Customer Reviews

This is a great pencil, but it was too light for my liking. I had hoped there would be some more weight to it underneath the wood, but I was disappointed. I prefer the weight of something like a Rotring 600. I was also not a fan of the fact that the lead advancing button was flimsy plastic. The rest of the pen seemed well constructed.

To me, this seems like a great pen if you want the wooden body. If you aren't passionate about a good fit and feel like I am, you might really enjoy it.

I'd originally intended to purchase the Staedtler 925 85, the Regulator. I've used Staedtler pens and pencils for years. Generally, I find them to be reliable, high quality writing/drawing tools.

But, the Pilot S20 drafting pencil was so beautiful, I took a chance and I ordered it instead. The moment I held the S20, the instant I put the lead to the page, I knew I'd made a good choice.

The S20 is perfectly balanced and fits my grip like it was specifically made for my hand/fingers. Weight is just right, neither too heavy or light and the same for its balance. There are no rattles or unwanted flexing when pressure is applied; no distracting features whatsoever.

Simply put, the S20 is an elegant pencil that looks every bit as good as in the advertising photos. It performs beautifully, laying down a smooth application of lead to paper, almost as if the line is flowing onto the page. While it has yet to stand the test of time, it has the feel of an instrument that will.

This pencil is a keeper!

This is wooden body pencil. Inside barrel is plastic, with a nice brass precision mechanism. The tip and the clip are nice matt aluminium finish. This pencil is well balanced and wooden grip is excellent. There is no doubt that Pilot makes some of the best quality pencils. Get one while it is still there. You will love it.

I love the raw wood texture of this pencil, it's very easy to grip, and the satin silver finish against the red stain look amazing.

The top of the pencil can be rotated when removed to display different lead hardnesses. It just needs to be removed, and with one hand, you hold the base, and with the other hand you spin the top until it displays the desired lead hardness. There's HB, F, H, 2H, and 2B, in that order.

Top, top quality working tool. This pencil is distinctive and elegant, but don't let that fool you. It takes care of business. I have a lot of pencils that are beautiful, and a lot of pencils that get the job done - none does both better. The S20 is a pleasure to hold (I also have the 0.5mm for less detailed work) - the wooden texture is smooth but won't slip, and the grip design lends itself well to both drafting or writing. You could comfortably use the S20 all day. All this in a pencil you would be proud to show off. The eraser, however, is for emergencies only (I recommend the black Boxy from JetPens for office situations). This pencil is an excellent value for the money.

My new Go To Pencil. Out of all my mechanical pencils (& I have quite a few) this has quickly become my primary tool. If you appreciate good mechanical pencils like me, enough to have a collection of them, that says it all. Listed as a drafting pencil it is very comfortable for writing also. If you just need a pencil, there are less expensive ones that will do the job. This one does it with comfort, quality, & class.

This pencil is just lovely. The fine wood finish is as unique as it gets. It is light compared to most other drafting pencils but nicely balanced/weighted. Besides the eye catching exterior deep red wood and silver matte aluminum parts, it seems solid to last a long time. Good addition for collectors.

a blend of nature and mechanics. this is just what i was looking for. I've purchased quite a few mechanical pencils, some for pure collecting reasons, or just because they looked so darn cool, but most importantly, trying to find a pencil that would feel comfortable in my hand. this one is pretty darn close. my go to pencil has always been the pilot s3, great, but all plastic and just a little too light weight for my hand. The grip on the s20 was a bit too rough, but this one is just right. comfortable feel of wood against the fingers, not too light and not too heavy. seems solid wood from what i can see, but i havent taken it apart, so i cant be sure. however, since it is wood, it's best to keep it in a dry place. a little moisture would no doubt make the wood warp, puff up, or if its veneer, its sure to peel off, so handle with care just in case. overall a great pencil for use or for your collection. I might have to order one more just for collecting :)
-http://mariochavez.deviantart.com/

The previous 5-star review is complete and accurate. The S20 pencils are gems resulting from the unique melding of high tech precision with the traditional look and feel of wood -- space ship meets wooden ship. The wood finish is especially fine and delightful! A piece of the highest quality -- you could stamp Mont Blanc, Pelikan, Porsche Design, etc on this product without missing a beat.

High quality all around. Extremely comfortable to hold, even for extended periods of time. Striking appearance, works well, no problems in over a year of use. Also purchased the .05mm, I would purchase other sizes if available.

I've owned the red S20 for two months shy of two years now. Using it everyday for hours at a time over this period has been a joy. It still looks exactly like the day I received it from JetPens save two things; the "Japan" text on the center metal ring is about half worn off, and the ".05" lead size indicator on the cap is completely gone. The wood has held up beautifully and once again, you cannot see visible wear. I have dropped the pencil a handful of times, and slightly bent the tip a few times. *Carefully* straightening the tip if it has been bent has always resulted in a perfectly writing S20.

This pencil quickly became my favorite writing instrument. I do not use the eraser (I prefer a separate eraser) so I cannot comment on its utility. The weight/balance and velvety-feel of the wood both make it a pleasure to use. I have nothing bad to say about this pencil and I feel it has been well worth the entry price. The tip is absolutely rock solid, and combined with the solid feel of the rest of the pencil there is absolutely zero flex or wiggle or "give" in the pencil while writing. I've also never had issues with the pencil "slipping" on the lead (it grips the lead very well).

5 Stars! I can write perfectly with this pencil, it fits me to a "T" and by far the best mechanical pencil I've ever owned. The wood, the feel, contour, even the lead is perfect. Someone tell me what type of lead comes in this pencil because I want more! There's no breakage and it's buttery smooth, thick without smudging and I'm a lefty. Wood: I was opting for brown and took a risk on the red, glad I did— it's like a rich mahogany color, classy in-hand. This pencil tops the bill...well worth the money. FYI: The pencil you see here online is actual size.

I admit the main reason I bought this was that it's gorgeous. It writes really well, though it is (for me) a bit on the lighter side. Feels very well balanced and comfortable.

Well, I just got this pencil today. But after several hours of usage, I unequivocally adore it. Fantastic writing instrument.

If you are considering buying a Lamy 2000 after reading Dave's ravings: don't. Buy a Pilot S20 instead. Don't make the same mistake I did!

This is a great pencil, it combines comfort and elegance. Highly recommended.

plEAse restock~!

This is probably about as close as you can get to combining the everyday usability and practicallity of a mechanical pencil with the charm, looks and natural feel of a woodcase pencil. The obvious standout here is the wood. The deep red-stained wood (which Pilot claims to be Kabazai cherry wood grown in Hokkaido, though this is disputed) looks wonderful and feels great in the hands, being very smooth and having a sort of natural "warmth" to it. The pencil itself is balanced very nicely, and is light but not insubstantial. With these two working in concert, it makes for a very smooth writing experience. Even note taking in class becomes less of a chore. Definitely a pencil for the entusiast or the professional looking for something that looks more natural rather than a surgical insturment.

It's a good pencil -solid build, excellent finish - however I just didn't fall in love with it and in the end I didn't use it that much. If you are into complications I'd recommend skipping this one.

Pros: Solid, Beautiful, Wooden design and color.
Cons: Tip can EASILY be bent, the cap only displays one lead grade and thats B. Also the ring encompassing the pencil around its center has the company name and manufacturing location on it but it wears off really quick.
Overall: 4/5 good for occasions, wouldn't recommend as primary unless your confident you won't drop/bed the tip. (.3mm pencils all share this problem ussually)

purchased this pencil back in 2010 around October-November used about 4-6 hours total writing time.