Anatomy of a Mechanical Pencil Review

Last Updated on Tuesday, 06 July 2010 21:27 Written by Atticus Tuesday, 06 July 2010 20:48

To date I have only reviewed one mechanical pencil here at The Leaky Pen.  The one pencil I have reviewed, the Rotring Quattro, is in truth actually a Multipen.  This lack of mechanical pencil reviews is strange considering I consider myself to be not only a fan of pencil cases but also a mechanical pencil nut.  Add to the equation the fact that I have well over 20 mechanical pencils (I suppose this isn't much but give me time) and you can see how I have dropped the ball here.

I plan on remedying the situation but I can't churn out just any old reviews.  I need a plan.  I need structure.  I need consistency.

So, below is a list of the points I have come up with that could be worth considering in a Mechanical Pencil review.  It goes without saying that not all ideas have to be covered.  These are just suggested talking points.

• Preconceptions
• Reputation of brand or product
• Appearance
• Style
• Feel
• Weight & Heft
• Features
• Special features
• Benefits
• Pictures (packet & unboxing, different perspectives, scale, pencil dismantled, sample markings on paper)
• Flaws & drawbacks
• Lead types & sizes
• Buying experience
• Writing/Drawing experience
• Supplier
• Summary of main points
• Price range
• A rating

Have I missed anything out?