Mechanical Pencils for artists and graphic artists

[@blame7121]

I don't really have a real use for a mechanical pencil, I just like the designs and I'd like to imagine having a use for one. Still, this a great video showcasing lots of different ones for different uses.

[@Sciart]

Very glad that you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching. They are great designs

[@robertbrode6282]

As a collector, I have thousands of pens and pencils, this was a very nice and informative presentation. Thank you

[@Sciart]

Thank very much, that’s high praise from someone with thousands of pens and pencils. I collect fountain pens too, although I am more of a user. I hope to do another one with some ‘oddities’ and also an area that no-one seems to review. Thank you for watching.

[@hakonrunner]

I've watched this three times now. It is extremely informative, useful and interesting. Thank you!

[@Sciart]

You are so kind. thank you for watching.

[@judyferguson3185]

I just love pencils, the more the merrier. Thanks so much for showing us the neat things that mechanical pencils can do

[@Sciart]

You're welcome!

[@MLife1972]

This is a super video. So many videos don't make the distinction that people use their pencils for different tasks. Writing, art, graphic design. This really helps buyers make an educated decision. Thanks.

[@Sciart]

Thanks for your kind comments, I’m not a natural at these and I’m planning to do another video soon. Keep watching.

[@frankmasih5367]

I fell in love with kuru toga the moment I came to know about it, I'm a beginner artist so I'll buy it when I'm a pro as a gift to myself.

[@Sciart]

Absolutely not! Buy it now! Get the benefit!

[@joelmcgee5727]

I'm a fountain pen guy, but the kuru toga is next level. Only pencil I have ever EDC. Invest in yourself. Do it now. But if you have never used a touring, it's a solid choice.

[@shreenakade5330]

@@joelmcgee5727 which kurutoga

[@Sciart]

@@shreenakade5330 It comes in all sorts of flavours, you are looking for designs where the lead rotates as you push the pencil down on the paper. You can obtain all metal, part metal, all plastic, designer versions etc. The entry one, and I use this a lot is the M5-450T. There are quite a few different designs, so you have to decide what grip and feel from the pencil you like. If you want a heavier pencil go for the metal one, and some have a sliding pipe and some don’t. Enjoy

[@jamesaritchie1]

I'm not an artists, but I have done a lot of sketching, a deal of it work related. I'm not a draftsman, either, though I had some training in the area, and had to draw a thousand miles of line over several years. My main job, though, was writing. In these endeavors, I used all sorts of pencils, always looking for the perfect one. Like most of the professionals around me, I started with fancy, feature rich, often extremely expensive pencils. We broke so many expensive pencils that I was afraid we would bankrupt our employer. As we gained experience, we nearly all went back to simplicity. The number one pencil, by far, that we eventually settled on was the Pentel P 200 series. The only features they have are the ability to write well and reliably, and the ability to last a long, long time. I bought three P 200 pencils, a 0.5, a 0.7, and a 0.9 about thirty-six years ago, and put more than half a million words on each, plus miles and miles of lines, a lot of sketches, etc., on each, and all three are still working. .. I tried the rOtring pencils, and they are beautiful, they feel great, and while they work, they work well, but I had four of them break on me. Each lasted three months, but the workload was just too much. I also had some very, very expensive Japanese drafting pencils break. Some others didn't break, but just were not comfortable. We nearly all put slip on grips on our pencils, so the grip was seldom a problem, but balance was. Most of the grip material we used was thin silicon tubing. Cut off a length of the appropriate size, slip it over the existing grip, and our hands never slipped. There are several pencils on your list that weren't around then, and I wish I could have tried them, especially the Pentel Graph Gear 1000. Maybe the 800, as well. I'm retired now, which means I work harder than ever. I just don't get paid for most of it. But suddenly I had all this free time, so the standard line was, "You have time to do this, don't you? I'd really appreciate it." I finally started charging everyone except family and close friends. I thought this would drive people away. It just drew more in. Anyway, point being is that I still use pencils nearly day, though I certainly don't have the five to twelve hour stretches of head down work. There are some new innovations that are definitely cleaver and cool. And most pencils can stand up to the light work load I have now, so I try every one that comes out, if it looks at all like it can do the job. Or if it's just cool. I still use my P 200 pencils eighty percent of the time, and the Graph Gear pencils are second. Anyway, the lesson I took away from all those years of intense pencil use is that simplicity lies at the heart of perfection. They say that perfection is the enemy of good enough, and since perfection is a never-ending quest, good enough is real world perfection. I believe it. Most "features" were things we either never used once the work started, or they were things that would break, or just cause aggravation. Anyway, good, good review of such pencils. Which to use is a highly personal thing, but they're all fun to try.

