Pentel Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil Review 1985 vs 2020 and Disassembly

[@robertreid7221]

You have brought back fond memories of technical drawing in college, way back in 1965. I could do an isometric drawing of a stepped brickwork footing, but totally lacked the skill to build one in class. So I became a gas engineer instead. None of us had, or could afford a propelling pencil so we carried a stack of pencils from 2B to 4H. Fond memories of long ago. Thankyou Doug. 👍

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Rob!

[@nicolasocampo9953]

"rugged" is a perfect description of a Pentel pencil. I have one from 1990, a 0.5mm light blue mechanical pencil (clutch) which survived from undergrad through law school and which I'm still using today, 31 years later! the eraser catch is gone and the clip is a bit worn out but the pencil itself is perfectly usable! Excellent review, Douglas!

[@InkquiringMinds]

I bought mine in 1985 and it survives today after being on construction sites and being crushed in the jaws of my briefcase.

[@ancientphilosopher]

My father (engineer) introduced me to this pencil. I love it since I was a child. Finally got my own a few years ago, and I recently bought the 50th anniversary edition (brown). Excellent video. Thanks! :)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, J. VM!

[@michael_harren]

What a wonderful review! I am a traveling piano teacher and I’ve gotten tired of my pencil pouch full of standard wooden pencils that just seems like a dirty mess from all the graphite everywhere. My search for a new mechanical pencil led me to your video and this one looks just right. My only regret is not picking one up in 1985 like yours! Its so cool to hear the memories attached to your trusted friend.

[@imajeenyus42]

Great review of the Kerry - I'm planning on making a metal-bodied version, so I've been reading up all I can on the design ;-) I would like to mention one thing though - the tip is definitely metal and _not_ plastic (14:05). The modern tips are brass, with a satin nickel (possibly chrome) plating. You can even see the marks on the outside where it was turned in a lathe, but weight alone is enough to identify it as metal. The vintage tips are a bright plating (again nickel or chrome) over brass.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for that information Lindsay! It was really hard to tell!

[@jimbelle3087]

Thank for the video. I've had my Pentel 5 since 1996. It's identical to your black one. I fell in love with mine and it's still the first pencil I grab no matter what I need a pencil for. I found It's more comfortable drawing without being capped. The shorter option seems to be the best for drawing and handling. I had an opportunity to buy a few on clearance about 8 years ago. But declined 28 years and still counting , the first mechanical pencil to last this long. Best purchase I ever made.

[@eagle9516]

This is my favorite mechanical pencil which was with me all through Engineering School in College and then I still used it when I went through a federal Agent law enforcement academy. I recently purchased the blue and a black barrel one from Amazon but noticed that it maybe a little bit smaller in diameter....Still love it!!

[@melindabooth9806]

I love the Kerry as well, I wish they made either a ballpoint or fountain pen to match.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I think a matching rollerball or fountain pen would be awesome!

[@ronaldjensen8451]

I've had one for years but never took it apart. Thanks for the demo.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Any time!

[@goaway2174]

Hi Doug, I just discovered this video and wanted to thank you for the great overview of a fantastic piece of engineering! It is so cool that you managed to use the same pencil all those years without a loss or failure! I bought one for my wife as a little gift (she loved it) and after seeing it, bought myself one too! It is a seriously nice pencil. I appreciate your very thorough video!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Very welcome! Thank you so much!

[@isolationdisorder]

Great video about these great pencils! I would like to point out something about the Kuru-Toga pencil. The lead does not spin when you button advance the lead, it spins part of a turn every time it touches the paper. You can observe the inner barrel spinning through the side of the barrel by looking at it while repeatedly tapping the lead on paper.

[@CanItAlready]

I've been considering getting one of these for a while now, especially after misplacing my favorite mechanical pencil for several years. Good to know not much has changed about it in the last few decades. I now have more mechanical pencils than I need but I still want to get a Kerry. ☺️

[@InkquiringMinds]

They are great and last forever.

[@jorge23483]

Some daily utensils (fountain pens, mechanical pencils, etc) are designs so well that ignites the fascination of people and until they developed a following for said utensil. Nice video Doug. Thanks and I hope you and your love ones stay safe and healthy.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Jorge!

[@aureliodecanton9970]

I agree. I've been using Kerry for almost nine years and it is the still the best mechanical pencils I've used. It was not marketed as a graphic pencil, but its weight and balance are better than most of the graphic pencils I've used.

[@InkquiringMinds]

A mechanical pencil for life!

