I am as picky about pens, pencils, and other writing and technical drawing instruments and supplies as I am about tools. I took drafting and CAD classes in my junior year of high school (they were both mandated), and it was perhaps my shopping for supplies and upgrades that sparked my interest in the tools I use, whether we’re talking about a pencil, a screwdriver, or a cordless drill.
Stradtler’s metal-bodied mechanical pencils are among my favorites, and I am also quite fond of Pentel’s GraphGear 1000 series. There are so very many other mechanical pencils out there, many with unique properties.
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Here, I wanted to briefly introduce you to the Uni Shift, an interesting mechanical pencil that has a retractable tip. One of the tough parts about mechanical pencils is that their lead pipe can be fragile, making them less then ideal for pocket carry.
The Uni Shift is a little shorter than the GraphGear 1000, and also feels lighter. Both of these pencils have retractable tips, but they achieve it in different ways.
The Uni Shift features a plastic upper body and a metal grip and tip. This shifts its center of mass and gravity forward a bit, which is perhaps why it’s so comfortable to write with. It’s supposedly aimed at heavier users, which would means it’s designed to be used for longer periods of time.
At this point I should mention that I purchased my Uni Shift pencil in 0.5mm size for ~$9 at Amazon. It’s currently priced at $10-11 there, depending on the pencil lead size. JetPens has it for $16.50.
The Uni Shift is available in 0.3mm, 0.4mm 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm sizes.
To “shift” from writing/drawing mode and carrying/transport modes, grab the pencil at its top and bottom, and twist gently. The barrel has a spring-action mechanism, and there’s slight feedback when you lock it into either mode.
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It’s a very neat pencil, and I like that the Shift completely locks when the tip is retracted. In the “closed” position, you can’t unintentionally advance the lead mechanism either.
For users who use multiple lead sizes, the Shift has different color coding. The blue accent, for instance, marks that a pencil is 0.5mm, and light blue is 0.3mm. I have only tried the 0.5mm size.
I have not used my pencil extensively, or at least it’s not my sole mechanical pencil, but so far I have zero regrets with my purchase.
If you’re shopping for a new mechanical pencil, or like exploring new options, the Uni Shift is an interesting choice to consider.
Price: ~$10-$11 and up
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via JetPens)
See Also(Pentel GraphGear 1000 via Amazon)
Pencils? Who cares about pencils? Read: EDC Tools, Pens, Pencils, or Other Gear That is More Than Functionally Necessary. If you’ve got to spend time with a pen or pencil in your hand, it may as well be one that you enjoy using.
Mike
I have had this pencil for years. The metal grip area is great, but the rest of the body is cheap feeling plastic and feels even cheaper bc the grip is so solid.
It was a cheap alternative to the rOtring 800 that I really wanted to buy.
Wayne R,
I’ve been using Pentel Twist Erase pencils for a couple of decades now. A long time ago I thought they were being discontinued and so bought a couple of boxes of them for when I lost them or busted them.
Nope, they’re not only still made, but I don’t think I’ve lost or broken *any* of them. Not even the ones that get the most use & field exposure – they’re all still good. And they’re mainly made of plastic.
But I don’t clip them to my shirt pocket as that’s like carrying a dart in your pocket. They stay clipped to my spiral bindings of notebooks.
And I’d really love to get one of those retractable rOtrings on a birthday…but if I couldn’t get one of those and had to keep a pencil in my shirt, I’d be happy to get one of these.
bob
Twist Erase GT is the best. Only one in the line to have a retractable tip.
Koko The Talking Ape
I’ll second the twist erase GT. Retracting tip, and also a large, high quality eraser that doesn’t smear or crumble.
Matt J
I like the retractable tip function, the price is kind of steep for a semi-plastic pencil. I like my Staedtlers for pocket carry, which also retract and come out a couple of bucks cheaper. Plus, the one I use (graphite 760) has the added advantage of being triangular shaped so it doesn’t roll off whatever random angled surface I have a habit of setting it on. They do make a normal shaped version, but I find the triangular to be pretty comfortable and I can pick them up for around $7 a pencil locally.
Stuart
One thing a few people asked me about other pencils is how much they weigh.
While I also like the idea of full metal-bodied mechanical pencils, having metal in the grip and plastic for the upper body allows for a lighter pencil with balance moved more towards the grip area.
If the design checks off enough boxes for you, the half plastic construction shouldn’t be much of a detractor.
JC
I had a dozen plus students honor me as their summa honoree and to reciprocate that I put together a gift package of engineering supplies. Most of what I gave them came together quite easily but the most agonizing decision was deciding on the pencil I wanted each one to start their college career off with.
I went back and forth considering the variables of weight, intended use, reliability, etc. and ended up with the Rotring 500. Similar in material design with the hybrid plastic/metal, I made the final decision with the forethought that they would use the pencil for “other than drafting” duties such as taking daily notes and the Rotring 600 or higher would become arduous. I akin this to the joys of manual steering over powering steering: perfect for connecting a driver to, well driving. Misery for daily use.
If anything, I hope that I laid down a foundation of appreciation for quality tools and that they will upgrade accordingly over the years.