There is a range of professions that rely on using the best mechanical pencils for writing. In design, architecture and engineering, making sure you have a quality pencil that is practical, delivers good, consistent results and is comfortable to use for long periods is essential. Likewise, if you’re a writer or practise calligraphy, you need to make sure once you’ve found the perfect mechanical pencil that it stands the test of time and can provide longevity.
However, it’s not always easy to see which pencils will meet all these needs, so we’ve put together a quick list to help you find the best mechanical pencil for writing and drawing once and for all.
Best Mechanical Pencils for Writing and Drawing:
1. The Diplomat Excellence A2 Black Lacquer Mechanical Pencil
This pencil offers the owner a comfortable, lightweight tool suitable for all design and writing work. With its stainless steel and gold-plated exterior, it’s no wonder it’s called the Diplomat Excellence. This pencil looks very professional and discreet and would be the perfect pocket accessory. In addition, it uses 0.7 mm stroke thickness lead and comes with a 5-year guarantee.
2. The Rotring 800
This famously professional mechanical pencil is known around the world for its no-frills approach. The full metal body casing provides an ideal balance when in hand to ensure precision and comfort. You can choose either the 0.5mm or 0.7mm line widths, but both come with the standard Rotring 800 hexagonal shape, which means it never rolls away.
3. Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Black Platinum Trim Mechanical Pencil
Mont Blanc is the number one name in quality pens and pencils, but that said, the Meisterstuck Classique still brings something new to the table. This deep black precious resin pencil offers a platinum-coated clip and details and is so well-balanced; you could write with it all day long and hardly notice it in your hand. It takes the Montblanc hi-polymer 0.7 mm lead, comes in a beautiful gift box and is fully supported by a two-year guarantee. As you’d expect from such a high-quality pencil, the Montblanc’s price tag can be rather high, but most agree, they’re worth the investment.
4. Graf Von Faber Castell Platinum Mechanical Pencil
This top of the range pencil from Faber Castell oozes luxury. This classic comes in platinum-plated, ebony, pernambuco or grenadilla wood. The barrel with Guilloche engraved pattern also has a high gloss finish, Rhodium trim, and a solid, spring-loaded clip. The replaceable eraser can be found tucked away under the end cap with the pencil eligible for 0.7mm leads
5. Cross Century Medalist Pencil
An icon of American design and innovation, this slim and streamlined Classic Century mechanical pencil looks classy in highly polished chrome and with 23kt gold plated trim and clip. The twist-action mechanism comes with Cross’s lifetime mechanical guarantee and uses 0.7mm leads.
6. Caran d’Ache Retro Rhodium Plated Pencil
Emblematic of vintage models, the Caran d’Ache Ecridor Retro mechanical pencil has a palladium-coated finish and is equipped with a high-precision mechanism. The replaceable eraser positioned under the push button is discreet, and the pencil accepts 0.7mm leads.
The Lamy Econ Stainless Steel Pencil features a unique vent grip and clip to achieve an elegant look. Accepting 0.7mm leads and with a two-year guarantee, this stainless steel automatic pencil is a staple for any writer or designer. This tool is incredibly reliable and will stand the test of time.
In a classic shape, the Viceroy Standard Barley Sterling Silver Pencil by Yard-O-Led is designed with a chic Barley pattern for the finish. The entire collection is designed to suit all writers, regardless of their writing styles. There’s no wonder why this mechanical pencil is popular amongst those in creative professions!
Shock resistant and achieving the perfect weight balance, the Diplomat Aero mechanical pencil is not to be underestimated. Made from anodized aluminium and featuring a continuous twist action mechanism, comfort is key with this brilliant tool! The metal casing is designed for durability, and with a five-year warranty available, this pencil will be your go-to for every occasion.
- Sheaffer 100 Black Lacquer & Chrome Cap Pencil
The Sheaffer 100 Black Lacquer & Chrome Cap Pencil exerts elegance. The classic style highlights a black lacquer finish. Fitted with Sheaffer refill leads and benefitting from a continuous twist-action mechanism, this is the perfect tool to use when writing and designing. Presented in a deluxe gift box, it also makes for the perfect gift!
- Cross Classic Century Black Micro-Knurl Pencil
This Cross Classic Century Black Micro-Knurl Pencil is the perfect blend of practicality and authentic style. Most loved for the propel – repel twist action feature, it also comes with a lifetime mechanical guarantee. The textured band on the panel shows the industrial inspiration in the design. Presented in a stylish gift box, you’ll also find three pencil leads and one pencil eraser inside the pencil, making this the perfect gift for any occasion.
We do not doubt that at least one of these pencils will suit your writing style or busy design schedule or that of your loved one or colleague, should you be looking for a gift. With so many mechanical pencils to choose from, we understand it can be hard to narrow down your choice. Should you need any assistance, please contact our friendly experts for advice.
