Pentel P205 pointy bit

Pentel P205 Mechanical Pencil Review

8 June 2015 By ian

Pentel P205 review

The Pentel P200 series are mechanical pencils available in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9mm lead sizes. The 0.3mm is called the P203, this 0.5mm version is called the P205, and so on. The different sizes are also different colours, making them easy to select. They cost about £6 in the UK and $8 in the USA, where it is also known as the Pentel Sharp and, as far as I can tell from this side of the pond, also comes in a wider range of colours. Pentel Sharp is a very apt name, as you shall see. This pencil was sent to me by Pentel for review purposes. These are my honest opinions.

The barrel is hard plastic with a moulded grip section. It’s nothing spectacular but it’s robust and reasonably comfortable to hold. It’s made to be thrown about, pocketed (carefully), used with care or used in haste.

Pentel P205 grip

The lead is held firmly within a 4mm sleeve. The push button advances the lead reliably and in sensible increments. The removable metal clip isn’t the strongest but does serve its purpose.

Pentel P205 deconstructed

There is the usual tiny eraser under the cap. It does erase, so that’s something.

Pentel P205 eraser

The P200 series is famous for being good value and robust and this is well-deserved. The Wirecutter included it in its list of Best Mechanical Pencils. It’s also famous for being quite pointy (sharp, even) and it is, in fact, the only writing implement I own that’s drawn blood. My own blood, in fact. It is very pointy.

Pentel P205 pointy bit

This pencil and I got off to a bad start, due to its overly violent nature. However we’ve made up now. At this price point its only real competition is the Uni Kuru Toga (the basic model, not the one I reviewed). Both are great pencils at bargain prices.

Pentel P205 handwritten review