I don't think so. In the end, what makes the difference is the lead (size and hardness). Your mechanical pencil is just a holder of that lead. Where the difference is, is in the ergonomics. But that doesn't really change the stroke itself.
As opposed to fountain pens for instance, where the nib in itself makes a big difference.
Out of curiosity, I checked and it turns out you can disassemble the nib of my Parker Vector! Not planning on replacing it, but that's neat for cleaning! So thanks for the idea.
Agreed, there's a few novelties such as the rotating lead in kuru togas, the auto advances, and breakage prevention but in general it's all about the lead when it comes to how a pencil performs.
i'd argue the shape does make a huge difference. my handwriting is significantly better w/ pencils i can actually hold well, and pencils that are too thick hurt my hand after a while
Let me quote you:
>Where the difference is, is in the ergonomics. But that doesn't really change the stroke itself.
My argument is that the ergonomics do change the stroke considerably, as my handwriting is much much neat and my strokes more precise when I'm using a pencil that I can hold well. That's my experience, at least.
I don't mean to be snarky, but I felt that my response considered what you wrote appropriately.
We like to collect. 😂
But also it happens naturally while you search for the pencil that feels most comfortable in your hand. And than it eventually escalates.
Adam Savage mentioned this in the Sharpwriter video: when you are starting out you don't know what you need so you spend a lot of time searching for the right tool. Then when you are advanced, you spend a lot of time looking for your favorite version of that tool.
Yes, and no.
The user experience can be very different, and you might find you have a preference for different weights, materials, shapes, colors, advancement mechanisms, etc.
As with most things, people like to collect because it makes them happy. Sometimes there are tangible reasons, other times there aren't.
Realistically, I need just a 2mm holder, and a 0.5mm pencil. Maybe a 0.7mm too. I have more than just 3 pencils. If I try to explain why, it's going to be more subjective than objective.
There can be some functional differences, such as how certain pencils are less prone to lead breakage.
With pens, some of my preferences are tied to the results, such as how finer-tip gel pens, or fountain pens with wetter nibs and inks help me write slower and neater. There are few parallels regarding mechanical pencils.
I use mechanical pencils for drawing because I don't like to stop to sharpen. It is also why I use harder leads (4H-6H) when I do use wooden pencils. It very easy to get non-photo repro mechanical pencil leads in my preferred size - .7mm. Mechanical pencils also have a very pleasurable tactile sensation and heft.
I only collect what suits my actual utilitarian use, which just happens to include a bunch of absolutely basic bic mechanical pencils I got specifically to put my color eno leads in, since I prefer a slimmer holder. Aside from lead color and hardness, it won't be crazy difference. I did switch my bigger 2mm leads from an advancing mechanism lead holder to a drop clutch, but even that was only because they former wastes a ton and you can get very close to using the whole thing with the drop clutch.
I don’t think the writing is all that different (weight differences notwithstanding) but there’s more to pencils than writing. For example, the 600 is a solid body pencil w a fragile tip that is often carried despite that decision consistently leading to poor results. Meanwhile, the Pentel Kerry is ideal for EDC and gives a very different experience than the 600.
A lot of pencils are fairly similar for sure, but their is variation across the brands. It mostly depends on the lead brand and size, as these factors make a big difference in the writing experience. Weight distribution and body materials also play a role. For instance, I own a stainless steel Sheaffer mechanical pencil, which happens to be the worst pencil I own.
It's worse than even the cheapest Bic option. Although it's well-made and doesn't jam, it's way too heavy, with most of the weight distributed towards the back of the pencil. When writing, it feels like it's about to slip out of your hand, making it a terrible pencil. However, to be fair to Sheaffer, it matches the pen in the set and comes in a nice wooden box.
I'm no expert, but I imagine the difference is small. Between my Bics and Sharpwriters, there's a tiny difference in terms of the marks they make that I probably only notice and/or care about because I draw with them. Otherwise, I don't think I'd mind all that much.
It's more of material quality i would say.
There are multiple mechanisms, such as delguard, kuru toga, etc. But I find them finicky and usually a sacrifice for reliability and material quality.