[@SkittlesMan1433]

I really appreciate how thorough this review is. I just got one and am so glad that I found this video and the pencil itself! ❤

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@petemanherz7296]

Ahh - A change of pace review! When something is a good design and construction there is no reason to change it. AKA the old VW beetles. Today so much is changed just for the sake of change. Guess I am showing my age! I remember taking drafting at night school, but like Robert couldn't afford a mechanical pencil, had the same stacks of 2B, 2H, HB at my desk. Life interfered with getting a drafting job and then the job description sort of disappeared. Anyway thanks for trip down memory lane.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, pete!

[@eddiebarnes8845]

Being a mechanical drafter from the 80's, this pencil even though i have never used one came across this video went to amazon and they now have it priced for $8.23 think i will get me a couple thanks for the review

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'm glad it helped, eddie. I"m sure you'll like the Kerry.

[@andrewanddewi966]

Outstanding review that reminds me of my mid-70-80s drafting days, before the autocad invasion. I still cherish my Pentel Sharp Kerry in forest green, which still looks mint. Thanks Doug.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Well said! Even after AutoCad, I still did many drawings with scale rule and mechanical pencil.

[@Wreneagle]

My understanding is that the kuratoga rotates in response to pressure on the lead so ostensibly one gets a new face with every stroke. At least that's how mine operates. Anyway, thanks for the video! I am bit sentimental toward the sharp kerry as an amazing family friend of mine (engineer by trade) has one always on his person and I have many good memories of him drawing 3D tic-tac-toe boards to play with us or explanatory diagrams or what have you as we were growing up. I should write and see how he is doing. Anyway, thanks again.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Ian. You are correct. The Kura Toga ratched operates on pressure on the lead not from clicking the clutch. It was the first time I had played with the pencil as it had just come out of the box.

[@babc97]

Thank you Sir for the very detailed introduction , now I learned that my pencial I recently received is the 1985 version, it's really good to know that.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donaldgoerig6171]

Hey Doug, great review! I still have my Kerry as well from the late 80's as well. Pentel had always made the most reliable pencils for writing and drawing. I also miss hand drafting as well and really enjoyed seeing your stage lighting drawings. Thank you!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Don. Ah the old days of hand artistry in drafting!

[@misswoodhouse5720]

Oh yesss....more Rick Rolls, I love that song it reminds me of happy carefree times. I do love a mechanical pencil, I used to have the simple plastic ones, I would beg my mother for a Pental plastic mechanical pencil at school, pre-pen licence days. Fun story, I never got a pen licence haha. Now I have a simple Tombow mechanical pencil. Thanks for doing this video, your passion for writing tools and music is fantastic. Cheers again :)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Ethel!

[@catwhisperer911]

Hi Douglas, I couldn't agree with you more, this mechanical pencil is spectacular. I've had mine since the early '80s and if I recall correctly it cost me about $10, which was considered a lot for a mechanical pencil back then. I still use mine, which still works perfectly by the way, whenever I have to use a pencil. Thanks for sharing this.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Most welcome, Jeff! Thanks!

[@davidmcguigan5497]

You have such interesting toys, Mister Bond...Doug, rather. Cool writing/drawing instrument, Pentel really thought it through. Thanks!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Very cool Thank you, David!

[@anhquan8410]

Wow your Pentel Sharp Kerry is older than me :D Really appreciate your love to mechanical pencil, sir.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Wow, thanks

[@anhquan8410]

@@InkquiringMinds I just buy a grey kerry & pilot s20 today for sketching, hope I can keep them as long as yours :))

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@anhquan8410 They should last a lifetime. They are incredibly well-built!

[@TheHOINK]

