Full List (L to R)
•3x Koh-I-Noor 5228
•Alvin 5021 S
•Caran D’Ache Fixpencil
•2x Koh-I-Noor 5900 (the silver one was purchased at a stationery store in Montreal, clearly a custom job, it has their logo etched into it)
•Bohemia Works Toison D’Or 5900
•Mitsubishi Uni
•Staedtler Mars-Technico 782
•Staedtler 925 All Black
•Eagle Turquoise Prestomatic 3377
•Rotring 800
•2x Rotring 600
•Rotring 300
•Faber Castell Tk9400 (Tk4600 mechanism swap to have the lead pointer knock)
•A.W Faber Locktite (3H)
•Boeing Co. leadholder (My research leads me to believe it’s an A.W Faber SureGrip 6500)
•2x Eberhard Faber Microtomic 607
•4x Eberhard Faber Microtomic 614
Thanks! I really lucked out with that find. They’re so ridiculously over engineered for a drop-clutch, they disassemble into like 10 parts. Love them so much
🤫 Haha it’s pretty cool huh?? I’ve wanted to reach out to Boeing to get a little more info on it, but I’m scared they would ask for it back or something. I bought a lot on eBay (including the FC Locktite) specifically for it. I was told by the seller it belonged to a manufacturing engineer who worked at the Renton, Washington plant and retired in ‘86, after 48 years at Boeing
Personally, I use them primarily for drawing, but they are quite versatile. I work in masonry & use the orange KiN 5228 with a red or 2H lead to mark stones to cut. They're also pretty great to mark wood. You can write with them, of course, but I enjoy writing more with a 0.5mm.
I certainly do! Thank you. I currently own the Staedtler 780 in blue, in black, the 788, and the Koh-I-Noor Versatil 5900. Waiting on my FC TK 9400 to arrive. I find that I prefer the plastic/metal clutch type to the all-metal; they feel better in my hand. The only mechanical pencil I enjoy using is the Uni Kuru Toga Advance Upgrade. Thanks for the visual treat!
My pleasure! Those are some great pieces. & You know what? That's totally fair. On most days, I'm right there with you. I bought the Rotring 800 thinking it would be the end-all-be-all of leadholders, but honestly, it's just too damn heavy. Nothing has beat out the plastic-barreled Staedtler 782 for me so far. Some pencils just fit so well in your hand for some reason. If you are ever in the mood to reconsider your opinion, I would give a strong endorsement for the Staedtler 925-35. All metal, but not too heavy. Great knurling, but not too harsh. Just really ergonomically pleasing. Thanks for tuning in!
I just checked out the 925-35, and yeah, it’s not for me. I don’t care for the look/type of the advance button, reminds me of a plunger. I do appreciate the recommendation though.
Your thoughts about Koh i noor versatil and Uni Mitsubishi?, they're at the same price point, but i ended up getting the Uni because of the grip and found out it lacks a built-in sharpener lol, i should've get the versatil though
Love my Versatils as you can tell. Rarely use the Mitsubishi, it’s just too similar to my favourite; the Staedtler 782(but not as cool). Was an impulse purchase honestly.
Yeah I rarely use the Koh I Noor pointers. Mainly use a Staedtler 502 or that little Uni pointer.
& No I love clips! The ones that don’t have any came without.
Stunning collection!
I love leadhodlers too, the tk9400 is probably my favourite in my possession, looking to get a fixpencil soon. Which is your pick from your collection?
It’s a good one! The 9400 is so ergonomic. Highly recommend the mechanism swap to get the lead pointer knock from the 4600. I could never get into the Fixpencil for some reason! Too light maybe? Too slippery? I find myself rarely using it.
& As for your question; if I could only have 1? I would have to say the Staedtler 782. If it had a lead pointer in the cap, it would be the 925.
