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ninagobragh
I don’t use pencils often. I probably should, considering how often I make mistakes when I write and the fact that not all of my notebooks are pencil-friendly. But even when I do need a pencil, I always reach for a mechanical one.
Why? Because I hate sharpening pencils.
The sound, the mess, the inevitable frustration when the tip snaps off immediately after sharpening—it’s a no from me. Even when it comes to mechanical pencils, I’m very specific. I hate the cheap Bic ones from elementary school that constantly broke apart in my hand. I refuse to go back to that struggle.
That said, I am willing to spend a little money on a good mechanical pencil, one that’s actually sturdy, comfortable, and functional.
What I Look for in a Mechanical Pencil
Not all mechanical pencils are created equal. When I’m considering one, I ask myself a few key questions:
The Pentel Twist-Erase III: The Pencil That Won Me Over
I wasn’t even looking for a new mechanical pencil when I got the Pentel Twist-Erase III. It was a free gift from a JetPens promo code. I figured I’d try it out, but I wasn’t expecting to actually love it.
And I did!
This pencil retails for under $5, which makes it even better because it’s shockingly good for the price. Here’s what I love about it:
The Pentel Twist-Erase III is slim but comfortable, with a slightly tapered design that makes it easy to hold without feeling flimsy. It strikes a great balance—not too bulky, not too fragile—which is exactly what I need in a mechanical pencil.
The rubber grip is soft yet sturdy, providing just the right amount of control without feeling sticky or too firm. Unlike other mechanical pencils with grips that wear down or feel awkward after extended use, this one stays comfortable even during long writing sessions.
Another unexpected win? The metal clip. While many mechanical pencils come with cheap plastic clips that snap off too easily, this one is actually strong. It holds up well in my pen case and doesn’t bend or break with normal use.
But let’s talk about the real star of the show: the eraser. Instead of the tiny, useless nub you get with most mechanical pencils, the Pentel Twist-Erase has a long, built-in eraser that you twist up as you need more. It’s easily my favorite feature, making this pencil more practical and convenient than most others in its price range.
And about that eraser quality? Surprisingly fantastic. It’s not just a gimmick—it actually works. Writing disappears completely with minimal effort. The only downside? It does leave some residue behind, but to be fair, I’ve yet to find an eraser that doesn’t.
The One Drawback
As much as I love this pencil, it’s not perfect for every notebook.
While it works beautifully on thicker paper, it’s not great for my Hobonichi Weeks. The lead presses too hard into Tomoe River paper, almost tearing it. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you use delicate paper.
Final Thoughts: A Nice Free Gift
Despite the one drawback, the Pentel Twist-Erase III is hands down one of the best free gifts I’ve ever received. It’s comfortable, reliable, and has one of the best erasers I’ve ever used on a mechanical pencil.
Would I have bought this for myself? Probably not. Am I glad I have it now? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a solid, affordable mechanical pencil that won’t let you down, this one’s worth trying.
Why? Because I hate sharpening pencils.
The sound, the mess, the inevitable frustration when the tip snaps off immediately after sharpening—it’s a no from me. Even when it comes to mechanical pencils, I’m very specific. I hate the cheap Bic ones from elementary school that constantly broke apart in my hand. I refuse to go back to that struggle.
That said, I am willing to spend a little money on a good mechanical pencil, one that’s actually sturdy, comfortable, and functional.
What I Look for in a Mechanical Pencil
Not all mechanical pencils are created equal. When I’m considering one, I ask myself a few key questions:
- Is the lead sturdy? Or does it snap every time I press down?
- Is the body slim but comfortable? I have a heavy hand when I write, so I need something that rests well in my grip without being bulky.
- Does the eraser hold up? Or does it disintegrate after three uses?
- Do I actually want to use it? Because if I don’t actively reach for it, what’s the point?
The Pentel Twist-Erase III: The Pencil That Won Me Over
I wasn’t even looking for a new mechanical pencil when I got the Pentel Twist-Erase III. It was a free gift from a JetPens promo code. I figured I’d try it out, but I wasn’t expecting to actually love it.
And I did!
This pencil retails for under $5, which makes it even better because it’s shockingly good for the price. Here’s what I love about it:
The Pentel Twist-Erase III is slim but comfortable, with a slightly tapered design that makes it easy to hold without feeling flimsy. It strikes a great balance—not too bulky, not too fragile—which is exactly what I need in a mechanical pencil.
The rubber grip is soft yet sturdy, providing just the right amount of control without feeling sticky or too firm. Unlike other mechanical pencils with grips that wear down or feel awkward after extended use, this one stays comfortable even during long writing sessions.
Another unexpected win? The metal clip. While many mechanical pencils come with cheap plastic clips that snap off too easily, this one is actually strong. It holds up well in my pen case and doesn’t bend or break with normal use.
But let’s talk about the real star of the show: the eraser. Instead of the tiny, useless nub you get with most mechanical pencils, the Pentel Twist-Erase has a long, built-in eraser that you twist up as you need more. It’s easily my favorite feature, making this pencil more practical and convenient than most others in its price range.
And about that eraser quality? Surprisingly fantastic. It’s not just a gimmick—it actually works. Writing disappears completely with minimal effort. The only downside? It does leave some residue behind, but to be fair, I’ve yet to find an eraser that doesn’t.
The One Drawback
As much as I love this pencil, it’s not perfect for every notebook.
While it works beautifully on thicker paper, it’s not great for my Hobonichi Weeks. The lead presses too hard into Tomoe River paper, almost tearing it. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you use delicate paper.
Final Thoughts: A Nice Free Gift
Despite the one drawback, the Pentel Twist-Erase III is hands down one of the best free gifts I’ve ever received. It’s comfortable, reliable, and has one of the best erasers I’ve ever used on a mechanical pencil.
Would I have bought this for myself? Probably not. Am I glad I have it now? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a solid, affordable mechanical pencil that won’t let you down, this one’s worth trying.
