Tested: The Best Mechanical Pencils For Everyday Carry

Usually, when we talk about everyday carry writing utensils, we’re talking about pens. But we realize that the permanence of ink isn’t for everyone — especially creatives, those prone to mistakes, or some combination of the two. In that case, we tend to lean more toward pencils. Unfortunately, standard wood pencils are not exactly efficient. Not only is their usefulness tied directly to how much of them you’ve used, but they require you to carry around a sharpener of some sort in order to keep them in working order. Mechanical pencils, by contrast, are refillable, can be more compact, last far longer, and come in a wider range of styles. In a bid to uncover the best clutch pencils on the market, we’ve searched high and low, rounding up the latest and greatest models in order to deliver this hands-on review and guide to the best mechanical pencils. 

Selection & Testing

There are literally hundreds and hundreds of available mechanical pencils on the market. So, when we set out to discover the latest and greatest this product space has to offer, we kicked off our search by first making a list of criteria that we’d be using to judge each mech pen. This includes factors such as the materials used, lead sizes, design, dimensions, grip pattern, and price and value. We also paid close attention to whether or not any mechanical pencils boasted any unique mechanisms or features — such as retractable lead pipes, lead type indicators, and auto-rotating lead delivery. Scrutinizing these areas allowed us to make a shortlist of models that we suspected may represent some of the best mechanical pencils that money can currently buy. 

After generating this shortlist, we then proceeded to our hands-on testing phase, where each mechanical pencil was then put through its paces. Actually using each pen on a daily basis for several weeks helped shine on a light on other important areas such as balance, ergonomics, and build quality. More importantly, getting hands-on with these mech pens also enabled us to get a more comprehensive sense of how each model performs when put to paper. This included basic writing tests, as well as a shading test, and a precision and control test where I attempted to fill in individual graph paper squares without going outside the lines of each box. 

On top of each mechanical pencil taking a turn in my EDC rotation, I also did side-by-side writing tests where each model was compared and contrasted alongside one another. Each clutch pencil’s performance was also contrasted with its price in order to better determine value. Once this hands-on testing period was completed, we then used our findings to narrow our initial selection of models down to a shorter final list of what we found to be today’s very best mechanical pencils. 

Note: Early on in our testing, I noticed some discrepancies surrounding some of the weights and measurements cited by manufacturers. As a result, we ended up weighing and measuring each mechanical pencil in-house ourselves which are used throughout this writeup and review. 

uni KURU TOGA ELITE

Best Value Mechanical Pencil: Made in Japan, the uni KURU TOGA ELITE is almost certainly the best cheap mechanical pencil on the market. First hitting the market in 2008, the original uni KURU TOGA was a revolutionary design that featured an advanced rotating lead engine that guarantees the mech pen’s lead tip will always remain sharp and even. The ELITE-spec builds on this principle by spinning twice as fast, allowing it to maintain an even finer point. Measuring 5.80” in length, the KURU TOGA ELITE is constructed around a plastic body with a pressed steel pocket clip and a textured metal grip section. 

With a price hovering around the $10 mark, there were unsurprisingly a few downsides I noticed when testing this mech pen. It has by far the cheapest look of any of the models I tested, and is almost certainly the least durable — probably by a pretty substantial margin too. With that said, its performance wasn’t all that far behind that of the other markedly pricier pens on this list. Like the rOtring 600, the KURU TOGA ELITE uses a small cap that sits over its eraser. And while I prefer pressing on the cap — rather than a used eraser — to feed through more lead, I don’t like having to remove said cap in order to use the eraser, which is also tiny and not particularly effective — again, not unlike the eraser in the rOtring 600. 

The fact this mechanical pencil weighs in at just 0.56oz is a bit of a double-edged sword in my experience. It prevents your hand from experiencing fatigue when using it for an extended period and also makes it slightly more conducive to everyday carry, however, it also hinders its balance — if you can even call it that, as I wouldn’t say it’s well-balanced or poorly-balanced, but rather its lack of weight doesn’t really give it the feeling of a balance point one way or the other in terms of how its weight is distributed across the barrel. With that said I do thoroughly appreciate the fact that this mechanical pencil ships with extra-durable nano diamond-infused 0.5mm lead — a major plus on any clutch pencil, let alone one at this price. 

