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Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
I was wondering if anyone here collected or like Mechanical Pencils. As a student this is the tool i use the most and i have always liked them. I do not want to start a collection per se, but i did get a few that i like.
I was wondering if there's a forum on the internet dedicatedly exclusive to Mechanical Pencils lovers, i joined in here wanting to chat and see all kinds of MP, but it seems that i got caught a bit with Fountain Pens instead and ordered a Lamy All-Star,Joy,Noodler's Ink, and a Pilot Metropolitan.
But i do, as a student have a sweet spot for writing that i can erase. I'm a fan of Kuru Toga's, the cheapest is my favorite. So far this is my set up:
- Standard (US) Black Uni Kuru Toga 0.5mm
- Black Uni Kuru Toga Roulette 0.5mm
- Teal Uni Kuru Toga Rubber Grip 0.5mm
- Matte Black Jetstream MultiPen - Blue+Black+Red+Green+ 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil
- Zebra M-701 0.7mm
and on the way:
- Pink Uni Kuru Toga High Grade 0.5mm
- Silver Rotring 600 0.5mm
Leads i have some Pentel Ain Stein and Uni Nano Dia, i have not experienced any single lead break from any of these leads and these pencils since December. Use my standard Kuru Toga everyday. I think i have MP for a lifetime with these, and leads to spare too!!
Rotring 800+ or 800 was out of my budget. I did wanted the Rotring with the gold accents and retractable.. but $70 or $50 for a mechanical pencil - thought it was too much. Got the 600 from Amazon for less than $30 and they seem much alike.
What are your opinions, how does it look? I think i'm very much sold on the Kurus... they write so sharp ... i wonder if i'll like that Rotring better.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Usually only as part of a set for the FP. Also, mainly vintage ones.
Pencils on their own, I tend to stick with vintage Yard o' Led or old JM&Co sterling silver.
For fine, sharp lines, you can always try some of the 0.3mm lead pencils.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
I have like mechanical pencils since I was a small boy, coveting my father's Yard-o-Led!
I wouldn't call myself in any way a collector, I have just a few: three Mabie Todd Fyne-Pynts - one a small silver one with stirrup top (American) and American golden one and an English golden one, the latter is more advanced as it repels as well as propelling. I am a big fan of anything Mabie Todd.
I also have two Eversharps - an English silver one and a Wahl-Eversharp in rolled gold. I also have a virtually unused Croxley propelling pencil which is very nice indeed - er and a Waterman's which is a bit cheap really. Finally I have an old Waterman 3V pen and pencil set on its way to me.
Working as a part-time volunteer in a charity bookshop, my pencils get a regular work-out...
Best wishes
Cob
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
I think he is a member here but only posts infrequently: Jonathan Veley is a known collector of MPs and has at least one book on the subject. Do a search on his name and get in contact with him. I know for certain he is a member over at David I's Fountain Pen Board.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Well, I don't collect pencils as such but I do have Worther lead holder that was a gift from my mother about 15 years ago I guess. And a year ago I splashed out on a Pilot S20 which I thought was just beautiful to look and hold. This is my main pencil if I am not using standard artist tools.
But... I would love to have a MT Fyne Poynt. Never see them come up for sale though so I guess that boat may well have sailed for me. Not a biggie though.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cryptos
Well, I don't collect pencils as such but I do have Worther lead holder that was a gift from my mother about 15 years ago I guess. And a year ago I splashed out on a Pilot S20 which I thought was just beautiful to look and hold. This is my main pencil if I am not using standard artist tools.
But... I would love to have a MT Fyne Poynt. Never see them come up for sale though so I guess that boat may well have sailed for me. Not a biggie though.
Here you are
Regards
Cob
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Considering the price the pens get, they are pretty reasonably priced.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Still pretty darned expensive for a mechanical pencil. I may just have to switch my allegiance to Eversharp - at least they tend to run cheaper!
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cryptos
Still pretty darned expensive for a mechanical pencil. I may just have to switch my allegiance to Eversharp - at least they tend to run cheaper!
As I wrote earlier, I have three Fyne-Poynts. The sterling silver stirrup top cost £12, the English golden one cost £1.99 and the American one £5.00. All bought in the last six weeks.
My silver Eversharp cost £18 and the rolled gold American Wahl cost £15...
Now a plastic drop lead job in the supermarket costs about £4.50!!
rgds
Cob
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Then you have had very good fortune indeed! I haven't seen one in the model I like go for less than 25 quid yet.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cryptos
Then you have had very good fortune indeed! I haven't seen one in the model I like go for less than 25 quid yet.
