The Basics of Clutch Drawing Pencils

[@rorirants9468]

I love that they are easily portable unlike the points on wood pencils. It makes it super easy then to take your sketch materials with you. (I'm sure I have an embarrassing grip on the obvious here, but I just bought a whack of mech pencils because of this-and I found that I like them SO much better. It surprised me)

[@TylersArtShack]

I have been using them for a little while now and I really prefer them over pencil now. I will still use pencils every now and then. Thanks a lot for the comment Andrew!

[@doreenstrydom7179]

We used them as kids many years ago. Interesting they should come into fashion again now!

[@TylersArtShack]

I think the best part about it is not having them shrink over time like normal pencils do. That limits the amount of ways you can hold the pencil to get the desired drawing effect that I would normally be looking for. And yes, sharpening them is a lot easier and the point is a lot sharper enabling much more detail within the work. They have a lot of small advantages over pencil which really add up for a big difference.

[@bobflora4890]

Started as a draftsman in 1956, immediately with 2mm clutch pencils, sharpened with a sandpaper block on a wooden handle, all in grades from HB to 6H, standard for engineering drawings that are reproduced. Graduated to a Koh-I-Noor lead sharpener, then to a Post can type , which I still use. In the early days I had a crank type pencil sharpener that only sharpened the wood and left a fairly long lead. Used the F type plastic leads on mylar for a while, and also drew on pencil tracing cloth. Added the fractional mm mechanical pencils when they came out, .3mm to .9mm. Starting art drawing now have had to acquire the B set of leads for all. Interesting transition from drafting to art.

[@TylersArtShack]

Yep. I sharpen mine into a little glass that I can use later on. I have also seen those sharpeners that you are talking about in your other comment.

[@mahoskye]

I love these things. I enjoy the fact that I can easily get more of less lead if the situation requires it, swap out to different weights, and it doesn't shrink as I use it making it a tool that's consistent. I also can get a longer, finer point with a sharpener than I do with traditional pencils.

[@TylersArtShack]

The main difference between the two of them is the pencil width. Mechanical pencils typically are in .3mm to .9mm in size which is quite small. Clutch pencils are 2mm in size which is about the same thickness as a regular pencil. So it is pretty much a mechanical pencil that fits over sized graphite inside it.

[@TylersArtShack]

They are a great alternative and it looks like I am not alone in being a fan of using them. A lot of artists around have told me how much they enjoy using them.

[@TylersArtShack]

Not needing the pencil sharpener is a bonus but I do use a little one that sharpens the graphite so that I can get a fine point when I need it.

[@brianwood1185]

I'm a bit of a pen enthusiast and also an artist. I came across a Mont Blanc Clutch pencil (5.5mm), and I was blown away.Did some research and thought the history of the clutch pencil was very cool. I couldn't afford the $610 price tag of the mont blanc so I ended up getting a Kaweco. They also make higher end clutch pencils. Sharpener is usually built into the cap.

[@krowma]

I recently went to a clutch pencil as well I choose the koh-I-nor because they have many different color pack where you can set a color to a lead shade and has helped me to differentiate between the leads inside.... but I do enjoy them much more than a lead pencil

[@TylersArtShack]

They are basically like regular pencils but a mechanical version of them. The graphite is 2mm thick which is very similar to regular pencils. The difference is the holder. It is much heavier and you have more grip over the pencil while using it.

[@PeterSather]

i always wondered why they were so popular. Makes a lot of sense!

[@neikaplay]

I like leadholders for everything too. You can get a very nice and well made one like a rotring one and keep it forever and just change leads without ever buying another wood pencil.

[@TylersArtShack]

Also just the change of materials can help spark the interest as well. But yes, they are more portable since you don't have to worry about broken tips lol.

[@MikailCaboose]

I just picked up my own clutch pencil from an arts and crafts store. I was looking to pick up more 2B pencils but I noticed a clutch pencil set with 2B leads and I picked it up out of curiosity. I don't have a lot of experience and I just started using the pencil today but already I love it more than the standard wood pencils.

[@MarshWildman]

I use Rosettas too. They're great! I really like the ratchet action that is unique to Rosetta.I also use their 5.3mm clutch pencil with colored leads.

[@tejpatel5320]

For some reason I keep watching this video. It is oddly inspiring. Go on, man make these supply videos and reviews.

