Customer Reviews

This pencil is excellent. I'd consider it the value-version of the Rotring 600. The grip and tip and mechanisms are extremely similar. Although the barrel is plastic, it is heavy duty and feels extremely well built and solid in the hand.

I've done hours and hours of math and engineering homework with this pencil and it is a joy to use.

As a student I've enjoyed using this pencil for math, engineering, and other technical work. It's comfortable to write with and feels solid. I initially wanted to purchase a Rotring 600, but thought the price was a little high. When I saw this pencil, it seemed to me like this was a value-version of the 600. The tip design and grip is extremely similar. It's got great feel and great precision. I suspect the main difference is only in the plastic, smooth barrel. Alvin actually makes a pencil with the hexagonal body like the Rotrings but the top is not as solid as this one.

I would highly recommend it to those looking for a quality drafting pencil that has a solid tip for great precision and smooth writing. I've done hours and hours of homework with this pencil and carry it with me everywhere. I enjoy using it more than my Graphgear 1000, and the metal grip provides a nice contrast to my Pentel Smash. It feels like a quality pencil that will last.

I have used both the Alvin Draft-matic and the Rotring 600. Of course the weight of the Rotring is more substantial than that of the Alvin Draft-matic, however, I honestly have to say that I prefer the rough knurled grip of the Alvin Draft-matic. The Rotring 600's grip is also knurled, but it's markedly smoother to the touch - personally, I like the rougher grip.

PRO:
This is a solid pen. I fell in love with it over the last couple years, while using it to write in my journal.

The metal grip provides a nice weight, and although the barrel is plastic, the whole pencil screws apart and puts back together seamlessly, as if it were one piece.

CON:
1. Pricey
2. Lead grade indicator is a little loose
3. If you pull the cap off too quickly, sometimes the eraser can come out with it (common problem among cheaper pencils)

My new favorite pencil!

Solidly built and even though the barrel is plastic, it is thick and could probably withstand a good beating. The click is very solid and advances the perfect amount of lead out. The eraser is tiny but thats the same thing that can be said about just about every other drafting pencil... Get a Staedtler Mars stick eraser.

In regards to the knurled grip... It is perfect! I dont know how there is people complaining about the "roughness" and how their fingers hurt after using this pencil. This is quite possibly the best grip Ive ever felt. This is a drafting pencil after all and serious manual drafting requires precise control of your writing instrument and this grip gives you that. You could still hold onto this thing if it was coated in cooking oil! Anyone complaining about the rough grip needs to put down their pencil, go outside, do some real manly yard work and develop some stronger fingers and skin and stop using your girlfriends moisturizing lotion every hour! Leave this pencil for us real professionals and go pick up a pink Bic.

My only complaint (if you can even call it that) is the fact that when you write a certainw ay, the metal cap over the eraser wobbles about 1mm side to side inside the end of the barrel making it rattle ever so slightly... I fixed this but using a very very tiny square of the sticky portion of a post it note, adhered to the side of the cap so that it fits between the side of the cap and the inside of the barrel, creating a shim of sorts. No more rattles except spare lead inside the thing!

Love the heavily knurled grip, I hate the smoother types like the horrible Pentel Graph 600 I also bought at the same time. This pencil will really stay in your sweaty mitts while working.

The weight is good and it feels sturdy and comfy to write with.

i've owned several of these over the years, mainly because there weren't many choices around. the design remains unchanged, and it does work as it's supposed to. the problem with this pencil is the knurled grip. it is abrasive, extremely so. it definitely hurts your fingers after using it for awhile. It's also readily available at most art stores here in the states, so you might want to try out one of the other pencils jetpens has available before purchasing this one.

My friend has an Alvin/Draft Matic, and this pencil was kind of a let down. First, the knurled grip is so abrasive i can not stand for more than 15 minutes. It hurts my hand so much and i got a little blister on my finger from it. Also, the tip got bent when it fell from my desk to the tile floor. A complete waste of money. Buy a Graphgear 1000 if u want the modified, durable, and better version of this pencil!!!!!

I use these pencils a lot. Not so much the 0.5mm, but I do own several of this lead size and use it enough to want to put a review on it, so here it goes.