The bodies and cones are nearly identical in length. The only difference in length is the knock. I also wanted to keep the white ring of the Tk9400 haha. So I put the clip and mechanism from the 4600 into the 9400
https://preview.redd.it/dtf375mwxe1d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=32b18402c7fe6a39c5041d5bc86884dd8887bc6c
The thicker back part of the TK9400. adds a step that rabs into your hand while shading, the TK4600 doesn't have that issue, almost feels like one piece. Only mod I do, is to sand down a bit. the edge of the back part,because it's slightly sharper, so I make it feel, like the White ring you mention! I also add a drop of Ballistol, on the spring (I unscrew the front part to remove the mechanism,then add the oil on the spring and use my finger to spread it allover it,it makes the mechanism work smoother with less noise,also keeps it from oxidization issues).LAstly,remove the usless clip and you have the perfect drawing pencil. PS I can feel the TK4600 longer, more ergonomic without any hotspots. I use a set of them for shading, for linwork, I use the Pentel Graphgear 500 0.5mm loaded with Ain Stein leads. Along with TK 9071 2mm, are my favorite graphite leads for drawing!
I think i also stayed away from the fixpencil as it’s light and has a plastic inner mechanism. Vintage fixpencils though look so good!
I quite like the thicker tk9400 (3.15mm lead)
I've been on the hunt for a vintage 77 for so long, they really do not come up often though.
I've never tried a 3mm or 5.6, maybe I should give it a go🤔
You know what, I know everyone says it’s an essential, but I can’t say I’m a huge fan. It has a great history, and it’s an iconic design, but I think there are better leadholders out there. It feels too short, too light and not grippy enough for me personally. If I had to buy a Fixpencil today, I would probably try the 884 Junior or try to find an old Fixpencil 77.
Right now I’ve just got the standard Staedtler and Faber-Castel leadholders. I’m trying to decide on my next one. Kohinoor and Uni are on the shortlist as well.
Those are good ones for sure, can't go wrong with either. I'd recommend a Koh-I-Noor 5228, seems like it would fill a gap in your collection for a good lil pocket/notebook pencil. I'm a big fan. If you enjoy it, it's very similar to the 5900 or 5201, so you can be sure you'd enjoy those too. Great thing about leadholders is a lot of them don't cost a ton of $ so it's easy to try different ones.
Sheesh. The 614 set is incredible. Congrats!
I agree that they are built like tanks and I wish they were 5-10% smaller because they would be more easy to use. As is, I don’t reach for them even though they are beautiful and functional. Same goes for DJ Fugle Leadlok.
Thank you! Smaller in both length and diameter? Interesting.. I find them right in that sweet spot for the size I tend to prefer.
I’m still on the hunt for a Leadlok, the ones that come up on eBay are quite expensive!
Ps. I’ve crept through your posts a few times, I know you’ve got a great collection!
Yeah, the older all-metal Leadlocks are few and far between. I think the Microtomic 607 and 614 are harder to find, but maybe you and I have opposite luck!
Edit: Yes, I mean a bit smaller all around. They feel just a tad bulky to me. However, I just measured and Rotring 600 is 8.05 across the hex and the 607 is also 8.05 across the hex. Also, with lead loaded, they are almost identical in length. So I am not sure why I feel they are bulky since I consider 600 proportions to be fine for my hands. Just a misperception, I guess.
Would you say a Leadlok is worth tracking down? I’ve always thought the transition from hex to grip seemed sharp and abrupt. Doesn’t seem like it would be the most comfortable pencil to use, judging from photos of course..
As for the sizing, I sometimes find the Rotring 600 to be a bit too slim, so it’s interesting that they’re the same! Fit in hand/ergonomics are sometimes quite unpredictable/illogical, I suppose.
Maybe the balance is the difference? Not sure.
Your point about the abrupt transition on the old Leadloks is apt. The Microtomic 607 and 614 edges of the hex are eased (rounded) along the barrel and at the transition to the grip the hex corners are chamfered. The resulting smoothness is superb, buttery.
On the old Leadloks, the feeling is more angular because the edges of the barrel are not eased and the transition to the grip is not chamfered. They are not as pillowy in hand as the 607, but I would say they are not far from the feeling of an angular Rotring. And the aluminum finish is very fine, closer to a polish which feels good.
As far as whether to get the Leadlok, I would say you have the superior item in the 607. Kindof like a Volkwagon Touareg vs Porsche Cayenne. Very similar construction and both good pedigree, but not the same.