[@TylersArtShack]

They are quite nice to use. I enjoy them quite a lot. Glad you got the chance to get some for yourself!

[@TylersArtShack]

I had no clue that you could get them in different tones like that. That is really awesome to know!

[@judyprincipato7731]

Love the clutch pencils. So much better than sharpening standard pencils. Thanks for the info. Love your tutorials. You are my favortie!

[@TylersArtShack]

I use mechanical pencils as well usually when I am detailing some areas and don't have to sharpen them at all which is nice. You use a good range of pencils and that is very close to what I am using myself. I find that it works nice because anything darker than 4B starts to get really shiny and reflects a lot of light. Thanks a lot for the comment!

[@TylersArtShack]

Not really sure. They might be too soft and might be brittle but that is just a guess. I just got those higher B numbers in staedtler like I mentioned in the video and it works just fine.

[@Thebes17]

I've used both clutch and normal pencils. I like the clutch ones because the grip is so much better plus I don't have to worry about sharpening the clutch. I just put the led in and I'm good to go.

[@TylersArtShack]

You can buy a little sharpener that is specifically made for it. I got mine at my local art store and am not sure by what name they go by.

[@khemetianbeatz]

i have a clutch pencil but have yet to use it, but I will try it out my next go and provide feedback. thanks for the vid and inspiration.

[@aarongregg6129]

i absolutely love your videos... can you do a video on drawing rocks and cliffs with river below the cliff. i have a passion for drawing.. i always come back and watch your videos. so inspirational

[@TylersArtShack]

I think the difference might be that the ratchet action is very similar to a mechanical pencil where you keep clicking the back end to extend the graphite. A regular clutch will just have a grip at the end and when you loosen the grip, the graphite will have no friction left to hold it in and it will literally fall out.

[@TylersArtShack]

I think they probably have HB. That is typically what comes standard in most things but it could be 2B. I took them all out and replaced them with the faber castell graphite that I also got.

[@TylersArtShack]

I always find it kind of funny at how pencil drawing is rather straight forward and I am always finding new supplies and ways of going about sketching or drawing. Ebay is a great resource for finding supplies but the only downside is that across the world sells most of the stuff and it can take a month to get here haha.

[@TerrieJohnson731]

I just picked up the Faber Castell 2mm set with sharpener, 10 leads, and dustless eraser for just over 20 bucks on Amazon. I have been using Papermate Mechanical pencils, and have Col-Erase to use, though they often just sit, I forget to use them. I think I am in for a really good time with the new set. Vid was a little vague, but I guess your experience and perception is of course valid. Thanks!

[@00Matt101]

i actually use both but i started using clutch or lead holders because it was much more economical to as you showed in your video. i pay about $4 for 6 pieces of lead was for $10 for 1 pencil. i also use regular school pencils but i also use different tone pencils for drawing stuff to give to my friends and family. i also like clutch pencils because they just look cool. yes they took me some time to get used to but i like the fact that it's easier to shade and stuff.get a lead sharpener too.

[@TylersArtShack]

I read around about different brands and I had heard rosettas had a similar mechanic to mechanical pencils which got me interested. I also had a clutch pencil and didn't really like how you had to manually adjust to where you wanted the graphite. Also running the risk of accidentally holding the end down and having the graphite fall out and onto the ground to ultimately break haha.

[@TylersArtShack]

I guess everything that I have is around that much. I just gather all the stuff over time and I guess it all adds up haha. I really hope that the materials serve you well!!

[@FroggyBoyz]

I use a staetdler clutch pencil also. I think they are mainly used by architects in their sketcges

[@iclazion]

Reason I use Clutch pencils is I also feel I have (more even pressure when drawing). The major reason I switched is because people accidental bump your pencils off, and no matter what you do the lead in side is cracked on the more brittle pencils. Some clutch pencils have a cap at the top, pull it off and sharpen the tip with the cap (cap and sharpener in 1)

[@TylersArtShack]

Go for the Staedtler brand. That is what I had to do for my 4B and up. I think that I read somewhere that faber castell doesn't make anything higher than 2B but I could be wrong. Either that or they just don't have an ebay store in the states that sells them. Either way, steadtler is a fantastic brand and works just fine.

