TLG-205 0.5 mm automatic mechanical pencil

I rarely provide reviews for anything, but I will make an exception here. I have purchased dozens of mechanical pencils, from the least expensive to high end, and I use them regularly. I am a pencil user, not a collector, and I have been looking for the perfect pencil for at least thirty years. This pencil combines certain attributes in a way I have not seen before, and it is the most "perfect" mechanical pencil made, in my opinion. Here are the reasons I think that: it is slightly heavier than a wooden pencil, and well balanced in the hand; it is slightly larger in diameter than a wooden pencil, and uniform in section, except for the writing tip and eraser; the grip section of the barrel is a relatively hard, grippy rubber, about the same feel as a pencil eraser, but not soft at all, and it doesn't get hung up when sliding it into or out of your pocket; the clip is smooth, close-fitting, provides a tight grip, and is very durable (all metal); the eraser is exposed, so no cap needs to be removed before erasing something; the protective lead support sleeve retracts into the barrel (you have to push it in while pressing the cap) so it does not make holes in your pocket and it will not get damaged when not in use; the protective sleeve and writing lead "knocks" into writing position with a single click, and there is no need for multiple clicks to extend the sleeve and then press multiple times to extend the lead to just the right length; and, the eraser assembly is slightly larger near the top, making it very easy to remove from your pocket—and the force needed to remove the eraser assembly to add lead far exceeds and force needed to extract the pencil from your pocket. This pencil is virtually transparent to use—it is just there in your hand, it feels just right, and it does exactly what it is supposed to do. It may appear not to have any bells or whistles to make it stand out, but that is the essence of its design. Take it from someone who has been mentally cataloging the design flaws of mechanical pencils for decades: this is an unusual bird, and very happy discovery.

ORIGINAL - The eraser pulls out and has a twist mechanism that pushes the eraser up and out to expose more eraser. I wasn't aware of this feature but I am happy that it has it. Overall this is an excellent pencil!UPDATE - I really liked the functions and feel of this mechanical pencil. But I encountered an issue when using it. I was using it, drawing a perfectly straight line, the lead broke as I was doing. Well, what happens when the lead breaks? The tip of your mechanical pencil will hit the paper due to there being no lead in the tip. After the lead broke off, the natural reflex was to pull back, check the pencil, push out more lead, and proceed. I did exactly this, but instead of the lead coming out in increments.. it just fell out.. entire pieces of lead! I checked the tip of the pencil once again.. the retractable tip didn't seem to be coming out all the way. I tried pushing the retractable tip back into the shaft, and releasing more lead, only for the pencil to push out entire pieces of lead again. I tried this again and again.. and eventually the retractable tip itself completely fell out. I was shocked.. the tip didn't appear to be held in by anything! I will be returning this pencil, and trying another retractable pencil. I am highly disappointed!

I have to agree with prosumer's review of this wonderful pencil. I too, have been looking for the "perfect" retractable 0.5mm pencil for many years, have bought them all, from $120. to $5.00. None has come close to the Penac TLG-205. Perfect weight, perfect grip size, flawless retractable tip, extending eraser, and even the best pocket clip (just the right amount of clip pressure). You can pay (much) more - but you won't receive any better - this is the best,

Outstanding mechanical pencil

Something of a rare find, considering they are not typically available in the states. It's a shame, because the pencil itself is top notch, in almost every respect, and the build quality is fantastic.Firstly, both the pocket clip and the tip/cone are metal and, secondly, the fit and finish are excellent throughout. The twist-up eraser mechanism is smooth and functions beautifully, and the lead advancement is positive, consistent and spot on in terms of the amount with each click. The retractable tip functions exactly as it should, and is just one more of the little details that make this pencil so wonderful to use. Last but not least, the grip area is smooth but provides a very good balance of friction (a lot) vs. cushion (not much). The diameter of the pencil is more or less standard, maybe slightly above average, and fits perfectly in the hand.This pencil is a joy to write with, and I'm glad I was able to pick one up. Lots of quality in the build and many features you don't often find in a standard looking, unpretentious mechanical pencil. If you're looking for something that functions the way a mechanical pencil should, having all quality and features but without flashy or gimmicky looks, this will suit your needs. Highly recommended!