Also, their parts are not interchangeable, unfortunately. I have tried to set up a Frankenstein and failed.
One other note: if you can find a newer black Leadlok and an older silver one, you can make [this Frankenstein](https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanicalpencils/s/ziG0IREQQf) that has the softer edges on the barrel and very nicely chamfered transition area. Very comfortable, just like the 607.
Thanks for your in depth response! I tend to not mind a ´sharp’ hexagonal barrel, but an abrupt transition between barrel and grip is often a dealbreaker for a pencil I plan to use for any prolonged period of time. If I come across an example in good condition for a reasonable price, I’ll try to snag it for the sake of the collection. But I don’t view it as a ‘must-have’ at this time.
That Frankenstein Leadlok looks awesome! Thanks for sharing
As expected from a Staedtler fan xD I have the 925 all black too and it’s lovely to use. Debating if I should get the 782 too but I already have more pencils than I’ll ever need lol
Sure, but what's one more? ;) they take up so little space! haha honestly the 925 is very close to perfection for me. I'd be totally fine if it was my one and only leadholder.
If you do end up wanting a 782, I say hold out for one in good condition and at a more reasonable price. The ones up on ebay right now seem overpriced.
Full List (L to R) •3x Koh-I-Noor 5228 •Alvin 5021 S •Caran D’Ache Fixpencil •2x Koh-I-Noor 5900 (the silver one was purchased at a stationery store in Montreal, clearly a custom job, it has their logo etched into it) •Bohemia Works Toison D’Or 5900 •Mitsubishi Uni •Staedtler Mars-Technico 782 •Staedtler 925 All Black •Eagle Turquoise Prestomatic 3377 •Rotring 800 •2x Rotring 600 •Rotring 300 •Faber Castell Tk9400 (Tk4600 mechanism swap to have the lead pointer knock) •A.W Faber Locktite (3H) •Boeing Co. leadholder (My research leads me to believe it’s an A.W Faber SureGrip 6500) •2x Eberhard Faber Microtomic 607 •4x Eberhard Faber Microtomic 614
As a lead holder fan, that’s is my heaven
Great collection. Congrats! And those Eberhard Faber Microtomics look terrific! 👍
Thanks! I really lucked out with that find. They’re so ridiculously over engineered for a drop-clutch, they disassemble into like 10 parts. Love them so much
Where did you score these beauties?
eBay!
I think that Boeing one looks pretty cool. I pray they never find out it got stolen 😂
🤫 Haha it’s pretty cool huh?? I’ve wanted to reach out to Boeing to get a little more info on it, but I’m scared they would ask for it back or something. I bought a lot on eBay (including the FC Locktite) specifically for it. I was told by the seller it belonged to a manufacturing engineer who worked at the Renton, Washington plant and retired in ‘86, after 48 years at Boeing
Wonderful to see the Eagle Prestomatic and especially the colorful series of end caps on the Micromatic series!
Love the Prestomatic, one of my absolute favourites! Was so happy to find one with the painted cap in good condition.
Are leadholder pencils mainly used for drawing?
Personally, I use them primarily for drawing, but they are quite versatile. I work in masonry & use the orange KiN 5228 with a red or 2H lead to mark stones to cut. They're also pretty great to mark wood. You can write with them, of course, but I enjoy writing more with a 0.5mm.
Thanks for your quick response! Would enjoy seeing your 0.5 collection.
I certainly do! Thank you. I currently own the Staedtler 780 in blue, in black, the 788, and the Koh-I-Noor Versatil 5900. Waiting on my FC TK 9400 to arrive. I find that I prefer the plastic/metal clutch type to the all-metal; they feel better in my hand. The only mechanical pencil I enjoy using is the Uni Kuru Toga Advance Upgrade. Thanks for the visual treat!
My pleasure! Those are some great pieces. & You know what? That's totally fair. On most days, I'm right there with you. I bought the Rotring 800 thinking it would be the end-all-be-all of leadholders, but honestly, it's just too damn heavy. Nothing has beat out the plastic-barreled Staedtler 782 for me so far. Some pencils just fit so well in your hand for some reason. If you are ever in the mood to reconsider your opinion, I would give a strong endorsement for the Staedtler 925-35. All metal, but not too heavy. Great knurling, but not too harsh. Just really ergonomically pleasing. Thanks for tuning in!