[@Sciart]

You make some nice points. There are people that know much more than me about aspects of pencils. Long term experience of use in these days of indigenous obsolescence is of great merit. I also agree. The Pentel P200's were among my first pencils and they work so well over many years, although whether what was true then is true now I don't know. I note your insight where thin versus thicker grips makes a difference too which is highly personal (smaller hands). The thicker Faber Castell are so comfortable and there are others too. They are probably better in that sense than the P200's, especially for larger hands. Many designs were a good idea at the time, Rotring's side click mechanism was a joy but tends to wear out, I didn't cover that but I might in a later video, and for young kids you could get preloaded lead cartridges so they dont have to fiddle about with fine leads. Both designs I think have faded off the scene. Some of these things are gizmo's no doubt or just too awkward and expensive to get even to 'good enough'. You should try the Kuru Toga. That actually works and produces a different user experience. You may or may not like it, but its innovation that some will. And the Pentel Orenz are fragile but work sub 0.5mm. They will wear but there is nothing comparable. These are true innovations. The Graph Gear 1000, yes, not innovative, that is a successor to the P200's especially if you are out and about. It feels good. There is another way of looking at this issue. And one that is easily forgotten. You talk of preference, but its more than that. A particular tool may feel better for carving a spoon to an individual, a particular brand of pen just feels nicer for that person to write a novel (Neil Gaiman for example loves fountain pens), a digital camera just sits right where another does not, and these things, the feel and the response you have can alter how creative you are with a tool. Its a measured observable. Its not the be all and end all but preference can impact the way you feel about what you create and how you create. Now there is a deep rabbit hole for others to dive into. Thanks for your considered comments I am sure it should make readers think about other aspects of one of our last bastions of non-digital creativity.

[@stevehalling816]

I love the pentel orenz 0.2 for really detailed drawing, just bought yhe pentel orenz nero 0.2 can't wait to try that. As artists buying mechanical pencils is very addictive

[@Sciart]

Yeah! I agree, I have both of those. At the moment I am trying to source two automatic pencils from Japan which are not available in Europe and I might review those when I get them. Thank you for your comments.

[@stevehalling816]

@@Sciart I look forward to seeing them

[@cb7560]

Excellent video. Very well explained.

[@Sciart]

Thank you for watching

[@morningmatcha5887]

fantastic video, just what I needed.

[@Sciart]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed the video. Do please like, share and subscribe, Do stay tuned for some more.

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

I still have my Rotring 600 from 30 years ago when I was at Uni. That thing is bombproof! Don't use it much since I find Staedtler 780 Clutches are more useful for art and shading. Having long extendible leads and allowing for looser hands is where the 780 seems to play well for me.

[@Sciart]

Yes, I have a 600, not quite as old as yours. I like the Staedtler and it depends on what type of drawing I am doing. Penco have taken a traditional wooden pencil and drilled it out and fitted a 2mm clutch holder and it is a very nice pencil to use. I will post a picture on our community tab

[@woodoo4]

I use the Staedler 780 Mars Technico for the first sketch, then a Rotring 500 with a softer/darker lead to do the detailed work. Then inking.

