Stationery goods that have been around for decades often have a good reason to stay viable for so long. In the case of the Pentel Sharp - which launched in 1970 - I’m a bit surprised it is still kicking around, and thriving, in the current age of mechanical pencils. Why?
It’s inexpensive.
In the 1970’s and 1980’s, you could find the Pentel Sharp in office supply cabinets around the world. I know because I used to steal them from my dad’s work! They were sold by the dozen, in four tip sizes: 0.3 mm (P203/Brown barrel), 0.5 mm (P205/Black barrel), 0.7 mm (P207/Blue barrel), and 0.9 mm (P209/Yellow barrel).
The apple of my eye at the time was that shiny Black barrel, but those darn Blue barrels were everywhere! That’s ok, because I only needed one. These are refillable mechanical pencils, after all. But that never stopped me, because again, they still don’t cost much relatively speaking, even in 2025. $6.00 is pretty great, for any lead size you wish.
It’s beautiful.
The Sharp Mechanical Drafting Pencil is a masterclass of design. It is ultralight, checking in at just 9 grams. It’s narrow, with a taper from the grip section through the tip. The built-in plastic grip bumps hold your fingers in place, and doesn’t agitate them. The single ridge on the nose cone adds a nice visual element. The clip is clean, functional, and removable. The button knock completes the silver metal elements perfectly. And none of this has changed since the pencil first launched, as best as I can tell.
It’s fun.
Not only to look at, but to use. This is a product that molds into your hands in such a way that you hardly know it is there. Some of the striking barrel colors can’t be missed, either. I appreciate that Pentel leaned into it over the past decade-plus, like with these fluorescent barrels that I use the most. They mix it up every now and then, but they do charge a few dollars more for limited versions.
It’s better than your mechanical pencil.
Ok, slow down there Brad! The Pentel Sharp is not for everyone, and there are a ton of options on the market that may suit you better. I ranked my Top 10 Mechanical Pencils in Episode #635 of the Pen Addict Podcast, where only the Rotring 600 was placed ahead of it. I think that’s fair considering all of the differences the 600 brings to the table, and high praise for the Sharp to be placed in that company.
Even their stock lead is great, and comes in a range of hardnesses.
It’s nostalgic and modern, all at once.
I have a love for the Sharp that goes back decades, and Pentel has kept the flame burning with frequent colors, patterns, and styles which keep our relationship fresh. On the list of products that make me smile the most, the Pentel Sharp is right near the top.
What simple stationery goods make you smile the most? Let me know in the comments.
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