Sharp Kerry Automatic Pencil, 0.5 mm, Blue Barrel, 1 Pencil (P1035C)

As a self-described lifelong "office supply Nerd-ette", and owner of a multitude of geeky-drafting mech pencils, my love-affair with Pentel Sharp Kerry pencils began when I decided to purchase a simple, portable model to match my pink, Ohto Tasche pocket pen (ASIN B002UXQNRY). While Ohto does make an exact matching mech pencil (ASIN B002UXQNS8), the good reputation of Pentel's Sharp Kerry piqued my interest. Upon receiving my Kerry, I knew I had made the correct decision. Within days I ordered a blue, grey, and finally the Limited Edition Black & Gold model. They're all well-made, nicely balanced propelling-type mech pencils. Arrived well-packaged, in a sleek, hard-plastic, ovoid-shaped case: good for both protection against scratches in a drawer, or for presentation purposes. The cap is constructed of brushed aluminum, while both barrel parts are of a lustrous plastic, somewhat reminiscent of celluloid. While this contradicts the product description of being "all-metal", it doesn't detract from my satisfaction with the product. Earlier Sharp Kerry pencils were indeed constructed of all-metal components, but as of late this is sadly no longer the case. I also noticed another reviewer mention a slight colour "mismatch" between the barrel & cap--- the difference in materials would account for this. As noted, the colour difference is very slight-- nearly imperceptible in my pink and blue Kerry's, but much more pronounced/noticeable in the grey colour. (The barrel is several shades darker grey than the cap). I find it an attractive contrast quite frankly, but realize it may not be to everyone's liking. The cap offers a reassuring, audible "click" when capping the pencil and upon affixing it to the barrel end when preparing to write. A small, white eraser is located under the cap's crown. The eraser's accessibility is dependent on the cap being firmly secured to the end of the barrel. The "click" action pushes the eraser into place. One needs only to remove the cap's end-crown to reveal it. The machine-knurled "mid-section", while placed a bit too high up the barrel to properly function as a "grip", does makes for a rather elegant ornamentive touch. A very well-balanced writing instrument, with or without the cap affixed. Very comfortable to write/draw with for extended periods, even for those with some arthritic symptoms. The diameter is slightly wider than average, but in no way could be considered a "fat-body" mech pencil. Affixing the cap while writing adds a bit more girth. I've not experienced any "lead-wiggle" in any of the four Kerry's that I own. Each "click" delivers the perfect amount of lead-advance. I'd describe this pencil as being somewhat "executive", appearance-wise. As a professional illustrator-writer-crossword constructor, I load my Kerry's with various soft grades of lead (4B - B). Work has a renewed pleasure now as I sit down each day at my desk and reach for my Sharp Kerry's. Overall, the Kerry's simple design is truly a thing of beauty in an age of complicated gadgets. This inexpensive pencil is pleasing both functionally and aesthetically. Since experiencing the Sharp Kerry, even my beloved $150 Montblanc mech pencil has been gathering dust. Thank you for reading, - CC, Amazon Prime Member-Reviewer * HINT: Re: Eraser refills (Pentel Z31). Avail at a much lower price ($1.49/tube of 4 erasers) at OfficeWorld dot com.

