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My most treasured tools when I used to draw were Pentel 0.3 sliding sleeve pencils, model PS523. The sleeve let me put a lot of pressure on a very fine lead wit

My most treasured tools when I used to draw were Pentel 0.3 sliding sleeve pencils, model PS523. The sleeve let me put a lot of pressure on a very fine lead without breaking. And of course the lead was wonderful to use, very smooth. B was the softest lead available in that diameter, so it was hard to get a really dark black, hence the need for pressure. I've bought a number of mechanical pencils since the model was discontinued and have been only disappointed. Few enough have the sliding sleeve, and on the few that do, the sleeve does not move at all smoothly. There may never be another pencil like it. For ink drawing I have a set of Sakura Pigma Micron pens in different widths, also a lovely tool, and for general writing, Uniball micros are my pen of choice. I think it's more than coincidence that all these are Japanese.

MrMcCall 2y ago
I guess that the nature of their writing system has either driven both their artistic expressiveness and excellence of their writing accessories, or vice versa, but, regardless, their craftsmanship is outstanding and admirable. I, too, was a Uniball micro man until I switched to pencils and have been a Pentel Twist-Erase III man for a long time, indeed, with 2B lead instead of America's #2 standard. So smooth, and such a great eraser! [I also must make my usual recommendation for NHKOnline's videos, where they have many, many shows about traditional Japanese crafts. Our family's favorite is now called "Design Stories", where it used to be "Design Talks Plus". They interview famous Japanese designers of all kinds, including a couple of Manga and many graphic design folks, as well as some stationery shops and Washi paper producers, plus architects and potters. I've only seen a few less than excellent episodes, but they're all good in the least.]
WithinReason 2y ago
Here is an article from the same blog about mechanical pencils: https://paperwhisper.com/blogs/blog/write-smarter-the-hidden-tech-in-japanese-mechanical-pencils https://paperwhisper.com/blogs/blog/write-smarter-the-hidden... Seem like the Uni Kuru Toga Dive is the peak mechanical pencil.
- fallinghawks 2y ago
  Ooh, thanks for finding that. I'll definitely want to try out the Orenz models and the Uni as well.
  - wrp 2y ago
    I'm also a heavy user of sliding-sleeve mechanical pencils. I prefer metal-bodied ones from the 1970s-80s, but among what is currently available new, I think Orenz are the best. I have several of all the models, and I prefer the basic model, as it is slim and sturdy. You can get them in 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mm. I think the 0.2 is not worth it, as it is rather fragile. If you want a really fine line, it's easier to just use a harder lead in a 0.3. The 0.7 is rather pointless, because 0.7 mm lead is so sturdy. The 0.3 is great, as it allows you to press harder and write longer between clicks. I've found them very reliable. I also use the 0.5 for colored leads, which are generally more brittle than graphite leads. The Uni Kuru Toga gets mixed reviews. It has an auto-advance mechanism that works when you press and lift the tip. The amount of advance is geared for writing with very short strokes, as you do when writing Japanese. It can be awkward for writing cursive. Also, the mechanism rotates the lead, so it's hard to orient on the edge of the tip.

MrMcCall 2y ago

I guess that the nature of their writing system has either driven both their artistic expressiveness and excellence of their writing accessories, or vice versa, but, regardless, their craftsmanship is outstanding and admirable. I, too, was a Uniball micro man until I switched to pencils and have been a Pentel Twist-Erase III man for a long time, indeed, with 2B lead instead of America's #2 standard. So smooth, and such a great eraser! [I also must make my usual recommendation for NHKOnline's videos, where they have many, many shows about traditional Japanese crafts. Our family's favorite is now called "Design Stories", where it used to be "Design Talks Plus". They interview famous Japanese designers of all kinds, including a couple of Manga and many graphic design folks, as well as some stationery shops and Washi paper producers, plus architects and potters. I've only seen a few less than excellent episodes, but they're all good in the least.]

WithinReason 2y ago

Here is an article from the same blog about mechanical pencils: https://paperwhisper.com/blogs/blog/write-smarter-the-hidden-tech-in-japanese-mechanical-pencils https://paperwhisper.com/blogs/blog/write-smarter-the-hidden... Seem like the Uni Kuru Toga Dive is the peak mechanical pencil.

fallinghawks 2y ago
Ooh, thanks for finding that. I'll definitely want to try out the Orenz models and the Uni as well.
- wrp 2y ago
  I'm also a heavy user of sliding-sleeve mechanical pencils. I prefer metal-bodied ones from the 1970s-80s, but among what is currently available new, I think Orenz are the best. I have several of all the models, and I prefer the basic model, as it is slim and sturdy. You can get them in 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mm. I think the 0.2 is not worth it, as it is rather fragile. If you want a really fine line, it's easier to just use a harder lead in a 0.3. The 0.7 is rather pointless, because 0.7 mm lead is so sturdy. The 0.3 is great, as it allows you to press harder and write longer between clicks. I've found them very reliable. I also use the 0.5 for colored leads, which are generally more brittle than graphite leads. The Uni Kuru Toga gets mixed reviews. It has an auto-advance mechanism that works when you press and lift the tip. The amount of advance is geared for writing with very short strokes, as you do when writing Japanese. It can be awkward for writing cursive. Also, the mechanism rotates the lead, so it's hard to orient on the edge of the tip.