Aloha, Delphi... (Doug) Great Review, the best one about the Pentel P1035 to be found on youtube. Love this Pencil, to me the best Mechanical Penci, too. What I would like to add: 1) The Tip still is metal, the same it has been in 1971, to the last ones I bought in 2018. If the 2020 Models have changed, I am totally unaware of this. All 54 Kerries in my collection share the same tips, the "NOS"-Versions are look-alike to new ones. The "satin/brushed" effect on the tip is there, maybe a tad less than on the new ones since the mid90s. Just some pens I own, which have been used long time, the "brushed"-effect of the Cone wears down, and looks more similar to your "almost lifetime companion". The new pens I have look like your new model, but some got dings, scratches, and show no plastic, just metal at the cone. - A funny thing is how many admirers and users of the pen want the Cone Tip to be shiny to match the rest of the pencil I always thought (compared to most other ones), that it is a clever decision that the Tip is brushed, so it diffuses light and does not show reflections on the paper distacting from the Line. (See "Daves Mechanical Pencils" for more inside information) ^_^ - Some would even like the two plastic parts of the barrel to be all metal, but they would horribly scratch from the cap, so plastic is the ideal solution here. In my opinion, the pen was perfectly thought out, in every part, for best longevity. 2) Yes, the ONLY changes are: the imprints in the Cap, and the Needle inside the cap is not produced any more since the 90s. And as mentioned, the cone is "satined/brushed" a bit more to a stronger effect since mid90s. 3) The "Never changed Design" since 1971 makes this the best, and most versatile single model on the market to me. If you love you colour from the 1970s, which is not produced any more, you can buy a new one, exchange parts, and keep the old barrel and cap. ALSO, what I LOVE, you can exchange the internals from the 0.7 and the 0.5 (plus the Cone), and have a 0.7 in Red, Khaki, Gold, Turquoise, whatever you preferation and likings are ^__^ A final note: The P1035 is the Model Number for the 0.5mm , the P1037 is respectively for the 0.7mm models. Colours are coded behind and never imprinted in the Pen. "P1035-A" is Black, in the catalogue, or on stickers you find on the pens in Japan. (Eyxamples: Gray=ND,/ LE2011 SkyBlue = SD / LE2011Gold = XD /LE2011 Violett / LE2015 Orange=FD / LE2017 Berry Violett = VKS / LE2017 CherryPink = PKS.... and so on)... I only miss the extremely rare thee new "Japan Only "Tokai Region Models", sigh.... but 80 to 120 USD for a Kerry, even when I have all other models there ever where, is just to much fo my tastes.... 0_o

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for this excellent information, Bjorn! I knew that the ONE Pentel Kerry fanatic I know would chime in with exact information. As I said above, I double checked the nose cone and you are right - it is metal.

[@TheHOINK]

@@InkquiringMinds Aloha ^_^ Funny there are not thousands of more fanatics out there about this pen. Before I had this, mechanical pencil never were my choice, only 2mm leadholders.... Thanks again for the review, pobably saw all here, and yours is best, simply because it has elements the others do not, like "Marty Feldman" and a comparison of an old and new modell ^_0 At least this time I hope the pen remained intact ^-^ *bowing my head in shame* Dissassembled two Cones away fom my pens and used a knife to scrape inside on a place where no one would ever see it... (as you said, inquisitive minds want to know) ....all metal, I was relieved myself. No idea which, probably aluminium.

[@gwendorf52]

54? WOW! I bought my first in 1971 I think, and now I have 43. I give some as birthday gifts and people love 'em!

[@jacobus57]

I love drafting and as much of a tech geek as I am, CAD leaves me cold. I have also been looking for a decent mechanical pencil that doesn't cost more than my mid-range FPs! I was not familiar with this model, and am going to pick up one. Thanks Doug!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Very cool! Thanks, Jacquie!

[@JB9000x]

I bought a black 0.5 in 2010. Model number P1035 same as yours. The cone is metal alloy. No rod poker in the cap, which is a shame, but I've been using a fresh lead to do the same job. By far my favourite pencil

[@johntoledo4438]

Such a really nice and thorough review. I've had one of these on my desk for a while. (Not nearly as long as you have had yours). I agree. This is a really nice pencil. I have way too many of them but this is really nice for all the reasons you mentioned. I still do use others. I've had a Zerbra 301 for nearly as long as you've had the Kerry but hey, that point can do a real number on pockets. Cap or click is one of the big differences and for some reason I like thinner pencils and thicker pens. I don't know why but the Kerry is the one that's been on my desk for quite a while.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Cool! Thanks, John!

[@jeffroberts532]

AWESOME! I love the Kerry, and I too have been using one for a long time, since the late 80's. Just like fountain pens, I'm drawn to the workmanship & clever design that goes in to mechanical pencils. There's not another that I've found with more functional features and overall elegance than the Kerry. I thoroughly enjoyed this video, as I have every one of the vids you've produced. I have to admit that my Kerry eraser has seen a lot more use than yours, lol. Also really enjoyed seeing your excellent penmanship and some authentic design drawings (or drawerings, as Simon would say)! Always interesting! Thanks again, Doug!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Jeff! My preferred eraser was a Staedlter eraser holder. Like a mechanical lead holder, it holds a long tubular plastic eraser and it much more sturdy lasts longer. Plus, getting these Z3 erasers is a pain.

[@JuceePeachz67]

Great video Doug!!! Thank you for the tips you shared about the mechanical pencil. I had such a great love using mechanical pencils for writing and stopped using them about five years ago. I own a couple of Pentels and Sanfords. Thank you for the change. Looking forward to the next video. Continue to be well.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you, Marianne!

[@snowpuppy77]

Enjoyed the video. I have a few newer Pentel Kerry's and the lead holder cap on all of them is metal not plastic. It is not polished stainless like the old one but metal none the less.

