Staedtler mars technico leadholder clutch pencil 2mm 780C

Product Information

Like many lead holders, this one has a drop-type clutch mechanism, which means the lead drops down once the clutch is open rather than being propelled incrementally as it is in some mechanical pencils.

Crafted from brass, it’s available in a bold gold tone that will patina with use or a black lacquer finish that gradually wears away to reveal raw brass underneath. Initially, I worried that the metal ring might make for an uncomfortable grip, but I've not had any issues based on how I hold the pencil. Be sure to keep your other hand under the lead holder to stop the lead at the preferred length and prevent it from falling out completely.

The lead holder is also known as a clutch pencil because of its clutch mechanism that grips the lead. The idea caught on, and the product has remained in the company’s lineup as one of its longest-running products.

Also available is the Staedtler 925-35 All Black Lead Holder, which packages the same features in stylish matte black. The pencil is also very well balanced, and feels similar to a fat "jumbo-style" woodcase pencil in the hand. Its plastic body is lightweight, but metal details like the clip and knurled grip make it look more expensive than it is.Disclaimer: Sotteranea Officina Sperimentale sent me this Sostanza free of charge for review purposes. The lead is moved by pressing the knob in leaned pencil position, which opens the clamp and the lead is slid out. Though the holder itself seems of lesser quality than some of the other options on this list, the lead that comes with this device is silky smooth. The one thing I really like is that the PENXO, for me, is the same length as a woodcase pencil that has been used and sharpened down to that "perfect length" for my hand.