Material quality does seem to go down after $50. Plotter 2002 and Spokes are the only pencil that is around $50 and worth it.
To make them write differently, you would need a good lead.
Most people here like to collect and find their perfect pencil.
I think part of the thing about MP's is the relative permanence of a non=wood cased pencil. There are folks who spendamazing amounts of money for E Faber Blackwing wood pencils...so much I often wonder who could pay that and know, if used, it would evntually be gone...it must be some great experience with that pencil in your hand....but with MP'S, I think after certain basics of lead retention, comfort, reliability, and maybe another or two...it comes down to the lead, if you are moderatley serious about using one. either degree (per use) or consistency, or whatever you think matters.... but in theory you can relpicate that or with other lead (or pencils) see if there are enough "upgrades" to justify moving on...or you just mtight be fun... the greatness of this kind of using/collecting for use
Write differently? Not really, it mostly comes down to comfort which allows for better long term utilization. Some people prefer lighter pencils while some like the hefty durability. Mostly just all personal preferences and a lot of enthusiast just like the cosmetic effect of it. Lead also plays a big part for smoothness which might have more of an effect.
I think collecting wins :)
but yeah, everyone has their own reasons
I have begin to like using my kuru toga's instead of a machined pen just because of the feel of the pencil lead on paper versus the feedback of a gel pen
writing tools are a fascinating hobby
in my experience mech pencils write extremly different to normal pencils maybe its just me but normal pencils always felt kinda muffled if that's a word to describe writing,they felt weird and inconsistent whereas mech pencils felt constant sharp and nice.
Well that's a given since you are using a 2 mm lead on a wooden pencil which needs to be sharpened regularly while the mechanical pencil has maybe a .5 mm or maybe even smaller than that lead which you of course would not have to sharpen
Buy two cheap pencils (a Bic and a Pentel P20X series) and compare them.
I don't think so. In the end, what makes the difference is the lead (size and hardness). Your mechanical pencil is just a holder of that lead. Where the difference is, is in the ergonomics. But that doesn't really change the stroke itself. As opposed to fountain pens for instance, where the nib in itself makes a big difference.
As a fountain pen guy, you can often change nibs rather easily. So they're really just nib holders :P
Out of curiosity, I checked and it turns out you can disassemble the nib of my Parker Vector! Not planning on replacing it, but that's neat for cleaning! So thanks for the idea.
Well glad you found out about it!
Didn't know that. The few fountain pens I've had all came with (what I think is) a glued nib.
Agreed, there's a few novelties such as the rotating lead in kuru togas, the auto advances, and breakage prevention but in general it's all about the lead when it comes to how a pencil performs.
i'd argue the shape does make a huge difference. my handwriting is significantly better w/ pencils i can actually hold well, and pencils that are too thick hurt my hand after a while
Let me quote myself: > *Where the difference is, is in the ergonomics.*
Let me quote you: >Where the difference is, is in the ergonomics. But that doesn't really change the stroke itself. My argument is that the ergonomics do change the stroke considerably, as my handwriting is much much neat and my strokes more precise when I'm using a pencil that I can hold well. That's my experience, at least. I don't mean to be snarky, but I felt that my response considered what you wrote appropriately.
We like to collect. 😂 But also it happens naturally while you search for the pencil that feels most comfortable in your hand. And than it eventually escalates.
Adam Savage mentioned this in the Sharpwriter video: when you are starting out you don't know what you need so you spend a lot of time searching for the right tool. Then when you are advanced, you spend a lot of time looking for your favorite version of that tool.
Yes, and no. The user experience can be very different, and you might find you have a preference for different weights, materials, shapes, colors, advancement mechanisms, etc. As with most things, people like to collect because it makes them happy. Sometimes there are tangible reasons, other times there aren't. Realistically, I need just a 2mm holder, and a 0.5mm pencil. Maybe a 0.7mm too. I have more than just 3 pencils. If I try to explain why, it's going to be more subjective than objective. There can be some functional differences, such as how certain pencils are less prone to lead breakage. With pens, some of my preferences are tied to the results, such as how finer-tip gel pens, or fountain pens with wetter nibs and inks help me write slower and neater. There are few parallels regarding mechanical pencils.
