Clutch pencils-what are they and how do you use them?

[@andrescorrea2425]

I remember seeing David finch use them in his videos, so I got one and fell in love them every since

[@geekyraven]

Omg thank you for this video. I’ve had a Staedtler one for YEARS, from back in art school, and I never knew they had a built in sharpener. I just didn’t use it often, but I wanted to because they seemed so much sturdier and didn’t leave wood shavings when sharpening. I love this pencil so much more now that I’m not stuck with a blunt lead tip!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

YAAAAAAAAY! I have no idea WHY nobody knows about the booty sharpeners! Having it right there and built in is one of the reasons these are the bessssssstttttttttt. I’m actually really disappointed at the few pencils I have (like the Faber castell) that DONT have a built-in sharpener, even though I prefer to use my spinny one anyway. Regardless, super happy to help and reconnect you with your pencil. =>.

[@debbiecosper759]

I found three of these in a big box of supplies at an estate sale. Your instructions were EXACTLY what I needed to understand how to use them. Excellent overview of things I didn’t even know to ask! Thank you.

[@trlan55]

Before CADD drafting everything was done on the board by hand. I went to drafting school over 30 years ago and that was the pencil we used. I just never heard of that name. BTW, is you slightly spin your pencil while drawing a straight line, it will stay sharp longer.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

In the graphic design classes I took in high school, the teacher lovvvvvvved having us do everything with traditional methods. One time, she had use completely layout and draw a newspaper article by hand, which was crazy but at the same time, really gave me an appreciation for how much easier computers have made things. Homegirl was obsessed with making sure we weren’t allowed to erase or smudge on that project, too, and our fonts had to be crisp and accurate. Thanks for the tip about spinning! I know I’m not going to be aware enough in the moment to keep up the practice, but still, that’s some super helpful advice!

[@retardno002]

The ones you were using back in the day, might they have been Koh I Noor by any chance, sir?

[@trlan55]

@@retardno002 No. I believe it was a Staedtler. I think I have the spelling correct on that.

[@retardno002]

@@trlan55 thank you

[@mphok2007]

Thanks, I was wondering how they came about :-)

[@blondelebanese9922]

I have one of these nice clutch pencils but didn’t know it had a built in sharpener! I thought it was some weird air hole! Lol I’ve been using an emery board to sharpen the lead. 🤷🏻‍♂️ So Yes, I certainly learned something! Thanks!!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Hooray!!!! I’ve seen a couple of videos on KZbin where people were totally stumped about how to sharpen it and felt it was time to step in. =^.^= just so you know, there’s usually nowhere for the shavings to go so you have to tap them out afterwards so you don’t fling graphite around your room. =>.

[@BroMordekai]

Same here!!! I love my Pentel GraphGear 1000 (beautiful mechanical pencil and it’s nice and heavy) but the led breaks off all the time... so I got a clutch pencil and just loved how durable the led was but never knew how to sharpen haha long story short I’ve been carrying around an Olfa blade to sharpen it!! Yet never managed to get that fresh out of the pack quality... now I know why! Thanks meow meow!

[@WilliamParmley]

Nothing wrong with that! In my high school drafting class we used a sandpaper pad -- kind of like small sheets of sandpaper stapled to a paint stirrer. Tear off the top one when it gets clogged and there is another one ready to go.

[@marcwheeler4406]

@@WilliamParmley me too before cad 30yrs ago we had to use that all the time with our pencils in our me hl drawing classes and we were taught to spin our pencil....

[@Wintercoldguy]

Sameeeeeeeee

[@dianamajchrzak5855]

Just discovered clutch pencils, a nice stop on my “learning to draw better” journey. I put out the money for a nic pro set with leads and sharpener. That’s why the eraser end is empty….it’s a sharpener! Yay! Sketching is so much better now. I’m saving up for two more….value studies require light, dark, and medium leads. Thank you for sharing your information. 🍁

[@calanm7880]

This was a ridiculously enjoyable video where i also learned heaps. Subbed! Your narration is fab

[@rickdenbraber6869]

You deserve a like for the video it was well done.Took drafting so knew most of it but still watched the whole think. Must be mesmerized by the cat and the voice.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Thanks, boss! Bubba is known to be a master hunter-looks like he caught you in his snare! =>.