[@dripfreefpv9695]

Nice review. I have been a quicker clicker fan my whole life but I recently bought a Kerry for no reason at all and I'm enjoying it very much. Not sure if it will unseat my quicker clicker yet. I also play clasical guitar.😉

[@InkquiringMinds]

Cool! Thanks Dripfree! I have a solid copper bolt-action pen and pencil set coming for review soon. I'll be comparing my beloved Kerry to the copper pencil that the designer claims is a "pencil for a lifetime". We'll see. My Kerry has been at my side for 36 years now.

[@dripfreefpv9695]

@@InkquiringMinds look forward to seeing more. I thought I'd point out that the Kerry I recently bought does have an aluminum "nose cone". Not quite as good as the original stainless but better than the plastic. Perhaps they took some feedback on that design change.

[@Adriel-ze6lw]

It looks like a Mechanical Pencil version of the Pilot E95S. For some reason though, I like those types of design and it's looks good too. I wonder where to find one here in my Country... It's also interesting to note that there's a 1985 Model and still functions incredibly well. Sir Doug, it seems that you can leave anything somewhere and it would remain untouched for several years, still functioning well

[@InkquiringMinds]

Exactly! And I love my e95s just as much!

[@curglaff01]

That's actually how I came across this video - trying to find a picture of the two of them together.

[@adityasanthanam1945]

I am definitely going to get one after watching this video. Thank you for a great video.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Excellent! Thanks for watching!

[@adamchurvis1]

I have one of these somewhere, and yes, I bought it around 1985. Now I have to go find it...

[@ZyloSol99]

Recently managed to acquire the same pentel 5 kerry that you have in this video. I only had the black 0.7mm. Really nice pencil.

[@InkquiringMinds]

It may not be THE most practical mechanical pencil but it is certainly the classiest!

[@greyareaRK1]

Wonderful design. I've not seen its like before. I reflexively picked up my Draftmatic and noticed I somehow bent the tip(?!). I ordered a Muji pen solely because of how much I like Draftmatic/X-acto style grips (yet to arrive). The auto-rotating pencil I used had a ratcheting gear at the tip to rotate the lead each time it was lifted from the page. I'm intent on picking up an antique mechanical with the fatter leads for sketching.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yeah the ratchet is hard to see on the model of Kura Toga I showed. The Kura Toga "Advance" has a clear section so you can see it.

[@greyareaRK1]

@@InkquiringMinds I just order a Kerry.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@greyareaRK1 Cool!

[@barrylevitt1170]

Hi Doug, I have the same Kerry I purchased in the mid 80's. My favorite mechanical pencils are the Pentel Kerry. the TWSBI Precision, Uni Kuro Toga, all in .5mm and the Caren D'ache 849 in .7mm. Thanks for another informtive and enjoyable review.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for sharing, Barry!

[@TheHOINK]

Barry Levitt, great choice, I lvoe my Caran d'ache Ecridor Artiste, same shape as the 849, just a classic (but prefer the version for 2mm lead)

[@barrylevitt1170]

@@TheHOINK If you use the 849 ballpoint you can use the Fisher space pen refill by cutting down the white parker adapter.

[@agradoville]

Love this review Doug. Brings back some good memories of the drafting table and learning to put those lines down. You are correct in that it was an ART in being able to put those different thickness of lines and the differences in pressure and the different nuances in the lettering styles form individual to individual are all items I miss. I have never heard of this pencil and really like the style. Thanks for the review and can you still find the older versions out there?

[@TheHOINK]

Aloha, Agradoville. Yes, you can. The last Kerry I bought was in 2018 and had a metal tip, I hope Doug just is mistaken. They range from 15 to 50USD depending on where you buy it, please see my own comment for my details if you are interested about the changes ^_^ Hope it helps...

[@InkquiringMinds]

I just double checked the nose cone on the 2020 Kerry, Bjorn, and you are right. They ARE metal. It is just a different finish. I had to scratch the inside of it with an Xacto blade to make sure.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it. I'm not sure Andy. I would guess eBay.

[@TheHOINK]

@@InkquiringMinds Did the same some hours ago, on the inside of two... to not damage the "outer appearance", sheesh, I never thought I could be so superficial to care for looks *kidding* ^__^

[@maxding1381]

Thank you for the wonderful video Mr. Rathbun, now I want a Sharp Kerry.

[@InkquiringMinds]

They are a terrific mechanical pencil. My first one is still going after 36 years.

[@sebit2874]

Thank you very much! One of the best review abaut mechanical pencil ever!👍

[@InkquiringMinds]

Wow, thanks!

