Pencil Consensus?

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I frequently see posts about pencil kits giving problems.

Is there a consensus as to what kit or kits are better than others? Thinking along the lines of matching pen/pencil sets.
 
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tipusnr

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I've made four mechanical pencils (all from Woodcraft kits). Original problem was not understanding the directions and having to dismantle and redo kits. Second was the friction collar came loose and I had to glue it in place. Then the lead jammed in a pencil I had sold and I had to take it apart to clear it.

But don't go by me - I don't like mechanical pencils, don't use mechanical pencils, and only make them under extreme duress!!
 

Rudy Vey

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There is absolutely one pencil kit on the market that is better than all the other ones! It is the so-called Perfect Fit Convertible pen/pencil that can be had from Berea. You can use it either as a pen or change the insert (refill) and use it as a pencil. The mechanism is made by Schmidt-Germany and so are the pencil inserts. I think a insert is somewhere around $3-4 and can be extra purchased. This is a great way to offer both, pen and pencils without making them dedicated when you turn them. A similar pencil is or at least was some years ago available from Woodcraft, using the same mechanism.
So far all my experience with pencils have been not very good - most of them came back for repair or exchange to another pen. The clicker mechanisms seem to give up pretty fast and the other type, the twist-type where one has to feed the new lead from the front are pretty awkward to use, i.e. refill a new lead.

PS: just saw that some pencils from CS are also utilizing this type of pencil mechanism.

Rudy
 

KKingery

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The only pencils I've made so far, are the slimline style. Not the best kit I'm sure. But hey, when people ask for a matching pencil to their slimline pen, what you gonna do? Based on the review by Rudy, I might just order a few of those to try.
 

dougle40

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I've never had any problems with either the slim line , click pencils or the Mont Blanc twist type . As for any others , I can't comment on them because I've not tried them .
 

pen-turners

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I have made a few pencils and for ease of use and durability I prefer the Executive style pen and pencil kit. The nice thing about these kits is that the pen and pencil look alike so they make a nice matching set. The mechanism on this pencil is a twist in/out.

My other choice if you don't like the overall looks of the Executive pen/pencil is the Comfort Grip Pen/Pencil. These mechanisms work great and are a click mechanism. The only fallback I see is that the pencil is slightly longer than the pen when completed but otherwise it is still a great set!!

One consideration I always take into effect is whether a person will be carrying these in a buttoned pocket. The executive set does not fit well in the pocket because the clip is about 3/4 of an inch below the top of the pen. This makes the top stick out of your pocket and bulge up the pocket if it is buttoned. I am very familiar with this because I wear a Navy uniform every day. This is why, for general use I prefer the Comfort pen/pencil set for daily usage.

Hope this helps,
Chris
 
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