[@artycraftyalchemy]

I got one at Daiso and I love it :D I didn't know it had a special name lol... I just thought it was a thicker lead mechanical pencil lol.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

I have one that I think originally came from daiso , too! It’s one of my more interesting ones because it has an eraser on the back end, rather than a sharpener, and it’s the ONLY one I’ve ever seen that has that. Surprise! Now you know the name! =^.^=

[@scootercube2423]

My mom said there too exspensive :(

[@MeowMeowKapow]

If your mom’s the one with the money, then she’s right! But it’s definitely something to look forward to once you have your own money to spend on things. Then you can make whatever decisions you want, within reason of course.

[@archivist17]

Love your style! Came for the clutch, and stayed to subscribe!

[@larrymarshall9454]

I use them. I have a couple that date back to the 60s in fact. When on location I use the Kum long-point sharpener that has 2mm and 3.2mm sharpeners built in. When at home I have one of the old draftsman sharpeners where you spin the pencil around a cone of sandpaper that's inside the case. Still the best way to sharpen them but a bit bulky to carry around. Thanks for the vlog and your sense of humor.

[@adityasenthilnathan8063]

One thing that I think is important is that these pencils aren't only good for drawing, having the to bring the sharpener everywhere is a bit of a hassle, but just writing with the pencil is amazing due to the weight making it feel so good to write with.

[@mother0fpearlz772]

Erm..these exist?! Where have they been all my life?! Thank you!

[@justtubingby129]

Lol, the ones with the tiny blades have been around for decades. Many people didn't know that was a sharpener ... until now. Your videos are awesome.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Sooooo many people don’t know about the built-in sharpeners! It’s madness! That’s one of the best bonus advantages!

[@justtubingby129]

Ikr, I had to ask my friend why she was using an emery board instead of the sharpener. Her mind was blown. Our elementary school teacher showed us the sharpener. The box didn't show a diagram.

[@rmefantasygames]

When I was a kid I found one of these somewhere. I loved it and lost it quickly. It was exactly like the yellow koh-i-noor one but I dont think the brand existed in my country at that time. I also remember how excited I got for a mechanical pencil after I lost my the clutch one and how sad I was because the lead was so damn fragile and the pen felt light and cheap by comparison. I think I'll now treat myself to a new staedler one and get a yellow koh-i-noor for a happy reunion :) thank you for the hints what to get!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Oh, awesome! It’s sad that you lost that first one, but I love a good happy ending where long lost friends are reunited. =^.^=

[@dclua]

I knew these exist but I never knew the name. I have a Kokuyo campus mechanical pencil with a 1.3 red lead and even if it doesn't erase, I adore to draw with it. I don't know why, perhaps it's too comfortable and because of the thick lead, you can actually get some line weight. I think I would love these too! Thanks for the video as always!

[@andyscott5978]

I’ve just started getting back into manual draughting (drafting) and revived one of my fathers clutch pencils from his days as a draughtsman working on some very special projects for British Rail. I’m sat here watching your excellent video with my cat too who approves as much as yours does!

[@trontosaurusrex9532]

I'm new to sketching,I recently purchased Staedtler clutch pencil and I'm really happy with it. Neat guide,gotta grab that sharpener!

[@davidzamparo573]

My Staedtler Mars 780 is 36 years old. I lost the clip and the sharpener is a bit dull, but the gnurling is still fine, and the pencil has acquired a beautiful darkened patina. Hope you will enjoy yours as much as I have mine. Thanks for demonstrating the sharpener I will be picking one up soon.

[@DisssArm]

making the switch to these staedlers! thank you for the info, I learned a few things!

[@brittanymclarney3238]

I actually saw these for the first time at a local art store and was not sure how you sharpen them, so this helped!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Hooray! HELPING!!!

[@BilliesCraftRoom]

Wow, who knew there was a sharpener in the packs of leads! Had them for YEARS and didn't know. Knew about the sharpener in the back end of the pencil. Live n learn eh! Thanks for sharing this excellent video. I wish you good light and smooth paper 👍☕

[@LilDivette]

My fellow soul-clutch-pencil-sista! 😂✏️ What a great, informative video. 👍 I fell in love with these before I knew what they were because it was the only thing that survived my heavy handed writing. Love your collection, btw! My favorite-I consider it an art piece-is one I got from a stationary magazine (can’t remember what it was) that has a hand carved wood body with brush silver metal accents and came with both a matching wooden pencil rest and sharpener encased in a wooden domed casing (it holds a 5.6 mm lead)-it’s more for display than writing. 😊

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Woahhhhhhh, that sounds like a gorgeous one, though! A super big part of me reeeeeeeally wants to get pretty clutch pencils, but I never do because I get distracted and usually talk myself out of the price. Not like they’re ever crazy expensive, just that I’m like “girl. You’ve got like 15 of the damned things already. You need to stop. They aren’t magic-one more isn’t going to do something the rest don’t! Save that money for something else!” =>.

