Nicpro 11 Pieces Colors 2mm Mechanical Pencil Set, 3 PCS Carpenter Drafting Pencil 2.0 mm for Art Drawing Writing Sketching Construction with 6 Tube Pre-Sharpen 2B & Color Refill, Eraser, Sharpener

My 11-year-old son really likes 2-millimeter mechanical pencils for some reason. I just asked him and he says, "Because I can use it diagonally for a thin edge or straight up-and-down for a thicker line. It doesn't break as easily as 0.5mm or other smaller diameters, and the graphite lasts longer because there's just more of it." There you have it! (It turns out he also has strong feelings about the superiority of mechanical pencils in general because "I hate writing with a tiny pencil when you've sharpened it a lot—those things are nightmares!")In the way of children, he's managed to lose the 2mm pencils he had, so I went looking for an inexpensive replacement option (because you know these are destined for the same eventual fate!). These ones looked like a great deal, although I'd bet money that the pencils will be AWOL long before he gets through a third of the included graphite refills. Still, I'd rather have plenty than not enough.When these arrived, I was amused by the inclusion of the most minimal pencil sharpener I've ever seen. It's adorable but it does work, though I got scolded for "wasting graphite." However, since the back of the pencils have built-in sharpeners, I'm not sure what the point is.Personally, I'd prefer to have an eraser on the back of the pencil, but my son strongly prefers the sharpener option, and the included eraser is a good quality polymer one that easily, you know, erases.The construction of the pencils is very plastic-y, lightweight, and not what I would call high-end (or even medium!). That's what I expected for the price, though, and after a few days of using one as his main pencil, the kid has nothing but raving praise: "The grip is the perfect size and shape for my hand!" (If I were buying for myself, I'd get a rock-solid Staedtler pencil, but then again, if I were buying for myself, I wouldn't get a 2mm pencil, so…)I included pictures of one of the stranger features: a ring that can be changed to indicate which graphite you're using. It's not automatic or anything, it's just a ring you slide around to help you remember or tell the difference. Since there are two hardness options included, I can kind of see why you might want it, but then again, I'd think someone with enough discernment to have a strong preference between HB and 2B graphite would probably buy a fancier pencil. If this is something you're interested in, though, I'll mention that the ring's options are 2B, B, HB, F, H, 2H, and 4H.In summary, these are a great value for a kid's specific request. When they all go missing (hopefully at least a few months hence), I'll buy more.

I love this kit, its huge, you get a ton of lead and a ton of pencils. The erasers work pretty well. The pointer is tiny and great. You get two different grades of pencil as well as some assorted colors.Each of the mechanical pencil comes with a removable end, where you can refill the pencil and also sharpen the tip of your lead. It does not get as sharp as it does with the two little black lead pointers, but it works and travels with you. The powder can sit inside of the sharpener, but expect the graphite powder to come out if it is upended or shaken. It is really annoying to have to dig a point out of this sharpener and as far as I can tell there is no way to easily disassemble, so I have just ended up using a pin to crush the lead until it can be shaken loose. I am unsure what the inner blade is made of, but it is pretty inconsistent between the pencils/easily damaged/easily filled.The little lead pointers work very well but are really small and easy to misplace. This is either a pro or con, I love how small they are so I can pack them for a super sharp pencil on the go. I lost one recently and have modified my remaining one by putting it into a metal binder clip and taping it off. This has worked really well so far and I'll just replace the tape at some point.I haven't really used the color lead, but it seems fine, maybe a little waxy, but I'd have to use them more to be sure.The pencils are super lightweight because of their plastic build and can only hold one full lead piece at a time. I don't use the clip, but pulling on it, it feels sturdier than the rest of the pencil. The pencil grade dial seems okay? It might be able to spin on its own, but seemed alright when I tested turning it with my fingers.The lead is pretty sturdy, most of the times I have snapped a piece it was because I was definitely pushing too much pressure, over extending, or over sharpening. I am very clumsy and when I have never noticed the pencil or the lead being broken after one of its many falls.They definitely do not have a premium feel in your hands, but they are simple, lightweight, and do what they need to do. They are not sold for a premium price either! This kit is a great value and just very fun to draw with in general .

They feel well made and are on the lighter side. For the value it is excellent. You get a good assortment of leads so you can try them all out to see which one fits your use. The nice thing about having several pencils is that you can have different leads in each one. Each pencil does have a sharpener in the cap so that is really nice. Just remember to empty it once in a while.