Swings and roundabouts! I am hæmorrhaging money selling pens that I have done up at substantially less than I paid for them - with I think just two exceptions in about 14 pens!
Rgds
Cob
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Here's a snap of the pencils I mentioned (plus a Waterman's that matches a 3V that arrived today).
Attachment 12658
Cob
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
leadholder.com look at the thin lead holders.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Ready!!! I fixed my Mom's st dupont!
I think i have now the Holly Grail of Mechanical Pencils??!! Like??! :D
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3841/...7037727f_b.jpg
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/...d715fc05_b.jpg
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Another nice Fyne Poynt arrived today, rather pretty; I am awaiting also another interesting Fyne Poynt that appears to be in the famous "cracked ice" material.
Attachment 12844
Rgds
Cob
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
I've given up on the whole thing. Prices across Ebay vary wildly without any particular sense of rhyme or reason. Then again I am not a collector but someone who would use these items. Such is life I guess.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cryptos
I've given up on the whole thing. Prices across Ebay vary wildly without any particular sense of rhyme or reason. Then again I am not a collector but someone who would use these items. Such is life I guess.
Well as I wrote before you are dead right - ebay is a lottery: I do use my pencils - I have to in the book shop, though it is nice to select one for a day just as I choose a pen or two. The one pictured above cost £15 - came with another dud unknown make pencil, and the other one that's on the way cost the same.
Best wishes
Cob
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
You must have some magical power because I did not even see that one in your photo on Ebay.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
No magic, just a vast amount of time scrolling through endless lists of stuff either I don't want and can't afford, or do want and can't afford! Here they are:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1413441086...84.m1439.l2649
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1413430745...84.m1439.l2649
Best wishes
Cob
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
I've got a crapload of pencils that came with vintage sets. Personally I like the pens better, but I do like a pencil better than a ballpoint, and admittedly they do have their uses.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Austin_Malone
I've got a crapload of pencils that came with vintage sets. Personally I like the pens better, but I do like a pencil better than a ballpoint, and admittedly they do have their uses.
Yes, it's very pleasant writing with a decent pencil; it would be nice to have a proper choice of leads (1.18mm size) I was lucky to buy some original Fyne Poynt red leads - four tubes so I should be OK for a while!
Cob
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Retro 51 makes 1.2 mm leads for their pencils that are cheaper than many of the other brands. YoL want a fortune for their leads.
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Here are two more Fyne Poynts.
Attachment 12874
The one at the top which came a week ago with a batch of pens is actually dark blue with 18ct gold band, lacking a clip but hurrah! one has been located. The second one is the "Cracked Ice" model I mentioned. Like the blue one it is an English model whilst the one I posted yesterday is a NY one. Sadly cracked ice doesn't work properly - the mechanism does not clutch the lead.
It is long overdue that I found out how the damned things come to pieces!
Can anyone help?
Best wishes
Cob
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Try contacting John Veley. He lurks here and is all about pencils.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Farmboy
Try contacting John Veley. He lurks here and is all about pencils.
Thanks very much - how do I find him?
Cob
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cob
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Farmboy
Try contacting John Veley. He lurks here and is all about pencils.
Thanks very much - how do I find him?
Cob
If you do find out, please post a piece so the rest of us also know how they come apart.
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
whych
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cob
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Farmboy
Try contacting John Veley. He lurks here and is all about pencils.
Thanks very much - how do I find him?
Cob
If you do find out, please post a piece so the rest of us also know how they come apart.
I'll be very happy to do that; the damn things have been a mystery to me for years!
By the way, what about this one (I can't stop)?
Attachment 12910
Rgds
COb
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
whych
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cob
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Farmboy
Try contacting John Veley. He lurks here and is all about pencils.
Thanks very much - how do I find him?
Cob
If you do find out, please post a piece so the rest of us also know how they come apart.
Long, long overdue to pop in on this thread. I'm a vintage fan, but there's a lot of information over at my blog, The Leadhead's Pencil Blog (leadheadpencils.blogspot.com) as well as my Mechanical Pencil Museum (www.jonathanveley.com). There's a "Books by Jonathan Veley" page that has a link to order a hard or online copy of my book, The Catalogue of American Mechanical Pencils, and a couple of patent books I've written since.
Right now I'm editor of the Pen Collectors of America's magazine, The Pennant. THat's kept a lot of my writing on the back burner lately.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cob
Quote:
Originally Posted by
whych
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cob
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Farmboy
Try contacting John Veley. He lurks here and is all about pencils.