[@rwsgy5]

This is an absolute game changer. I just went back to school and this will make note taking so much better!

[@laramosby2898]

Love mine. Had it since college. I have a spinny sharpener, but you taught me about the secret one. Thanks!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

The secret ones are handy, but the spinny ones are by far my favorite!!!!

[@patsybennett6238]

I fell in love with the Staedtler led holders a year ago. I am an artist and draw with them and love their balance in my hand. Like you, I don't worry any longer about my led breaking in the middle of my work and can sharpen to the point that I need using my Staedtler sharpener which an ingenious sharpener that works very fast. Thanks for telling me about the secret colored caps--I never noticed them before and this is a great find. I love KZbin!

[@TinaThevarge]

I didn’t know these were a thing, but was just thinking this week that I wish mechanical leads were thicker. I’m going to add this to my wish list right now

[@MeowMeowKapow]

BOOM. Wish granted!

[@nicolasocampo9953]

"maniacal laugh"!!! I LOVE IT!!!! bought a Staedtler 2.0 mm clutch last Thursday and you are right, it's so reliable! same here, started using clutch in high school.

[@caitlinjeanne]

Here to be the voice of dissent! I don't know what got me obsessed with these recently, but I've been wanting one badly for the past, like, two months. The Koh-i-Noor models are especially enticing to me 'cause they're just so pretty. :( I've been dying to try their (kind of hard to find, unfortunately) colored watersoluble leads since I primarily lay down my sketches in a yellow ochre watercolor pencil when I paint and that just sounds like it'd revolutionize my life with the sheer convenience, to be honest.

[@KitarraChaosWeaver]

I looove Koh-i-Noor mechanical pencils. They were my dad's preferred drafting pencil and when he taught me how to do drafting he gave me a set. They are still my favorite mechanical pencils, specifically because of their design. Pretty and functional.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Oh dang!!! I’ve been LOOKING for water soluble lead for my clutch pencil and was starting to believe it didn’t exist-now you tell me K-I-N makes some?!?! I don’t care that it’s hard to find, you’ve given me hope! I’m loving that little tin of KIN “diamond...” whatever it’s called. The ones that I have that have the multiple different color-coded pencils with matching leads inside. I’m a big fan of when the outside color matches the inside drawing product, and they’re spot on!

[@KitarraChaosWeaver]

So I did a little digging. And did not find Koh-I-Noor soluble lad buuuut I did find this article Go to the end for the solubility test. www.jetpens.com/blog/the-best-colored-mechanical-pencil-leads/pt/833 I did find one by Caran 'D Ache but it was 30 euro for 4 leads.

[@caitlinjeanne]

@@MeowMeowKapow Yeah! They claim it's the same lead as what's in their Mondeluz watercolor pencils, which is pretty awesome to me. The only downside is it's kind of a funky size (3.8mm) so it has to go in their 5356 holder specifically. I haven't ordered any yet but I was able to track them down on eBay, searching "mondeluz 3.8mm lead" brings them up for me. If you have the time/inclination, I would be really interested in a video about that set! I saw it on Amazon and was super tempted but the mixed reviews gave me second thoughts.

[@caitlinjeanne]

@@MeowMeowKapow Oh, sorry, I meant the KIN diamond tin you mentioned in your reply if that wasn't clear! It just made me curious about how you've been using them since I wasn't sure whether they'd be worth the splurge for me or not. But thank you for all the videos you do regardless, they're a bright spot in my subscriptions feed and always introduce me to cool things. :)

[@Crafting4GoodCIC]

Never knew what a clutch pencil was until we had some samples sent - did NOT even know about the sharpener! They are now among my favourite :-) You asked if your video taught anything...well yes, thank you!

[@A-temporal]

In an impulsive buy I just got the whole Steadtler set and this was so incredibly helpfull, thank you so much!

[@vonnieroldan9402]

Awesome video! I just bought a Sanford Turquoise pencil at an estate sale (it was in a ziploc bag & i only wanted the erasers). After watching your video (and throwing away the barrel sharpener bc i didnt know what it was) I was happy to learn that I had a gem in my hands. It came with 5 pkg of refill leads too! I was always a fan of my Pentel Graph 500 mechanical pencil, but this beauty wins…hands down. THANKS for such an informative video 😁

[@vonnieroldan9402]

BTW, I dug thru the trash and saved the sharpener!

