Koh I Noor 5347 Versatile 5.6mm Lead Holder Clutch Pencil Review

Key Info

- Readily available 5.6mm leads. 

- Simple clutch design. 

- Brass internals. 

- Can be sharpened in a normal pencil sharpener. 

The Koh I Noor 5347 “Versatile” is a 5.6mm mechanical leadholder clutch pencil. It is primarily designed as an art pencil, but makes a great every day pencil due to its simple, reliable mechanism and its thick, strong lead. 

Design

The pencil is made primarily from plastic, but the internals, which can be accessed by unscrewing the collar at the bottom of the pencil, are brass, and the pencil has a nice weight to it as a result. There is no built in sharpener, but sharpening is easy in a normal pencil sharpener. The mechanism is the clutch type (also found in the Staedtler Mars Technico). To operate the pencil you depress the “button” with your thumb, with the other thumb under the tip of the pencil, and gravity allows the lead to drop out. When you release the button it is locked in place. I have found this mechanism to be more reliable than the more complicated “click” type found on many pencils these days. 

Conclusion

I like clutch pencils for every day use due to their simplicity and reliability, and this one is one of my favourites. It is really well made and great value. If you’re looking for a nice clutch pencil that doesn’t cost the earth, you can’t go wrong with one of these!!! (available at Amazon.co.uk)