This is a guided map to some of Knockology’s strongest mechanical pencil reference threads: vintage pencil guides, catalog resources, brand histories, reviews, repairs, collecting advice, and deep comparison discussions.
If you are new here, start with the first section. If you are researching a specific maker, jump to the brand sections below.
Start Here
- Comprehensive list of Auto-Advance Pencils - a living reference for auto-feed and auto-advance mechanisms.
- Automatic feed mechanical pencil round-up, my overall impression - a hands-on comparison of major automatic-feed pencils.
- All about the Kuru Toga Dive - one of the main community references for the Kuru Toga Dive.
- Double-knocks by brand - a useful entry point for double-knock pencil collecting.
- How do you find vintage mechanical pencils you like and how do you find things that will appreciate in value? - practical advice for finding and evaluating vintage pencils.
- Favourite lead - community preferences and comparisons for pencil leads.
Mitsubishi, Uni, and Kuru Toga
Good starting points for Uni, Mitsubishi, Kuru Toga, Dive, Metal, Wood, and related drafting-pencil discussions.
- All about the Kuru Toga Dive
- Kuru Toga Wood vs Kuru Toga Metal
- Uni ZENTO Signature Model: the Dive Companion?
- Uni as the drafting sub-brand of Mitsubishi
- Kuru Toga Metal
- New wooden Kurutoga?
Pentel
Reference threads for Pentel catalogs, Orenznero, PG-series pencils, Mechanica variants, and other collector favorites.
- Pentel Catalog PDFs
- Homage to the Pentel orenznero
- Pentel Orenznero Limited Set
- Pentel PG series, exploratory of PMG and PG5 releases
- Pentel Mechanica variants
- 0.2mm Pentel Orenz: A blend of history and innovation
- Taking apart a Quicker Clicker
- The Pentel PG6 in 0.6mm: did I really see it or was it all a dream?
Staedtler
Catalogs, identification help, limited editions, and historical notes for Staedtler mechanical pencils and lead holders.
- STAEDTLER ID guide 1969-2022
- STAEDTLER catalogue 1969-2022
- STAEDTLER catalogue scans 1980-2022
- Reference: Staedtler 925 25/35 Limited Editions
- MARS-770: History and analysis
- Staedtler Mars Technico 780C and 788C drafting clutch pencil
rOtring
Collector guides, catalog links, disassembly notes, and history for rOtring 600 and Tikky pencils.
- The rOtring 600 Ultimate Collectors Guide
- Guide to generations of rotring 600 pencils
- Link to rOtring Catalogs: 1980-2017
- rOtring 600 W. Germany disassembly
- The rOtring Tikky
- rOtring Tikky: A short history
Pilot
Vintage Pilot double-knocks, Automac, catalog references, and drafting pencil discussions.
- Vintage Pilot Double-Knocks
- Pilot Automac E500
- Pilot Catalog in early 1980s - Overseas version
- First Pilot drafting pencil
- Pilot S30 discontinued
- Pilot Shaker H1010 vs 2020 Metal 1000S
Faber-Castell, OHTO, Tombow, and Other Brands
Selected reviews and references for Faber-Castell, OHTO, Tombow, Luddite, KAYOU+, LACONIC, and other makers.
- Faber-Castell TK-matic L
- Faber-Castell TK-Matic troubleshooting
- OHTO MS01… mostly better
- A week with the Zoom C1, L1 and L2
- Luddite Japan: POSTDRAW and EVERDRAW
- Luddite POSTDRAW double knock
- KAYOU+ AIMVISION 0.5mm
- A New Stationery Brand Is Born: KAYOU+
- LACONIC Solid Write
Refills, Pens, and Related Writing Tools
Adjacent writing-tool threads that are useful for mechanical pencil collectors, especially vintage pen and refill compatibility questions.
- Parker-style G2 refills – what is your preference?
- Little tricks about vintage ballpoint pens and DIY refill customization
- Metal-bodied multi-pens: let’s talk about them
- What’s your favorite ballpoint, rollerball, gel pen?
- Sakura craft_lab 008… meh (at last)?
Buying, Importing, and Collecting
Practical threads for buying from Japan, using proxy services, evaluating auctions, and building a collection with intention.
- Buyee shipping advice
- Places to shop for pencils in Japan
- Auction Bidding Strategies
- Mercari and price negotiation
- Buyee vs ZenMarket
- How do you find vintage mechanical pencils you like and how do you find things that will appreciate in value?
This index will keep improving as more reference threads are created or updated. If there is a thread that belongs here, reply with a suggestion.