Background: I am a huge fan of the Pentel sharp Kerry. I actually used this mechanical pencil 10+ years ago when it was called the Pentel 5. Since then the name has changed, but the pencil is still of the same high quality. I currently own about 5-6 of these. I have neglected to write a review for this pencil for about 4 years now (orig purchased on amazon back in 2008). But I use it almost everyday that I believe it truly deserves a good review. So here goes... How it writes? Probably one of THE MOST smoothest mechanical pencils I have ever used. Call me a mechanical pencil geek, but I used to collect different mechanical pencils (ranging from several japanese mechanical pencils to more widely known "Dr. Grips" to test out how each one wrote. The sharp kerry was hands down my favorite. Because the construction of the pen is very solid, there the pencil is of perfect weight (not too light nor too heavy). Build of the pencil? Absolutely solid. As many of the other reviewers have mentioned, the pencil itself comes with a cap which can be attached on either end of the pen. Either the writing end or the eraser end. It is great that there is a refillable pentel eraser at end of the cap. I also feel that the pencil has great durability. The metal on it is not cheap shiny plastic, but rather strong metal. I actually dropped it on the floor a couple of times, yet still no scratches or dents. Aesthetics? One of the most beautiful pencils I have ever used. The metallic appearance of the pencil gives it a "executive look". I have gotten several complements from others- many of whom thought the pencil cost at least $50! Cons? Very few if any! My only grudge is that the small little silver caps can get lost. Not because it falls off easily, but rather if you misplace it when you are using the eraser. I have lost one of the silver caps (but totally my fault), but I am sure that Pentel sells replacement caps. Bottom line: If you are looking for a elegant and classy pencil that write very smoothly, this is definitely for you. Of note, Amazon now offers it for ~$12. When I bought these pencils several years ago it cost ~$20!

This pencil, hands down, is the best EDC pencil you'll ever own. The Sharp Kerry comes in a variety of commonly available lead sizes, and, simply, is a solid writing/sketching/messaging instrument. I have carried one version of this or another (think of the old all-metal Pentel 5) for the past 35 years, mostly in .5 or.7 lead size and they simply are the best. One of the best features is the design, specifically the cap, which not only protects the tip and the lead, but also save you from being skewered by your pencil when you drop it in a pants pocket to go somewhere. They have a nice weight in your hand and handle tasks from writing to sketching to design without a hitch. How would I compare the older versions of Pentel's capped pencils with the modern ones? The modern ones such as the Sharp Kerry have evolved well. They are light, rugged and reliable and those are very good qualities. Pentel stayed true to one of their best-designed products and updated only is it needed to be updated versus adding meaningless features that hinder, rather than help the product. The modern version come in colors too, a handy thing if most of your EDC carry accessories are the same uniform color as all you gear, making it things challenge to find sometimes. Sure, you have lot of options out there. But don't pass this one up. It'll soon become your favorite too.

All things considered, this is probably the best mechanical pencil ever manufactured. If a better one was ever made, it was likely much more expensive. Pros: 1. Cap protects stylus from damage when pencil is not in use. 2. Cap closes with a very satisfying positive click, and remains secure in either the open or closed position. 3. When pencil is closed it is very compact, when open it is a good usable size and not too short. 4. Barrel is a good ergonomic diameter, not too thin, not too thick. 5. When the pencil is closed, user can access the lead reservoir easily. 6. When the pencil is open, user can access the eraser easily. 7. Slick and clever reservoir/eraser design has a "why didn't I think of that?" quality. You'll see. 8. Good balance. Heavy enough to feel substantial, yet not so heavy that it ever weighs your pocket or shirt down. 9. Durable. Mine has seen daily hard use for 3 months and shows no signs of wear. 10. Handsome, professional looking. Looks and feels like it was expensive, impresses people. 11. Affordable. $15 on Amazon, $20 at the local stationary store. I have had expensive pencils in the past and this one puts them to shame. 12. There are probably a bunch of other pros that I am forgetting. Cons: 1. The kerry wastes about 5/8"-3/4" of each lead. Seems like maybe 1/8"-1/4" more than other mechanical pencils I've used. Maybe. This is a very minor gripe, only adding it to be thorough. 2. The clip although perfectly functional and secure, seems like it could potentially break-off, ether through light-med abuse or eventually over a long period of normal wear and tear. This is an assumption based on using it, mine has not failed, I have no idea how durable it may actually be. Seems like this is the weak point, if you are really looking hard for one. 3. No matching pen available. Now I'm really stretching for a con here. I'd like a matching pen, but that is hardly the fault of the pencil. I love this pencil. <3