[@suganthansumelingam8860]

Thank you, sir. Excellent review. Appreciate it. Getting one for myself ASAP! 🙂

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ikenwosa4647]

Excellent review, ordering my Kerry tomorrow

[@InkquiringMinds]

Good choice!

[@tomnelson8515]

Great and. very entertaining review. Might I ask you how you find the video clips you insert into your videos? The add a chuckle chuckle to what some might find a dry topic. Well done.

[@InkquiringMinds]

KZbin and Google search are my friends! :)

[@JohnnyRugged06]

So, the weight hasn't changed? It's still 21 grams? I had one in the mid-90s and I always wondered if it was heavier than today's version. Probably not if today's version is the same weight as the 85. Splendid! I love these pencils.

[@InkquiringMinds]

My 1980's Kerry is 22.2g where the new one is 2.5g.

[@MadebyDawn23]

Dear Doug, thank you so much for your review. I recently bought the Pentel Sharp Kerry from Amazon because i heard of mechanical pencils with a cap. I knew nothing else about the pencil. I have a the light olive green version 0.5mm. I believe that i should tell you in real life i am a nurse, and that beside being a lover of fountain pen i am also a Belizean based art you tuber. I am so glad that you emphasized that the pencil is excellent drawing instrument because i was not sure of its smoothness, ease and grip in the drawing. I usually draw cartoony illustrative art. I am considering buying a vintage mechanical pencil from ebay but i am unsure or the model or type any suggestions? I also must admit that i was pleasantly surprise when you spoke of your artistic or architectural achievements, because i got into fountain pen due to my artistic side. thank you so much for your review of this pencil, stay safe and bless

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for sharing, @MadebyDawn23! If you want a vintage mechanical pencil, I would look for a vintage Parker 45 pencil. They are very sturdy and not too expensive.

[@MadebyDawn23]

@@InkquiringMinds thank you so much

[@LAMRUISIANGNYJC]

Thx man was wondering if the parts were interchangeable

[@Bonkikavo]

I have recent issue of 0.7 model and nose cone doesn't seem to be plastic. It's not steel, but it is some kind of metal. The little ring below the spring is plastic, i see the old one had that one part either brass or some other metal.

[@tomasviane3844]

Sorry, but the Kuru Toga does not rotate when you click it. It rotates every time you push it onto the paper. That way it stays sharp while you write with it. Thanks for the video!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

You are correct!

[@michaelcorleone89]

you say in the video that the nose cone of this pencil is made of plastic, and i was accustomed to people saying that the only plastic parts are those of the barrel. Is the nose cone made out of plastic on every Kerry made in recent years? thank you

[@InkquiringMinds]

As far as I know.

[@Zen_6]

I had the same question, but disassembling and taking a look into the interior of the nose cone, it seems to me that Pentel still manufactures them with a stainless steel screw core but with a plastic exterior instead. I wonder if anyone has the same observation as well.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@Zen_6 I’m sure you’re right

[@PlutoBuchs96]

I purchased one recently (like maybe 3 days ago now?) and was surprised to find that the nose cone on mine is metal! I'm not sure if they had older stock, or perhaps it's only on the black model, or maybe it's limited to specific lead size?

[@michaelcorleone89]

@@PlutoBuchs96 are you sure it is metal? From pictures and videos online the nose cone looks made out of metal to me, but that doesn't exclude that it might have a "metal look" and still being plastic. I haven't fount enough information online

[@kswaminathan5439]

Superlative video with tons of information. But, I felt that the plastic cone in the 2020 model looked bigger than the stainless steel cone in the 1985 model. Do you agree? Nevertheless, this is going to be my next buy. Cheers!!! Wish you a very long and healthy life, Sir.

[@InkquiringMinds]

They are pretty much the same size, just different materials.

[@Otrain82]

Really great content! And fun. Fantastic storytelling.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ericrollo615]

Another winner and a insight to your life thank you Doug. My curiosity wonders what other treats you have for us with writing instruments 🤔🤔

[@InkquiringMinds]

Good question! How about a video on RULING PENS?

[@akshayameria2988]

Thanks for the in-depth review.

[@InkquiringMinds]

My pleasure!

[@cb7560]

Thanks for a great video. I wonder if the design of these was inspired by the Japanese pocket pens of the 1960s, such as the Pilot Elite? What is interesting is that is an Elite pencil from the 1970s, but it is not a capped model. Pilot missed a trick here, as the 1971 Kerry design is way better.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Interesting!

