Pentel Mechanical Pencil, Kerry, 0.5mm, Smoky Grey (P1035-ND)

As a self-described lifelong "office supply Nerd-ette", and owner of a multitude of geeky-drafting mech pencils, my love-affair with Pentel Sharp Kerry pencils began when I decided to purchase a simple, portable model to match my pink, Ohto Tasche pocket pen (ASIN B002UXQNRY). While Ohto does make an exact matching mech pencil (ASIN B002UXQNS8), the good reputation of Pentel's Sharp Kerry piqued my interest.Upon receiving my Kerry, I knew I had made the correct decision.Within days I ordered a blue, grey, and finally the Limited Edition Black & Gold model.They're all well-made, nicely balanced propelling-type mech pencils.Arrived well-packaged, in a sleek, hard-plastic, ovoid-shaped case: good for both protection against scratches in a drawer, or for presentation purposes.The cap is constructed of brushed aluminum, while both barrel parts are of a lustrous plastic, somewhat reminiscent of celluloid. While this contradicts the product description of being "all-metal",it doesn't detract from my satisfaction with the product.Earlier Sharp Kerry pencils were indeed constructed of all-metal components, but as of late this is sadly no longer the case.I also noticed another reviewer mention a slight colour "mismatch" between the barrel & cap--- the difference in materials would account for this. As noted, the colour difference is very slight-- nearly imperceptible in my pink and blue Kerry's, but much more pronounced/noticeable in the grey colour. (The barrel is several shades darker grey than the cap). I find it an attractive contrast quite frankly, but realize it may not be to everyone's liking.The cap offers a reassuring, audible "click" when capping the pencil and upon affixing it to the barrel end when preparing to write.A small, white eraser is located under the cap's crown. The eraser's accessibility is dependent on the cap being firmly secured to the end of the barrel. The "click" action pushes the eraser into place. One needs only to remove the cap's end-crown to reveal it.The machine-knurled "mid-section", while placed a bit too high up the barrel to properly function as a "grip", does makes for a rather elegant ornamentive touch.A very well-balanced writing instrument, with or without the cap affixed. Very comfortable to write/draw with for extended periods, even for those with some arthritic symptoms. The diameter is slightly wider than average, but in no way could be considered a "fat-body" mech pencil. Affixing the cap while writing adds a bit more girth.I've not experienced any "lead-wiggle" in any of the four Kerry's that I own. Each "click" delivers the perfect amount of lead-advance.I'd describe this pencil as being somewhat "executive", appearance-wise.As a professional illustrator-writer-crossword constructor, I load my Kerry's with various soft grades of lead (4B - B).Work has a renewed pleasure now as I sit down each day at my desk and reach for my Sharp Kerry's.Overall, the Kerry's simple design is truly a thing of beauty in an age of complicated gadgets.This inexpensive pencil is pleasing both functionally and aesthetically.Since experiencing the Sharp Kerry, even my beloved $150 Montblanc mech pencil has been gathering dust.Thank you for reading,- CC, Amazon Prime Member-Reviewer* HINT: Re: Eraser refills (Pentel Z31). Avail at a much lower price ($1.49/tube of 4 erasers) at OfficeWorld dot com.

This pencil is a classic, its elegant and ingenious design essentially unchanged since the 1970s. If I had to search for a flaw, I could say the color of the metal cap may not exactly match the plastic barrel.

I have three of the Smoky model. I simply love the look and feel. The lead provided is excellent, very expressive responding to pressure. The instrument is a nice fit in my hand. I can’t control a thick barrel the way I want. This works. I have no complaints with the cap as some others have mentioned.I have been a Pentel devotee since the three sizes of Sharp Automatics came out. Before that I was sharpening 5mms in a Coffee grinder using German lead holders. The Sharps are less well made now and the brilliant wire cleaning tool stuck in the eraser has long disappeared but the mechanism is still better than most. The Kerry functions better than the original Sharps. Doesn’t advance very far, which is great! And very depensable.I have one in the office, one by my easy chair and one in my work go bag. I interview clients and do sketches and layouts. Never fatiguing, crisp and accurate lining...I adore these little jewels.Oh, and they look like you sre smart also.

I love the cap and professional look! The fact that I can knock it with or without the cap posted is a great design. My only complaint is that the plastic is not consistent in color and it’s pretty obvious, but it doesn’t really make it look any less professional so I only knocked off a single star. I do wish it was closer to $5 considering this isn’t a metal body.

Most mechanical pencils have a needle nose that sticks out, meaning that you can't carry it in your pocket. This design solves that by having a removable cover, like a fountain pen. This cover also has a nifty feature that allows you to adjust the lead with the cover on the back end. Some of the cheaper mechanical pencils have retractable noses, but these are loose, so the lead wobbles. This is nice and tight, so the lead is reliable and precise. I get the feeling that this will last a while, one of the reasons I like mechanical pencils. It is attractive. On the negative side, it is a bit heavy, and the grip is a bit slippery. This could be solved with a rougher plastic barrel close to point - please none of that rubber stuff, that breaks down and becomes sticky and the tool becomes useless.

I've given away various colors of these. Every so often I lose one and buy another. I typically get black for classy business use, but this Smoky Grey is lower cost right now, and it may even be classier than the Black. Same quality as others I've purchased in the past dozen years. It did not come with a plastic snap-close case like earlier ones, but that was only for shipping/handling anyway and nothing special. As long as it arrives without dents or cracks, it doesn't need that "case."

This pencil is extremely comfortable, has great build quality, feels solid, and is so intelligent in design. It is second only to the Staedtler 925 35-05, so if you love that pencil, you will love this one too.

No eraser was included inside the pencil and it was not disclosed in the Amazon listing. I like the Kerry pencil but wish they had disclosed no eraser will be included and could have purchased from another seller. Poor business