[@Sciart]

That's a nice combination of classics @@woodoo4

[@hov3968]

I like your presentation on mechanical pencils. I like to draw with a 2.0mm with the lead extended and laid on an angle for a calligraphy effect while keeping the tip sharp for accuracy. I was looking for a 0.9 mm for the same style of drawing but I haven’t found one.However I did notice that the super promecha seems to be capable of a flared effect in this way.Thanks for sharing.

[@Sciart]

0.9mm is not very common these days. I really like Ohto a small independent maker which produce all their own pens and pencils. You can get 1.3mm leads and there are quite a few makers of those.

[@vasuhardeo1418]

that was pretty cool dude, thanks for that

[@Sciart]

Thank you

[@naga2015kk]

good to know about the DOUBLE CLUTCH mechanical pencils. wonder who else makes them...

[@Sciart]

I think nearly all the double clutch mechanisms have been retired. But I believe PENAC’s protti prd 105 have something called a double guided lead system which I believe is a double clutch mechanism - but I’m no expert on it. Thank you for watching

[@naga2015kk]

@@Sciart thanks, unfortunately PENAC is not available on this side of the world.

[@Sciart]

@@naga2015kk Ah, that is unfortunate, it is a sturdy but thin pencil. Feels good in the hand

[@hilmyakatsuki1665]

You can try Muji abs resin pencil with double clutch which allows to use most of the lead, they claimed until 1mm is left ofnthe lead. Most pencil stops at 8/10mm and after that it's unstable to write with.

[@Sciart]

Thank you for that information, I will check it out. I know that Penac make one which is a metal pencil which is very nicely made called the Penac Protti.

[@hilmyakatsuki1665]

@@Sciart but that's out of production and cost a lot like nearly $500 on Yahoo Japan auction. Pentel also has a model called Epen. Both Pentel and muji are cheap and still in production. More companies need to do some real innovation. For a while innovation is slowed down than before.

[@Sciart]

@@hilmyakatsuki1665 I agree with the slow down in innovation. You might be able to get a Protti PRD 105 from this link in Germany penac-brand.shop/en/produkt/protti-prd-105-2/

[@gautamshakya3015]

very educational ,those are some wide varieties pencil .

[@Sciart]

I am glad you like it, do stay tuned for some more videos soon

[@sebit2874]

A very nice presentation, thank you very much. I'm also a mechanical pencil enthusiast, I'm not an artist, I'm just a design engineer. I only have thicknesses of maximum 2.0 mm. Between 0.2 and 2.0 mm. As a small observation, at 5:34 min. I think it's not the Pentel 600. That's the classic Rotring 600, isn't it? Good thoughts!

[@Sciart]

Hello thank you for your comments - yes we spotted that as well. There should be a comment on the video that says ‘Oops Rotring’. It was a long video! You are not just a design engineer, you are a DESIGN ENGINEER, they are all different skills.

[@FGBFGB-vt7tc]

Lately I have been more on the Fountain Pen side, but I have lots of Pilots "The Shaker" 0.5mm that I can wholeheartedly recommend. As I decided to learn to draw, I have come to appreciate 2.0mm mechanical pencils. Looking forward for a 5.6mm clutch pen in the future. Mechanical Pencils have been a staple of my education, so I have a big soft spot for them. They are inexpensive, reliable and allow for corrections.

[@Sciart]

Thank you for your comments. I too draw in ink and the great fun with those is leaving your errors in and trying to flow with serendipity. It is where drawing becomes art.

[@judyferguson3185]

I just got my 5.6 mm in yesterday. It is a beast!. I think it’s going to be great for larger, smooth areas.

[@judyferguson3185]

@@FGBFGB-vt7tc I have 6 2.0s which is my favorite, but I also got a 5.6! What a nice fat pencil, great for putting down a good layer, esp for shading. My 2.0s I use for the colored pencil leads. And I am getting graphite in pan form, for really big layers. Such fun!

