Best Mechanical Pencils in the UK

Uni-ball 153528584 Kuru Toga (would you cool it with the numbers, mates?) brings a touch of class and style where you'd seldom be able to find it. With a silver barrel and a chrome-like finish, the model looks sleek and sharp. But it doesn't rely on its appearance alone. In fact, its most defining characteristic has to be the Revolving Gear technology.

The company's very own technology, Revolving Gear essentially boils down to a mechanism that rotates the lead each and every time it comes into contact with the paper. This way, the tip always remains cone-shaped, perfectly capable of delivering fine and precise lines. Furthermore, this technology also makes the leads more resistant to breaking.

Other than that, there isn't that much to it. Though this mechanical pencil is perfectly balanced, some may find it a touch too small. The metal and plastic combination makes the model really durable. We could also extend the very same sentiment towards the nano-diamond infused leads. Thanks to the aforementioned Rotating Gear technology, they should be able to serve you for years to come.

In closing, Uni-ball 153528584 Kuru Toga looks sleek, modern, and stylish. It is a practical tool and a robust one at that. It is great for architects, teachers, and other professionals. With this propelling pencil, you can draw, sketch, and write your heart out without worrying about any external factors.

Pentel Graphgear 1000 doesn't just sound like a high-tech, cutting-edge weapon, it actually looks like one. Don't worry though, different sheets of paper are the only things that will suffer its wrath. However, that "high-tech" part is not necessarily else. For one, the model comes equipped with a built-in lead grade indicator, a nice little detail that you will hardly be able to find in most mechanical pencils. With it, you'll know what type of lead you're using.

Sleek and stylish wouldn't be a bad choice of words to describe the way this pencil looks. With its brushed steel barrel, the model definitely stands out in the most positive way. Now, these overly snazzy, swanky pencils aren't always as impressive in the ergonomics department. That isn't the case here. Armed with these nice little finger grip "pips", the model offers plenty of control and comfort.

The dual-action retractor does not disappoint either. Using that retractor, you'll be able to advance and, oddly enough, retract lead.

Because of its fully metal composition, the pencil is relatively heavy. It is definitely noticeable but we wouldn't call it a huge drawback either.

To put it differently, Pentel Graphgear 1000 combines a sharp aesthetic with a device that will not quit on you. This mechanical pencil with thick lead is a product for people who don't like settling for mediocrity.

This Uni-ball Kuru Toga product is a great option for people who appreciate what the company's doing as well as their unique take on the mechanical pencil design subject but aren't willing to splurge on their more expensive models. Here, you get 2 pencils for less than 10 quid, which is a really good deal considering that these are still Kuru Toga pencils.

That means, among other things, that the pencils come equipped with the so-called Kuru Toga Engine. Also known as the Lead Rotating technology, this engine rotates the lead each and every time it is applied and removed from the paper. This way, it is able to keep the tip consistently sharp.

As per usual, the model comes fitted with a plastic clip. Not as frequent, however, is a removable protective cap that hides and reveals a refillable mini eraser.

Now, a couple of pencils isn't the only thing that you'll get for your money. In addition to these pencils, the company ships 24 HB long-lasting nanodiamond leads and 5 erasers, not a bad deal at all as far as we're concerned.

Though the translucent barrel is a nice touch, it doesn't make it easy to change the leads. Nevertheless, this Uni-ball Kuru Toga product gives you so much value for your money that we simply couldn't but give it our "reasonable price" selection. These pencils, along with the consumables, occupy that perfect middle ground between subpar pencils and their overpriced alternatives.

For their price, rOtring Tikky are great pencils. The only issue we have with the set is that these 3 pencils are the only things that come with the package. Usually, the manufacturers would supply refill leads or erasers but that's not the case here, which is a little unfortunate. That being said, considering the price and the quality of these pencils, the absence of these consumables makes perfect sense.

The aforementioned quality comes, among other things, from the pencils' fixed sleeve that gives you an unimpeded view of the page. A design like that makes them great for drawing with a straight edge or drawing templates. Another little but surprisingly important detail is the triangular shape of the barrel. Though it doesn't seem that different, a barrel like that allows for more relaxed but equally accurate drawing.

Advertised as the company's "specially designed brass mechanism", this mechanism, supposedly, allows for precision lead advancement and does a good job preventing lead breakage, which is an accurate assessment as far as we can tell.

With pencils, comfort is critical. Here, that comfort comes from the usual but effective enough rubberised grip.

So, without boring you any further with the details, like a built-in sharpener or an eraser located under the cap, let's cut to the point. The point is, what we have here is 3 great pencils, nothing more and nothing less. Though affordable, these pencils will more than allow you to capture your thoughts, draw creative expressions, and sketch with accuracy and precision.

Now, MozArt Supplies is a name that we can and will get behind. Though the pencils are nothing to write home about (sorry but it was right there), this is a great set through and through. In addition to 4 pencils, the people at MozArt Supplies supply (again, right there) you with 120 HB polymer leads and 4 erasers.

As you can imagine, with so many replacement leads and 4 pencils, you won't be running out of either of these things in the foreseeable future. Considering the price that fluctuates around 10 pounds, we couldn't ask for more.

All in all, these pencils are great writing tools and offer enough precision and versatility. They aren't bad for sketching nor are they unsuitable for detailed illustrations. Naturally, these mechanical pencils will do the writing trick just fine. They give you a smooth output that's surprisingly well-resistant to smudges. With consistent lead thickness, the pencils produce clear dark lines.

The company outlines the "non-slip grip" and "ergonomic comfort" as one of this product's biggest selling points. We're willing to give them the latter but not the former. Without any rubber there, the grip isn't as "non-slip" as advertised.

So, what do we make of it? Well, described as an essential mechanical pencil set, MozArt Supplies couldn't be more transparent and accurate. This is a great set for beginners learning how to draw. It isn't bad for clumsy, unorganised professionals either. With 4 pencils and so many replacement leads, you'll be using this set for years to come.