Sub $10 mechanical pencils I consider worthwhile

[cytherian]

This lineup of mechanical pencils is done with the caveat of being able to buy them in their cheapest colorway for under $10 USD (within the USA from online sources), with some functionality / features beyond the bare-bones basic pencil. Bodies are mostly plastic, or a combination of metal alloy and plastic parts.

These ratings are of course subjective.

1. Most attractive for timeless, thoughtful design: PENTEL KERRY
2. Most portable (well protected tip): PENTEL KERRY
3. Most rugged feel, in terms of body hardware and mechanism: ZEBRA DELGUARD LX
4. Most innovative mechanism: UNI KURU TOGA ALPHA-GEL SWITCH
5. Most effortless operation, while still feeling of quality: ZEBRA TECT 2WAY
6. Most useful eraser: TOMBOW MONO GRAPH

Certain colorways add a good bit more expense. The Zebra DelGuard LX in Fog White is an Asian market release. The Hi-Note Karakaze is limited release (Asia only) all clear version of the Zebra Tect 2Way. The Uni Kuru Toga Alpha-gel Switch is in all black and not available to the US market (at this time).

I really love the Pentel Kerry for its pedigree and heritage. If you get the basic black timed with a discount, you can pay just around $8 USD, which is a real steal. However, I would really like Pentel to make a “rugged” version… with a semi-matte colorway that is highly scratch resistant. Matte silver clip. Something you can stash in your pocket and not worry about. Most of them have fragile coatings and plastic body parts that can get easily gouged and scratched, possibly cracked.

I have to say, I really do like the Alpha-gel Switch. It’s so nice to see a Kuru Toga with a pretty firm tip (no wobble to speak of). The engine is terrific yet it’s nice to be able to turn it off when you don’t want to use it! While the Roulette and Metal Kuru Toga feel more hefty, the alpha-gel feels nicely sturdy. But that gel grip… not sure if it’ll hold up for the long haul.

I love all clear mechanical pencils. My first all clear writing instrument was a LAMY Vista fountain pen. And that is the most beautiful I’ve seen. So many nice clear and polished metal bits to it, intimating an “architectural” vibe. The Hi-Note Karakuze has a similar quality. And the mechanism is SO SMOOTH! It’s a beautiful instrument.

The TOMBOW MONO Graph can be had for just a hair above $5 USD, which is a serious bargain. It’s a shaker type with manual advance… but I don’t like having to push the clip. I guess that just encourages shaking it. Lastly, it’s so nice having that rather wide diameter retractable eraser. Heck, just having it along as a portable eraser can be good enough, given the price.

Last but not least… the Zebra DelGuard LX in Fog White. I love a black & white motif. This is nicely done. What’s also great is the weighting of this pencil. It’s mostly sturdy semi-matte plastic but has a brass sleeve inside the grip. And while it all fits together on plastic threading, this pencil feels very solid. The lead anti-breakage feature works well and the lead advancement has a very deliberate predictable click feeling to it. I have to say of the whole bunch, it’s probably my favorite for those qualities all in one package.

[First_Sail]

Interesting topic. I should make a list of good pencils under $10: Pentel Sharp P200, Pilot S3, etc.

Where did you see a Kerry for $10?

[cytherian]

Yeah, I probably should’ve prefaced this to indicate “beyond simplistic functionality.” Each of these pencils offers a little more than your basic pencil… like a Pentel P20x and Pilot S3.

If you’re talking sub $10 for basic pencils… there’s so many to choose from!

As for the Pentel Kerry, sometimes it goes on sale. I have seen the basic black version go as low as $8 USD. The blue one I picked up in 2021, when the Amazon Japan account on Amazon USA was unloading old inventory:

But you’re right, it’s not easy to find it that cheap… probably should’ve substituted another pencil.

[First_Sail]

I’m seriously asking you where you saw it because I have two in my Amazon cart for $14 each, but if I can get it cheaper I’ll buy them somewhere else.

[Earl_of_Knurl]

My immediate go to is Pentel Sharp 200. I’d love an all-metal one, there is something about the shape that makes it feel like a laser scalpel. Another Pentel would be the PG7, which has a 1950s look to it. I believe they’re out of production now, but you can still find the PG5 on amazon for under 10.

Here’s a pic I swiped from reddit

I can’t believe the Kerry is that cheap now, that’s a great little writing pencil. I love that the eraser is in the lid section and the grip has a nice laquear-like gummy feel to it.

[Gunther]

A very nice selection!

Another pencil in that domain could be the Tombow MONO graph fine. Its special features are the metal grip with with the (in my opinion) unusual but appealing coating and the long, thin eraser. (However, I think the locking mechanism is a gimmick).

By the way, the limited Hi-Note Karakaze01 and the clear Tombow MONO graph are no longer officially available (at least as far as I know).

[cytherian]

If you ever buy off of Mercari or YAJ and use proxies, pick up a limited release version Pentel Kerry for just a little more. You can periodically find deals, LIKE THIS. Or, if you’re planning on making them users, why not go with lightly used? LIKE THIS. (Basically two for the price of a new one).