Quality isn’t expensive – it’s priceless! So then, what is quality? Well that becomes a bit more subjective, but one thing I do believe, is that quality begets quality. It has a contagious quality. Merely by starting with quality materials puts you in the right mindset of producing quality.
If you are a professional artist, architect or designer, you’ve probably experienced this. The different mindset you start with when using cheap tools to when using quality tools.
Now, granted, when your in a flow state and thy cup runneth over, it doesn’t matter what tool is at hand, you just need a means to express yourself. Even if it’s a stumpy pencil and bar napkin.
But those times are precious and not always abundant. That’s why process is so important – think a basketball players pregame ritual. So a process that lends itself to mentally preparing ourselves for creative output is key. Which is why I’m a fan of starting with quality materials to set the right tone.
Now, full disclosure, MstrSktch is an art brand that makes competing products to those reviewed below. And of course our product is our favorite. Feel free to check out our drawing kits!
But we’re also artists and appreciate quality products, even from our competition:) So in fairness we have not included our own products in the following review.
All pencils reviewed here are metal. While you can find some mechanical pencils out there made of plastic, that aren’t complete junk, the weight, balance and texture of a metal pencil makes for a superior experience in my opinion.
If you are looking for just the best recommendation from us, we suggest the No products found.. It is smooth, hexagonal-shaped for better control has fixed lead guidance, and precise lead movement.
Contents
#1 1rOtring 1904444 600 Mechanical Pencil
The rOtring 1904444 600 Mechanical pencil is an ideal must-have tool for every artist. It has a metallic body and a balanced weight. This pencil helps in smooth & free writing & drawing. This mechanical pencil has an easy-grip & fixed lead & is easy to use.
Features and Benefits
- Precise Lead Advancement: The brass mechanism is effective in lead advancement, and a lead harness grade evaluator helps in clear identification when you are writing.
- Hexagonal Shape: This mechanical pencil has a hexagon-like shape, which helps properly grip & smooth writing and helps prevent it from rolling over the desk & falling off.
- Fixed Lead Guidance Sleeve: The fixed lead guidance sleeve ensures there is no breakage and lets you see the paper while writing or drawing.
- Metallic Body: The metallic body of this mechanical pencil makes it durable and easy to control.
Why should you buy it?
The rOtring 1904444 600 Mechanical pencil is a full silver & fully metallic-body pencil which provides an easy grip to its users. This helps in smooth & clear writing & drawing. The mechanical pencil’s hexagonal shape helps provide an easy grip & prevents it’s falling & breaking. The metallic body and hexagonal shapes account for the mechanical pen’s durability, making it a must-have.
No products found.
#2 Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
The Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil is easy to use and has a dual-action retractor. The retractor enables the advancement of the tip & enables easy use of the pencil.
Features and Benefits
- Chiseled Metallic Grip: The Pentel GraphGear comes with a chiseled metallic grip, making it easy to use. It is inlaid with soft latex-free pads that provide comfort when using the pencil.
- Dual-action retractor: The dual-action retractor technology helps retract and advance the tip of the pencil with ease.
- Superior drafting: The Pentel GraphGear pencil is helpful in both beginner, and pro-level drafting & is helpful in technical and general writing.
- Refillable: You can refill this mechanical pencil with the Pentel Hi-Polymer Lead and Z2–1 eraser.
Why should you buy it?
The Pentel GraphGear is among the best mechanical pencils, which help complex-level drafting and be used for general drawing and writing.
This pencil has a metallic body & is comfortable to use, specifically due to the soft latex-free pad present on the pencil. This not only provides comfort in writing but also gives an easy grip. You can even refill this pencil with leads from the same company.
No products found.
#3 Zebra M – 701 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil
The Zebra M – 701 Mechanical Pencil is a stainless steel pencil that helps make intricate designs. It is not only durable but also has amazing writing stability. It’s eye-catching as well!
Features and Benefits
- Standard lead size: The Zebra M – 701 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil is 0.7 mm, which is the standard size and enables easy lead replacement.
- Sturdy & rugged: The material used for manufacturing this mechanical pencil is stainless steel. This helps in making the pencil rugged & sturdy, adding to the durability of the pencil.
- Easy-grip: The Zebra M – 701 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil is easy to hold due to the knurled metal grip for good writing stability.
- Metal clip: The metal clip design of this mechanical pencil helps attach the clasp to the pocket of your shirt. It makes you look smarter too!
Why should you buy it?
The Zebra M – 701 Stainless Steel Mechanical Pencil is an extremely durable mechanical pencil made with stainless steel. This mechanical pencil enables its user to make intricate designs and gives smooth and neat writing.
