Today’s product up for review pretty much encapsulates what I love about creators/makers, especially when that is blended with the stationery world…
I was contacted a few weeks ago by a UK based designer named Lindsay Wilson who mentioned he had a pencil project that I might want to take a look at and was kind enough to send me a sample to check out.
Immediately upon looking at his Kickstarter campaign I new I would probably be hooked…
In a nutshell, what Lindsay has created is his take on making a new metal “sleeve” for one of the best mechanical pencils ever made (in my opinion), the Pentel Sharp series. For real, I’ve been using one as my go-to in my wood shop for nearly a decade. They are durable workhorses with some vintage style to boot.
Now, the plastic barreled version certainly does the job, but Lindsay decided he wanted his to click up a notch by replacing the barrel with metal.
While he isn’t the first to have done this to the Pentel Sharp, what he has produced definitely deserves a look.
The overall shape of the Number 9 pencil is a really sleek take on a hexagonal barrel (like a pencil), but made from aluminum, brass, or stainless steel. In addition to the crisp hex shape, Lindsay is also allowing for a tapered tip, knurling, grooves… several tasteful options to enhance the look and feel to your preferences.
Due to my love for uniform color schemes in products, my request was: 0.9mm, stainless steel, knurled, no clip.
Lindsay delivered.
The pencil arrived safely in a clear plastic part tube (other makers use these too) which I wager might be the packaging to expect, but worked well.
What stood out to me first was just how clean and precise it looked and felt. I mean, this thing is hand made! And, while the pencil uses the Pentel tip and chrome eraser cap, the barrel takes them in seamlessly. First impressions were very strong.
There are subtle design choices like the chamfer on the end near the click mechanism that softens things just enough.
The main hex barrel has a brushed finish which creates a nice uniform look.
Not sure of the future plans, but one thing I enjoy about the pencil is its lack of branding on the barrel. Adds to the clean, streamlined look. Very bespoke, and very attractive.
From a utility standpoint, the mechanism works as expected being such a tried and true pencil.
The pencil feels good in the hand and the stainless gives it a nice heft. Being just less than an ounce it is weighty, but very comfortable. The edges of the hex barrel are crisp; maybe a bit sharp. Aesthetically this looks AMAZING, but from a grip standpoint it might be a bit uncomfortable for some folks.
As mentioned above, I opted for the continuous knurled grip which took away the hex sharpness and the pattern Lindsay put on works really well. Just enough grip but not too sharp. And, what is equally impressive is that the knurling is made by machining individual lines into the metal vs a knurling tool. Macro lens drool….
Needless to say, I’m extremely impressed with what Lindsay has created here. Outside of the slight sharpness on the hex edges (and, could just be me), I’d say he’s created a near perfect machined pencil barrel for the Pentel Sharp. Being a hand made product, the pricepoint on these runs between $80 and $120 depending on the design, but if you’re in the market for something more “custom” for your pencil collection, this may be one to strongly consider.
If interested, take a look at the Kickstarter campaign which will be ending this week. Special thanks to Lindsay for sending the sample for review.