This list is a list of my personal favorite pencils based on how much they would appeal to me. Before I get to the list, here are a few prerequisites:

1. Pencil must be available in 0.3 mm or thinner (Orenz and possibly PG-2)

2. Has to fall under one of two categories: simplicity in quality or features.

3. Classic models (discontinued or previous generations) are eligible.

4. If I have two pencils with the same name but different generations, only one is eligible.

5.Must have 95 points based on my grading system.

6. With each choice, point value does not count for higher rank (otherwise, the rOtring 600 0,35 mm would be at the top and the Pentel P203 4th Generation at second).

7. Each choice is selected based on personal preferences, not the highest score. 

8.  This top five list fluctuates from time to time, but these five that I select represent what I would look for in a pencil.

 

Personal list:

1. Alvin Draft/Matic 0.3 mm: This is the pencil that somehow combines noticeable features yet retains simplicity in a drafting pencil. The only feature that stands out, in particular, is the knurled grip. For anyone who has not used this grip, it is amazing. Most knurled grips tend to have a compromised feel, with duller edges which end up making the pencil more slippery (I'm looking at you Graphgear 1000). Alvin does the opposite with this pencil, making a grip that may feel abrasive, but that's the price to pay for a grip that grips.

 

2. Pentel Sharp P203 Late 1970s Variation 0.3 mm: This is the most controversial pick on this list, I know. Especially considering the age of this pencil, this pick should technically belong to the present day variation. Getting back to this pick, a main theme with the Pentel Sharp P200 Series is the ribbed grip, which, despite not being very rough, keeps a decent grip on one's hands as he or she writes. But, the barrel size of the present day version feels too thin at times. This particular version was the last one to have a thicker barrel, and, in my opinion, Pentel should have kept it that way. I understand that the change was for cost reasons, but it subtracts slightly from the comfort of the user. To stop me from getting further into this annoying debate, I'll finish with this: this Pentel Sharp P20X variation is the best one you can find, and if you find one, keep it and use it. 

 

3. Zebra Delguard LX 0.3 mm: This is probably my most recommended pencil for people who press graphite too hard. (Now, if you are reading this and already have the Standard Delguard, this is not the same version, but this has several things different from the Standard version.) A large issue with finer graphite diameters is how often graphite breakage occurs, especially in 0.3 mm. Several pencils already have graphite cushioning mechanisms to protect the graphite from breaking, but only from vertical pressure. Zebra made the first and only pencil to utilize graphite protection from both with a spring mechanism. It's responsive, consistent, and noticeable, unlike the Sharpwriter.

 

4. Pentel Orenz Rubber Grip 0.2 mm*: With the second controversial selection, let me establish for the record that 0.2 mm is incredibly easy to break. The Orenz combats against this with a fully retractable sliding sleeve. The fact that this works extremely well without me feeling the metal is great, especially for novelty aspects. The rubber grip on the Orenz is probably the most comfortable grip I've used due to the contouring with the tip and my ring/pinky fingers. There is no main issue with the Orenz and I hope to get a Nero version later on when the price goes down.

 

5. Pentel Graphgear 1000-Several of you are most likely asking me why this is not any higher, given that this has the most features of a drafting pencil in my collection: a rubber/knurled grip, a lead indicator, a spring-loaded clip, and a retractable tip. It has a slippery grip (not good) and everything feels slightly bulkier than something like the rOtring 600. Despite that, it is the better option in regards to price vs quality and has a spring loaded clip, giving more durability of the clip, something that is not mentioned often. 

 

Honorable Mentions:

rOtring 600 0,35 mm: Technically, by points, this should be number 1. It has the most consistent score in my reviews and is an incredible piece of engineering. That being said, this is too expensive for anything outside of professional drafting. I still will highly recommend this as the first choice for anyone who is not satisfied with any of my top 5 choices.

rOtring 500 0,35 mm: A cheaper variant of the numbered rOtring series. The Draft/Matic still beats this in terms of knurling though.

Pentel Sharp P203 2000s Variation 0.3 mm: Technically, this should be my number 3 on my personal list if not for the 1970s variation. That being said, this is still the best option for a pencil if you want something simple and effective.

Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro/CS Edition 0.3 mm: Two great pencils for simplicity, but I still prefer the P203 2000s Variation because of the clutch.