Despite its plastic barrel, the KURU TOGA ELITE offers much of the feel — and writing experience — of a more premium pen. This is largely owed to the fact that its knurled grip section (i.e. the part of the pencil that you physically touch, hold, and interact with) is crafted from metal. The biggest benefit of the pencil’s rotating lead engine is no doubt the fact that it guarantees that its lead tip will almost remain sharp and consistent. Having said that, there’s something particularly satisfying and enjoyable about watching the mechanism as it rotates through the small circular window in the grip section. At the end of the day, it’s the uni KURU TOGA ELITE’s combination of solid performance, a clever rotating lead engine, and unparalleled bang for your buck that have earned it a much-deserved spot on this list. 

Verdict: The uni KURU TOGA ELITE is a wildly affordable clutch pencil that features an alloy textured grip, a rotating lead engine that ensures your lead is always sharp, and a sub-$10 price — unquestionably giving it the best value of any mechanical pencil on the market.

rOtring 600

Best Drafting/Drawing Pick: Since first debuting in 1989, the rOtring 600 has stood as one of the most legendary and iconic stationery products of all-time — rivaled only by the likes of the Lamy 2000 and Staedtler Lead Holder. Spanning 5.65”, the rOtring 600 is constructed around an all-metal body with a hexagonal barrel sandwiched between a knurled grip pattern and a matching knurled rotating lead indicator window. Inside, the German-made clutch pen packs an internal lead deployment mechanism that’s made from brass — an element that not only bolsters smooth and consistent lead advancement, but also one that affords the 600 with a decent heft to it at 0.77oz. All of this adds up to what’s considered by many to be the best mechanical pencil on the market. 

It only took a few minutes with the rOtring 600 in hand to start to be able to appreciate why it’s so revered. Ridiculously well balanced, the 600 is just ridiculously well designed. Every detail is purposeful and serves a clear function. The knurled grip pattern is super effective without feeling rough or grating on your fingers. The 600’s fixed lead guidance sleeve effectively mitigates lead-breaking while also affording an unobstructed view of the page — making it perfect for more precise ruler-based drawing. Unsurprisingly, the 600 performed phenomenally during our precision test. The alloy construction, timeless industrial design, and top-notch build quality collectively give the rOtring 600 the feeling of a precision instrument, rather than a mere pencil — another undeniable selling point. The thing is well crafted, and even the red texting and branding adoring the barrel is crisp and perfectly applied. 

Decorated with one of rOtring’s signature red ring, the top of the 600 features a small cap that can be pushed in order to advance lead to the tip. While I admittedly prefer this setup to pushing on an eraser — especially a heavily-used one — I didn’t love the fact I had to remove this little cap in order to use the 600’s eraser. And while it’s by no means a deal-breaker, I was really unhappy with this model’s eraser, as this afterthought of a detail is tiny, and gets eaten through quickly. It was also the worst eraser on any mechanical pen I tested — and by a decent margin. After several days of drafting with it, the eraser was ultimately the only gripe I ended up having with this mechanical pencil. I also wouldn’t mind seeing the 600 be bestowed with the retractable lead pipe found on the rOtring 800 — though with the 600 being roughly half-the-price, this seems like a fair concession. 

And, despite being a simple press-steel item, I was also really impressed with how strong, robust, and secure the 600’s pocket clip felt. I also appreciate how rOtring opted to bestow the clip with the same matte-metallic black finish used on the clutch pencil’s body. Its overall robust build quality also seemingly plays a role in the 600 exhibiting zero tip wiggle whatsoever. This is particularly impressive considering its price point. Denoting whether the thing is loaded with soft black, hard, firm, etc lead, the lead hardness indicator also also makes it super easy to use multiple 600s with different lead types without confusing which is which. Headquartered out of Hamburg, Germany, rOtring also produces the 600 in 0.35mm, 0.5mm, and 0.7mm lead sizes, plus offers it in black or silver body finishes. 

Verdict: Nothing short of legendary, the rOtring 600 is a thoroughly iconic writing instrument that’s been setting the standard in the drafting pencil space for over 30 years — making it the obvious go-to choice for anyone looking to routinely take on drafting or sketching jobs.

