REVIEW – Mechanical pencils are very convenient because you don’t have to sharpen them. But, if you’ve ever used one for any length of time, you probably know how easy it is to break the lead as you’re writing. Most of the time, the lead gets a sharp point as you write across the paper and then SNAP, the lead either breaks or you get inconsistent letters. Some are thick and some are thin due to the point. The Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Model Auto Lead Rotation mechanical pencil has a very unique way of solving that problem. The fine folks at JetPens.com sent me one to try out. Let’s take a peek.
Note: Click the images in this review to see a larger view.
The Uni Kuru Toga is a metal pencil available in either a Silver or Black finish.
The top cap pulls off to reveal a small eraser, which can also be pulled out to access the lead holder that stores the .5mm leads that this pencil uses.
The special feature of this pencil is located on the other end… First of all the barrel of the pencil has three knurled sections that aid in grip.
You’ll notice the little window in the barrel… This is an indicator of the auto lead rotation feature. As you write with this pencil, the lead will rotate to provide uniform wear on the tip.
For example, here’s a brand new lead. It’s flat across the top…
But with other mechanical pencils, the lead will tend to be shaped into a sharp point as you write across a page.
The Uni Kuru Toga rotates the lead every time you lift the point and put it back down on the paper. Inside the barrel is a spring loaded clutch that twists the lead as you apply pressure.
After writing with this pencil for awhile, I’ve come to enjoy how smooth my writing is while using it. So far I’ve had no lead breakage.
The pencil itself is light weight, but has good balance. It looks nice, but isn’t overly flashy.
If you’re a frequent mechanical pencil user, you should check out the Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Model. Especially if you’re a lead breaker like I am. This pencil might change your life… Ok, it probably won’t change your life… but it might improve your writing experience. 🙂
Update 11/18/20
One good thing to come out of 2020 is that I’ve been drawing 100% then I have the past 9 years since I posted this review. My sister and I draw every single day. I use this pencil to sketch first and then I go over the drawings with gel pens (my favorites are Pilot G-2s) and Tombow dual brush pens.
Price: $11.50
Where to buy: JetPens an Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by JetPens.
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I hope the quality is improved from the base model. I have used two of the plastic models which were 12 bucks and lasted a week. Stay away from these, the idea is great but the execution is lacking.
The photos in this review are awesome.
@Blore40 Thank you 🙂
Julie, being a conisuer of mechanical pens and a retired drafting teacher, I found the Pentecostal 0.9 pencil to be my favorite. It is thin just enough that my heavy hand does not snap the lead as easy.
Another choice is the Penn State Industries POWER POINT handmade pencil. It has a #2 pencil lead
Another favorite from Penn State Ind. IS their Shop Pencil, whose lead is quit thick, almost 1/4” thick. The 0.9 and #2 lead are nice because you can where down to a thick point but can also turn your point to a very sharp fine point. This is nice for detailed drafting or drawing activities. Pentecostal 0.9 pencils are available at office supply type store like Office Depot, and Penn State Industries is on the web by doing a search for their name. If you know a pen turner you can get a handmade pencil made for you. If not we can become friends and I can make you a custom made one for cost, adout $15 or $20. They normally are much more expensive. Ted Weiberg
th**********@gm***.com
Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Model Auto Lead Rotation Mechanical Pencil is really cool and how much is the cost?
@Suresh The price was listed in the review… It’s $16.50 through Jetpens.com
Thank you and first time I visited Jetpens found variety of pencils and pens.
Great review Julie – thank you!
Cons: Expensive.
Evidence – there is a cheaper version for around 7 dollars.
16 dollars for a pencil is indeed expensive.
@TJ is the cheaper version plastic or metal?
Nice find Julie! I want!
I have been using one for about a week now; no broken leads. Works great for Sudoku. Also like that the printing is uniform. I am not in favor of none retractable tips, think they are an accident waiting to happen. The only negative thing I can think of is that it has a small spare lead reservoir, but maybe if you are not breaking leads what is there will last longer.
Is it plastic or metal? The pencil which I ordered seems plastic…But this one seems metal