I just checked out the 925-35, and yeah, it’s not for me. I don’t care for the look/type of the advance button, reminds me of a plunger. I do appreciate the recommendation though.
Not the plunger 😂 fair enough though. To each their own
Fantastic collection! Thanks for sharing!
My father had one like the green Locktite. It is unfortunately lost to time.
Mm that’s a bummer. They do pop up on eBay for not a whole lot of $ frequently enough! But I know it’s not the same as an heirloom
Some pretty nice pieces, but I'm fascinated by the Boeing lead holder.
The Staedtlers are my favorites!
782 or 925?
Both, I generally like the design and the longer than average clicker.
Your thoughts about Koh i noor versatil and Uni Mitsubishi?, they're at the same price point, but i ended up getting the Uni because of the grip and found out it lacks a built-in sharpener lol, i should've get the versatil though
Love my Versatils as you can tell. Rarely use the Mitsubishi, it’s just too similar to my favourite; the Staedtler 782(but not as cool). Was an impulse purchase honestly.
I see I’m not the only one taking out any removable clips right away. Love my 5900, but not the point the cap gives. What do you use as a sharpener?
Yeah I rarely use the Koh I Noor pointers. Mainly use a Staedtler 502 or that little Uni pointer. & No I love clips! The ones that don’t have any came without.
Respect
Stunning collection! I love leadhodlers too, the tk9400 is probably my favourite in my possession, looking to get a fixpencil soon. Which is your pick from your collection?
It’s a good one! The 9400 is so ergonomic. Highly recommend the mechanism swap to get the lead pointer knock from the 4600. I could never get into the Fixpencil for some reason! Too light maybe? Too slippery? I find myself rarely using it. & As for your question; if I could only have 1? I would have to say the Staedtler 782. If it had a lead pointer in the cap, it would be the 925.
or maybe just remove the clip from the TK 4600 and have a better TK9400 version! The longer TK 4600 works better for me when shading/drawing.
The bodies and cones are nearly identical in length. The only difference in length is the knock. I also wanted to keep the white ring of the Tk9400 haha. So I put the clip and mechanism from the 4600 into the 9400 https://preview.redd.it/dtf375mwxe1d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=32b18402c7fe6a39c5041d5bc86884dd8887bc6c
The thicker back part of the TK9400. adds a step that rabs into your hand while shading, the TK4600 doesn't have that issue, almost feels like one piece. Only mod I do, is to sand down a bit. the edge of the back part,because it's slightly sharper, so I make it feel, like the White ring you mention! I also add a drop of Ballistol, on the spring (I unscrew the front part to remove the mechanism,then add the oil on the spring and use my finger to spread it allover it,it makes the mechanism work smoother with less noise,also keeps it from oxidization issues).LAstly,remove the usless clip and you have the perfect drawing pencil. PS I can feel the TK4600 longer, more ergonomic without any hotspots. I use a set of them for shading, for linwork, I use the Pentel Graphgear 500 0.5mm loaded with Ain Stein leads. Along with TK 9071 2mm, are my favorite graphite leads for drawing!
I think i also stayed away from the fixpencil as it’s light and has a plastic inner mechanism. Vintage fixpencils though look so good! I quite like the thicker tk9400 (3.15mm lead)
I've been on the hunt for a vintage 77 for so long, they really do not come up often though. I've never tried a 3mm or 5.6, maybe I should give it a go🤔
Do I need a Caran D Ache Fixpencil? I’ve almost pulled the trigger a few times now.
You know what, I know everyone says it’s an essential, but I can’t say I’m a huge fan. It has a great history, and it’s an iconic design, but I think there are better leadholders out there. It feels too short, too light and not grippy enough for me personally. If I had to buy a Fixpencil today, I would probably try the 884 Junior or try to find an old Fixpencil 77.
Right now I’ve just got the standard Staedtler and Faber-Castel leadholders. I’m trying to decide on my next one. Kohinoor and Uni are on the shortlist as well.
