Pentel GraphGear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil

I've bought 3 of these so far on separate occasions (all the 0.9 mm yellow version). One was a gift for my 10 yo son, who kept borrowing mine, and won't write with anything else now. I love how this pencil feels in my hand and while writing. It is very well engineered, nicely balanced, and has a smooth mechanism. The auto-retracting mechanism when you clip in on you pocket is a nice touch. All around great design. I've only purchased the yellow one (0.9mm, HB lead) because I planned on mostly using it for marking wood for my woodworking projects and so needed the stronger/thicker lead, but I find myself writing with it all the time. It's just that pleasant to use. I had a problem with one of them (it broke at the yellow plastic part), and I contacted the Pantel warranty department since it was well past the 30 day Amazon return. It took them a while to respond (7-10 days, I forget) so I was initially concerned, but they responded saying they would send a new one and a label for me to return the broken one. Which they did, no questions, no hassle. Top marks for their customer service. Very happy. There are two things that could be better: 1) There is one plastic piece in an otherwise all metal product. It is a weak point, and in fact where one of my pencils broke. But the customer service/warranty department has been great, so I guess if they continue like that (it has a lifetime warranty!), I can't complain too much. 2) The clip is just folded metal and could be a bit sharp on clothes. This is actually a pretty common construction for clips on pencils and pens alike, but for $20+ I was hoping for better. I carry one of them with me pretty much at all times, so I'm a bit concerned the clip eventually will cut into the cloth. So far it hasn't, so I my concern might not be justified. Time will tell and I will try to update in 6+ months either way. Also, one thing I wish they had communicated more clearly: In order to set the handy lead hardness indicator, first loosen the conical end piece part. The indicator part should then spin feely. Make your selection and tighten it back up. (Finger tight is sufficient.) I got all of mine on sale around $13-$16. At that price you really can't beat the value. Full price is $23+, which might seem pricey for a pencil, but if you don't lose it, it should last you a very long time. I think it's well worth it even at full price if you value an affordable, quality writing/drafting pencil. (If you're prone to losing pencils, though, then your experience might vary. :-) ) I highly recommend this pencil. (And seeing as I've bought this on 3 occasions, it goes without saying that I'd buy it again.)

The GraphGear 1000 is a fantastic mechanical pencil that feels professional right out of the box. The grip is comfortable, even during long drawing or writing sessions, and the knurled metal section gives excellent control without slipping. The lead advances smoothly with the click mechanism, and the retractable tip makes it safe to carry in a bag without worrying about bending the lead. The weight is well-balanced, which makes detailed work—whether for drafting, sketching, or note-taking—much easier and more precise. Overall, the GraphGear 1000 combines durability, style, and performance. It’s a top choice for students, artists, and professionals who need a reliable mechanical pencil that delivers consistent results.

Best mechanical pencil I've used. I got this when I started graduate school and it's been a reliable tool for 2 years. It's saved me a ton of money on disposable pencils. Lead refills are cheap and last years. It feels premium and smooth. Only negative is the eraser head is tiny and if bent at all has a hard time fitting back in; it runs out quick and refills are a must. I usually just have a large eraser on the side and only use the eraser head for small errors. Buying another after 2 years. RIP my old one. Do NOT use for carpentry. xD

The Pentel GraphGear 1000 is easily one of the best mechanical pencils I’ve used for drawing and technical work. It feels solid and well-balanced in the hand, with a metal body that gives it a premium, professional weight without being too heavy. The retractable tip is a huge advantage. It protects the lead and makes it easy to carry in a pocket or pencil case without worrying about bending the sleeve. The grip design is comfortable and secure, allowing for precise control during long sketching sessions. What really stands out is the consistency. The lead advances smoothly, the mechanism feels durable, and the line quality is clean and reliable. Whether you’re drafting, sketching anatomy, or doing detailed line work, it performs at a high level. This isn’t just a school pencil — it’s a serious tool for artists, designers, and anyone who values precision. Highly recommended.

L'article est conforme à la commande, bien emballé et il correspond à mes attentes. Très qualitatif et fonctionnel.

It's great that's it.

Este lápiz mecánico o lapicero de alta calidad, es una de las opciones más sobre salientes del mercado, construido enteramente en metal y fabricado en Japón, tiene un mecanismo confiable mantiene a la puntilla en su lugar y con firmeza gracias a su boquilla retráctil, la cual es muy importante recordar el replegarla después de su uso para evitar dañarla accidentalmente, la superficie accidentalmente de la empuñadura es excelente y tiene una etiqueta modificable para desplegar el nivel de dureza de la mina que se esté utilizando. De verdad lo recomiendo.

Spettacolare il design e la realizzazione, i materiali, la finitura, tutto! Un vero piacere usarla tutti i giorni.

The build quality is perfect down to the last minute details and the grip is perfect as for me and the weight is heavy for precision lines , the packaging was premium, and very thoroughly packaged for safety of the product I did made some drawings by now and they're perfect .