Recently I’ve been using UNI 2H lead for writing and it is a game changer.

• I can get through most of the day without a sharpening
• the lines are a very pleasant contrast to read
• can be the sharpest point of any writing utensil I’ve ever used
• much less drag on the page
• erases more easily
• very satisfying scratch on the page (mostly lined and copy paper)
• a lead will last me at least 3x as long

Just a recommendation to try if you haven’t. Any others I should try?

Sanford phd, rotring tikky ll and paper mate mechanical pens

I have a friend who is a pencil enthusiast. Her birthday is near and I thought it would be nice to gift her pencils. But my budget is tight and lots of branded products are not available here. I'm choosing between buying an expensive one or buying lots of afforable ones and present them in a pleasing way. How do you think? I'm still a newbie to pencils but I love the aesthetic of pencils. Feel free to share me your ideas of gifting pencils. I'd also love to see your favourite pictures of pencils. Thanks a lot.

I just got about a dozen vintage 6H Venus Velvets and they draw beautifully.

I had no idea that the Velvets came in this grade. They’re as light (if not lighter) than many of the 9’s and 10H’s I have. The one thing that concerns me is that the box says they’re made with “Pressure Proofed Colloidal Lead.”

How dangerous are these? A little brain damage may help the process but I would like to keep it to a minimum.

I’ve had this mechanical pencil for a few years and I really like the way it feels. It started breaking down so I’d like to buy a replacement, but don’t know the brand or model. If anyone could help identify it that would be great!

Hello,

I was playing Dungeons and Dragons and the DM let me borrow his pencil. I immediately noticed how much better the letters I produced were and thought, this must be some sort of super pencil.

I endeavored to get the same kind knowing nothing about the finer things in life (pun intended), but was put off by the $30 for 12 price tag.

Are there any other pencils or guidance any of you experts could offer to get a similar outcome for a lower price? I also tried the Matte version he had but found the Balanced much better. I would also be interested in a mechanical pencil if there was a way to get a similar result.

Thanks!

In this singular world, you can get as many of your favorite pencils as you want at $0.10 each. First generation Eberhard Faber Blackwing 602 and Pentel Black Polymer 999 are not rare, but readily available.

Please do not overthink the question. For example, if CalCedar Blackwing is your favorite pencil, then US is the answer regardless of the Japanese core. The Reddit poll options aren't sophisticated enough for us to get too clever!

Polls only allow 6 options. I'd love to know if your favorite pencil is from a country not listed.

Thank you!

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It's my understanding that polls are totally anonymous, even to mods.

I'm more and more frequently hearing how unique it is to collect pencils. It doesn't feel that way thanks to this sub, so curious to learn more about our demographic.

Thank you in advance!

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Only 6 options so, if not listed, please share in comments if comfortable.

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I have a bunch of questions about my fellow pencil collectors on this subreddit, but seems as though I must post one at a time. Hopefully, others on the sub are interested, too.

What best describes your primary interest in pencil collecting:

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ISO extra large pencil sharpener. Prefer something in the 15-25 HP range, high-torque diesel powered. DM me.

I've tried sharpening half a dozen of them now with a blackwing sharpener, all of the leads break multiple times before I get a usable point.