[@krowma]

I found some at amazon they are Koh-I-nor in the 2mm for 4b 6b and 8b shades

[@andresisthename]

I love lead holders, Faber Castell makes its own so you don't have to necessarily buy the Roseta ones, also Staedtler, Prismacolor, and Alvin make their own, and frankly they are pretty even in quality so any of them will do. As for the leads, I like Staedtler, but they are proving hard to find at my local art stores so I buy Prismacolor since those they tend to stock on more often.

[@TylersArtShack]

I have seen people that create beautiful works of art out of fruit and vegetables. The sidewalk chalk art is amazing as well. Hours of work for it to only last for a day or so. Ice sculptures are the same way.

[@johntiggerftyler825]

Thank you, sir, for your reply. Much appreciated. I thought I'd be spending a fortune on clutch pencils but, having faith in your words, I got myself some at a local store: 2 pcs of the cheapest brand at Philippine Pesos9.75 ($0.23); 2 pcs of the more durable but expensive brand P257.75 ($5.98). Yes, Im happier w/clutch pencils. I don't have to constantly adjust with the shrinking length and weight that sharpening wooden pencils bring, and a 20mm long lead lasts 3x longer than one pencil.

[@shaunmostert1585]

Ive just recently acquired a clutch pencil and the best part for me is that the lead doesnt have random hard bits in the lead its self like a traditional wood pencil would have no matter what brand you buy or how much the pencil costs... I have a rotring 300 and thats good enough for me.

[@TylersArtShack]

Yep, you don't really have to sharpen them all that much. I still do have a sharpener made for them that I will use from time to time. Thanks a lot for the comment!

[@TylersArtShack]

Clutch pencils are just overall a lot more fun to use. The weight of them really helps as well.

[@xenophanesiamnot]

Love clutch pencils. I don't use regular wood pencils much anymore, unless it's color pencils. I prefer clutch and mechanicals. I've only tried one sharpener, the staedler one. I didn't like it. I tape down bits of sand paper and sharpen on those while drawing.

[@TylersArtShack]

Oh yeah! They are really great for that especially.

[@TylersArtShack]

I hope that they work out well for you!!

[@TylersArtShack]

I have honestly never felt the need to sharpen or clean my blending stumps. I have also been using the same ones for months now haha.

[@Strife72]

If I could make a recommendation, buy the 2mm Kitaboshi lead holders off amazon. Made in Japan they have a natural wood finish so they look great and the thing I like about them is no annoying clip to dig into your hand while you write or draw, and it comes with a little sharpener tool. Give it a shot tell me what you think? I like mine. 👍

[@TylersArtShack]

Never once have had a use for it. I honestly don't even know why it is in the pencil range lol. I think it is for sketching but I just use a 2H or HB for that.

[@callunas]

I guess I just never seen those type of pencils before your videos. On an unrelated note... How do you sharpen your blending stumps? I've been using a folding knife but I can never get it to the fine point it started with.

[@CJ_175]

I ordered 6 pencils from the Rosetta website 2 days ago.

[@TylersArtShack]

It is mostly metal which makes them a bit heavier. I find that helps a lot with drawing.

[@EnglishBlossoms]

I was looking for a something that would show me how I can quickly sharpen my lead and I stumbled across your video. Nice review, BTW. I have a Pentel Multi-8 pencil. I'm not sure it would be all that great for drawing, but it's a clutch pencil that can hold up to 8 different lead types and has indicators on the side to show which one. They originally put in colour leads, but you can easily change them out and put whatever you like in. Just thought I would share that. :-)

[@nicka6902]

I'm more of a hobbyist and try to draw when I can.. and also I have quite an addiction to pencils and art/office supplies. I have a Staedtler lead holder I just found again and I really enjoy using it.. mostly for the weight. I also have an Art Alternatives clutch pencil that's 5.6mm .. and it's very large but it fits in my hand like an extension of my body.. it feels great! For me, I have what has been called "gorilla hands".. so bigger/heavier things I tend to feel far more comfortable with and grip 'normally'. With normal weight/size pencils I tend to grip it a lot harder and end up using my fingers to draw.. and that wears my hand out really quickly..

[@MyMrawsome]

seme here

[@silvertales]

Are the Rosettas a metal barrel? I have an older Staedler lead holder (what I know these pencils as) before they switched over to plastic barrels, and I like the heavier metal barrel better.

[@00Matt101]

i ran out of characters, sorry. i didn;t se a lead sharpener. but if you don't have one i understand that you might have one on the cap like a 2nd set i have. i just wanted to get that out there. also great job on all your art work. it's awesome.