It is easy to refill the pencil because it uses the standard size lead of 0.7 mm. Moreover, the designer metal clip clasp brings a smart look to the pencil and makes it easy to attach it to your shirt’s pocket.
No products found.
#4 STAEDTLER 2.0 mm Mechanical Pencil
The STAEDTLER 2.0 mm Silver Series is a perfect pencil that artists can use for carrying out complex and easy drafting and even general writing very easily. This pencil is not only easy to use but also very durable. You can use this pencil for simple drafting and carrying out art or any other drawing work.
Features and Benefits
- Brass, Steel & Aluminum construct: The STAEDTLER 2.0 mm Mechanical Pencil Silver Series comprises aluminum, brass & steel, which makes it very durable. Moreover, it also possesses a balanced weight, which helps in easy drafting.
- Easy drafting: The STAEDTLER 2.0 mm Mechanical Pencil Silver Series is easy to hold and use. This enables easy drafting and writing.
- Push-button system: The push-button system, along with the aluminum and brass look, helps in easy use of the mechanical pencil & gives it a smart look.
- Durable barrel: The aluminum barrel is 2 mm thick and hence is very durable & difficult to break.
Why should you buy it?
The STAEDTLER 2.0 mm Mechanical Pencil Silver Series is a simple mechanical pencil that is easy to hold and gives smooth and neat writing.
This mechanical pencil is best suited for drafting. Both professional artists and architects can use this pencil for general drafting purposes.
The STAEDTLER 2.0 mm Mechanical Pencil Silver Series is sturdy and unbreakable to a great extent & has a push-button system.
No products found.
Buyer’s Guide: Best Metal Mechanical Pencil
There are many mechanical pencils available in the market for various artists, architects, engineers, students, and others at different levels. There are a few things that you should consider before finally purchasing a mechanical pencil.
The purpose of your mechanical pencil
The foremost thing that you must consider before purchasing a mechanical pencil is its purpose. The areas where you will use it account for the properties you are looking for in a mechanical pencil.
In general, mechanical pencils are used by professional artists. However, even aspiring artists or non-artistic people may require these mechanical pencils for some or other use.
Be careful to check whether you are looking for a mechanical pencil for intricate and detailed designing or drafting or whether you want a pencil that is suitable for simple drawing and drafting, or even one you may need for note-taking.
For intricate work, look for heavier pencils with a precision tip. For light drafting work, any standard mechanical pencil is good. If you want to write or take notes, you should look for a pencil with a rubber pad for holding it comfortably.
The diameter of the lead
The lead is one of the essential parts of a mechanical pencil. The lead’s diameter helps determine what kind of a design you are looking to draw, & hence you can make your designs accordingly.
The lead’s ideal diameter is 0.7 mm, which is the best suited for composing intricate designs. However, the diameter of the lead varies, and different diameters are used for different purposes.
A 0.3 mm design is suited for drawing fine lines, whereas a 0.5 mm lead is suitable for writing purposes.
The hardness of the lead
The hardness of the lead is an important factor that determines how deep-colored the lead is. Soft lead gives a dark effect, while harder lead often leads to smudging.
The hardness of a lead can be determined by the letter H. the higher the number, the harder the lead. Similarly, the softness of the lead is determined by the letter B. The higher the B number, the softer is the lead.
The grip of the pencil
The pencil’s grip is what makes the pencil easy to use and construct any design very smoothly. Only a well-balanced pencil with a stable grip will help construct any design without facing any trouble.
Frequently asked questions: The Best Metal Mechanical Pencil.
Q. What is a mechanical pencil used for?
Ans. A mechanical pencil is used for providing constant, neat & smooth lines without the need to sharpen them. Artists best use it for technical drawing & quick fine art drawing.
Metal mechanical pencils are used where more precise drawing and sketching is required because metallic pencils are heavier, giving you much better control.
Q. Are mechanical pencils a better choice?
Ans. Mechanical pencils are more durable than a normal wooden pencil. These pencils give smooth and uninterrupted drawing.
Mechanical pencils are easy to use. You don’t need to keep sharpening them constantly. Once the lead is worn out, you can simply replace it with a new one.
Q. How long do mechanical pencils last?
Ans. A good quality mechanical pencil can last for decades. However, the factors like your approach towards using and maintaining it determine whether the mechanical pencil will last for long or not.
Wrap Up
The mechanical pencil which you buy must be easy to use. This includes precise lead advancement, push-button mechanism, and many other factors include a twist operation & shake-based advance. We hope that this article can help you in finding the best metal mechanical pencil.
In our opinion, the No products found. is the best choice among the various options that we have considered because its brass mechanism is highly effective in lead advancement.
The No products found. is our next best choice because it possesses a chiseled metallic grip that is highly easy to use.
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