[@marinaalex0510]

Hello, Sir. I have several 2020 PK in different colors. I've been looking for the review that includes Disassembly - because on one of my Kerrys the button that covers the eraser won't stay it and keeps falling out. Firstly, thanks for the great video, it is rare, mostly you find just endless and useless mumbling. But I haven't found the info that would help me to solve the problem, maybe you have an idea? Thank you in advance.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks! I've never had to disassemble a Kerry before. Sorry.

[@marinaalex0510]

@@InkquiringMinds There is no even need to disassemble the pencil, it's something with a cap... Nevermind

[@InyasArt]

@marinaalex0510 Hello there! I think I can help! If you look at the eraser button cap you should see a little indentation. That is what makes the cap friction fit in. Sometimes due to factory mishaps that indentation is not pushed enough in the metal, therefore the cap easily falls. Give the cap a little squeeze. This will make is more oval than round, but will friction fit better and less loosely. But just a bit at a time, adjust accordingly. Let me know if this helps. Ps. I don't have a Kerry, but I looked at pictures online and it seems like this would work!

[@richad1100]

I caved in and bought a Kerry from amazon in 2018. Wow I was disappointed especially considering the hype. It felt like a cheap disposable pencil, I couldn’t be sure the tip was metal, it didn’t feel like it. Really lightweight and brittle feeling overall too. Looked cheap just looking at it. So after a day I sent it straight back to amazon. Some time later, a used brown vintage model came up on eBay so I thought maybe the quality would be better, and I was right! The metal felt like metal (it was!) and had a brushed machined look & feel to it, unlike the modern one which looked & felt like plastic painted silver, the vintage plastics felt superior in quality/durability and the workings of the pencil were much better quality upon inspection. That’s my experience, hope you found it of interest 😊

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'm surprised, Rich. There is NOTHING cheap or disposable about either the 1985 or the 2020 Kerry. It is sold and precise construction. I don't think it is light weight either at 21 grams.

[@richad1100]

Douglas Rathbun fair enough - just to me the later version felt a much lesser pencil. I enjoy my old model though.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@richad1100 I'm glad of that Rich! Mine is still going strong! :)

[@jorge23483]

Oh yes, the another rabbit hole at the left of the fountainpen hobby, just a little ahead of the rollerball limbo and the ballpoint hades.... 😂

[@TheHOINK]

I do not know if Pencils are left or right from the Fountain Pens, but to me both are far ahead the Ballpoints. My Professor in Calligraphy Class nailed it for me during my studies. "A Fountain Pen, a Dip Pen, a Pencil, they get and show character while used, some over long time, other's fast, like graphite, and adapt to your style. A Ballpoint pen is a soul-less shell, where you throw away and replace what gives a pen character and shows your personality - the tip." ^_0

[@InkquiringMinds]

That's excellent!

[@kswaminathan5439]

Sir, I have seen in Amazon Pentel Kerry Automatic Mechanical pencil. What is the difference between an automatic and a non automatic one. Can you please clarify? Are the pencils you have shown in the video automatic ones or non automatic ones?

[@InkquiringMinds]

These ARE automatic pencils. Any mechanical pencil that advances the lead when you press the knock is an automatic pencil.

[@kswaminathan5439]

Thank you, Sir, for your prompt reply. Now, it is very clear.

[@lonnerboi4603]

When you click this video thinking it's gonna help you sleep only to get rick rolled

[@glitter.booger]

1:59 I did not expect to get rickrolled in a video about a mechanical pencil.... ;sobs;

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL never gonna give you up!

[@glitter.booger]

​@@InkquiringMinds Never gonna let you downnn!!

[@patpatrizio98]

I just checked it on Amazon at a good price (At least for my country's usual prices haha) but it's a shame that it doesn't come on that beautiful magnetic box as yours.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Patpatrizio98!

[@helenbugsynelson]

I've loved mechanical pencils ever since I discovered them in jr. high shcool. I have never seen this particular model so I don't know if it's available in Canada, or maybe I just don't know where to shop for such things. I remember buying a Zippo pen and pencil set for my dad back in t he mid-60s from a gift shop. Now I buy my mechanical pencils from a big box office supply store. The pencils that have lasted me the longest are the digital Clique and the Staedler Remedy. I also used to buy the Dr. Gripp, but at $20 a pen, and the classy good look, they often went missing from my pencil case and now the office supply place in our town doesn't carry them anymore. I use pencil when I'm taking notes directly from a discourse. I had been using pen, but I didn't like that ball point pen is not erasable like pencil for the odd time I make a mistake. I also use them for sketching my latest obsession, Tiny Houses. That eraser then comes in very handy and as a matter of fact, I bought a tough stuff eraser, because I was wearing down the one that comes on the pencil. I will absolutely keep my eye open for the Pentel Kerry.