[@mphok2007]

Thank you so much for this. All my life, I saw my dad using them and never understood what they were for. He was a surveyor/architect. I took one of his pencils (steadtler one like yours :-)) after he passed away. Glad to hear that it’s the best quality. After using it a while it got blunt and I looked for this video and I was like how do solve this now 🙀🙀🙀 Thanks a million

[@soumya.dataSC]

I am another person in love with 2mm clutch pencils. I am totally in love with your excellent presentation of this video. And that black beauty tooooo ❤️ You just earned a SUBSCRIBER

[@pikame921]

I got two of these as gifts and love them a lot thanks for the review.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Oh, awesome! Glad you’re enjoying them!

[@JoolsTurrall]

I was converted to the Staedtler Mars Technico back in he 80's while doing my graphic design and technical design courses, I used them for years after and have always preferred mechanical pencils. In the last 10 years I have been using Uni Kura toga 0.5mm pencils but always had the niggle of breakages and the nib shape. Last week I realised I was missing the clutch pencil and ordered a new Mars Technico.... It's like the return of an old friend, unlike the 0.5mm mechanicals it's also creative, unlike the best wood pencils it's practical and what you use them for is how you sharpen them. There's people that love clutch pencils and there's people that haven't tired them yet... you don't have a problem, you have a passion.

[@N1inSK]

Staedtler calls it a lead holder. No matter what you call it, it's an awesome tool. I have several; two of them at least 40 years old. They used to be slightly shorter, and the lead stuck out when it was new. They're the same shade of blue, though, and they work the same. Thanks for the instructions for the sharpener; though I've used the pencils since the '70s, I just bought my first lead pointer today. :)

[@darlacarter5815]

You aren’t alone in your love for clutch pencils. I just got a Colte 5.5-5.6mm that’s gorgeous and wonderful! I’ve got it loaded with a 5B 😊

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Ooooh, you got one of them thiccc bois? I’ve got a couple knockin’ around somewhere, but don’t use them nearly as much as my 2mms. AND you go 5b? Dang friend, you sure do like to make a statement!

[@darlacarter5815]

Yes, I guess I do LOL. My teachers always say my drawings are very expressive 😂

[@aleahlrb]

Oh so these were what those blue, black and red x-acto handle-looking things were. I saw them once while I was buying stuff for a class project, right beside the x-acto blades. I thought it was weird you would need that many handles and was confused as to why they were called "pencils". This was a really informative video.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Surprise! Mystery solved!!! I’m glad to have thrown a little extra into your way. =^.^=

[@alliehartom5978]

Oh my gosh I didn't realize my staedtler leads came with a bonus sharpener, that's my favorite pencil and I watched this on the off chance that I would learn something new and I did! Thank you so much!

[@JacobClark93]

I have seen these and forgot they existed! Seems like a nice medium between mech and wooden. Gonna give them a try. I really want to try the colored leads!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Rad, have fun with it! They really are the best of both worlds as far as I’m concerned.

[@sakurasleaf9780]

Hey! Cool video! Honestly, i just fell in love with those. Currently considering splurging on whole bunch of leads, to have MOAR

[@jeanettebg412]

I have the same Staedler one and I do like it a lot but I don't use it often but now that I know all of this incredibly information I'm ready to ditch all other pencils and use it more often. I didn't know about all the cool sharpeners and it never occurred to me to buy colored lead for these! Thank you for this video!!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Yay!!! I’m biased and I clearly love clutch pencils so my little art nerd heart is so happy to hear you say all this. =^.^= Koh-I-noor ESPECIALLY makes a lot of different colored leads, and you can find a lot of them on Jackson’s website if you’re curious! I specifically linked to the blue one in the doobly-doo (Jackson’s doesn’t have the Prismacolor Turquoise lead I use), but I saw a bunch of other colors while I was browsing.

[@jeanettebg412]

@@MeowMeowKapow okay thank you so much! I'll have to grab some different colors because I do love sketching in color. I find myself bouncing back between mechanical pencils and regular wooden pencils for the exact reasons you described in the video but I'm glad there's one tool that fills both of my needs.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Oooooh child, you gonna develop a problem like I have, I can see it already. =>..

[@jeanettebg412]

@@MeowMeowKapow oh yeah I probably will xD I can see myself buying different lead grades and colors and recommending them to everyone. I agree they're affordable and great.

[@yakakiyakaki]

I’ve had the staedtler version for like over 35 years - they are definitely built to last a lifetime!

[@Bananapocalypse]

I bought a. Staedtler clutch pencil a couple years ago but never used it until recently and I completely love it.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Yasssssssssss! Welcome to the side that ROCKS.

