Orenz Nero
The top of Pentel's Orenz line and, by reputation, one of the most over-engineered mechanical pencils on sale. Nero is Italian for black — a reference to the all-matte-black barrel, which reads as a modern take on classic Pentel drafting pencils like the Graph 1000.
Two mechanisms do the work. The Orenz sliding sleeve keeps a metal pipe extended over the lead at all times, retracting as the lead wears down, so the lead is never left unsupported and effectively never snaps. On top of that, an automatic lead advance feeds lead every time the tip lifts off the paper: one click at the start and you write until the lead runs out.
Construction
- Body: resin-metal composite blend, giving weight without top-heaviness
- Dodecagonal (12-sided) barrel, machined-looking
- Barrel and grip are one seamless piece — no rattle or play at the joint
- Metal clip
- Retractable tip, sliding sleeve type, 2.7 mm sleeve length
Specifications
- Model: PP3005-A
- Lead sizes: 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm (0.5 mm shown)
- Length retracted: 14.0 cm
- Diameter: 9.6 mm at grip and max
- Weight: 16 g with lead
- Refillable eraser under the cap (Pentel Z2-1N)
Note on use
The sliding sleeve needs lead installed to stay put — with an empty barrel it slides freely. Pentel also advises against advancing lead beyond the guide pipe while writing.
Pricing
Roughly $28–30 in the US and £40 in the UK, depending on region and retailer.