Everyman Grafton Mechanical Pencil

Best EDC Pick: Everyman first debuted the Grafton pen in 2017, ushering in one of the most popular EDC writing instruments of all time thanks to its combination of quality, durability, and value. Fast forward to today and the model’s immense and continued popularity has given way to a host of followup variants including twist pens, click pens, various mini versions, and, most recently, a mechanical pencil version of the Grafton. This clutch pen version maintains the existing Grafton’s basic design, though jettisons the ballpoint ink cartridge in favor of a push-button lead advancement system. Aside from that, this model is no different from other existing Grafton pens — a huge plus in my eyes considering the level of popularity that it’s achieved. 

Despite its robust build quality and alloy construction, the entire thing tips the scales at under an ounce (0.84oz to be exact). Able to accept either 0.5mm or 0.7mm Lead (with a matching lead reservoir), the Grafton Mechanical Pencil is constructed from aerospace-grade 6061 aluminum, from tip-to-tail. The Grafton’s main barrel has been complemented via a pocket knife-style heavy-duty dual-bolt pocket clip and a nine-ring circular grip pattern. The top of the Grafton’s circular grip pattern also serves as the threaded attachment point to the rest of the barrel, visually lending the impression that the entire thing is composed of just a single piece of aluminum — when it is in fact multiple pieces that have been seamlessly integrated. 

At 6” long, I also questioned this pen’s conduciveness to everyday carry, though even at half-a-foot in length, I found it to be plenty pocketable. And, while the eraser largely appears to be an afterthought on some of the other clutch pens that I tested, I was pleasantly surprised by how effective and easy-to-use the Grafton’s eraser was. It wasn’t quite as good as the eraser on Tactile Turn’s more expensive mechanical pen, though it was for sure a very close second. I also no doubt appreciate the fact that the Grafton was engineered to afford a lifetime of use — plus can easily be passed down to future generations, making it something of a modern-day family heirloom. 

Further elevating this pen’s design is the fact that Everyman is now producing the Grafton in a new range of “Super Matte” finishes. The Super Matte finish both looks and feels superb, adding some very very minor texturing while also bringing quite a few style points to the table. At 0.43” in diameter, the Grafton is a fairly beefy pen. This makes it incredibly comfortable in-hand — especially if you happen to have larger hands — though it can also obstruct your view when trying to conduct more precise ruler-based drawing and the like. I also found the mech pen’s balance to be a little top-heavy, though not by a particularly alarming amount. Other than that, I didn’t have any complaints with the mechanical pencil — or with how it performed. 

Verdict: A clutch pen version of one of the all-time most popular EDC pens, the Everyman Grafton Mechanical Pencil offers a lifetime of dependable performance thanks to an aircraft-grade construction, stellar craftsmanship, and a highly-calculated design. Anyone that needs a durable mechanical pencil that doesn’t skimp on technical drafting abilities should definitely be considering the Grafton mech pen.

Modern Fuel Click Pencil

Best Click Pencil: The Modern Fuel Click Pencil is a decidedly robust and premium take on a mechanical pencil. Each pen starts out as a piece of billet, before being precision-machined into a hollowed-out cylinder. From there, the cylinder is honed into a barrel which is then fitted with a conical tip, an eraser-capped knock, and a lead progression mechanism. Backed by a very generous 100-year warranty, this clutch pen features a body that’s milled from one of several premium alloys. Boasting an unmistakably top-shelf level of craftsmanship and build quality, the entire mech pen is blended and finished entirely by hand. 

In addition to being produced with an optional solid metal stand and being sold with optional custom engraving, Modern Fuel also offers this mechanical pencil in bronze, titanium, stainless steel, and copper constructions as well as in 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm sizes — we tested the 0.9mm copper variant. The thing can also be optioned with matching metal eraser plugs and an available touchscreen stylus nib. Modern Fuel doesn’t just make the clutch pen from any bronze, but instead has opted for C52100 bronze, which is typically reserved for crafting high-end watch cases. The construction and build quality is so meticulous that the point where the conical tips threads into the barrel isn’t visibly noticeable, lending the impression the whole thing is milled from a single piece of material. 