[@iknownothing-49]

Thanks! I love this pencil and I didn’t know it had a sharpener in the tip.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Surprise! Hopefully that means now you’ll love it even more!

[@muninnsees2350]

I like them too :3 I learned that staedler is epic, love the buggers too!

[@johnbayman6102]

Nice video, love the sarcasm. I"m most certainly older than you, when I was in Civil engineering and a Draftsman in the late 70's into the 80's (before becoming a "rock star") we used these and many other great tools that are not so common anymore. I only recently re-discovered my drafting (clutch, lead holder) pencils I'm embarrassed to admit, but they are wonderful!

[@michaelrodriquez8775]

I am a big fan of all mechanical pencils and I thank you for putting this tutorial I have learned a thing or two from your video and I appreciate you for that may you have a wonderful day ahead.

[@trollkid4680]

Thank you! Just bought one and was so confused but now it makes more sense

[@luciette8850]

I'm a freshman studying Heritage Conservation and the teacher always gives us these tools without telling us what they are so as a former science student I was in so much pain trying to figure out what the heck what this pencil do😂 Now I know! I'm absolutely obsessed with the sharpeners and I'm having so much fun with my staedler clutch pencil (although I'm dying from homework) Thanks for the video!

[@feralredhead1169]

I learned a lot of secrets and pointers on brands. You are Awesome! I totally love the weight and the bigger barrel, it’s definitely more comfortable 👍

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Yes! I didn’t realize I cared about the heft of how the Staedtler and other brands feel in my hand until I went to use the cheap one and was just totally not into it. Sometimes, it’s the weird little details that matter!

[@unaffiliatedperson]

i have an oldschool one 788 staedtler all plastic, dug it out of my drawing supplies and now use it to do dynamics homework

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Neat! Hope it treats you right.

[@SuDaChiWa]

Hi, Thanks for putting this info up for those of us searching. I don't remember how I got a hold of this, but I've a Duluth Trading Company version of the KOH-I-NOOR Hardtmuth silver mechanical lead pencil and its a big handful. Heavy, and ginormous lead. I wasn't sure exactly how to use it, so searched on youtube, found your video. I love that the sharpener is the advancer, built in and therefore, impossible to lose. I would never have thought of that on my own! I'm newer at sketching so will have a lot of investigating to do in where and when it's the one to choose. Shading makes sense, anyway, Thanks, this video helped a lot. Pretty kitty cat.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

I’m super glad you were able to find this and learn something helpful from it! Hope you have many good sketching sessions with your pencil. =^.^=

[@zeus52452]

It's interesting that I'm just seeing this video for the first time. I've had my Staedtler and the separate sharpener since around 1979-80!

[@diabolicalqu1nn260]

I've been looking into clutch pencils lately for my art, so this was really helpful. Thank you for the help!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Yeah, totally! Glad to have been of service. =^.^=

[@cheshirecat9037]

I remember that when I bought my first clutch pencil, the body a slim, ireally pretty yellow, I was so amazed and loved it so much! I showed it to my dad, he also got excited and liked it very much so we went and bought one for him so he could use it at work.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Aw, that’s adorable! Matching family pencils!

[@cheshirecat9037]

@@MeowMeowKapow Update: He also bought one for home😂 (And I bought a 5,6 lead one!)

[@MeowMeowKapow]

=>..

[@liezelhaupt7172]

I'm happy about this video. My dad used to have these pencils and I always wanted one, but I was not sure how to use it exactly (and they are expensive!). Now I am curious and it is on my list of favorites. Thanks! 😉

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Go for it! They last pretty much forever and while $10 for one pencil seems like a mighty investment, I use like....one stick of lead a year, and that’s basically nothing.

[@FyreRayne76]

I have owned my Art Alternatives for well over a decade and was today years old when I found out how to use the sharpener. 😅 Oil and charcoal are my preferred mediums. Like you I have always been spoiled but the freakish assortment of external sharpeners at my disposal. Thanks for this!

[@ScarletEyeMoon]

No your not alone, I started drafting with them in 2008 and I don't draft anymore but I love them now for the carpentry I do. The lead is strong enough to write on wood yet technical enough to get accurate marks. Whereas a carpenters pencil is too bulky and hard to sharpen.

[@kelseym.7216]

I stumbled across a clutch pencil and I never would’ve known the cap was a sharpener!! THANK YOU!

