Just added the legendary
Pentel Smash 0.5 mm mechanical pencil to my drafting pencils collection. It is a bit shorter than the fairly similar-looking
Pentel Graph 1000 pencil. While at first glance the
Smash might look rather nondescript, closer inspection reveals a couple of unique features like the rows of raised square rubber knobs in the grip area and the distinctive black rubber accordion-like covering of the push button. Its internal metal barrel was filled with 6
HB leads. The drafting sleeve is not retractable, so care must be taken during transport to prevent damage and accidental stabbings (meaning just because it features a strong metal pocket clip, it does not mean you should carry it in your pocket unless you enjoy wearing a nerdy pocket protector). Given this pencil's
scarcity, it would be wise to invest in a suitable
pencil case.
When taking the
Pentel Smash apart, I noticed the clever design of the lead degree indicator ring. The ring joint base has an octagonal pattern that locks it in a specific label location (4H, 3H, 2H, H, F, HB, B, & 2B), so that it does not slip accidentally to another degree label when screwing the textured rubber grip back in. Unlike the flimsy lead degrees sticker used in the newer
Pentel GraphGear 1000, the degree labels are actually printed on the surface of the black plastic barrel of the pencil.
Close up of the end cap and the 3-jawed brass clutch of the
Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro Mechanical Pencil for Drafting - 0.5 mm [PENTEL PG1005]. The yellow metallic interior of the end cap piece suggests its made out brass and painted black.
Close up of the 3-jawed brass clutch of the
Pentel Smash 0.5 mm Q1005.
Close up of the open 3-jawed brass clutch of the
Pentel Smash 0.5 mm Q1005. Simply pressing the push button pulls back the
brass chuck ring releasing the lead.
Both mechanical pencils feature virtually identical brass clutch mechanisms, fixed sleeves, extremely comfortable rubber textured grips, lightweight solidly constructed plastic bodies with metal internal barrels, understated looks, and excellent balance. The
Smash did not come with a cleaning rod attached to the the eraser like the
Graph 1000 does. If you read my recent posts, you already know that the
Pentel Graph 1000 is my current favorite 0.5 mm mechanical pencil. It's still too early for a final complete review on the
Pentel Smash, but it is definitely a top 5 contender and would make a fine addition to any mechanical pencils collection given its impeccable performance and the unique look of its push button and rubber grip.
As for the the
Pentel Ain C255-HB3 hard 0.5 mm lead, I found no significant difference between these 3 types of
HB leads after making this comparison chart. To keep testing conditions consistent, the same
Pentel Graph 1000 was used to make the swatches and sample sketches with the
Pentel Hi-Polymer Ain Pencil Lead - 0.5 mm - HB [PENTEL C255-HB] and the
Pentel Hi-Polymer Ain Pencil Lead - 0.5 mm - HB - Hard [PENTEL C255-HB3]. I do not know the specific type of
HB leads that came in my new
Pentel Smash, but its range and sample marks look fairly similar to those of the first two types. For all intents and purposes these 3
HB types are fairly smooth interchangeable break-resistant leads.
Just added the legendary Pentel Smash 0.5 mm mechanical pencil to my drafting pencils collection. It is a bit shorter than the fairly similar-looking Pentel Graph 1000 pencil. While at first glance the Smash might look rather nondescript, closer inspection reveals a couple of unique features like the rows of raised square rubber knobs in the grip area and the distinctive black rubber accordion-like covering of the push button. Its internal metal barrel was filled with 6 HB leads. The drafting sleeve is not retractable, so care must be taken during transport to prevent damage and accidental stabbings (meaning just because it features a strong metal pocket clip, it does not mean you should carry it in your pocket unless you enjoy wearing a nerdy pocket protector). Given this pencil's scarcity, it would be wise to invest in a suitable pencil case.
When taking the Pentel Smash apart, I noticed the clever design of the lead degree indicator ring. The ring joint base has an octagonal pattern that locks it in a specific label location (4H, 3H, 2H, H, F, HB, B, & 2B), so that it does not slip accidentally to another degree label when screwing the textured rubber grip back in. Unlike the flimsy lead degrees sticker used in the newer Pentel GraphGear 1000, the degree labels are actually printed on the surface of the black plastic barrel of the pencil.
Close up of the end cap and the 3-jawed brass clutch of the Pentel Graph 1000 for Pro Mechanical Pencil for Drafting - 0.5 mm [PENTEL PG1005]. The yellow metallic interior of the end cap piece suggests its made out brass and painted black.
Close up of the 3-jawed brass clutch of the Pentel Smash 0.5 mm Q1005.
Close up of the open 3-jawed brass clutch of the Pentel Smash 0.5 mm Q1005. Simply pressing the push button pulls back the brass chuck ring releasing the lead.
Both mechanical pencils feature virtually identical brass clutch mechanisms, fixed sleeves, extremely comfortable rubber textured grips, lightweight solidly constructed plastic bodies with metal internal barrels, understated looks, and excellent balance. The Smash did not come with a cleaning rod attached to the the eraser like the Graph 1000 does. If you read my recent posts, you already know that the Pentel Graph 1000 is my current favorite 0.5 mm mechanical pencil. It's still too early for a final complete review on the Pentel Smash, but it is definitely a top 5 contender and would make a fine addition to any mechanical pencils collection given its impeccable performance and the unique look of its push button and rubber grip.
As for the the Pentel Ain C255-HB3 hard 0.5 mm lead, I found no significant difference between these 3 types of HB leads after making this comparison chart. To keep testing conditions consistent, the same Pentel Graph 1000 was used to make the swatches and sample sketches with the Pentel Hi-Polymer Ain Pencil Lead - 0.5 mm - HB [PENTEL C255-HB] and the Pentel Hi-Polymer Ain Pencil Lead - 0.5 mm - HB - Hard [PENTEL C255-HB3]. I do not know the specific type of HB leads that came in my new Pentel Smash, but its range and sample marks look fairly similar to those of the first two types. For all intents and purposes these 3 HB types are fairly smooth interchangeable break-resistant leads.
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