Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil (0.5mm), Pink Barrel, 1 Pencil (P1035P)

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!

I had one in college ... went the mileage and lost it just after graduation. Had to buy another and continue to use it 18 years later. This one is headed to the university because I wasn't willing to give mine up. Why I love it? 1) Stainless steel body and cap give a good weight and great balance. 2) It's old school mechanical ... you can take it apart and clear broken lead from the inside springs and mechanism making the writing experience good as new. 3) It's RELIABLE ... did I mention old school mechanics that don't fail. Rarely have broken pieces of lead in it (even after dropping), and even if I do, the feed is lined up so well it pushes dead lead out with out having to pull it out or take it apart and re-feed new lead. 4) Standard lead sizes and easy to find eraser refills (although I prefer better erasers (e.g., Stadtler) so I don't use the one in the cap unless it's an emergency (i.e., in the case I can't find my separate eraser and HAVE to change something that I can't just cross out). 5) It has a cap that protects your lead and keeps it from breaking when you throw it in your backpack or bag. 6) It has a cap so that it doesn't snag, get caught, tear anything, or smear lead on homework/notes when it's in your backpack or bag 7) Styling -- looks suave and cool. It's cool and classy in the classroom and can go from the design meetings to the corporate meetings with the director and VPs ... and I still get to use my pencil without looking like a Sheldon! Issues with it? Ok, perfection doesn't exist ... but it doesn't mean I don't LOVE it! 1) The eraser is small ... I think I mentioned the standard small mechanical pencil erasers. Don't like them, never liked them, but they are standard so can at least easily find cheap refills. 2) Ok, when the cap is on the back of the pencil (and if you have small hands -- or aren't paying attention) AND are holding onto the cap end (not the barrel) AND advance the lead ... physics takes over. Yes, if you are not careful the pencil can possibly unhook from the cap and shoot/launch out of the cap. It's actually quite funny ... unless you sit in the front row of the class and almost hit your professor ... as he paces in front of you ... and has to protect himself ... Ok, 17 years later it's funny.

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.

Already have the .7mm but needed something finer for notes in my bible. This .5mm fits the bill and stylishly, too.

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.

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.

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