[@Sciart]

@@judyferguson3185 That’s sounds great fun, I’ve never tried graphite pans. Let us know how you get on

[@basmuda]

So much insight. Especially those les known ones Thanks!

[@Sciart]

Thank you for your feedback. We plan on doing some more videos on drawing implements. Stay tuned

[@wh0tube]

Excellent, no nonsense review. Thank you. The only problem is that now I have an urge to go and buy all of them!

[@Sciart]

You don't have to buy all of them, half will do! Roy

[@goodbrainbadbrain2282]

Great video. Thank you so much, this really helped me to chose some pencils to give a try.

[@lean4real_11]

great review! i like how you describe things

[@Sciart]

I am very pleased that you enjoyed the video

[@anjalianand6253]

Thanks for explaining in detail, and solving the confusion of what to buy first. As being middle class I can't afford all of them at a time. But you have clearly defined them all . You have one of the best pencils of world in your collection.

[@Sciart]

I am so glad to have been of help, thank you for your feedback. Stay tuned for new videos coming up

[@estevefaiaculhier9529]

Good job. 😀

[@Sciart]

Thank you

[@priceduncan9]

I have had a lot of grief with both the Graphgear 1000 and Pentel P200 pencils, both 0.3mm leads. Any make of 0.5 mm pencil works. For 0.3 mm leads I have moved to the Staedtler 925, which, in my opiniom can't be beat. For very fine detail (eyes) I have just acquired a Nero Orenz 0.2 mm which seems to do the job.

[@Sciart]

I would agree with that, completely. The Orenz is good for fine leads. You could try different 0.3mm lead suppliers to see if they make a difference. There was a solid fine grip pencil with 0.3mm called the Golden Axe which I think was a Mitsubishi sub-brand. That’s quite a nice pencil if you like a narrow long metal grip. With 0.3 mm and below, I think the choices are very personal, and what works for some doesn’t work for others.

[@FantaFusionn]

You should try the pentel twist erase three. Its a really well rounded pencil. The only thing that i find wrong with it is that the grip can get sticky after some time. Other than that it will last you forever!

[@Sciart]

Thank you, I know the pencil, I don’t favour those soft rubber grips but I might try it. Thank you for watching

[@FantaFusionn]

@@Sciart I can understand why a lot of people might not like the rubber grip. That is why I use the pentel twist erase click, it is cheaper just it does not last as long. Slimmer grip and all. I also really like the pentel quicker clicker but i think what is wrong with it is that the erasers are really hard to find but the grip is perfect. So really hard for me to find the perfect pencil. I have been looking into getting a pencil from someone called Spoke. They use the internals of a pentel p205 which has been around for over 70 years and the spoke are machined with titanium and cost around 45 dollars.

[@Sciart]

@@FantaFusionn I have looked at Spoke before, I have also wondered about how good the externals are, they look fantastic. I might treat myself to one in the New Year. If you get one, do write back when you have been using it for a few months and let me know how you get on.

[@Sciart]

@@FantaFusionn I have also been gifted a Sumogrip by Sakura, which is a big soft grip pencil, with a pretty long eraser. The thing I would add is that the lead advance mechanism is a little soft, apart from that it is not bad.

[@FantaFusionn]

@@Sciart alright, I’ll look at getting one some time soon . If I do I’ll be happy to write back on how it performs

[@communitybreakout6226]

This is sick ! We really love your stuff ! 🔥🙌🏽🔥

[@Truth72500]

Rotring is my favorite mechanical And blackwing is my favorite wood

[@bgnikstov]

Thank you for this video, it's really very helpful

[@Sciart]

I am glad you liked it, please stay tuned, I will be doing some more video soon

[@labrat7357]

Thanks for the video, I am a woodworker and very hard on mechanical pencils. It is a bit of a love hate relationship.The Zebra Delguard you showed is not only sprung so the lead retracts into the tube to protect the lead it also has an additional tip feature that resists breaking the lead with side pressure by using a small sprung bevel on the base of the tip. I find it a better system than the Pentel Orenz system that has the sprung lead alone.. All the best.

