Customer Reviews

Pentel(R) Sharp™ Automatic Drafting Pencil, 0.5 mm, Black

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been using this pencil since high school, and that was over 35 years ago! It hasn't changed a bit, and I'm thankful. There have been many variations and knock-offs over the years and they all fall short.

What can I say? this is the classic Pentel P205. It's a wonderful pencil. So much good has been said about it I can't really add to that, so I'll point out some cons:

Eraser is sub-par. I understand some people who claim to be pencil enthusiasts believe you should never use the eraser on a quality pencil. This is nonsense. There are great pencils, Staedtler, Faber-Castell, etc, that have great erasers. It's not the size I have a problem with, the size is great and they are easily replaceable, but the compound used in the eraser is just not very good.

The body is plastic. It feels like it gives quite a bit while writing. Perhaps some people like this as it softens writing, but it feels somewhat flimsy and it not my kind of thing.

The mechanism could use some improvement. It's unfortunate no progress seems to be made on these pencils in 20 years. There is still the glaring and unforgiveable problem of how when a piece of lead is about used up the last few centimeters get stuck in the tip, outside the advancer, so you have to pull it out. This is absurd and ridiculous, and so many pencils still do this. The pentel eSharp is pretty good at keeping lead alive longer, but it's an even cheaper pencil and rather unattractive.

I can't give the product five stars because the old adage "don't fix what ain't broke" doesn't apply here: there are some big improvements that should be being made about pencils, and unfortunately Pentel is resting on its laurels.

I discovered Pentel pencils back in art school. I do fine detailed drawings and this is my pencil! I have tried other products but nothing works as well and you can't beat the price for value. I would recommend this product to anyone that needs to use pencils for work... it will not fail you.

Works great! I would use this pencil over a wooden pencil or other mechanical pencils any day.

While the barrel is made out of plastic, don't be fooled-- this is a relatively sturdy little pencil. I had mine for at least 3 years until I loaned it out to someone in class and never got it back!

Personally, I prefer pencils with a bit more weight to them, but if you like light pencils, you should definitely consider getting this one. It's definitely pricier than most other mechanical pencils you can find in bulk, but really, as long as you don't lose it, this pencil will last you quite a while.

I never liked plastic pencils, but this plastic is very sturdy and has a good grip. Its tip is a bit sharp and the eraser is really small, but I don't mind.

Has been and remains to be my favorite pencil to use.

Shipped within 3 days and I couldnt be happier with this purchase.

I'm always taking notes in high school classes for students with special needs. Pencil works the best, but I always had trouble finding a mechanical pencil that was thin enough yet could withstand a lot of writing without breaking the point and wasting lead. This pentel 0.5mm lead pencil is the best. The elongated metal tip keeps the lead strong. I definitley recommend it!

I have been using Pentel Automatic Drafting pencils for 30 years. They are as good now as when I started using them. The seller lives up to my expectations from Amazon.

I give this pencil a good amount of use ( almost daily), and it has held up well. It is mostly used for sketching. This pencil delivers nice smooth lines. You will have to get yourself an eraser because the one in this pencil is small and will wear away fast. The lead in this pencil will snap easily when a great amount of pressure is applied, for example, tracing over an outline to make it bolder, 0.7mm lead holds up better when using more pressure. Overall a good pencil, I own two.