Blogging, Handmade Mechanical Pencils
Metal Mechanical Pencils
Comparing metal mechanical pencils made of stainless steel, brass, aluminium and titanium…
Firstly, titanium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio. It offers exceptional strength as a more light-weight alternative to stainless steel, making it ideal for someone with a need for lighter mechanical pencil. Perhaps someone with a less able grip may prefer a lighter metal mechanical pencil. But lets get on with exploring some of the other metals used for mechanical pencils.
A stainless steel mechanical pencil for example…
Stainless steel is denser and heavier than titanium, aluminium, and brass. Its weight can vary depending on the specific alloy composition. A stainless steel mechanical pencil can be made of lets take for instance a 303 stainless steel. 303 Stainless Steel is an austenitic stainless steel, meaning it contains austenite which is an is a metallic, non-magnetic allotrope of iron containing chromium, nickel, and small amounts of sulphur and phosphorus. The addition of sulphur improves machinability.
Another example of a stainless steel would be 416L stainless steel which is a low-carbon martensitic stainless steel with additional molybdenum. It contains higher sulphur content than 303 stainless steel, enhancing machinability dramatically compared to the 303 stainless steel.
This makes a metal mechanical pencil made from 303 stainless steel much denser than an equivalent mechanical pencil made from 416l stainless steel, with 303 coming out at a density of 8.03 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) and 416l stainless steel coming out at a density of 7.7 g/cm³.
What about an aluminium mechanical pencil…
Aluminium has a moderate strength but is less strong than titanium and stainless steel with a density far lower at 2.70 g/cm3. It compensates with its lightweight nature and good corrosion resistance. It is a much less dense metal, but as far as what is required of a mechanical pencil can suit perfectly if lightness is a must for an artist or designer.
properties of a mechanical pencil made of brass?…
Brass is commonly used in musical instruments, plumbing fittings, decorative hardware, electrical connectors, and ammunition casings due to its malleability and aesthetic appeal. It is also a favourite metal for a mechanical pencil or pen as it beautifully patinas over time to create a beautiful colour that many customers want. Brass has good corrosion resistance but is not as strong as titanium, stainless steel, or aluminium. It may tarnish or corrode over time, especially in the presence of moisture.
Beautiful handmade metal mechanical pencils designed and built by British Designer Nicholas Hemingway himself…
His beautifully hand-built metal mechanical pencils are sold all over the world. Made from titanium, stainless steel, aluminium and brass, they are collectable according to customers. Many customers purchase all of the varying models to collect a full set. We pride ourselves on good design and great quality metal mechanical pencils. As well as our metal pencils we have a range of wooden edition pencils too. All our pencils are designed and handmade by Nicholas Hemingway himself. The story of how he got into designing mechanical pencils and pens is a lovely one.
Beautiful mechanical pencils made from brass…
Below is Nicholas Hemingway’s Mark II brass mechanical pencil which ages and patinas with you over time. His products are designed to last a lifetime and even be past on to relatives one day.
Nicholas Hemingway’s mechanical pencils and pens are now bought all over the world. Some of the world’s most famous architects and artists use his pencils today.
His story from studying his grandfather to making metal mechanical pencils today…
Nicholas’ grandfather had his own workshop in his house in Chelsea, London. He was always repairing things while Nicholas – as a young boy – looked on admiringly at the creativity of his grandfather. Far too young to use the lathe that his grandfather owned. He wished he would one day be skilled enough to make something on such a scary and dangerous looking machine. Whilst only aged 6 years old at this time that was to seem a distant thought.
Nicholas’s grandfather’s old lathe which he still hand-turns his metal mechanical pencils on today.
Later in life Nicholas was to study architecture at university. When his grandfather passed, he used his grandfather’s lathe to begin to build a small business in his grandfather’s honour. Developing a product on the very machine he used to watch his grandfather use over the years would be magical. His idea was to hand-build beautiful metal mechanical pencils and build a reputation for quality. All the while loving that his creations would go on to help others create works of art for themselves.
Mark II and Mark III differences…
His Mark II brass mechanical pencil (shown above) is a super elegant model pencil with seamless nib and body design. The heavy weight conducive to a mechanical sketching pencil. His Mark III slimline brass mechanical pencil (shown below) is a more slender design and a more lightweight choice.
This Mark III metal mechanical pencil has a barrel diameter of 7mm. The larger Mark II has a barrel diameter of 8mm.
The slimmer Mark III is for those who may be more prone to suffering from hand fatigue. Hand fatigue affects the hand while drawing for long periods of time. If you want to learn more about hand fatigue when using metals mechanical pencils, then go here.
If you are looking for something other than brass, then we have other metal mechanical pencils. Our stainless steel mechanical pencil has a gorgeous modern look to it. Much the same could be said about our titanium mechanical pencils too. please take a look a tour full range of metal mechanical pencils here.
Our stainless steel metal mechanical pencils are a great weight and very modern addition to your drawing tools…
We offer personalisation on our titanium and stainless steel mechanical pencils as well as our wooden mechanical pencils. A personalised metal mechanical pencil is a great gift to give someone special.
As well as metal pencils and pens we have some lovely handmade wooden mechanical pencils available to order too. All available to order through the website with personalisation too in some instances.
Here is an example of our personalised stainless steel pencils if you are looking for that perfect gift.
Is it metal pens you are after?…
And if you are after pens, then we have two models available to you. Firstly, we have the big brother of the two “The Writer Pen” and secondly we have “The Traveller Pen” which is the smaller of the two. Both are available to purchase through the website.
Also, if you want to see how it all started, you can look at Nicholas Hemingway’s product launches through Kickstarter where all of his pens and pencils were initially launched.
All the best
Matt