[@Sciart]

As far as I know nothing goes as fine as the Orenz which gives it an advantage. There are automatic carpenters pencils but they are either very long or have a very broad lead. For example the Pica, but there you have to keep sharpening the lead, it’s not as fine as the Zebra. Thanks for watching.

[@luisguillermoperezmejia7907]

Excelente video. Saludos desde Medellín Colombia

[@ARTofTY-TV]

Great video. Deserves more views.

[@Sciart]

Yes, when you're right, you're right! :-)

[@けあ-i8k]

かなりいいレビューでした。そして日本には見なかったシャーペンもあって驚きました。

[@Sciart]

Thank you. Japan is the best place in the world for stationary, pencils and fountain pens. You are very lucky. Thank you for watching.

[@jifpb105]

This video was unexpectedly informative - I watched it from start to end twice. Thank you! My father is an engineer and would always bring home these color coded pencils (black - 0.5mm, blue - 0.7mm and yellow - 0.9mm, I don't remember the brand) for me to use as a child. I just purchased a few cheap mechanical pencils for my son to use in school, but now I may consider buying something a bit more expensive for myself. Love that mechanism of that Kuru Toga.

[@Sciart]

Agreed. Pentel used to colour code, black was typically 0.5, white was 0.2, pink was 0.3 and 0.7 was often blue, but the colours have varied over the years. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@farzindoroudian4013]

Your fathers pencils should have been Pentel. The international color coding standard for stationary sizes (part of ISO 128 which was initially published in 1982) was originally designed for art pens. Most of the German brands like Rotring, Staedtler and Faber-Castell as well as some of the Japanese brands like Ohto, Tombow, Zebra, Platinum and Uni have adapted it (with some exceptions on some models). It is as follows: yellow for 0.3 or 0.35, brown for 0.5, blue for 0.7 and orange for 0.9 or 1.0. But Pentel had its own system before that and didn’t change it: pink for 0.2 (PG2), brown for 0.3 (with the exception of PMG which is red), green for 0.4, black for 0.5 (with the exception of Graph 1000 which is white and PG5 which is yellow), blue for 0.7 and yellow for 0.9. Although, nowadays they make Orenz series in different colors for the same size so you can choose your own color coding system, something I first saw in Pilot S3, S5 and S10.

[@Sciart]

@@farzindoroudian4013 Good point about the Pilot system. I knew about Pentel, but I didn’t know about Pilot.

[@xLuiKangx007]

That's so awesome

[@Sciart]

Glad you enjoyed the video

[@WilliamParmley]

Very nice, thank you!

MY FAVORITE LEADHOLDER IS A VINTAGE TOMBOW MONOTECH 2.O.

[@Sciart]

I know of it, but never held one. Tombow make really entertaining pencils as a graphic designer I love their erasers.

[@tsotnekhetsuriani4987]

Just thanks

[@Clayphish]

Seeing that the Kuru Toga is constantly rotating the lead so that it’s sharp edge always meets the paper, would this mean that the line it is drawing is finer then other .5mm pencils? If so, what thickness would this be equivalent to?

[@Sciart]

Yes, that’s a great question. I think it makes a slightly finer line but it does depend on how you hold the pencil. The difference is slight, it feels sharper on the paper and it depends on the hardness of the lead too.

[@ThePhilneale]

really informative, thanks !

[@Sciart]

glad that you enjoyed it

[@bbrachman]

Thank you. This was very helpful. You reviewed a few I had never heard of. Lefties unite.

[@Sciart]

All power to the lefties!

[@LazyStory]

Can we get this gentelman to make a video about sketchbooks / drawingpaper? Please.

[@Sciart]

well, it has crossed his mind!!!!! Thank you for watching. Stay tuned just in case

[@RZetlin]

A lot of info on different pencils! It would be nice if there was amazon links to the pencils mention in the video.

