That’s my understanding as well. I believe there were some manufactured in the US and some in Mexico if memory serves. They should have all been manufactured in North America though. Perhaps that answers some of the color differences?
Also, selflish plug: Let me know if ever you want to sell/trade any of these Pentel twists? Thank ya!
I’ve been trying out some new (for me) pencils. I’ve been focused on Pentel for a long time now. I keep coming back to this Pilot and this Zebra. I’m pretty ignorant about Pilot and Zebra. Any thoughts on other pencils I’d like if I’m drawn to these two? Thank ya!
I’ve never seen that Pilot before. I like the look of it.
This and the Pilot H-108X have similar grips.
Nice pristine white on your Pilot!. It also comes in ballpoint format. This 80s model is called HG-50S “Greaty". Yeahhhh… weird Japlish name, haha! The black grip one is a Zebra M-301…another survivor from 1983 or so. Still in production in Asia; some are made in Indonesia nowadays.
Any recommendations for pencils in this general vein that I ought to consider expanding out with Pilot and/or Zebra?
I think these are the sorts of Pilots I had in mind when I was thinking about trying out some new pencils. Definitely not interested in paying this type of money to try out some pencils. Anyone have advice for search terms for finding a piece here or there? Not in a hurry, just wanting to add this in to my searches. I’m supposing the Japanese sites are best for these types of pencils? TIA
Just looked at the seller’s Instagram page. It definitely gives me the itch to collect Pilots. They are beautiful!
This Saudi seller may have lots of goodies but their prices are about 3X or more the actual prices on Mercari and Yahoo Japan Auctions… before the current drought due to renewed interest from the next gen of collectors who awakened during the Covid lockdowns.
Any feedback about how I can best locate some of these?
Like DWD says: getting stuff from members who have spares / duplicates is probably the cheapest way to go 
After that, it’s Mercari for buy it now opportunities and Yahoo Japan Auctions for harder to find models.
My father in law just grabbed these out of his college drafting box. Cant really find much of anything on them. Anyone seen these?
@TheDragonReb0rn Most likely, some rebranded clones of KIN’s flagship leadholder, the 5611 — or its variant with pocket clip, maybe the 5616?
Many of these were made in Italy, and coloured/branded as required to be resold elsewhere; everything from the knurling pattern to the barrels shape seems to match. The brand and model number does not ring any bell, but other visual cues all seem to converge.
Nice, sturdy, reliable pieces, in great condition. Cool find! 
5611C…5616 is the older ( initially), fatter version for 2/2.5 mm lead ..IMO the GOAT of holders
Thanks again to Allen for the Blue Gomdale Pentel QE305! Love the blue color…such a great pencil line.
…the Sanford’s are pretty similar, but not as great IMHO.
I love that K&E pocket protector
After a long day at work.. its nice to unwind with a new 12 pack.
