Customer Reviews

Pentel Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil, 0.50 mm, Metallic Black Barrel, 1 Unit (P1035A)

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It looks beautiful; a conversation stopper everytime I pull it out. It's silky solid with a little weight that makes the lead glue to the surface of the paper. The graphite-lead is held tight in place, no wiggling or slippage. This beauty's cap clicks firmly into its open and close positions (you'll know what I mean when you get yours). I love looking at it and feeling it craddle in my hand. The instrument is a little shorter than a regular lead/mechical pencil; the shortness compliments the weight factor making the graphite spread evenly across the surface. Beautiful design, top quality material, with a refillable eraser--seasoned lead-pencil users know the value of this little addition. It's inexpensive, high quality material, precisionly crafted, great design, wonderful to hold--what do you think all this mean? It's not gonna last, Pentel is gonna realize this and jack up the price. I have three--I wish each of my fingers have the capability to write so I could buy one for each digit. Buy, buy, buy.

Update Note on 1/14/2012: The price has dropped since my 2008 purchase. So it is natural to assume something changed, quality maybe. You should read more current reviews before your purchase. My original review was over four years ago, and my affection for this lead pencil still stands.

I've been having trouble with lesser pencils (especially a certain design whose claim to fame is having two clutches) breaking the leads into tiny pieces, so I willing to risk ~US$10+shipping for a chance to not be clicking incessantly during class, much less exams. So far, so good; I will probably buy more. I agree with most of the reviews, though comparisons to a Lamborghini might be a *bit* much!

So, I've been using this pencil for just a couple of days now, and the first thing I thought was "how odd that this really nice pencil doesn't include an eraser." As I revisited this page to review it, I noticed the product description says what sort of replacement eraser it takes.

To reveal the (very small) eraser, you must snap the cap onto the back end of the pencil, as when writing. This will make the silver button at the top of the cap extend. Pull this button out from the cap to reveal the eraser. Similarly the button of the top of the pencil body is removed to refill the leads. Might have been nice if they'd put little grooves in the cap's button as they did with the pencil's button to make it easier to remove.

I work in engineering and live by these things. There was another model I used and that I loved - but they're not made anymore. I searched long and hard to find a replacement that works reliably and without jamming, and this model is it. My lastest order was for three of them - so I can have spares if I lose my primary one.

Unlike most other mechanical pencils, the Pentel Sharp Kerry has a removable, snapping cap. This feature separates the pen as more of a professional, luxury writing instrument rather than a cheap office supply. The cap fits fairly firmly, though the connection is not as strong as I would like; I fear after a few years of use the cap would become loose.

When the cap is removed, the pen is quite small. It is much more comfortable to write with when posted. A sophisticated mechanism allows the lead to be advanced with the cap posted or not posted. The front of the cap also serves as a holder for a small eraser.

The body has a nice metallic finish that is pleasant to hold. The construction feels very durable and long lasting.

Overall, this is a great mechanical pencil. I would recommend it to anyone: students, engineers, and businessmen alike.
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Update: After 4 months of extensive daily use at school, I have to say that this pencil remains in excellent shape. The body is completely unmarked, and a quick clean with alcohol easily restores a clean feeling and a shiny barrel without any negative effects. Contrary to my fears, the cap is still tight and secure. The eraser has somewhat corroded and dried up, but I rarely use it, and it still works decently. Also considering the small size of the eraser, it is not really adequate, and an external eraser is useful in combination with this pencil. Regardless, these are minor detractors from the pencil as a whole. I have been collecting and using pens and pencils for many years and this is my favorite pencil.

The Sharp Kerry is the finest mechanical pencil I have owned to date. I use it every day for work as a project manager, I oversee bids, budgets and construction for large commercial projects.
The Share Kerry is the best I have found for every day use on plans, estimates and financial reporting. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one on Amazon as the price is the lowest around.
My only complaint if you can call it that is the pencil needs a better eraser, one that does not move while you use it - I do use a separate eraser for making changes.

I purchased the Pentel 5 version of this mechanical pencil nearly seven years ago and I've enjoyed them ever since. Approximately four inches in length without the cap, it's on the small side for a pencil but the metal barrel and excellent paint finish make it really stand out.

Well weighted and with a sharp tip, the pencil allows for smooth and comfortable writing. They are a bit expensive for a simple pencil, but I'd highly recommend them to anyone seeking a high quality mechanical pencil.

Long lasting pencil that looks sharp and has a cap that protects the lead when not in use.

Pro:
With normal mechanical pencils I push in the lead before I put the pencil in my pocket. When I use them again I have to click it a few times to get the lead out. As a result, I tend to destroy the mechanism that feeds the lead very quickly. With the Kerry pencil that is not a problem. I've never had the feed mechanism go bad and the cap protects the lead, my clothes and me.

Con:
The only problem I have is that the eraser is small and I go through it very quickly. I would recommend getting a comfortable eraser to go with it. Personally, I use the find the retractable erasers a good match. There is some concern with the propensity for losing the cap, however the cap snaps tightly in place and I quickly got used to it. While I have lost a few of the pencils, I have never misplaced the cap.

Conclusion:
It costs a bit more than most mechanical pencils, but even considering the small eraser, I think it is well worth the price. The first one I bought in the mid 90's was $18. I've been using them ever since. I always keep a couple of spares for gifts and in case I lose the one I'm using.

Warning:
It looks like a nice pen, so be prepared to have folks looking at your pencil and asking to use your pen.

honestly did not expect such quality from a mechanical pencil. I use pencils all the time because I'm a student right now and this one does not look or feel like any I've used before. looks too good to be just a pencil. definitely recommended.

This pencil looks great but like most mechanical pencils dont expect a great eraser. the eraser wiggles from side to side as you erase. If you dont mind using a separate eraser or have a electric eraser this is a great buy.

I am absolutely in love with this mechanical pencil.

At a first glance it appears much more expensive than it actually is. The pencil feels solid in my hands and has just the right weight. The mechanism used to push the lead forward is very exact and moves the lead just the right amount (not too much, like those cheap pencils). It feels very soft and sturdy. All the pieces fit together nicely. I look at this pencil and in my mind it is made to the same specifications as a rolex watch.

Since I spend most of my day writing stuff (Im a student), I might as well spend a little more on a nice pencil.

Another thing I like about it is that it uses the lead almost completely (so there is little waste). A very good buy.