[Pen/Pencil Review] The Pentel Sharp Kerry 0.5mm
I could’ve sworn I’d done a review on this pencil before, but I can’t seem to find it. So I’m going to doing it again—or maybe for the first time. Jimmy bought me this a while back, because he’s a great enabler. This is Pentel’s Sharp Kerry 0.5mm capped automatic pencil. The Pentel Sharp Kerry is definitely a different take on typical automatic pencils. And it does take some getting used to.
There are pros and cons to this pencil.
Pros – the capping feature does protect pockets, purses, and people. I have stabbed myself on automatic pencils countless times feeling around in my purse. A properly capped Kerry removes that issue. It does have a smooth lead feed that is accessible even when the pencil is capped. The cap has a good, secure posting. There’s no wondering if it’s going to go flying off. It has a smooth grip – no rubberized ergonomics, but the barrel moving into the point has no sharp edges. Everything’s rounded off to not dig in.
Cons – the eraser is under a cap where a retractable plunger would be, and if you don’t know to look there… you’re not going to find the eraser. That eraser cover is also the advancer when the cap is posted. And it just took me almost a minute to remember that you pull out the advancer on the tail end to refill the lead – and you have to tug hard. For me, it’s short. Not quite too short, but kinda short. The Kerry is 4.75†capped and 5.25†posted. It’s pretty well balanced for the length, but I would like it to be longer. You can advance the lead while the pencil is capped which is a mixed blessing, I just had the advanced lead break off when I posted the cap to measure. Oh, and these are not cheap.
I’m throwing in a writing sample for grins. I used 2b lead in it because I like darker, softer lead. This is a pencil. As long as the lead advances (and it does – retracts, too) there’s not a lot to differentiate pencils for writing. But it does feel pretty good.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It’s a pencil. It advances. It retracts. There’s an eraser. The fact it has a cap and some new design work doesn’t impede function and makes it look cooler.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – Though the edges are rounded off at the tip, there are some seams. There’s no cushion to the grip, so if you clutch tightly, you’ll fatigue. It’s not bad, but it’s not the most comfortable in the world.
3. Material – 1 This is lovely. It’s all metal. It feels strong and secure. It comes in several colors so you can get one that’s pretty as well as functional. The parts feel solid. It’s built to last.
4. Overall Design – 1 – Considering they redesigned the mechanical pencil to have a cap is AWESOME. Yes, I have some quibbles with it, but overall it’s a fun new design that really does work well for turning something that hasn’t seen an upgrade in a long time to something innovative.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s expensive for a pencil. The Sharp Kerry runs $20 (less in some cases depending on where you get it). If you’re looking for something to use for a long time, or you need a pencil on you all the time and don’t want to rip shirt pockets or purses, then I would highly recommend this one. But if you’re looking for a simple school pencil… yeah. No.
I give it 4 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