[@TylersArtShack]

I am finding it hard to get back into regular pencils again myself. clutch pencils are quite nice.

[@TylersArtShack]

I can't really bring myself to use regular pencils after using these haha. I will still use them from time to time but the clutch pencils are really great to use.

[@TylersArtShack]

I guess they have different names depending on what brand you get or just where you are around the world and how expressions and sayings will change.

[@225rc]

I just ordered everything you have in your drawing box except the electric eraser.im a newbie to sketching so I'm learning from your videos.keep up the good work..oh if anyone wants to know it was around 300$ us.

[@MaipuruSyrup]

Ok then thanks for answering, I was thinking of buying some but I don't have money to throw away on faulty materials because I'm already paying quite a bit of money for things like paint since I started my visual art certificate a while ago. ^^

[@zmayer6207]

Is HB the best to start? I am just not considering buying more than like HB and 2B. So what do you think is the best when just starting out. Best regards from Austria :-)

[@TylersArtShack]

Ebay has gotten very good about their quality control and issues with misleading advertisements. There is usually return policies and description explaining the condition of the products. I have never had a bad or misleading product from Ebay.

[@nicola.p]

I have also recently bought the faber castell clutch pencils. The reason you can't find 4b is that they don't make those in a 2mm. 4b - 6b they only do in a 3.15 mm. Not sure why?

[@TylersArtShack]

I saw that faber castell had their own brand but when trying to find them, the only place was on ebay from across the world and would have taken a month to get to me. So, I opted for a different brand within the country so that I could get it faster.

[@DragonSlaya817]

what about the 1F for fine graphite pencil which i think is just after the HB pencil

[@SkyWarnCZ]

And what about material, which is used to made Rosetta mechanical pencils(lead holders). Are they full metal or it is metal grip and plastic body?

[@waltpierluissi2301]

Friend I use them as my primary source of drawing.... I an a Watercolorist and I use 2B, B,fine, H2, H4 basically, I love these pencils.... and YES on the long run, they are cost effective.... Walt.

[@buckycore]

The leads last for ever as well. One lead lasts way longer than the average pencil. I'm also a fanatic of the 5.6mm size as well. I find the bigger leads are better for gesture drawing and large area of shading, and then the 2mm lead is better for detail (and you can get those points as sharp as a mechanical pencil. Actually even finer if you go light and sharpen frequently)

[@TylersArtShack]

You will most likely not be able to find them in any store except for a fine art stores. My local fine art store only has a very very small selection of them. Get them off Ebay. You will have a MUCH larger selection.

[@johntiggerftyler825]

Good day, sir. My hobby is drawing and painting. This is the first time I have heard about clutch pencils and you got me interested on them. I would appreciate it if you please make a comparison in the use of clutch pencils and mechanical pencils? Thank you in advance.

[@HollywoodColt]

Hobby lobby sells these, if you use the 40 % coupon and get them cheap. look in the drafting area not the art section. Ebay you might find them in large lots of all lead hardness. This is a great and useful tool to have!

[@michaelgarza3958]

William Nagel yeah but mine only has 2mm and I'd really like something thicker.

[@HollywoodColt]

Michael Garza look into 5.6mm. I just came across them a few days ago.

[@michaelgarza3958]

William Nagel oh OK thx. I was actually looking for a 5mm more than any other. thank you

[@Triopticblaze]

William Nagel - jesus christ ur youtube logo 😂

[@TylersArtShack]

It is not completely out of the realm of possibilities though I am between a lot of work right now and I always try and get what I can done. I can't guarantee anything as of right now.

[@TylersArtShack]

Try looking on Ebay. That is where I get a lot of my materials

[@LordWhatever]

Love clutch pencils, the feel is something else. In my case I collect/use them for drawings and sketching there's also red or blue colored "leads" fue those who like using them instead of graphite ones. Another plus, you just sharpen the lead, the pencil will stay the same size not wasting wood thus saving trees. Almost all pencil brands have clutch pencils; Steadler, Khohionor, Mitsubishi, Faber Castell, etc. Initially intended for maps, architectural or mechanical drafting they are quite useful for design, drawing or sketching. Hope you enjoy yours for a very long time.

