GraphGear 1000

This is my absolute favorite pencil as an artist, and the only one I've used for quite a few years. I got one in high school and used it for four years, until I was a college sophomore. It stood up to daily note taking and drawing for four years. In the end, the only flaw in this pencil is the plastic seam, since that is what broke. Still, four years is an exceptionally long time for one pencil to last, especially since it is the only one I used for those four years. I purchased a second one right after the first one broke, and that one is still in excellent condition a year later. This is an excellent pencil for any artist, but has been especially wonderful for me, as someone with bad joints. The grip is bigger than a standard mechanical pencil, so it isn't as painful to write for long periods of time, and the silicone ovals make it easy to keep your grip on it. Retracting the tip of the pencil with the clip is a unique feature of this pencil, and honestly a bit of a fun party trick. People are always surprised by it. I have never had problems with the clip wearing out or breaking, and since the tip is retractable, I haven't had it break or bend either.

This is a very good quality mechanical pencil. I first bought it for my grandson to use for school and he loved it so much that I decided to get one for myself. The retractable clip design is genius to save your pencil lead when you have to carry it around a lot like in a backpack or purse.

I used to use a wider mechanical pencil before this purchase, so it took a little time to get use to the narrow shaft of this pencil. Other than that there is no issue with this product. Other reviews claim that the led can't be changed, or that you have to force it through the front, and that is completely false. Simply pull on the eraser and it pops off to reveal a hole to put the led in. The erasers themselves can be purchased and replaced; however the replacements are a bit small. You might run through the replacements if you rely solely on the pencils erasers, but this can be fixed by having a larger eraser for bigger mistakes. The casing of the pencil isn't metal; although there are metal parts. The casing is strong, smooth, and has a high quality feel. Overall this is a good mechanical pencil at a reasonable price. It might be a bit small if you have larger hands

This pencil has been my daily driver ever since I’ve bought it, so I feel I’m qualified to give a thorough review. It’s a fantastic pencil. While I haven’t had the luxury of owning a Rotring or a super-high end pencil, I did use regular plastic mechanical pencils for years; the kind of cheap pencil that come in packs of 50. This pencil blows them out of the water, in every aspect except one (which I will get to). PROS: - well balanced, weight feels good when writing - the thing is a marvel of craftsmanship. Seriously, I’m still amazed at how much stuff they crammed into it - the extending barrel is convenient, doesn’t have much play - you can press down with a LOT of force before the lead recedes into the barrel - the grip is great CONS - The eraser. As someone who has to erase mistakes constantly, the size of the eraser is laughable and didn’t last me two weeks. Luckily it comes with replacements, however they also don’t last long.. -the end cap. I tried like hell not to lose it, but it’s just too easy to lose if you’re using the eraser

As a cartoonist, I always needed a sturdy, heavy tool. This is the PERFECT tool for sketching and drawing. It is very easy to retract the lead. The clip of the pencil is a unique way to retract the fixed lead sleeve. For those wondering, a fixed lead sleeve is NOT retractable. So, it could cause damage to your bag. With this pencil, it is easy. Push the clip and the sleeve is retracted. The lead here... is the best. I have been using the Pentel Hi-Polymer Lead since... forever. I LOVE how the pencil is installed with this lead. It makes everything better. With the Pentel Graphgear 1000, cartooning and drawing are on the next level. (all art shown in the photos belong to me)

6,000+ reviews, so I won't repeat others. I was just surprised that it had a feature that I did not know it had. When I pressed to raise the clip the 4mm tip retracted, like a spring loaded mechanism, very solid. I had no idea it had that feature, so bonus! I decided to get into writing the old fashioned way. I haven't used mechanical pencils since I was in high school (30 years ago). I gave 4 stars because - plastic. C'mon! You can do better than that, Pentel! I suppose if you don't drop it that it could last (only received mine today), but us manly men want something that a train can run over (exaggeration) and keep working. Durability = value, strength & happiness. Plastic = girly. Girly = delicate & fragile. METAL! When you worry that you might break it, you don't truly enjoy it with worry in you. You know? I don't want to be like DARN IT, I dropped it and it is no more. For the record, I'm an everyday user. I'm not an artist or a drafting architect or anything. I just like to enjoy the 'instrument' that I am creating through. My writing is terrible as I often make mistakes and don't want to cross out using an ink pen. Going back to lead and erasers. All in all, I like the pen. I noticed that it is balanced, kind of like a sword, so that the pivot point is where you hold it, makes it more pleasant to write with. And it's about 30% to 40% heavier than a plastic mechanical pencil I have (twist erase).

favorite pencil

I don't draw, draft, or write a lot. But I am picky about the instrument I use when I do. I love this instrument. And that is what it is ... an instrument. Not a cheap, plastic mechanical pencil. But a well made writing instrument. Feels great in my fingers and the retractable point means I can put it in my shirt pocket without worrying about poking myself with it.

really good pencil for the price, nice weight and feel to it

es muy buen lápiz mecánico. bien construido y resistente. la punta retráctil es una de sus mejores características. su agarre es muy cómodo.

Fits perfectly

If you've got to do drafting, the Pentel GraphGear 1000 has got to be a top choice. It works great, feels sturdy, and should be the last drafting pencil you'll ever need. Very impressive.

Easily the most robust, durable, and comfortable mech pencil on the market. It's a classic.