So I recently gave my son a set of Alvin Draft/Matics I have (05, 07, 09, I never owned an 03) and now I realize I already miss them! I am NOT going to ask for them back, but I do want to replace them eventually. I didn’t know they fell out of production, and I don’t like the new redesigned versions.
I did find a spare 07 I had laying around, but if anyone has 03,05 and 09 Draft/Matics they wouldn’t mind parting with, hit me up!
Thanks!
Also I’m new here and this is my first post, so if I did something incorrectly please take it easy on me!
I doubt you’re using a proxy in Japan, but there’s this 3/5/7 set
Looks brand new, I think it’s definitely on the expensive side at $170 but I don’t know.
so i’ve seen this and was tempted-ish, but also check out these two ebay links:
all using the same images! Weird right?
No, not weird though I thought so at first too. Basically most of the time, if there’s a Japan located seller selling something on eBay for an obscene amount, it’s available on Yahoo Japan or Mercari Japan for much much less. It’s the same people
It just requires having a Japanese proxy account through whomever but I’ve used both Buyee and Zenmarket. I still use Zenmarket. You buy it through them, the seller ships it to them in Japan, then the proxy ships it to you.
Interesting!
This set has been for sale for quite some time. I’d say to stay open for options but if you get antsy you can do 1 of two things, open your own proxy account and buy it or message me and I’ll buy it through mine and send it to you when I get it. Shipping and what not will increase the cost of the three to closer to $190-$200 when it’s all done to you but I will say 100%, whatever you do, do not buy that set on eBay through a Japanese seller.
(Nothing against the seller, just you’ll over pay by alot)
$170 is way too much for alvin draft matics. Do you have a need for like new condition? Otherwise you can probably get them for roughly $20 each, it would just take a while to come across the right listings.
I don’t watch them enough to know but he’s clear he wants the originals and not the reproduction pieces. Those are around $28 a piece right now. I think the originals in decent condition would be a bit more. But I truly don’t know
The reproductions can be purchased for $32 for the set of 3 from DEW drafting supplies! I bought a set there too.
Ok. So then you’re probably right, I figured as much, this set is alot and maybe some patience and the price will be much better
Yes to be clear, I don’t want the new versions. I want the old ones with Avin logo on the barrel and knurled lead grade selector. Something about the new look bums me out, lol…
I’ll try to remember to add it to my regular searches. Maybe something pops up. Maybe another member has them as well and might offer them to you for something.
Welcome to the forum, take some time to read all of the posts, the amount of information here is unreal
I totally understand, I have a bunch of the old ones as well. It entirely depends on what conditions you find acceptable.
For example here is a set of 5 I purchased just a couple of months ago for $35 total. But they arrived extremely dirty and all the Alvin text has worn off on the barrels!
They also came without pocket clips, so I’ve added some aftermarket ones myself.
Edit: For reference, this was the listing I purchased from eBay:
So interesting that some abhor the clips, and others like you and me don’t mind them at all. If anything the pencil is missing them without them.
Aren’t there other brands like Kohinoor where the pencil is exactly the same but different brand?
etc.
There are many, and the vast majority of them share basically the same OEM for their internals (Kotobuki), but their knurlings are all different. Alvin definitely has the most aggressive knurling!
I think the OG Draft/Matics belong in a different bucket than the Rapidomatic and the RR500 because they have sprung lead cushioning. Add in that uniquely jagged knurling and a bit more heft (weighs 25% more than either of the others) and you’ve got a pencil that’s in a different league IMO.
The spring load on the lead cushioning is really in the sweet spot too IMO - it’s a bit too soft for me on the Rotring Rapid Pro for instance (can feel too squishy), but the Alvin’s only kicks in when you need it.
They’re my favorite of that classic 80’s workhorse drafting pencil aesthetic - metal-knurling, plastic barrel, ~4mm fixed-tip.
@BicCristal that’s exactly how I feel about them now!
