Sun-Star W Knock Mechanical Pencil Review

The Sun-Star W Knock mechanical pencil caught my eye at first with its nice barrel design and cool barrel colors. It was only after I decided that I liked how the pencil looked that I saw the price:  $1.80. Really? Is that a typo? It doesn't appear so, but but never having heard of or used the Sun-Star line, I figured this was a $3-4 pencil on looks alone. Maybe that is just what I am used to these days. :)

So, now that the price is clear, the immediate question that comes to mind next is "Is this a cheap pencil?" I can safely say it is not. It isn't perfect by any stretch, but it is a good value. The key design feature of this pencil is that the tip fully retracts back into the barrel. This protects the lead sleeve from damage, and also protects you from poking yourself in the chest or leg when you put the pencil in your pocket.

When fully extended for writing, the pencil tip does not quite flush up against the barrel opening. This causes a little wiggle to happen when writing, but I didn't even notice it at first, so it isn't too extreme. What is extreme is the eraser wiggle. It is all over the place when I try to erase, so I would definitely recommend a stand alone eraser when using this pencil. Then again, I recommend a stand alone eraser for all mechanical pencils.

So, despite some minor issues, this is a nice overall package for the price. At just $1.80 each, you could buy different barrel colors and match them up with colored leads pretty easily. They certainly make for a nice student pencil or back to school pencil.

Uni-Ball Shift Pipe Lock Drafting Pencil Review

It has been a recurring theme of late, but I am a sucker for cool looking pens and pencils. Drating style pencils especially get me to take a second glance. I'm not sure if it is the long sleek design, or the extra long pipe usually found on these pencils, but something always grabs me. The Uni-Ball Shift Pipe Lock takes the design a step further by allowing you to retract the tip of the pencil for protection by a simple twist - or shift - of the barrel. That aspect of the pencil works like a champ.

On top of that, this pencil is nice to hold, and comfortable to write with. Any writing instrument with a knurled grip is a friend of mine. If there is one thing I would change about the Uni-Ball Shift Pipe Lock is that I would like to see an aluminum barrel as opposed to the plastic barrel it has. From a drafting perspective, this is a plus, because you want your pencil to have a lower center of gravity, but this pencil is so nice looking I think it would benefit even more from an aluminum barrel.

This is the 0.5mm version, which is noted by the writing on the barrel, as well as the blue colored accents. Each of the five widths is denoted by a different color accent. The 0.5mm model also comes in three different barrels colors - black, red, and white. Yes, the Uni-Ball Kuru Toga is still my favorite pencil, but the Shift Pipe Lock drafting pencil is another nice option.

Click here for the XL review.

Uni-Ball Kuru Toga Video Review

The Uni-Ball Kuru Toga Roulette is the latest Kuru Toga release stocked by JetPens, and since I have already done written reviews for the Original and the High Grade, I decided to do a quick video with all three. A few notes:

1. I am still figuring out how to best do these videos. I am just using my laptop webcam, which does a decent job, but I had bad lighting in this one, plus the sound is low. Still a work in progress.

2. I wised-up after my last Ustream chat - record video AFTER the kids go to bed.

3. I don't script or edit any of my videos. This is not some random stance I am trying to take, but I just don't have the time. I have a general idea in my head of what I want to talk about, and stumble and stammer through it as best as I can. I'd love a higher production value, but that is a long way down the line.

Anyway, check it out, and let me know if you have any questions or suggestions in the comments section.