[@HansRamzan]

Just got my first clutch. Cant wait to start using it with product design drawings. RIP standard mechanical

[@jamescoleman9775]

hi tyler just thought i would let you know you find the clutch pencils as well as the lead on amazon...i'm a carpenter and use them for layout...love'em... i use the staedtler...not sure if you get the rosetta on amazon, but i know they have the staedtler or you find them at officemax as well as a full range of leads ps ...love your video's ...happy drawing !!

[@DragonSlaya817]

hey tyler im curious why haven't u considered using a 3b, 6b, F, and an 8b pencil cause i've seen u use everything else.

[@TylersArtShack]

It is not that I have not considered using them, It is just that they can be hard to find. My local store never carried the odd numbers in faber castell so I just go used to using my pencils in even numbers. There also isn't enough of a difference between a 2B and a 3B to make me feel worth picking up. I also don't use anything above a 4B because of the terrible glare. It really messes with the camera and I just don't like the finish of it. So I stay below those numbers to avoid that issue.

[@TylersArtShack]

No problem!

[@TylersArtShack]

I want to say that Derwent is a bit darker and has a bit more texture than Faber Castell. To be completely honest though, there really isn't enough of a difference between those brands to really make a clear difference between them.

[@TylersArtShack]

Pretty much. For me, I consider that as pretty cheap especially considering all the other mediums that I have spent money on haha.

[@CJ_175]

I got them today. Question. They each have a piece of lead in them. Wonder what kind it is? Wonder if it just 2b

[@gamerguy425]

I've used woodcase pencils, mechanicals from 0.7-0.3 mm, and 2 mm clutch pencils. Honestly I have no real preference whatsoever (although 0.3 mechanicals are by far the best for detailing if loaded with a good 4H lead)

[@TylersArtShack]

Yep!

[@TylersArtShack]

lol Don't you love how other family members just happen to find your supplies and they just sort of figure that you won't miss it? Happens to me every now and then haha.

[@ryanime20]

I just spent a ton on paper, I think each sheet of paper costs a little over a dollar but its so much fun to draw on. I wanna make love to this paper :O

[@MaipuruSyrup]

Haha it is indeed, I actually got my mum to buy me a couple while she is in America seeing as though it's like $8 cheaper to get them over there.

[@TylersArtShack]

I have a lot invested in paper as well and they are not cheap haha. I hope that you get some great use out of it! And I don't recommend the last part haha!!

[@TylersArtShack]

They can get costly because you are effectively stocking up on like 2 years of pencil supplies just getting the basic materials for them. So, I have quite a while before I need to worry about getting refills.

[@TylersArtShack]

Honestly I probably wouldn't. It will cost you significantly more to get a set of clutch pencils then it would to get a set of regular drawing pencils. Also, if you find that you don't like using pencils, you will be out quite a bit of money. I usually test stuff out before I go overboard with getting supplies for the medium. Feel free spending what you are comfortable with and keep that figure in mind when deciding to go drawing or clutch.

[@BlackRogueDreams]

I know them as lead holders and I love mine.

[@TylersArtShack]

There is just something about them that makes them more interesting to use.

[@rorirants9468]

How do other lead holders/clutch pencils work? They don't "ratchet"?

[@mariannejensen349]

Haven't got that far, using those clutch pencils yet. Also, got some drawing-skills to improve

[@Yarnooee]

i use them as my main drawing tool, here is my thoughts about these pencil. pros -it sharpen faster and cleaner than normal pencils, if you have proper lead sharpener. -it keep same shape no matter how much you use it. also you can choose different body for your preference unlike normal pencils. -its more economical than normal pencils in the long run. cons -not many sharpener option is available. sharpener that has little blade inside wear out fast, and even though that steadtler trash bin sharpener is more sturdy, but it can be only usable with few of clutch pencils, and there is 5.6mm clutch pencil that didn't have sharpener at all. -they are mostly heavy. the reason why most artist use wooden pencils is because they are so light so you can grip them with any positions. i searched many clutch pencil that might be imitate wooden pencil perfectly, but no one has perfected yet. -not enough leads options. those staedtler and faber-castel's leads are not dark enough for my personal taste. i wish those japanese pencil makers make leads for it, man can only wish. conclusion: even though i listed many cons, these cons are mostly from lack of options, not from clutch pencil itself. if more pencil makers participate with this pencils, it will replace normal pencil for everyone.

[@TylersArtShack]

I didn't know that clutch went thicker than 2mm haha. good to know!

[@rorirants9468]

Jet Pens carries lead holders also. And lead (which would be useful ;o)