Those are good ones for sure, can't go wrong with either. I'd recommend a Koh-I-Noor 5228, seems like it would fill a gap in your collection for a good lil pocket/notebook pencil. I'm a big fan. If you enjoy it, it's very similar to the 5900 or 5201, so you can be sure you'd enjoy those too. Great thing about leadholders is a lot of them don't cost a ton of $ so it's easy to try different ones.
Thanks! Now I have to track down and buy the Boeing model
😂 Let me know if you manage to snag one, I’d love to see it!
Sheesh. The 614 set is incredible. Congrats! I agree that they are built like tanks and I wish they were 5-10% smaller because they would be more easy to use. As is, I don’t reach for them even though they are beautiful and functional. Same goes for DJ Fugle Leadlok.
Thank you! Smaller in both length and diameter? Interesting.. I find them right in that sweet spot for the size I tend to prefer. I’m still on the hunt for a Leadlok, the ones that come up on eBay are quite expensive! Ps. I’ve crept through your posts a few times, I know you’ve got a great collection!
Yeah, the older all-metal Leadlocks are few and far between. I think the Microtomic 607 and 614 are harder to find, but maybe you and I have opposite luck! Edit: Yes, I mean a bit smaller all around. They feel just a tad bulky to me. However, I just measured and Rotring 600 is 8.05 across the hex and the 607 is also 8.05 across the hex. Also, with lead loaded, they are almost identical in length. So I am not sure why I feel they are bulky since I consider 600 proportions to be fine for my hands. Just a misperception, I guess.
Would you say a Leadlok is worth tracking down? I’ve always thought the transition from hex to grip seemed sharp and abrupt. Doesn’t seem like it would be the most comfortable pencil to use, judging from photos of course.. As for the sizing, I sometimes find the Rotring 600 to be a bit too slim, so it’s interesting that they’re the same! Fit in hand/ergonomics are sometimes quite unpredictable/illogical, I suppose.
Maybe the balance is the difference? Not sure. Your point about the abrupt transition on the old Leadloks is apt. The Microtomic 607 and 614 edges of the hex are eased (rounded) along the barrel and at the transition to the grip the hex corners are chamfered. The resulting smoothness is superb, buttery. On the old Leadloks, the feeling is more angular because the edges of the barrel are not eased and the transition to the grip is not chamfered. They are not as pillowy in hand as the 607, but I would say they are not far from the feeling of an angular Rotring. And the aluminum finish is very fine, closer to a polish which feels good. As far as whether to get the Leadlok, I would say you have the superior item in the 607. Kindof like a Volkwagon Touareg vs Porsche Cayenne. Very similar construction and both good pedigree, but not the same. Also, their parts are not interchangeable, unfortunately. I have tried to set up a Frankenstein and failed. One other note: if you can find a newer black Leadlok and an older silver one, you can make [this Frankenstein](https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanicalpencils/s/ziG0IREQQf) that has the softer edges on the barrel and very nicely chamfered transition area. Very comfortable, just like the 607.
Thanks for your in depth response! I tend to not mind a ´sharp’ hexagonal barrel, but an abrupt transition between barrel and grip is often a dealbreaker for a pencil I plan to use for any prolonged period of time. If I come across an example in good condition for a reasonable price, I’ll try to snag it for the sake of the collection. But I don’t view it as a ‘must-have’ at this time. That Frankenstein Leadlok looks awesome! Thanks for sharing
Wow amazing collection!! Thanks for sharing. What’s your top 3?
•782 •925 •Probably the 614s
As expected from a Staedtler fan xD I have the 925 all black too and it’s lovely to use. Debating if I should get the 782 too but I already have more pencils than I’ll ever need lol
Sure, but what's one more? ;) they take up so little space! haha honestly the 925 is very close to perfection for me. I'd be totally fine if it was my one and only leadholder. If you do end up wanting a 782, I say hold out for one in good condition and at a more reasonable price. The ones up on ebay right now seem overpriced.
Awesome collection. Well done!
Much appreciated, thanks for tuning in!
Great Collection!
Nice stuff... glad to see 2 mm represented...
Does anyone know if they still make the Rotring 800 in 2mm?
They do not unfortunately. I think the only markets they might still be available retail are Romania and Japan (possibly).