Koh-I-NoorMechanical Hardtmuth Lead Holder with 5.6mm x 80mm Lead, Black with Clip, 1 Each (5311CN1005PK)

There's a lot to say about this one.First off, the pencil just looks incredible, even in the context of my poor photography skills. The cap end looks like some type of plumbing fixture you'd find under a sink, which is partially why I was so drawn to this particular lead holder over its many 5.6mm competitors; it's just unique. The size is comfortable and unobtrusive, aesthetically and in usage. It's rock solid as well, feels like something that'll definitely last. The included lead leaves a dark, solid stroke with good texture. The clutch mechanism is firm and the lead doesn't slip at all; it also hasn't pinched me yet, which is a first among this type of pencil (though all the clutches I've used before this one have been 2mm). I don't use the clip, personally, but it's bolted on and doesn't feel like it would ever cause any issues. I've had this for a couple weeks now and have drawn many, many things with it. This is more of an artist's review, as that's what I use the pencil for. I didn't write much with it but it can probably do that well enough too.I was actually afraid I wouldn't greatly enjoy the triangular grip of the pencil, but it holds very comfortably and does not inhibit anything in my experience. The mass of the pencil is very nice; being much heavier than most standard-issue wood and mechanical pencils, it has a good balance, and its weight can be used as leverage to create extremely precise and consistent values, as you can see in the attached images. Having a clutch makes it easy to adjust the length of exposed graphite, and for an artist this is very useful. Working with the lead extended an inch or so is great for subtle gradients.Insignificant nitpicks: the cap sharpener leaves something to be desired, as I can't seem to get the lead down to a fine point with it, but fortunately that's not so important for drawing; I have only used the sharpener twice, and mostly for experimentation. As long as you don't draw with the point of the lead excessively and use the angled sides of the lead evenly, it should stay just fine without sharpening in my experience. I've heard some say the sharpener is messy, but if you hold it upright so the lead shavings don't fall out and tap it empty into a trashcan (and wipe the graphite dust off the lead with a napkin) it's clean enough in my experience. One other small concern is that it won't fit full standard-length 5.6 mm lead to my knowledge, so if you have that type you'll have to break it (or leave the lead protruding significantly out from the end of the pencil, in which case it will probably break at some point anyways).Long story short: the pencil looks, works and feels great. Will probably survive longer than me. Very much worth it.

Tired of leads breaking on your mechanical pencil or lead holder? This accepts a lead so fat that it is not likely to break even if the pencil is dropped. Of course for writing, the lead is a challenge to sharpen to a nice point, but if you are into sketching with shading, etc., this will probably be a delight.Comfort in hand is good, but it's heavy in-hand, so not so easy to hold for a long time.

This thing is awesome. Makes a dark line, I'm an electrician. Good marks on conduit. Lead is strong and the pencil its self is metal which protects it. The sharpener sharpens. The only thing is that is a minor drawback is when you press the button the whole lead can fall out. You must hold the lead back so the whole thing doesn't drop out. This thing is good. If I was an artist I don't know if I would buy it because I'm not an artist.Update, if I could give this pencil a 10 star I would. So, first the clip is perfectly designed. It is super strong and adjustable, but the curve makes it easy to slip on my shirt pocket. It holds on when I'm climbing around in attics bending over all kinds of angles it holds strong. The carbon rod is great and strong. I dropped the thing a ton of times when my butter finger hands are rushing and THE LEAD DOESNT BREAK. The sharpener is awesome because it is the cap and you won't lose it, it makes the tip sharp enough to get accurate lines when I have to cut molding. Great. Lastly the whole thing is metal. I might buy a couple more because it is a real gem. Oh yeah, it makes dark lines where regular pencils fall short.

Overall, as other reviewers have noted, this is generally a solid piece of hardware, which performs well. It has a nice, durable body, a good weight to it, and is satisfying to write with.My one caveat, and why I removed a star, was the clip itself. The first time I tried to it on anything thicker than a sheet of paper, the screw holding the clip in place was stripped, and the clip popped right off. After examining it, it looks like the screw holding it in place is VERY short, with maybe 1-2 threads actually holding it in place. I ended up replacing the original screw with a M2.5-0.45x6mm machine screw, which MOSTLY works, but the action on the lead holder itself is slightly impaired since the new screw scrapes the housing (it's VERY slightly longer than the original screw).I'm still a fan of it, and would give it 5 stars if the clip attached more firmly. If you don't care about the clip and/or just plan to use it to keep from rolling off a table, it's great.

This is probably the best and last pencil I'll ever use. It really is a nice design and quite heavy duty. It is 100% steel, with no part of it being too flimsy to bend or break off (i.e. the clip). It is made in the Czech Republic and reminds me of the all steel construction of their legendary CZ-75 steel-frame pistols. The lead is thick and won't break if it drops. It is very easy to deploy and retract the lead and the integrated sharpener is a nice touch; it gets the job done. Pressing the button mechanism feels satisfyingly solid and has an interesting tactile response (for a pencil, at least). It is worth the cost, considering it should by all means last you the rest of your life and then some.

I like how thick the lead is. I like the sharpener that’s built into the cap. The way the cap threads on rather than just a push like some manufacturers. The spring clip is strong. Overall I’m super impressed with this item. Very sturdy, all metal construction so it’ll last for years