A review of the Pentel P203 0.3mm mechanical pencil

But why Pentel? Dunno. Felt good in the hands. When I have to draw a line against a ruled edge, it's like the line almost wants to be Drawn. (No I have not read Krenov) Suddenly, my fat fingers does not obstruct the sight anymore.

Have I tried other brands? I cannot be bothered, with this price ($5)

Then,Why 0.3mm?
Unless you're an engineering draftsman, 0.5mm seemed more appropriate. With 0.7mm, you're just as good using a wood pencil.

Because it is the only lead size that would fill a knifed layout line with graphite. And yes, it's from Mr Christopher Schwarz's post that I first slapped my forehead. My first impression of Mr Schwarz is a period woodworker portraying a sagely image and writing mostly about other (dead) people's writings, hiding behind a moustache. But I had to admit that he had influenced 95% of my woodwork, my choice of tools, method, beer, women etc.. and you can wipe that smirk off, Schwarz.

Why does it feel so right? Aaaah...the slow but long taper. The chrome cone and the sleeve adds up to about 7/8 of an inch.

The taper even continues well into the brown plastique*

For comparison, below is a Pentel PG305 0.5mm. Despite sporting a drafting-pen style tip, the tip is marginally shorter.

The cap has a metallic ping when dropped, so it's metal. Shown above are the typical crimped eraser and obstruction clearing needle.

The grip is well textured, neither too rough to rub skin nor too smooth to be ineffective in greasy hands.

The word "Pentel" appeared 4 times on the pencil:
Embossed on the plastic near the grip, embossed and white-filled at the signboard area, on a removable sticker with a barcode, and at the collar of the steel pocket clip.

The word "Japan" appeared 3 times:
At the grip with the word Pentel, on the sticker (Made in Japan), and again at the collar of the clip.

I made the marks with a square on a piece of pine pallet material. The surface is rough, unplanned, and warped and cupped. The difference will be apparent when the board has been handled quite a bit and the lines smudged, as in laying out of joints

Rough specs taken by me:

Overall: 5 5/8" long (143mm approx)
Fattest diameter: 3/8" (9mm) 12 sided polygon x-section.
Weight: about 1.5 to 2 wood pencils heavy.
*Material: Plastique (plastic of mystique), steel (could be nickel plated, chrome plated, or stainless)
Color: Only Liver brown where I looked.
Clicks required to expose enough lead to clear a flexible rule: 3 clicks.

Comments

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