Pros:
Length - Not too short or long, works well.
Pipe Length - About standard, not enough to have me change my writing style to make it work.
Tip - Awesome, its on the longer side due to it part of the grip. Absolutely love the design of the tip, one of my favorites.
Grip - Favorite, well one of my favorite, knurling on this is fantastic, I would put it above the Rotring. I have some Alvins that the knurling is wearing down, but still gives a great grip when writing. Some might say its too aggressive, I say toughen up some. When you're writing for hours, taking down notes and jotting things down quickly, it wont slip out of your fingers. Also, I hvent had it unscrew but just a few times, but thats a rare occasion.
Body - Plastic, but strong, havent snapped it, not sure how other people snap it, if you're not using it as a pry bar then it shouldn't be a problem. Also, they're color coded so makes it easy when you pick it knowing what lead size they are. The girth of the grip is about right, wished it was a tad wider, but definitely better than most out there (Rotring 500, Pentel 205, etc.).
Lettering - Stands out nicely...
Clip - Has one, about standard, has turned on me really, havent bent mine either as I dont really use the clip, more there to keep it from rolling off the table.
Lead Indicator - Has one, which is a plus. Knurled as well, not that a lead indicator needs to be knurled, but sure does make it look nice.
Cap - Shiny, I dont take my cap off very much, really only to refill it...

Cons:
Lettering - It will wear off with lots of use, I have several that have worn off the body.
Lead Indicator - Biggest grip about these pencils is that its a crap shoot of whether the indicator will be stiff or not. This is the downside of buying online, I've had to go to a drafting store to replace a couple of these as the indicators become too loose, to the point that I wont know what lead softness is in them without first writing. Not a deal breaker, but worth noting.
Cap - This is another crap shoot, some are more better fitting than others. Again, this is a downside to buying online but not a total deal breaker as they do go into the pencil enough not to have fallen out while in use.

Overall:
Definitely get these, they are a little more pricey than others, but for what you're getting, its a damn good pencil. I mainly use these in my daily use. I have the 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and the 0.9mm.

I first bought the 0.3mm, and I like it soooo much, I bought this one too.

The Alvin Draft-Matic pencils are my favourite, and they are better than other brands which cost 5 or 6 times as much.

I have a LOT of pencils, but the Alvins have grown to be my favourites over the last year.

The 0.5mm is my favourite 0.5mm pencil EVER!!

It has a solid click, precise lead advancement, good weight (usually enough to hold your page down on your new springy paged paperback novel), good balance, comfortable knurled metal grip, matching lead indicator dial, metal eraser cap, metal lead reservoir tube, and the metal grip screws onto metal threading on the body, not plastic... only metal to metal attachment.

This pencil is the best 0.5mm pencil in the world, and yet it is not nearly the most expensive.

Almost unfathomable value... get one today and you will not be disappointed with it. It should last you your whole life.

Very few of my drafting pencils get a 5 star (see other reviews). But in this case, I love this pencil. Now I dont use it a whole lot, but when I use, it works well. So heres my review.

Pros:
Length - Not too short or long, works well.
Pipe Length - About standard, not enough to have me change my writing style to make it work.
Tip - Awesome, its on the longer side due to it part of the grip. Absolutely love the design of the tip, one of my favorites.
Grip - Favorite, well one of my favorite, knurling on this is fantastic, I would put it above the Rotring. I have some Alvins that the knurling is wearing down, but still gives a great grip when writing. Some might say its too aggressive, I say toughen up some. When you're writing for hours, taking down notes and jotting things down quickly, it wont slip out of your fingers. Also, I hvent had it unscrew but just a few times, but thats a rare occasion.
Body - Plastic, but strong, havent snapped it, not sure how other people snap it, if you're not using it as a pry bar then it shouldn't be a problem. Also, they're color coded so makes it easy when you pick it knowing what lead size they are. The girth of the grip is about right, wished it was a tad wider, but definitely better than most out there (Rotring 500, Pentel 205, etc.).
Lettering - Stands out nicely...
Clip - Has one, about standard, has turned on me really, havent bent mine either as I dont really use the clip, more there to keep it from rolling off the table.
Lead Indicator - Has one, which is a plus. Knurled as well, not that a lead indicator needs to be knurled, but sure does make it look nice.
Cap - Shiny, I dont take my cap off very much, really only to refill it...

