Platinum Pro-Use Original 05 Drafting Pencil - 0.5 mm - Blue Body

Nicely finished, minimal swirling in the sparkly blue plastic, and thicker around the middle than it seems in photos. It's fairly equivalent to the Pilot S3 in overall proportions, finish, and smoothness of operation, though more comfortable through the grip area. I appreciate the clean, slim spring clip, with no bulky tip to interfere with closing a hardbound sketchbook. It's a decent pencil, I'd say, but not quite as solid or precise as a Pentel P205 or a Zebra Drafix. The advance mechanism is a brass 3-jaw clutch, and the magazine tube is plastic. The lead grade indicator stays firmly in place, though the end cap seems ever so slightly too loose, much like the Pilot S3.

It's quite light, but it's a great pencil.

This is a great pencil, especially for the price. I've gotten so many other $4-5 pencils and they are a pain to write with. This one feels solid, has a nice smooth clicking action, and looks really elegant (rather than industrial like most drafting pencils). A really nit-picky perk for me is that the cap for the eraser is a solid design too--the entire end (blue and silver sheath) comes off to reveal the eraser, so you can't accidentally twist the part that shows the lead number while you're getting at the eraser. I'm very glad I ordered two of these, and may get another!

see review in .03 silver body section

Nice sketching and drawing pencil. Perfect balance, light as a feather. The barrel has a great finish and pleasant feel. Plastic internals. Brass clutch which has no play. Smooth plating job. The tip has a brass insert making it very slick. (easy to push the lead back in without breakage) Loud knock button click. Small lead increments. The clip is adequate, not too tight. The lead hardness gauge is great, easy to read and it stays in place.

Like all the Platinum brand mechanical pencils...excellant quality.