[@ch0o_choo]

amazing video, thank you so much!! just bought my first lead holder/clutch pencil because of you 😭💛

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Neat! Hope you love it as much as I do! =^.^=

[@christopherlucente2514]

This is an excellent video, thank you so much for taking the time to make it! I have just recently become more aware of clutch pencils but have never used them. I have never seen or noticed them while in art stores, which is crazy because I am an artist and try to frequent art stores as often as I can. Anyway, I have either used traditional wooden pencil sets by Faber-Castell or "normal" mechanical pencils (both the cheap Bic ones with colored clips and the nicer mechanical drafting pencils). I love all of the information you've covered, and I have a sneaking suspicion that I will be getting into these pencils big time! My son asked for a mechanical pencil set for Christmas, so in my looking for one, I came across clutch pencils and became intrigued. I love that you have a lead that is the same diameter as what you'd get in a wooden pencil (I think), and that it can advance out like a mechanical pencil but won't be as delicate as a 0.5 lead would be...PLUS that Staedler sharpener can get the lead to be incredibly sharp, so yeah, color me intrigued (plus they can use colored leads as well). Just wanted to say great job, and thank you for such an informative, fun video!

[@jillwiswall5386]

Those are so cool! I’d never even heard of them before. Thanks for introducing me to such a cool product!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Surprise!!! I genuinely love my clutch pencils and really think they deserve way more notoriety. Hopefully you get a chance to fall in love with them, too!

[@pebbleswobbles3197]

I use my pencil for everything and those helped me know more things it can do , ty

[@shermanlarsen7840]

I inherited a Koh.I.Noor technigraph 5611 and a slimmer Italian Frederick post company number 2811. Neither had the requisite tail-end sharpener, but I also inherited an EMCA precision point and a Statler sharpener as well as a bunch of leads. As much as I like to imagine that I’m going to do any serious drawing or architecture, I will probably use them for precision woodworking/carpenter pencils. Thanks for the trip back to my seventh grade mechanical drawing class.

[@kellybearart1559]

Ha! I was literally contemplating trying out clutch pencils yesterday and then this shows up in my subscription feed the next morning. Super helpful, thank you!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Totally! Wild how you’re not even the first one who’s said that. I’m psychic! Yay!!

[@robear888]

The review is amazing (and humorous)...not to mention that your cat is super cute. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the clutch pencils. I've recently am a convert to them and have to say that I wholeheartedly agree with your assessments. Thanks for sharing!

[@KRCanetti]

Have a Staedtler, use it, love it. And lately I find myself inclined to a strange love for theory of sharpening and sharpeners. Like: I have a big set of stabilo carbothello pastel pencils. *If* want to sharpen them: use a special sharpener and same goes for other supplies :) And sharpening works so much better if you hold the pencil steady and twist the sharpener (much gentler on whatever lead), etc etc etc... :) Thanks again for this great video.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Innnnnteresting. I like that you’ve been exploring this-it speaks to the weird testing-obsessed, perpetually curious part of my soul!

[@EveBolt]

Staedtler for the win!! That spinny eraser is the best. I love 2mm red leads personally. A whole lot of smudgey mess but still fun!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Yeah, some of the leads you can get are wayyyyy too soft for my preference, but I’ve found 2H ones in different colors before that DONT smudge, so it’s super nice! I belieeeeeeeve Jackson’s has some 2H colored leads from Koh-I-noor if you ever eventually run out. =>.

[@lisaanneart]

Love this video :) I've had one for years, it was originally my dad's, who was an architect. I am an artist/graphic designer.

[@rowanfalar]

I knew these existed, but I wasn't sure how to use or if I wanted to use them. Now I'm intrigued. You art supply enabler!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Oh gosh, yeah, I’m totally an art supply enabler. Guiltyyyyyyyy. =>.

[@aprilhelm518]

I just got one of these (a Staedtler one) and I'm mostly happy with it so far. I just need to figure out the sharpening, and then I will be golden. : ) Thank you for this helpful video. I didn't know there were so many different related things you could get, like colored lead. Sounds interesting.

[@noam65]

I used them in drafting class also. I just today relearned what they are called. Nice video.

[@kassgilbert3922]

Lol. Just bought one a few days ago. I was looking for a good guide on how to use them and you delivered.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Hooray! My latent psychic abilities are finally surfacing!!!

[@LynxieDove]

Hmm, and yet another item that I need to add to my wish list of things that I don't necessarily need but really want. I think Staedtler would be the way to go, too as they seem the most useful.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Oh gosh, my list like that is endless. =>.

[@maxg6613]

Your not alone I have one and I love but I’m going to get a staedtler one soon, can’t wait 😊

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Neat! Enjoy!!! Careful though-having one and then buying another is how slippery slopes of grand collection start. =>..