Thanks very much - how do I find him?
Cob
If you do find out, please post a piece so the rest of us also know how they come apart.
I'll be very happy to do that; the damn things have been a mystery to me for years!
By the way, what about this one (I can't stop)?
Attachment 12910
Rgds
COb
WoW, nice Waterman pencil, i would like to have such in my collection as well.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
I have a number of those Scripto 9 pencils we used long before the 5s and 7s came along.
I still like them for heft and strength, utility.
Dana
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
The Waterman is elegant. Beauty!
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
I have an Eversharp mechanical pencil and a couple of Parker mechanical pencils that came with the FP set. I use them pretty regularly.
I also have a couple of Kuru Togas that I love (Pink and Black) and a few other modern mechanical pencils. I like demonstrator varieties.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Nom de plume
I have a bunch of mechanical pencils which belonged to my father.
Nice collection you have! I like how the collection is put in those holders... i try to that myself.
https://scontent-frt3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...75971685_o.jpg
https://scontent-frt3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...10958418_o.jpg
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Lady Onogaro
I have an Eversharp mechanical pencil and a couple of Parker mechanical pencils that came with the FP set. I use them pretty regularly.
I also have a couple of Kuru Togas that I love (Pink and Black) and a few other modern mechanical pencils. I like demonstrator varieties.
Lady Onogaro, i would like to try a Kuru toga pencil in the nearest future. How are they compared to other mechanical pencils? Comfy?
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Hi, Denizz,
I really like mine and use it nearly every day. I have rather a heavy hand, and I used to always break the lead in most mechanical pencils, but not with the Kuru Toga for some reason. The only downside for me is that I am always misplacing the cap for the eraser. It's so tiny and it's clear, so it is easy to lose.
My other favorite pencil is the Zebra Tect 2way light. It's a cool pencil--a demonstrator in blue with silver metal furniture. The lead isn't as hard as the Kuru Toga, which is nice, too.
I have a soft spot for the Techniclick G, too.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
My regular use MPs are Lamy 2000, Lamy Accent brilliant, and Kaweco Sketchup. But I have ended up with quite a collection of vintage pencils, since they turn up in mugs along with fountain pens at many flea markets and junk shops, and if they're selling for 50p or a quid I tend to pick them up, particularly if they're in a nice celluloid.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
amk
My regular use MPs are Lamy 2000, Lamy Accent brilliant, and Kaweco Sketchup. But I have ended up with quite a collection of vintage pencils, since they turn up in mugs along with fountain pens at many flea markets and junk shops, and if they're selling for 50p or a quid I tend to pick them up, particularly if they're in a nice celluloid.
Amk, i have never tried a Lamy 2000 mp or the Accent Brilliant, but i am sure these ones have to be really comfortable. I have Lamy Scribble 0.7 and i am very very happy with it.
Also i always liked visiting flea markets here in Lithuania, i find a fountain pen or a vintage pencil time to time, however, really rarely. I have been to a car booth sale on Saturday when i visitied London last time and there were definitely more Fps or MPs to choose from.
Lady Onogaro, thank you very much for your review and sharing your experience. I will add the zebra and the Kuru toga to my want list. I have 2 (black and violet) Pentel Technoclick myseld and i find it really good pencil as well.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
Denizz,
This is the Zebra Tect 2way (on Jetpens): http://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-Tect-2w...d/1604/related
I have the blue one, but as you can see, it also comes in white, black, and green.
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
I have a genuine affection for pencils even to the extent of purchasing a Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil.
I remember one time as a kid we were rummaging around in an old abandoned house and found a bunch of letters up in the attic, most written in pencil. I was amazed that they were so well preserved as they were about 80 years old. I also remember thinking that pencils are under rated when it comes to permanence.
I have about 30 pencils including the ones I have in some of my vintage sets and have gone out of my way to purchase pencils that I wanted.
I have a couple of Montblanc pencils including a 165 and a 232 Pix that were purchased singularly as well as a Rouge Boheme and others. Yard-O-Led makes a nice pencil in hex that I have had for years and also a couple of Whals, one in sterling and one in Rosewood.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4073/...5484ea_b_d.jpg
The Perfect Pencil is quite cool! Sterling and Pernambuco wood.
https://paradisepen.files.wordpress....i_brown_35.jpg
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Re: Does anyone collect Mechanical Pencils?
I have two Perfect Pencils, but not the Silver cap ones! (Mine are a red plastic and a green plastic.) Those are beautiful!