Like the Ystudio model, Modern Fuel’s mechanical pencil is also meant to slowly achieve a unique patina over time with regular use, giving it a more personalized feel, adding character, and ultimately making for an even better family heirloom. A replacement (HB) lead set, five erasers, a removable pocket clip, and an Allen key for performing quickly adjustments are all included with this mechanical pencil — plus the whole things comes in a really handsome package with a custom-cut foam insert that perfectly accommodates the clutch pen and its bevy of peripherals. With that said, I did find that its pocket clip was fairly difficult to both install and remove. I also found the generally robust nature of this mech pen did make it more difficult to take on more precise drawing and drafting tasks, as it doesn’t provide the best view of its lead tip. 

At 1.7oz, the Modern Fuel Click Pencil is the heaviest mech pen that I tested — and by a huge margin. When used immediately after any of the other pens, it felt ridiculously heavy, though when I carried the thing in my pocket for a few days and regularly used, it, I was surprised by how well-balanced it was. I also anticipated its ample heft to result in fatigue after using it for a few minutes, though this just wasn’t the case. At 1.7oz, it may be very heavy for a mechanical pencil, though I think it’s important to remember we’re still talking about less than 2oz here, which just isn’t very much in the grand scheme of things. It’s also worth noting that the slightly more expensive titanium model ($124 versus the copper version’s $99 MSRP) is significantly lighter at just 0.97oz. 

Verdict: An ultra-heavy-duty heirloom grade mechanical pencil that’s built like a tank, the Modern Fuel Click Pencil is a thoroughly high-end take on a mech pen that’s crafted in multiple constructions, and lead sizes.

Tactile Turn Titanium Pencil

Best Bolt-Deployed Mechanical Pencil: The Tactile Turn Titanium Pencil was first introduced in 2018 but the plug was pulled on production a few years later in 2020. After returning to the drawing board, the boutique Texan brand has now delivered an even more calculated and well-considered version of its decidedly premium mechanical pen. In many ways, the Pencil is extremely similar to Tactile Turn’s immensely popular Bolt Action pen model, though instead of its bolt following a J-shaped track to deploy a ballpoint ink cartridge, the Pencil’s bolt sits in a I-shaped track, enabling it to control lead progression. 

Each pen starts life as a single piece of (titanium, copper, bronze, or zirconium) billet that’s then precision-machined into form. Once complete, Tactile Turn’s mechanical pencil leaves the lines from its CNC machining on full display — giving it both a unique look, and a unique feel that no doubt helps to bolster grip. Just like with the Modern Fuel model, Tactile Turn’s machining is so precise that you can’t spot where the barrel ends and the conical tip begins. Overall, the Pencil also massively benefits from an unparalleled level of attention to detail. Every detail has been painstakingly considered, and even the pencil’s pocket clip is of the billet titanium variety — not unlike the clips often found on top-shelf pocket knives. 

In addition to four premium material options, Tactile Turn also offers its Pencil model with optional titanium Damascus lead deployment bolt and pocket clip upgrades. Custom engraving is also an option. Also offered in some really interesting limited edition version and finishes — some of which match with LE items of the same batch from Tactile Turn’s sister brand Tactile Knife Company. The Pencil can also be purchased in 0.5mm or 0.7mm sizes. I also appreciate that this mechanical pencil is totally devoid of any branding — save for a Tactile Turn logo and “2024” which have subtly been hidden on the inside of the model’s pocket clip.  

The tip/lead visual obstruction issue that plagues the Ystudio and Modern Fuel pens is also present on Tactile Turn’s Pencil — albeit to a lesser extent. This was the only gripe or downside I uncovered when testing this clutch pencil. I had originally jotted down a few lines in my notes about how its fairly expensive and doesn’t afford very decent bang for your buck, though after using it for an extended period my views here have taken a 180, as its super premium materials, top-notch build quality, and highly-calculated design actually give this heirloom-quality writing instrument pretty decent value. Sure, $100 is admitedly a lot to drop on a mechanical pencil, but it will almost certainly offer you a lifetime of use — in fact, it definitely will, as the thing comes backed by a lifetime warranty, should you somehow find a way to damage this ultra-rugged item. 

Verdict: Weighing less than an ounce, the Tactile Turn Titanium Pencil is an American-made mech pen offering many of the features — and much of the feel — of Tactile Turn’s super-popular bolt-action pens. Beautifully machined, these clutch pencils are ultra-rugged and built to last a lifetime — making them the perfect choice for any EDC enthusiast that’s got a bit of money to spend.