[@TheHOINK]

Dear Helen... The PentelKerry is sold world wide, but prices range heavily. You can order them fom eBay sometimes for 15-20 USD including shipping... or depending on the local store they can be up to 50USD.... Checking "Cultpens.com" or "Jetpens.com" will show you the unlimited Colour Variety there is, and in Japan regularly Limited Runs of special colours appear light Orange, Bright Pink, Gold, SkyBlue, Black with Golden Metalparts and alike. Hope that helps ^_^

[@helenbugsynelson]

@@TheHOINK Thank-you. I have only shopped online a few times and only on Amazon. I'm a little scared to fall down that rabbit hole, but there is a pen shop in Vancouver about an hour drive from here that is open again, so I might phone them to see if they carry them.

[@TheHOINK]

@@helenbugsynelson Goodluck ^_0 By the way, every shop carrying the brand "Pentel" will be able to order one for you. They are inside the range of Pentel's "Luxury Line" due to their quality, heritage and final price, and shops can order them "mostly" without having to take a fixed minimum amount. After all, there is never a risk in asking ^_^ Everyone should carry a Kerry!"

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Helen!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Bjorn! Spoken like a Pentel Kerry nut! How many do you have now?

[@Cunningham58]

Ive got a 1985 version with a .5 tip and in the brighter blue color, I cant find it anywhere with the 1985 version in the blue color is it rare or something?

[@InkquiringMinds]

When I bought mine in 1985, black was all I saw available.

[@Cunningham58]

@InkquiringMinds I'm not certain what year mine is it's not new but it has the pentel 5 logo instead of Kerry on it

[@edmund8954]

I think this must be the first time i've gotten RickRolled in a pencil review.

[@JoanKSX]

Ah, I thought the newer version would have stainless steel tip as well. I nearly buy it because I was Pentel Caplet 0.5mm fans (but since they come with only plastic tips, and I'm so careless and clumsy, I often drop them and then the alignment often goes off and then all the lead breaks all the way, making the dropped Caplet mechanical pencil no longer usable anymore =( )... Recently my squeezing way of gripping my Pilot Super Grip 0.5mm mechanical pencil (plus the hazardous way I'm storing all my stationeries in my bag), breaks at the plastic nose which maybe really soon the Pilot Super Grip would go useless (the alignment for the pencil might breaks the lead infinitely). Hope that they bring the good old stainless steel again, since the way I grip my pencil and my pen breaks quite a number of them already LOL

[@InkquiringMinds]

You can always look for a used version on eBay.

[@JoanKSX]

@@InkquiringMinds Thanks =D

[@JoanKSX]

Just found out the broken Pilot mechanical pencil that I'm owning is Pilot Progrex 0.5mm. Still working well currently, though the cracks at the plastic nose-cone is so obvious since about 15 years ago I bought the thing. (I hope Pentel Caplet 0.5mm could last that long LOL 15 years! Not bad huh?) Since this Pilot Progrex 0.5mm has retractable lead sleeve, when I store it in my zipper soft cloth pencil case the lead sleeve never breaks nor misaligned so currently no signs of infinity lead breakage yet. I don't think this model Pilot Progrex 0.5mm is suitable for professionals like architects and professions alike but as a basic student usage e.g. music theory students or mathematics students or allied health care students, yes it is sufficient.

[@MissMarilynDarling]

I have had a papermate clear point mechanical pencil for at least 20 years all through high school back in the late 90's oof I'm aging myself .. I recently bought another set because the lead kept slipping and I didnt know a good way to clean it so it would work again I tried a tooth brush and soaking it but for fear of it rusting that didnt last long

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Marilyn Darling!

[@joannew8093]

Great review! Thank You!

[@InkquiringMinds]

My pleasure! Thank you, Jo!

[@cmikhail7289]

i only bought the 2020 pentel kerry because the 20 year old Pentel 5 my coworker gave me, nose cone is stuck to the barrel and i can't clear the clutch mech.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Does the lead chamber cap have a rod attached to it? If so, you can push that up the lead tube from the front to clear obstructions.

[@cmikhail7289]

My coworker probably clipped the rod off years ago as I don't see rod on Pentel 5 he gave me. Yes, i just managed to clear the jam using rods from other pencils. I still can't unscrew the nose cone mechanism like you did on 8:57 of the video. Maybe I'll just gonna have to work this pencil another 20 years, and give it to another dude maybe then he'd solve this problem.

[@ittaicarmon8347]

On the one hand, its nothing less than amazing that a hand writing instrument is made for decades these days. On the other hand, it's so sad that they started cutting corners with the materials.