I read about this pen in Inc Magazine (ironic, isn't it? An inkless instrument in Inc.). It was in a section about what things different people always had with them. I've used pens that ranged from 99 cent BIC pens to $400 Montblancs. I must admit that I enjoy writing with a better pen, but after having lost a few, I have a hard time spending that kind of cha-ching on something goes missing so easily. If you lose a $12 pencil a few times each year, what's the big deal? So, I bought a pencil... something I haven't used since high school. And I must say, I very much enjoy it. I purchased a softer lead (2B) that made the lines a little bit darker. Writing with this pencil is smooth and effortless. For example, when you are writing in a notebook near a spine, the page will bow up and you'll end up with pen marks on your paper. This doesn't happen with the pencil. I have had several people comment on the looks of it and had a woman at a conference tell me repeatedly how "neat" my notes looked in comparison to hers. The only thing I can't do with it is sign contracts, which is no fault of the pen. Initially, I thought it was a little short, but after writing with it, I never thought about it again.. .and I'm 6'3" with larger hands than most people, so I doubt this will be an issue for you either. The Pentel Sharp Kerry looks professional and has not even a blemish on it, even though I travel a lot and spin my pencil around on the desk when thinking. It is well-made, fits well in your hand, and brings you back to basics. There may be other pencils out there that cost more, but I can't imagine more bang for your buck than this one.

I like the design of the pencil and how it is put together. They put a lot of thought into how the pencil operates, but not enough into how it feels when you use it. To me the pencil is not balanced because you put the cap onto the top of the pencil when you want to use it. This makes the pencil top heavy and I'd also like it to be a little bit thicker (i.e., bigger diameter). However, if it were better balanced I could probably overlook how thin it is because it is, technically, a great pencil.

Pentel Sharp Kerry is my favorite pencil. The cap snap protects the metal shaft and is very satisfying, perfect for those who enjoy fidgeting. I initially didn't think I was going to like the size or the paint finish, but it fits in my larger hand perfectly and it's not slippery. The pencil is mostly made of aluminum and plastic, making it elegant and light. I would've preferred matte, but the metallic paint looks classy and I've grown to like it. I've bought this pen in a variety of colors, the build is consistent through all of them.

This pencil is one of those writing utensils that just feels great in the hand. The weight of it means you don't have to exert much pressure to write with it, but it is still light enough never to fatigue the hand, which is great for those people who do a lot of writing like I do and can get the "claw hand" cramps! Because it is weighted the way that it is, it also feels incredibly balanced in the hand--not top or bottom heavy. It is hard to describe, but if you spin it on a flat surface, you'll know what I mean. I know that sounds kind of odd, but it really does reveal the way the pencil is evenly balance in design. To top it off, it's a lovely, stylish instrument, and anyone who has ever momentarily borrowed it _always_ comments on how nice it is. Of course, I only hand it over while standing patiently waiting for its return because its the kind of item you want to make sure you get back! There are only two small drawbacks: (1) the eraser is really small, which is not a problem for me but could be for someone who works with numbers or does more than a moderate amount of erasing; (2) (and this is only me nitpicking) since it uses 0.5 pencil lead, it has a bit of a rougher glide across the paper than it sibling, the Kerry 0.7, which I also use. However, for those who enjoy a "finer" lead point, it is perfect. Overall, it is a lovely pencil that rivals any of the much more pricey mechanical pencils out there, and that makes the Kerry a great value to boot!

El lapicero tiene un diseño bonito y elegante. Aunque la parte inferior es de plástico todo lo demás es de metal. Me gustó mucho.

The pencil is, in my opinion, among the best looking mechanical pencils you can get. I have it in both red and black (0.5 and 0.7) and they both look incredible. I like that you can use it with or without the cap attached to the back, which changes the size and weight distribution. The lead advancement is very precise in small increments and the grip is comfortable, if a bit on the small side. I can feel the lip of the frame where it meets the silver tip component, though. I like how the tip of the cap has a button that extends to be used to advance the lead when the cap is on the back of the pencil. They've even designed it so that the button stays retracted if the cap is not rear-mounted, so it doesn't flap about. Simply a well designed instrument.

Um clássico! Belo, elegante e excelente, e muito original. Recomendo vivamente!

色がとても綺麗でかっこいいです。

Muy buen obsequio