Pentel Technica-X Pen and Mechanical Pencil

So I like to buy writing implemets in mass quantities. In addition to the per-unit cost savings comes the security of knowing that I'll always have enough of the low-dollar but hard-to-locate items I like and use.

I'd won two boxes of the Pentel Technica-X mechanical pencils, among other things, on eBay at a really low price even with combined shipping. But I was surprised to get a box of the pencils and a box of its counterpart ballpoint pen. I didn't even know they made a pen, but I guess it just shows what I don't know. So I contact the seller and ask her what we can do to fix things because I really was looking forward to getting two boxes of the pencil. She said that not only would she ship me out the pencils I should have received, but that I could keep the box of pens - for free! AWESOME! Actually, I would have mailed the pens back for whatever it would have cost, but after using the Technica-X pen for a day to take notes and write in my journal, I must admit they're growing on me.

The grip and tip of the pen are its best and strongest features. The rounded tip makes the pen easy to put in one's pocket without worrying about it tearing the fabric. The rubberized grip tapers back to the narrower upper body nicely in a way that I actually prefer. The clip is solid and the body is rigid. The pushbutton for the pen is smooth as well.

But I was after the pencils. Take all that was good about the pens and then there's more good stuff to them. The pencil tip is retractable, making the pencil pocket-safe (ever been stabbed by a mechanical pencil in your pocket while sitting down?). The pencil's pushbutton is the two-stage type. A hard push is needed to bring out the point, and then lighter pushes are needed to advance or retract lead. A hard push is also needed to retract the point. A relatively smaller eraser than what usually comes with Pentel pencils is included at the top of the pen under the cap, but I use a separate eraser out of habit, so no worries.

The only real "downside" of the Technica-X pen and pecil might be that they look too much alike. Personally, I need to check the labeling of the pen/cil or use the pushbutton to check the tip to identify them if taking them out of my pen cup on The Cluttered Desk.

But then that's probably why I got the free box of pens in the first place.