[@Sciart]

I am pleased I have fired up your interest in mechanical pencils. I do what I can to make recommendations as to where to purchase when anyone has a particular question. I tend to favour small businesses where possible.

[@azraelian3098]

I just want to buy the best mechanical pencils, roting, pentel pp3003, Platinum Pro use etc, and use them to write my homework and exams lollll

[@Sciart]

Me too, nothing wrong with the best!

[@jaskiratsinghpanesar1902]

Sir please reply me Have you heard about tombow variable mechanical pencil . It also has same mechanism just like in ohto super promecha 1500p and should I go for it? Thanks

[@Sciart]

Thank you for your question. No, I must admit that I have not heard of that pencil. I'll have to take a look at it

[@barbdouglas3242]

I’m new to mechanical pencils so I’m trying to find something very small 0.3mm or less in a 2B so I can draw in tiny details in my graphite drawings. Any help and or words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.

[@Sciart]

0.3 pencils in 2b leads will tend to break easily without good support. There are automatic lead feeds such as the Pentel Orenz. They go as small as 0.2. But that is quite hard to write with. It’s really all about the grip and how well you can see the lead. Uni make a 0.3 Kuru Toga where the lead rotates as you write and this will give you a constant thickness of lead. If you like a thick grip on your pencil an often overlooked pencil is the Platinum Pro-use. This has a really nice grip. Beware of lead breakages and use a brush to remove the broken lead. Buy high quality leads. Thank you for watching

[@barbdouglas3242]

@@Sciart Thank you very much for helping me! I appreciate it. Do you think the Uni-ball Extra Fine Diamond Infused Pencil Leads would be good?

[@barbdouglas3242]

I am going to try the Kuru Toga.

[@Sciart]

@@barbdouglas3242 I’m not sure, I have only used those with coloured leads. Uni smudge proof is supposed to be good for detail. I don’t know how easy it is to erase. The other one I have good experience with is Pentel Ain Stein

[@lean4real_11]

please make a video showing your fountain pens

[@Sciart]

I like to do ‘how to’s’ or ‘how it works’ videos, so I could do one about filling mechanisms new and vintage?

[@bugrilyus]

What about leadholders?

[@Sciart]

Lead holders and pointers are in the works!

[@bugrilyus]

@@Sciart thank you!

[@aleksandarjosifoski8467]

You might like the new Kuru Toga Advance and Advance Upgrade :) I am just ordering them...

[@Sciart]

sounds good, I’ll take a look at them

[@luisbeltran1530]

Hi as a college student buying these tools can be expensive, but I believe in quality. I've invested in fountain pens in the past and I love them, but recently I saved up to buy a Pentel Orenznero because as a physicist I need the smaller lead to fit more math in tight spaces. Do you think the orenznero is a good choice for a student?

[@Sciart]

Hi, it's quite and expensive choice. I would suggest you might be better off with a Pentel GraphGear1000. I think a 0.5mm lead will be all you need. There was a time when I used to write lots of equations. And I used drawing pens. Typically 0.5micron. Which are available from Sakura (although mine were Rotring refillable drawing pens). There are some made by Derwent that are pretty good as well.

[@Sciart]

@공부연구ASMRvlog yes, you are absolutely right. Digital technology pervades everything. BUT, don't forget that it is no just for engineering that you draw, it may be laying out structures, pre-prototyping, unique one off designs, custom builds and anywhere where you want a bit of creativity and a different way of doing something. And when you do want that, constructing things physically in real space whether that's using a pencil and paper or roughing something out with a yogurt carton and a piece of bamboo, can greatly help the creative and inventive process

[@DG-mv6zw]

Great clear, concise, thorough and really well presented video. Many thanks Roy. Loved to have seen some of your artwork. Sadly you didn't give us your surname, do I can even check you out online. Have you made any other videos? I hope you have because you're an absolute natural when it comes to presenting. Stay healthy my friend.