[@TheHOINK]

Please see my comment, (avid collector) I would put my hand into the fire, they have not ^_0

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yeah, my bad, Ittai. The difference in finish and the lightness of the new nose cone fooled me. It is metal as Bjorn (The HOINK) states.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You are correct of course my friend. Take your hand out of the fire now. :)

[@TheHOINK]

@@InkquiringMinds If worse comes to worst, I can put my hand in a glove, use some ducttape, and imitate "Freddy's Glove" with Pentel Kerrys instead of Knifes ^_0

[@vinaynagdev03]

Is 2020 kerry build quality as same as 1985 kerry?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Very slight differences but same rugged build quality.

[@ArtistWizardry]

I'm surprised there wasn't a Rotring in the mix. Oh, my favorite butter is Kerry Gold and it's Irish.

[@InkquiringMinds]

That orange french curve with the inking edges is Rotring. :)

[@Scott-wi7rm]

Hey Doug, you told me about the Kerry pencil about 2 months ago,I looked in to them but I personally felt that the tombow zoom 505 was a better pencil, all metal body and brass clutch as well,I do like the Kerry, but zoom is beefier pen and the section is amazing, check it out doug.yes a section .

[@InkquiringMinds]

I've seen the Tombow and isn't it a LOT more expensive?

[@tonyamedlock8296]

Hello there, please help, if you can. I'm having an issue with my Pentel Sharp Kerry Automatic Pencil. I've had it for at least 10 years. I misplaced it a few years back and recently found it. I was happy to use it again, but the lead does not seem to want to stay out. When I try to write with the pencil the the lead disappears. I've taken it apart and put back together, but still having same issue of the lead disappearing. Is there a known reason for this issue?

[@InkquiringMinds]

It sounds like the clutch is fouled up. Disassemble the pencil as I show in the video and make sure the clutch and the lead tube are free of ground up graphite. Sometimes leads will get crushed in that mechanism and make it fail.

[@tonyamedlock8296]

Thank you for the reply....I will check that out

[@MissMarilynDarling]

i dont know ive had a papermate clearpoint 0.7 mm for over 20 years i just recently did the same thing i went bought the new version and their the same the only reason i went got a new one was cause i couldnt find an eraser for the thing then the next day i found them on ebay for twice whata the pencil was worth so im glad i got the pencils

[@InkquiringMinds]

That's like buying a new printer because it is cheaper than replacing the ink cartridges! LOL

[@TheHOINK]

@@InkquiringMinds sad, but true... at least our pens never run out of lead or ink.... Imagine a wold where the pen stops in the middle of the word and a display says "Sorry, the function time is over. Buy an update or a replacement"...like with graphic tablets, urrrks..... 0_o

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@TheHOINK LOL. So true!

[@MissMarilynDarling]

@@InkquiringMinds 🤣

[@MissMarilynDarling]

@@InkquiringMinds my printer cost me 35 dollars and the inc cartridges cost me 65 dollars when i buy both the black and the ryb what the heck although i found out it is the cheapest of the cartridges its still buckets

[@locointellect1460]

Thank you for doing this video... really helped me out.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad it helped!

[@WhatIInk]

Best...pencil...ever!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Absolutely, Alan!

[@mariojulien001]

I have this perfect pen. For artistic drawing « urban sketching » is the best! Thanks for the review

[@InkquiringMinds]

Totally agree!

[@jameshunter-davis5629]

Drafting board? Any fancy name brand or any brand? I just found a Faber-Castell TZ·150°·A3

[@InkquiringMinds]

I had to sell my drafting board when my wife and I downsized our home when we retired and I lost my office space. I don't know the brand or model of the last one I had but it was big (36x48) and white and I added a multi-compartment tray to the front and a really excellent Koh-I-Noor drafting arm-machine.

[@fredklier]

I have the 2017-18 (?) version and is the same as your 2020 but the cone is steel.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Cool! Thank you, Fred!

[@j.vincent3625]

1981...green...I really dig it, it's far out. 🛸

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL! Thank you, J. Vincent!

[@deniz4152]

i was waiting for your leonardo review. iam disappointed

[@TheHOINK]

Heads up, I am sure it will show up ^__^

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL! I'm still waiting. Appelboom hasn't received it from Italy yet. Then it still has to cross the Atlantic.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Everything is crossed in hopes.

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

I don't like caped pens, I have the retractable version of this pencil, the Pentel 5. It's one of my favorites cause the internals are really high quality, like most pencils made in the 80's where brands had to really make an effort and not skip costs. It's comparable in quality with my Pelikan d400 pencil, one of the few manufacturers that still make high quality writing tools without cost cutting

[@InkquiringMinds]

Cool! I didn't know there was a retractable version!