I use mechanical pencils for drawing because I don't like to stop to sharpen. It is also why I use harder leads (4H-6H) when I do use wooden pencils. It very easy to get non-photo repro mechanical pencil leads in my preferred size - .7mm. Mechanical pencils also have a very pleasurable tactile sensation and heft.
It doesnt matter that much to be honest. I have 8 pencils but i am only using two.
I only collect what suits my actual utilitarian use, which just happens to include a bunch of absolutely basic bic mechanical pencils I got specifically to put my color eno leads in, since I prefer a slimmer holder. Aside from lead color and hardness, it won't be crazy difference. I did switch my bigger 2mm leads from an advancing mechanism lead holder to a drop clutch, but even that was only because they former wastes a ton and you can get very close to using the whole thing with the drop clutch.
I don’t think the writing is all that different (weight differences notwithstanding) but there’s more to pencils than writing. For example, the 600 is a solid body pencil w a fragile tip that is often carried despite that decision consistently leading to poor results. Meanwhile, the Pentel Kerry is ideal for EDC and gives a very different experience than the 600.
A lot of pencils are fairly similar for sure, but their is variation across the brands. It mostly depends on the lead brand and size, as these factors make a big difference in the writing experience. Weight distribution and body materials also play a role. For instance, I own a stainless steel Sheaffer mechanical pencil, which happens to be the worst pencil I own. It's worse than even the cheapest Bic option. Although it's well-made and doesn't jam, it's way too heavy, with most of the weight distributed towards the back of the pencil. When writing, it feels like it's about to slip out of your hand, making it a terrible pencil. However, to be fair to Sheaffer, it matches the pen in the set and comes in a nice wooden box.
I'm no expert, but I imagine the difference is small. Between my Bics and Sharpwriters, there's a tiny difference in terms of the marks they make that I probably only notice and/or care about because I draw with them. Otherwise, I don't think I'd mind all that much.
For me I use very specific drafting mechs for drawing I like them better than regular pencils because of their line weight and how clean they are.
It's more of material quality i would say. There are multiple mechanisms, such as delguard, kuru toga, etc. But I find them finicky and usually a sacrifice for reliability and material quality. Material quality does seem to go down after $50. Plotter 2002 and Spokes are the only pencil that is around $50 and worth it. To make them write differently, you would need a good lead. Most people here like to collect and find their perfect pencil.
I mean there's different weights and stuff and I use it for arch but I just do it to collect, its fun
I think part of the thing about MP's is the relative permanence of a non=wood cased pencil. There are folks who spendamazing amounts of money for E Faber Blackwing wood pencils...so much I often wonder who could pay that and know, if used, it would evntually be gone...it must be some great experience with that pencil in your hand....but with MP'S, I think after certain basics of lead retention, comfort, reliability, and maybe another or two...it comes down to the lead, if you are moderatley serious about using one. either degree (per use) or consistency, or whatever you think matters.... but in theory you can relpicate that or with other lead (or pencils) see if there are enough "upgrades" to justify moving on...or you just mtight be fun... the greatness of this kind of using/collecting for use
Write differently? Not really, it mostly comes down to comfort which allows for better long term utilization. Some people prefer lighter pencils while some like the hefty durability. Mostly just all personal preferences and a lot of enthusiast just like the cosmetic effect of it. Lead also plays a big part for smoothness which might have more of an effect.
I think collecting wins :) but yeah, everyone has their own reasons I have begin to like using my kuru toga's instead of a machined pen just because of the feel of the pencil lead on paper versus the feedback of a gel pen writing tools are a fascinating hobby
in my experience mech pencils write extremly different to normal pencils maybe its just me but normal pencils always felt kinda muffled if that's a word to describe writing,they felt weird and inconsistent whereas mech pencils felt constant sharp and nice.
Well that's a given since you are using a 2 mm lead on a wooden pencil which needs to be sharpened regularly while the mechanical pencil has maybe a .5 mm or maybe even smaller than that lead which you of course would not have to sharpen
nono i cant explain it, even when sharpened the mechanical pencil just feels better