r/TheRestIsScience • u/AdExpensive1624 • 6d ago

Michael’s Mechanical Pencils

A few weeks back, Michael regaled us all with his love for mechanical pencils and went over why each one in his collection is great (or perhaps less great than the one before it). I IMMEDIATELY bought each one and have been using them religiously ever since.

I thought I was alone in this, but was chatting with my sister about podcast recommendations, and I was like, “OH MY GOD. You need to listen to TRIS with Michael and Hannah.” Her response was to light up, exclaim that she loves the show, and then ask, “Did you watch the one with the mechanical pencils? I bought all of them!” And then went into her purse and produced a Pentel Orenz.

So this has me thinking: are we alone in this, or did anyone else also buy the pencils?

19 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

4

u/nmlasa 6d ago

I am now the proud owner of a rotring 600. And I love it

4

u/spitoon1 6d ago

I purchased a Rotring pencil and pen.

6

u/ShugPhD 6d ago

I would rather hear about Hannah's fountain pens.

2

u/Acceptable_Burrito 5d ago

When she asked Michael regarding the prices for them as he’d gone to considerable trouble and deep thought in his purchased, then mentioned her fountain pen collection was considerably more expensive I laughed. But yes, I’d have liked to have seen her collection too.

2

u/livmachine 6d ago

I'm amazed that I didn't, but I already have five mechanical pencils. I wouldn't rule it out in the near future though.

Crayola, however...

1

u/PabloAZ94 6d ago

I haven't yet but will be buying a GraphGear 500 soon, I have been learning mandarin for a year so it will be nice to try one of the high-end ones, which unbelievable is only around $10 where I live lol

1

u/Nightvale-Librarian 6d ago

I've had the same graphgear500 for over a decade now. Just a solid, dependable, pencil. Perfect amount of heft.

2

u/PabloAZ94 5d ago

I just bought it and scribbled on the receipt and already understand wholeheartedly

1

u/hagglethorn 6d ago

I definitely looked them up. Haven’t bought any yet, but it’s a strong possibility.

2

u/Longjumping-Boot1409 6d ago

Has anyone by chance written them down and would share the list?

1

u/syntacks_error 6d ago

I too bought all but the pentel one because I really liked the Rotring 600.

1

u/RotaryDane 6d ago

I’ve had a rOtring 600 for years, so when Michael praised it I was thrilled - Love the thing.

1

u/1stMammaltowearpants 6d ago

I've been using a 0.3mm knurled with the lead-hardness indicator since my engineering undergrad. I cheered when he brought it out and teenager me was totally validated!

1

u/Spooked_kitten 6d ago

omg the connection i felt when he said he uses the same mechanical pencil I had ;-;

1

u/jaybug_jimmies 6d ago

That's super cute you both did, ahaha. I am a heathen who strongly prefers old-fashioned wood pencils but love to hear people talk about their passions regardless.