[@Cyxodus]

I use my dad's clutch pencil from the 70s to draw with. I remember playing with it as a kid and now I draw with it.

[@christophervincent3810]

I have no knowledge, skill, or interest in artistic things, however my daughter does and demonstrates talent and I want to support that. So thank you for some ideas that I would not have otherwise had on my own.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Always wonderful to see parents taking that extra bit of time to support their kids’ interests. 🖤 thank you for stopping by!

[@lynnrush7166]

I recently found one of these pencils that I got many years ago in high school. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about being able to sharpen them. I wondered about the end and now know what it is for. Great idea since I wasn’t impressed by how thick the lead is.

[@TimKapow]

Yup love leadholders too. I have a rotring 800 2.0mm which is loaded with Mitsubishi uni lead in F and I use the Mitsubishi 2mm lead pointer. I have the spinning one but I didn't appreciate how the hard plastic was sitting on the grip of the leadholders so I made the change. The Mitsubishi one isn't quite as good as the spinning one but it is definitely better than the other hand held ones or the butt sharpener. A cool fact about leadholders is that they pre-date wood encased pencils.

[@LisaSonora]

OMG! so informative! the pencils that have been missing from my life but didn't know! Also totally adore your presentation style! SUBSCRIBED!

[@MrJruta]

Love Staedtler mars technico. Got my first one back in the eighties! Still have one.

[@bethechange2024]

I have the Faber T9400 on the way and found your video helpful and fun to watch. The last time I used a clutch pencil was in tbe 1970s while studying drafting. Your description brought back that lost memory❣

[@missboodles]

I've been curious about these pretty recently! I happened to notice at my work we carry one (not sure of the brand) and I've never tried them before. Good to know about the sharpener options, too.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Hooray! I’m psychic and knew you needed the info!

[@mlunaID]

Thanks for sharin' the love and concise info over the clutch pencil. I cherish the Faber Castell tk9400

[@68868s]

Yes. I am like you. I have the Turquoise Eagle lead and have used my 980 forever. You cannot find it anymore. Now, it is 780 which is slightly shorter but still Staedtler. As a professional artist and teacher, I have been using HB 2mm leads for years and adore them. In college 35 years ago I used these. And 20 years ago when I was living in California, I went to a garage sale. This guy had old-school drafting equipment. I mean a lot of it. I scored!!! Only paid $5.00 for a portfolio bag, 980s and a ton of Turquoise Eagle leads in holders. Hey, it is nice to know that I am not alone.

[@thomasalex4481]

Yass queen I feel u. I wanted 2 for my birthday but my brother said I was only getting one but I ended up getting my way and having a whole collection of them. And I was so happy and satisfied.

[@LanaGoesArt]

I didn't know, that there pencils were even called clutched pencils, but I love them and use them only as I feel reducing waste (and wood) when using them and only refilling the leads. There are also 5,6mm ones, which are so gorgeous, my favourites are the Koh-I-Noor and the Faber Castell ones, just the same as you've shown. :)

[@MeowMeowKapow]

I have a couple of the big fat chunky lead ones in my house somewhere, but I almost never use them! Personally, I prefer the 2mm but you are NOT the only person who likes the big boys. A couple other people have commented that those are their go-to as well!

[@LanaGoesArt]

@@MeowMeowKapow I love the big ones for fast sketches and putting down the shadows as they are so incredibly soft. But I have to agree with you, that the 2mm ones are the ones most useful. What are your favourite leads so far? Do you have preferred companies?

[@MattPenner]

Love your video and great personality! 😉 I have never heard of these but they were on my supply list for a wood working class. Apparently they're recommended because their hard enough to make great measurement marks on wood without snapping like thin mechanical pencils and have the built in sharpener unlike wooden pencils. I picked up a relatively high rated but seemingly knock off OFFIDEA brand (looks like your Steadler) from Amazon. I had no idea how to even load it and I found your video. I've always carried two pencils with me for my wood working projects: one wooden for marking on wood and one mechanical for my drawings and sketches in a notebook. I liked the fine .7 point for precision sketches but it would snap in two seconds on wood. I think I'm really going to like these. Thanks!

[@guero-gt]

Have always loved teh Staedtler pencils for drawing!!

[@CeraChonaill]

I love these for pencil sketches as I do not have to knife cut a wood pencil to get a long lead length for side strokes/shading, when done back to short length it goes as it's less likely to break. I have several for various lead hardness/softness-es so I do not need to stop and switch out leads.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Yes! Exactly!!! You’ve pretty much said a whole bunch of reasons that I love them! And yeah, I have multiple bodies so I don’t have to swap lead sticks. =>.