Cons:
Lettering - It will wear off with lots of use, I have several that have worn off the body.
Lead Indicator - Biggest grip about these pencils is that its a crap shoot of whether the indicator will be stiff or not. This is the downside of buying online, I've had to go to a drafting store to replace a couple of these as the indicators become too loose, to the point that I wont know what lead softness is in them without first writing. Not a deal breaker, but worth noting.

Overall:
Definitely get these, they are a little more pricey than others, but for what you're getting, its a damn good pencil. I mainly use these in my daily use. I have the 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and the 0.9mm.

This is a fantastic pencil. Another reviewer called it a "rotring lite," and I am inclined to agree. I currently have a Rotring 600, and see many similarities. The draftmatic pencil has a significant weight to it, and it is exceptionally comfortable to write/sketch with.

Definitely worth the money, in my opinion.

My one complaint is that the tip of the pencil is easily bent.

This was my first Alvin pencil, after buying many drafting pencils from other companies (like Rotring, Pentel, and Pro-use).

I liked the 0.3 sooo much, I ended up buying all the other sizes in the Alvin line, and also bought another 0.3mm (to take in my back pack pencil case, leaving my other one at home).

It is worth much more than it costs.

It is well made, it is precise, it feels good in your hand (the knurled metal grip is secure and I've used it for several hours straight without any pain or discomfort in my hand... but I have thick skin, mind you), and it has a decent weight.

It offers a solid and satisfying click sound/feel when you click the button. The lead advances in controlled, precise increments. The lead reservoir tube inside is also metal. And the metal grip screws onto metal threading inside the body, not the yellow plastic you see outside. So, don't worry about stripping cheap plastic threading when you tighten on the grip. This is a weakness in many other pencils in this price range. But don't worry... this Alvin pencil only has metal-to-metal attachment.

I could not say enough in support of this pencil. I'm really picky, and I have very high standards for all my gear and belongings. Alvin pencils have become my standard choice for pencils ranging within the 0.3mm-0.9mm size.

I still occasionally use the Pentel P209 for 0.9mm size, and I have to use other brands for my 2.0 mm lead holders, but from 0.3mm-0.7mm, I have no reason to touch anything else, anymore.

Replacement erasers and other parts are also available, if you ever need them.

This pencil captures the precision you would expect in surgical or dental instruments, and it is beautiful enough to inspire your artistic creativity just by holding it in your hand.

Try it and you will not be disappointed.

Alvin! who knew...?

This is my favourite pencil of all, in my collection of dozens of top-quality pencils. (I have Steadtlers, Rotring 800s, Pentel Graphgears, and Pro-use pencils, and more, to compare it with.)

Alvin pencils are the best. And it is a mystery that they do not cost much, much more.

They basically specialize in the specific design. They do not offer much variety in their line, except for choice of size (and corresponding colour), ranging from 0.3mm to 0.9mm.

I have the whole line, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm.

They feel solid, well made, good weight, well balanced, grippy, precise, and it feels good in your hand even when you use it intensely for hours on end. It is a work of art, and assists you in producing works of art which conducive to its own level of quality.

This will not disappoint. I tell everyone about these Alvin pencils now. I'm still a fan of Pentel as a company overall, but as far as 0.3-0.9mm drafting pencils go, Alvin has MASTERED the art. It cannot be improved.

Don't worry about the plastic tube. It's high quality, and the colours are good. Also, the metal tip and grip do not screw onto plastic... there is metal threading which the grip attaches to, so don't worry about crappy plastic threading which is easy to strip. This point is often the downfall of otherwise good pencils. But it's nothing to worry about with Alvin pencils... metal to metal attachment, only.

Even the knurled lead indicator at the metal capped eraser end is extremely solid and matches the solidity of the grip itself. The metal eraser cap caps over a metal--not plastic!--tube inside. This is also an irritation with many good pencils. But the lead tube reservoir inside is also metal.