Ystudio Classic Revolve Mechanical Pencil Lite 

Best Top-Shelf Mechanical Pencil: The Ystudio Classic Revolve Mechanical Pencil Lite is about as timeless as a writing instrument can get, with an overall appearance that leaves you unsure as to whether it was produced within the last year or half-a-century-ago. Clocking in at 0.9oz and spanning 5.65” in length, Ystudio’s Classic Revolve Mechanical Pencil Lite is comprised of a brass barrel that tapers into a conical tip. On the opposite end of the barrel is a push-button lead advancement setup crafted in contrasting copper. 

The choice to construct this model’s body from brass not only results in a super rugged mechanical pencil, but it also allows it to slowly develop a unique patina over time as it oxidizes and is exposed to the natural oil on our skin and hands. This ultimately gives this timeless clutch pen markedly more character and charm. Though the pencil’s hexagonal body provides decent ergonomics, the thing is devoid of any type of knurling or grip pattern. This initially had me questioning if it was designed with function taking a backseat to form, though after extensively using the CRMPL it quickly became clear that this was far from the case. Not only does it feel fantastic in-hand, but it also benefits from what may be the most perfectly-balanced design of any of the mech pens that I tested. 

One of the advantages of using a mechanical pencil over a ballpoint or fountain pen is the fact that mech pen writing can be erased. This area is lost on the Ystudio Mechanical Pencil, as it doesn’t feature an eraser — though I do realize you could always purchase a separate eraser, albeit it won’t be integrated into the pencil. It is crucial to note that this Ystudio offering wasn’t engineered specifically for drafting like the rOtring 600 or uni KURU TOGA ELITE. As such it doesn’t offer quite as unobstructed of a view as these two aforementioned models. 

With that out of the way, I was particularly fond of how short this pencil’s fixed lead guidance setup is, as it allows the thing to look like a regular ball-point pen. I did, however, notice that this model is slightly more prone to lead-breaking, though not to an extent where this design decision can’t be justified. In addition to offering the Classic Revolve Mechanical Pencil Lite in a blacked-out colorway, Ystudio also makes a matching Classic Reflect-Pencil lead box with the same hexagonal design as the clutch pencil’s body — plus it’s offered in raw brass or black-finished versions. 

Verdict: The Ystudio Classic Revolve Mechanical Pencil Lite is a timeless-looking heritage design that’s been brought to life using premium materials and craftsmanship — making it a go-to choice for anyone looking for a clutch pen that excels whether carried in the pocket or left on a desk.

Mechanical Pencils Comparison Chart

What Exactly Is A Mechanical Pencil?

Like their name suggests, mechanical pencils are a mechanized version of standard pencils that see their normal woodcased construction jettisoned in favor of a plastic, polymer, or alloy barrel. Also known as “clutch pencils,” mechanical pencils feature a replaceable and mechanically extendable lead delivery system that allows it to feed out solid pigment core as needed. In many ways, mechanical pencils offer the best of both worlds from regular pencils and ball-point pens. There are even tactical versions of mechanical pencils.

Why Use Or Carry A Mechanical Pencil?

Mechanical pencils offer a number of objectives advantages over standard woodcased pencils. For starters, they never need to be sharpened, plus are typically able to deliver more consistent line width — and more consistent balance. Mechanical pencils also tend to be markedly more durable than their woodcase counterparts. Mechanical pencils also provide far more options for different styles and materials. What’s more, the lead used by mechanical pencils doesn’t ghost or smear as much as a woodcased pencil’s standard graphite. 

More importantly, mechanical pencils make for much, much better drafting instruments compared to regular pencils or ballpoint pens. They’re incredibly easy to control and allow for a higher degree of precision — making them perfect for sketching and drafting. Additionally, the fact mechanical pencils can accept different lead types also makes them more versatile than normal pencils or pens — and makes shading much easier. Alongside helping with writing pressure problems, mechanical pencils also stay the same length, thereby making it easier for their user to get a consistent grip. 

What To Consider When Shopping

If you’ve ever spent time in a classroom, chances are you’re plenty familiar with mechanical pencils. With that said, the cheap often disposable mechanical pencils we used as kids are a far cry from the markedly more rugged and robust modern mechanical pencils that have been engineered for everyday carry. To help streamline the purchasing process, we’ll be breaking down the most crucial areas one should consider when buying an EDC mechanical pencil. 

