lightweight pencil is easier to carry around and hold for longer periods, while a heavier pencil can give more control and precision when writing or drawing.
8. Specialty features
Finally, some mechanical pencils come with specialty features that may be beneficial to the user. For instance, some models have retractable tips that protect the tip of the pencil when not in use. Others come with a built-in sharpener or a twist-up eraser. Some mechanical pencils, such as the Uni Kuru Toga, have a feature that automatically rotates the lead every time you lift it off the paper, ensuring that the lead is always sharp and precise.
Conclusion
Buying a mechanical pencil may seem like a simple task, but it’s worth taking the time to consider what features are most important for your needs. By considering the grip, lead diameter, lead hardness, lead advance mechanism, eraser quality, brand reputation, durability, comfort, weight, and specialty features, you can make an informed decision and choose a mechanical pencil that will serve you well for years to come.