They look awesome. And they have an impressive "click!" sound upon lead advancement.

Like I said... the BEST!!! And also the best value. No other pencil comes close, and even pencils which cost 5 times as much are not half as good.

I mean it! Buy Alvins!

Superb pencil! I own the black 0.5 mm one as well. I haven't experienced bent tips so far despite some falls. Regarding the knurl, I don't find it particuarly rough, so I can write for hours. It gives you a good grip. These Alvin pencils are also quite beautiful.

I love this pencil. The build quality is really good - the plastic is thick and durable, the knurling has just the right amount of roughness - and it looks good. And for 12 dollars? I'll be back for more.

6 stars out of 5... A bargin version of the Rotring 600 is a good way to describe this pencil...

I have put in more than a hundred hours behind this pencil and still totally enjoy using it. A lot of .3 mm pencils break lead like crazy. I have not found that to be true at all with this one, and I am using plain standard .3 mm HB lead, not one that is designed to be stronger or not break as often. Though it doesn't have all the fancy nobs & dials like some of the real expensive mechanical pencils on the market these days and channel 3 doesn't come in at all, it is still one of the most solid, dependable and reliable drafting pencils out there. In fact I would bet that a large number of these made today will still be in service, 50 to 75 years from now, it is that well made.

This is a fantastic pencil. Another reviewer called it a "rotring lite," and I am inclined to agree. I currently have a Rotring 600, and see many similarities. The draftmatic pencil has a significant weight to it, and it is exceptionally comfortable to write/sketch with.

Definitely work the money, in my opinion.

My one complaint is that the tip of the pencil is easily bent.

Eraser that came in it is actually decent. I really like the metal grip and the pen itself feels solid. Local art store was selling these for $14. I'm happy that I got it on sale here for $10.20. Definitely a good purchase. If you buy this pencil, you won't regret it.

I do love this color, as the others are great (really like the bright yellow for the 0.3mm as well), this one just looks great. Heres my review.


Pros:
Length - Not too short or long, works well.
Pipe Length - About standard, not enough to have me change my writing style to make it work.
Tip - Awesome, its on the longer side due to it part of the grip. Absolutely love the design of the tip, one of my favorites.
Grip - Favorite, well one of my favorite, knurling on this is fantastic, I would put it above the Rotring. I have some Alvins that the knurling is wearing down, but still gives a great grip when writing. Some might say its too aggressive, I say toughen up some. When you're writing for hours, taking down notes and jotting things down quickly, it wont slip out of your fingers. Also, I hvent had it unscrew but just a few times, but thats a rare occasion.
Body - Plastic, but strong, havent snapped it, not sure how other people snap it, if you're not using it as a pry bar then it shouldn't be a problem. Also, they're color coded so makes it easy when you pick it knowing what lead size they are. The girth of the grip is about right, wished it was a tad wider, but definitely better than most out there (Rotring 500, Pentel 205, etc.).
Lettering - Stands out nicely...
Clip - Has one, about standard, has turned on me really, havent bent mine either as I dont really use the clip, more there to keep it from rolling off the table.
Lead Indicator - Has one, which is a plus. Knurled as well, not that a lead indicator needs to be knurled, but sure does make it look nice.
Cap - Shiny, I dont take my cap off very much, really only to refill it...

Cons:
Lettering - It will wear off with lots of use, I have several that have worn off the body.
Lead Indicator - Biggest grip about these pencils is that its a crap shoot of whether the indicator will be stiff or not. This is the downside of buying online, I've had to go to a drafting store to replace a couple of these as the indicators become too loose, to the point that I wont know what lead softness is in them without first writing. Not a deal breaker, but worth noting.
Cap - This is another crap shoot, some are more better fitting than others. Again, this is a downside to buying online but not a total deal breaker as they do go into the pencil enough not to have fallen out while in use.

Overall:
Definitely get these, they are a little more pricey than others, but for what you're getting, its a damn good pencil. I mainly use these in my daily use. I have the 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and the 0.9mm.

I gave this pencil 5 stars because I've been using this lead size more and more lately. Heres my review.


