Pentel Sharp P203 4th Generation 0.3 mm
Because this is a classic model, let's get into the history of the Sharp P200 Series, or more specifically, the P203 (a more detailed explanation of this is found with Nimrodd's Blog)(all information here is a summary from that blog). The Pentel Sharp P200 first was made in 1970 with a barrel that is similar to the present day except for several things: a 2 mm lead sleeve :O, different indication for tip size, and a thicker plastic. By Generation 2, the P200 Series started to use the 4 mm lead sleeve that you know today, and the 3rd and 4th Generation first started to use the indication of tip sizes in 0.X m/m but still had differences with molding. All these generations had one thing in common-the plastic barrel that allows one to grip is thicker than the last two (5th and 6th). How would this fare against more modern pencils despite the age?
Starting off with my explanation, this generation was made right before the age of plastic clutches were ever mentioned (around 1980), so chances are there is a brass clutch (obviously true). The 10 click test shows that it extends just a hairpin more lead than the 6th Generation Pentel Sharp P203, which already had my favorite clutch in regards to the three ways to grade. Yet, after almost 40 years, this mechanism still competes with the likes of modern Pentel or rOtring pencils. Features are solid overall. The ribbed grip does its purpose, despite it not being so aggressive. Perhaps it's due to the thicker barrel? It still has a standard clip and a clean-out rod, both of which do its purpose without any compromise. I will give several bonus points though, one for the construction and one for the fact that this is a classic model (discontinued design, not the pencil name). The construction, compared to the present Sharp, has a slightly higher quality due to the thicker plastic, giving not only a more stable feel in regards to weight but also to writing control.
Would I recommend this on my personal list? Absolutely, this is second as of writing this, but I would not recommend it to the public because of its scarcity unless you love the Sharp or any other classic models of pencils.
