Alvin, DB, Mechanical Pencil Lead Holder, Holds 2mm Leads - Rugged Plastic Barrel

So far so good, arrived very quickly. I was very pleased.

This style of 2mm lead holder, i.e. with a hexagonal plastic body and knurled grip and lead-indicator sections, is offered by several other brands like Aristo and even Faber-Castell, but if you want a QUALITY made version in blue, this is it. There ARE cheaper China-made versions (under various brands) with shorter lengths and 'smooth-until-gripless' knurling on chintzy metal. Avoid those.The ONE problem with this model is the looseness of the lead-indicator, which would seem to make it pointless. However, you can simply remove the top plunger (which has a lead pointer in it), and tapping the metal end firmly onto a hard surface. Two knocks and the indicator is nice and tight on mine.

I bought 4 of these. the reason i selected them was they were the least expensive i could find that had lead indicators on them. i HATE having to drag out the lead to read the hardness.Well the idea was good, but the execution really wasn't. two of the four I got have th indicator so loose they won't stay on any setting. so it's really no better than a generic lead holder.To that point, the do have a good weight/feel, i just wish they rotated correctly and would stay in place.considering return

This is currently my favorite lead holder available.The lead is held in place firmly. The octagon shape of the barrel and the generous knurling asure that the pen is under your control at all times. Even the clip is pretty good (though I mostly value clips because the assure the holder wont roll away). Other people have mentioned the lead holder being loose but that is easily fixed.