Pros:
Length - Not too short or long, works well.
Pipe Length - About standard, not enough to have me change my writing style to make it work.
Tip - Awesome, its on the longer side due to it part of the grip. Absolutely love the design of the tip, one of my favorites.
Grip - Favorite, well one of my favorite, knurling on this is fantastic, I would put it above the Rotring. I have some Alvins that the knurling is wearing down, but still gives a great grip when writing. Some might say its too aggressive, I say toughen up some. When you're writing for hours, taking down notes and jotting things down quickly, it wont slip out of your fingers. Also, I hvent had it unscrew but just a few times, but thats a rare occasion.
Body - Plastic, but strong, havent snapped it, not sure how other people snap it, if you're not using it as a pry bar then it shouldn't be a problem. Also, they're color coded so makes it easy when you pick it knowing what lead size they are. The girth of the grip is about right, wished it was a tad wider, but definitely better than most out there (Rotring 500, Pentel 205, etc.).
Lettering - Stands out nicely...
Clip - Has one, about standard, has turned on me really, havent bent mine either as I dont really use the clip, more there to keep it from rolling off the table.
Lead Indicator - Has one, which is a plus. Knurled as well, not that a lead indicator needs to be knurled, but sure does make it look nice.
Cap - Shiny, I dont take my cap off very much, really only to refill it...

Cons:
Lettering - It will wear off with lots of use, I have several that have worn off the body.
Lead Indicator - Biggest grip about these pencils is that its a crap shoot of whether the indicator will be stiff or not. This is the downside of buying online, I've had to go to a drafting store to replace a couple of these as the indicators become too loose, to the point that I wont know what lead softness is in them without first writing. Not a deal breaker, but worth noting.
Cap - This is another crap shoot, some are more better fitting than others. Again, this is a downside to buying online but not a total deal breaker as they do go into the pencil enough not to have fallen out while in use.

Overall:
Definitely get these, they are a little more pricey than others, but for what you're getting, its a damn good pencil. I mainly use these in my daily use. I have the 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and the 0.9mm.

The Alvin Draftmatic 0.9mm is one of the best pencils ever produced, by any company.

This series (Alvin's line available in sizes 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm) have become my favourite, even above Rotring 800s and Pentel Graphgears and Pro-use drafting pencils...

They are made to the highest levels of quality.

They have a solid click and precise lead advancement.

Solid weight and feel.

Metal-to-metal grip attachment... it does *not* screw onto plastic threading which is easy to strip.

Metal lead reservoir tube inside.

Solid knurled metal lead indicator dial at the eraser cap end.

Must be tried to be understood fully. It's quality and price do not correspond at all. It's worth 5 or 6 times as much, and I'd be happy to buy one at such a price, if I ever had to replace mine. But once you have one of these, you will likely never have to buy another one EVER, unless it gets stolen or you lose it, or if you want to bless your friend or brother or sister with one of these beautiful pencils. Really, they should last your entire life... they are such high quality.

The best. You will not be disappointed with an Alvin pencil.

This is the best 0.7mm pencil on the market. I've had many 0.7 pencils to compare it to, and I have a collection of over a dozen highest quality drafting pencils from all the best companies: Rotring, Steadtler, Pentel, and Pro-use...

Alvin Draftmatics are solid, well-made, well-weighted and balanced, precise, durable, stylish, and comfortable. They feel great in your hand, and inspire to to create good ideas and pictures with your hand.

They have a solid click sound and feel when you advance the lead. The grippy and solid knurled metal grip is comfortable, secure, and it screws onto metal threading on the body, not plastic threading! So it is metal to metal... do not worry about stripping the crappy plastic threading you find on inferior pencils.

The tip gives you a good view of your work. And it is designed similarly to the Rotring series of drafting pencils, but I think the Alvin pencils are much better than even the Rotring 800 series, at less than one sixth the price!!

If you are even remotely tempted to try this pencils, you absolutely must give it a chance. It will not disappoint you. Even if it was 100 dollars, I'd say it's still worth it. It's just that well made, and should last you your whole life.

It also has replacement parts available, such as erasers, so you can keep it in ship shape for all those years of service which you are bound to enjoy in the future!

It will become a friend, not just a pencil...