FAT pencils

[amk]

One of the things that has annoyed me recently is that I'm having to use pencils a lot more in my work, for various reasons, and 99% of all known pencils seem to be less than 8mm wide. In pens, I appreciate a girthier section, so as you can imagine this is not really to my taste.

I do have a lovely Kaweco Sketch-up and the Lamy 2000 mechanical pencil. But visiting a stationer's recently, all the MPs on sale were exactly the same - really thin sections, in fact most were even thinner than the regular pencils. I could really use some variations in lead width and hardness, but I'm loath to buy more pencils I'll hate using.

Any recommendations for great stubby pencils/leadholders? Or should I just turn myself up a few acrylic pencil-holders to fit what's available?

[FredRydr]

I found this online. It may not be a collectible, but it just might do.

https://www.fastcap.com/product/fatboy-pencil

[Pterodactylus]

I found this online. It may not be a collectible, but it just might do.

https://www.fastcap.com/product/fatboy-pencil

Quite expensive for a 5.6mm standard Lead Holder (in German Fallminenstift)

I’m not sure if amk is interested in a 5.6mm Lead holder, imho they are more used by artists, not so common for writing.
5.6mm leads are available in many flavors, Graphit, chalk, charcoal, colored,…..

I own some 5.6mm Kohinoor Lead Holder which are less expensive and have good building quality.

Maybe a better option for writing purposes (but also suitable for drawing) are 2mm lead holder.
Various models from Faber Castell and Kohinoor (also own some of these, also good) come into my mind.
I’m sure you can find one with the girth you like.

When it comes to mechanical pencils my absolute favorites are Rotring 600 ones, a bit on the heavier side as full metal but well balanced and awesome build quality.

Faber Castell has also Jumbo Pencils if you prefer classical wooden pencils.

[usk15]

I have this 2:

Uniball Pure Malt 0.5 SS1015.22
https://www.amazon.com/Uni-ball-Pure-brown-ballpoint-SS1015-22/dp/B001DHKOOG

Pentel Energize
https://www.cultpens.com/i/q/PN04800/pentel-energize-automatic-pencil-05mm-pl75

[amk]

The Fatboy could actually be very interesting for me as I'm also a hobby woodworker! I love the looks of the Pure Malt, as well.

But the FC Jumbos look like the easiest way for me right now. Off to grab a few!

Thanks for the ideas.

[Chip]

I use Pentel Twist-Erase mechanical pencils (0.7 and 0.9 mm) for field notebooks. At 9.5mm, the barrel is fatter than most mechanical pencils and there's a rubber grip section and a pocket clip. The eraser retracts, so it doesn't accumulate dirt in a pocket. Widely available, not expensive. There are two on my writing table now.

https://i.imgur.com/DobhdG8.jpg

[An old bloke]

Another thought here, check the local school supply retailers for the fat pencils they sell for small children first learning to write.

For example: https://www.koalatools.com/Bear-Claw-Pencil-Tripod-Grip-2B-Graphite-p/kt-03.htm

[Sailor Kenshin]

Pilot makes some thick-bodied self-propellers.

Oh and Lamy Safari pencils.

[pencils+pens]

While looking for something else I ran into some pencils that might interest you:
Ohto Wooden Mechanical Pencil/Lead holder

The following are not only fat pencils, they use big lead:

Colte Sketch Pen - listed as a pencil
Kaweco Sport Clutch
Pilt Croquis Rotating Lead Holder

[amk]

Hey - Lamy Safari has a pencil version? I've never seen one... but maybe I wasn't looking!

[Chrissy]

I have two pencils that are fatter than average. The Lamy 2000 MP and the absolutely fabulous Tombow Zoom 505 SH pencil that I would never part with. :) Both bought from Amazon but now I've only seen the pencil available from Cult Pens as a rarity.

In case you decide you want a Tombow Zoom 505 SH and can't find one I might even have an available spare :)

[Sailor Kenshin]

Hey - Lamy Safari has a pencil version? I've never seen one... but maybe I wasn't looking!

Yes. I bought one for myself as a reward a few years ago.

[Armstrong]

I know this is late but you might look at the Retro 1951 Tornado and Tornado Big Shot. All metal construction and built to last. Love the Tornado pencils and the 1.15mm lead. It's fat enough for a heavy hand, me, but not so fat you feel the need to sharpen it. A useable sized pencil eraser instead of the tiny rice grain erasers!

I can use these much like you would a wooden pencil from the desk to the workshop. I've even marked wood for cutting using a Tornado. They also look nice and come in a variety of decorative schemes.

https://retro51.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/1/VRP-1318.jpg
Source same as link below.

Sorry, should have thought to add a link, better late than never:
https://retro51.com/pencils.html

[Jon Szanto]

For decades in my music trade I used pencils made for a music publishing house that they called the Pacific Music Writer. Fairly fat pencil, fat soft lead (I'm guessing 0.9 unsharpened) and a gigantic eraser (for the idiotic markings from previous players on your part!). Still have some but stopped buying by the box.

I've recently gotten down to two regular users on my desk, one new and one old. I decided to try a Pilot Dr. Grip Play Balance pencil. Fascinating, inexpensive tool, with a very generous, gel-cushioned grip, and a lead that advances either by the button OR simply shaking. This is something like 2.0, where they have cut the noise of the shaker. The nice part is that the internal metal weight for that purpose also gives a nice heft on the working end. Downside? Largest lead is 0.5, and I start liking lines around 0.7. Still, worth it for the comfortable, wide grip.

The other go-to? A venerable old Parker Duofold Sr mech pencil, the lead from a stash I've had for years... nice, soft line that I think is around 0.9 or so. The cone is really long so I am gripping on the barrel, which is 10mm in width, very close to how I like my pen sections. Between these two I have most of my desktop pencil use covered.


https://i.imgur.com/lNEpkhDl.jpg