Size: Just like with click or bolt-action pens made for EDC, everyday carry mechanical pencils are produced in a wide range of sizes, both in terms of the length of the pencil and its diameter (with some brands offering regular and slim versions of their pens and pencils). 

Ergonomics & Grip: An area that has a massive impact on how a mechanical pencil performs is its ergonomics and grip. This includes how the pencil is shaped, and whether or not its barrel features any type of texturing or pattern t enhance grip. 

Lead Refills: Different mechanical pencils accept different lead refills. Unlike ink cartridge refills for regular pens, mechanical pencils simply use lead in one of several sizes — with 0.5mm and 0.7mm being the two most common. Some mechanical pencils can actually accept multiple lead sizes, too. 

Materials: The single biggest area that separates more premium EDC mechanical pencils from their cheaper counterparts is the materials used to make them. EDC-specific mechanical pencils almost always boast rugged constructions ranging from titanium to stainless steel to aluminum to copper to bronze. 

Finish: A decent number of today’s mechanical pencils are offered in more than one color option or finish. If you’re trying to inject some vibrant color into your EDC or are looking to maintain an ongoing color theme, this is definitely an area you’ll want to take into account when shopping. Additionally, you’ll also want to examine the manner in which the mechanical pencil has been finished, whether its color is anodized, painted, powder-coated, etc. 

Balance: A monumental part of a mechanical pencil’s performance and overall user experience is owed to how well-balanced it is. This is another area that helps to distinguish the more calculated, premium models from the cheaper mechanical pencils on the market. It is admittedly hard to get a sense of balance simply From viewing an item in photos, though there’s plenty of readily available information on this subject floating around on various forums, blogs,  and online message boards. 

Hardware & Additional Elements: While a mechanical pencil’s barrel, tip, and click mechanism are the most important parts that comprise it, there are nonetheless a few smaller, more minor components that one should also consider when shopping, such as a mechanical pencil’s pocket clip and hardware. It’s also crucial to check whether or not a mechanical pencil features an eraser or not. 

Price & Value: Another area in which mechanical pencils can hugely differ is in pricing. Typically speaking, shelling out more money will unlock better, more premium materials, superior craftsmanship, and often more calculated designs. With that said, the more expensive mech pens seldom offer anywhere near the level of bang for your buck afforded by their more affordably-priced counterparts — making this another crucial area to consider when shopping. 

Honorable Mentions

Not unlike the rOtring 600, the Staedtler Mars technico 780 “Lead Holder” is an iconic mechanical pencil that offers fantastic performance at a solid price. Because it and the rOtring are so much alike, we opted to relegate this otherwise fantastic clutch pen to an honorable mention slot.

If you happen to be in the niche that spends ample time outdoors and needs to regularly take on drafting and sketching tasks, then the Rite In The Rain #15 Work-Ready Mechanical Pencil is almost certainly your best bet.

Fully TSA-compliant, the ATECH INNOVATION 4-In-1 Phone Stand Multi-Tool Pencil is a cleverly-designed mechanical pencil that boasts a suite of integrated functions including a ruler, pocket clip, and bottle opener. While these functions do increase the products conduciveness to everyday carry, they don’t bolster its writing performance or on-the-page experience quite enough to justify us including it as a main pick.

Just like the rOtring 600, the Lamy 2000 is a legendary piece of stationary kit that’s well-worth considering anytime you’re looking at mechanical pencils. While it does perform well, the Lamy 2000 is quite a bit pricier than the rOtring or the Staedtler — which is why we opted to make it an honorable mention instead of a main pick.

The Big Idea Design Bolt Action Pencil is another fantastic premium take on a titanium-construction mechanical EDC pencil. As great as it is, this clutch pen happens to tick many of the same boxes as Tactile Turn’s Titanium Pencil, so for the sake of variety, we opted to make Big Idea Design’s Bolt Action Pencil a very honorable mention.

Tested: The Best EDC Pens For The Money

Want to check out another curated selection and review of other stellar writing instruments for EDC use? Then be sure to head over to our tested guide to the best EDC pens for the money.