[@Sciart]

Thank you for your kind words. I don't feel a natural in front of the camera. Yes, staying out the way of the dreaded virus

[@GMoaz]

liked this video and also subscribed, i love the way you answer almost every one's comment. so nice of you... i am a beginner. trying to get Pentel graph-gear 1000 in Pakistan, but here in Pakistan we cant order from Amazon. And if there is any website which is able to ship in Pakistan that web is charging 4 times of its actual price... :( It is very difficult to get gud Art supplies here in my country.

[@Sciart]

Hi, I’m a member of a fountain pen group and collectors of European pens have problems getting pens in Pakistan. You can try having a look at eBay and see if there are any sellers or join fountain pen and pen groups on line and someone there may be able to sell and ship you one.

[@ajeet490]

I have had a beautiful but more expensive Staedtler o.5 automatic feed mech pencil for probably 25 years and ahead of it's time.

[@Sciart]

In certain areas technical drawing technologies peaked a good twenty years ago. Staedtler was a really good make in its prime.

[@mohammedmujeebuddin8409]

what lead do you use? its so dark! I wanna buy it!

[@Sciart]

Hi, it's HB and B leads primarily from Pentel and Uni

[@cameronw404]

I dont think you realize that the delgaurd protects against sideways pressure as well. You can’t break from any angle even if you tried. The faber Castell cannot protect against sideways pressure

[@Sciart]

The Delguard mechanism has a softer spring and is designed with a second spring to protect the lead when the lead is non-orthogonal to the writing surface. You are completely correct. But, certainly in my hand, because of the extended pipe on the Faber Castell, which makes it a better drafting pencil, is sufficient to protect the lead under most real circumstances from breaking under non-orthogonal stresses. The real practical difference is that one feels softer than the other. At extreme angles the Delguard does offer more protection. But I personally have never used the Faber Castell pencil in that configuration. You must certainly know your pencils if you know the difference between the springing mechanisms, I thought it was a bit too much for the video.

[@cameronw404]

Scientific Arts - digital media, Virtual tours, web sites, advertising, photography, social media the Faber Castell is definitely better as a drafting pencil as you only really apply vertical pressure. The delgaurd was not designed to be made for drafting. It is meant to be used as an everyday writing pencil. In writing cases, usually sideways pressure is present, making it much better in those cases.

[@Sciart]

@@cameronw404 Yes, it will depend on how you hold the pencil, I tend to be a very upright writer anyway, I am left-handed and I’ve never broken the lead on either pencil through drawing except when doing something stupid.

[@lecia1358]

Should I buy the Kuru Toga or Zebra DelGuard?(I still can't choose ; __ ;)

[@Sciart]

Thanks for you question. If you draw Manga I might be tempted by the DelGuard. You can be heavy handed with that and have a great time.

[@LazyStory]

Please make an update

[@Sciart]

Hi, Roy has some more videos planned, so do stay tuned! Lucy

[@yogesyoges6671]

Wow Super Good

[@positiveproductions6699]

Okay if I have a 0.5 pencil could I also use blue lead that is what I was curious about because I know that there's regular lead and blue lead for tracing something but if I have a 0.5 mechanical pencil will it also take blue lead? Thanks

[@Sciart]

Yes, Uni does a mint blue in 0.5, and an ordinary blue Nano Dia colours also in 0.5. I think there are other makes but can’t recall them.

[@bensuveyda6069]

Hello there. I am thinking of buying a mechanical pencil to give it to my girlfriend. But I have no idea which pen to buy. He uses 0.7 nibs and likes Rotring style pencils. Is there a nice pen you can recommend? Thank you.

[@Sciart]

It’s not cheap, but the Rotring 800 is a very high-quality drafting pencil. It’s all metal. And nicely balanced. Cheaper than that, in Rotring style, for a sliding sleeve I would recommend a Twsbi precision RT mechanical pencil, cheaper, just as nice, available from cult pens.

[@bensuveyda6069]

@@Sciart Okay. Thank you very much:) I'll probably buy Rotring 800.