[@johnkon2810]

A kindred spirit. I have an old school lead rotary sharpener, for lead-holders/clutch pencils. It weighs like a good 5 pounds (all metal - not the cheap plastic of todays sharpeners and you only need one hand to sharpen) & works like the current Alvin or Steadtler rotary sharpenes but, it's bigger. It uses this angled "barrel/cylinder" thing, with sandpaper attached (that can be replaced - just the sandpaper) and makes long, fine points (less than 1mm point that's elongated to 2 cm, along the shaft of the lead. The only way you can make these type of elongated sharp pencil points, is by sharpening the leads manually with sandpaper, like you would for charcoal pencils, after you shaved off the wood casing. It's absolutely wonderful & by far the best sharpener ever created, for these pencils. You would honestly love this sharpener. You could possibly find one on Ebay (or it's like) but, it may cost a small fortune. I believe they stopped making them in the late 60's or early 70's perhaps. You can't buy them anymore, which is a shame. As an alternative, use your Staedtler sharpener, until you have the best point it can make for you and then use sandpaper to finish off the sharpening. This kind of point is what you want to have & use when using the side of lead to draw or shade.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Woah, that sharpener sounds INTENSE. =o_o=

[@johnkon2810]

@@MeowMeowKapow ... I actually found the sharpener on ebay. Do a search for "VTG Boston 2mm lead sharpener." I seen one with shipping for less than 20 dollars. I would buy it... I promise you, you'll thank me. However, before you get one, ask if it still sharpens well & if there's any they have any additional internal sandpaper cartridges for it. The VTG Boston has these internal disposable cartridges (that have sandpaper clues to them). Once the sand paper wears down, you could replace them, instead of the whole sharpener, as you do today with 2mm lead rotary sharpeners. As long as it comes with one cartridge, you can scrape off the old sandpaper & replace it with new sandpaper (use 200 grit). You'll of course have to cut it to size but, shouldn't take more than a few minutes. Of course, the cartridges could be for sale too but, I did look for them. To be honest, I'm still using the one I've had in it for 2 decades, so... yeah, they last a long time. Though... I did replace e the sandpaper once, despite having 1 or 2 new cartridges left. Seriously, you'll love this sharpener. Good luck either way

[@OneTrueWord1988]

John Kon: Wow! A whole new world that I never knew existed! 😄

[@kimlivengood5916]

I have a couple clutch pencils. I also love them. I've been wondering why I don't see more people using them. But I have never seen the spinney sharpener. It is now in my cart. And the multi-colored set is on my wishlist. But I agree with you, they are wonderful to use. TYFS

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Right?! I don’t know why these aren’t THE pencil everybody uses!!! I think they just fell out of fashion once the current mechanical pencils gained popularity, especially because they’re inexpensive as all heck. But it’s time for a comeback!

[@jrbees929]

Such a _fun_ video! Thanks! I can't stop buying writing instruments. I _just_ discovered the Clutch Pencils! Turning into my favorite (and I just doodle and draw crappy pics).

[@REDP12]

I just got one for basic sketching and I love it but didn't know that the part the push is a sharpener, I wondered what it was for, thanks!

[@re_animatedabby6791]

Never heard of these but totally going to try them now!!!

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Awesommmmmme! Makes me happy. =^.^= really feel like clutch pencils don’t get enough love.

[@re_animatedabby6791]

@@MeowMeowKapow Thanks will have to try them!!!

[@michaelannfitzgerald8742]

I've never heard of these but now I gotta have one lol. Thank you for sharing

[@AnaCrisisBlu]

I bought one of these pencils on a cheap store and it's great, it has a nice weight and the leads that I found on the same place where cool. I quickly realized that the top was the sharpener, but I still bought a mini sharpener just for convenience :) now I kinda want to get those with color lead that you have :)

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Even though I know the tips are sharpeners, I really do prefer to use that spinny one I have. BUT, it’s nice to know that if I ever forget the darn thing, there’s always a way to keep my points fresh! And colored lead is so fun and useful! Especially if you plan to scan your work in, since it’s super easy to get photo blue lead for these things. But I also just like to sketch in different colors, sometimes. 🤷‍♀️

[@DinnerForkTongue]

I'm not artistic in the slightest but I LOVE my clutch pencil. _By far_ my favourite piece of graphite stationery, especially with the leads I have now. It has the convenience of a mech with the old pleasure of sharpening the tip to whatever sharpness I enjoy of wood pencils, which NGL helps me focus as my hand takes a little break. It cost me a fair bit but I consider it an investment.