A Thing Of Beauty:
The Rotring 600 0.5mm
....:::::: U P D A T E - Y E A R T W O ::::::....
I love the Rotring 600 so much, I am actually updating a review. I don't think that I've ever done that. Anyway, my initial 5 star review was a glowing, no doubt about it, buy this pencil now type of review. Well after 2 years of literal daily use it still looks new (check the pic, i put an updated one out there). Along with my AIN Stein 4B (Mmmmm Dark and soft...) lead, this pencil has been amazingly consistent. It's never had a lead jam. The tip is still straight (I have been extremely careful too.) There is nothing negative that I could say about this pencil. Multiple Pentel Graphgears, Kuru Toga's and even an Alvin Draftmatic all tried their best to unseat King Rotring. All failed. There are very few sure things in this world. But I know what to expect when I pick up the 600....
[original review]
Finally got my Rotring 600 0.5mm. With all the problems that I’ve read about with the Rotring 800+, it seems that the 600 is the way to go. Before the Rotring arrived, the Pentel Graph Gear 1000 was my current favorite pencil that I own. On its arrival, the Rotring delegated it to 2nd place before I could even get the pencil completely out of its box (excellent packaging, is just one of many "little things" this product gets right) .It is everything that I hoped it would be. The Black Rotring 600 is easily to coolest looking mech pencil out there. It has an ominous Darth Vader-y feeling to it. To say it’s solidly built is an understatement. Quality German industrial design and construction. You think it looks good though, its performance is even better. The balance is PERFECT for my writing style. It feels so much better than anything else that I have tried before. No wobble at all in the tip. A nice crisp, audible click for lead extension. Signs of good craftsmanship are noted sometimes by the little, almost unnoticed aspects of design. Like the 600’s lead grade indicator. It would be fine if this were just a part of the pencil that indicated the type of lead inside the pencil. But the Rotring takes it a step further making this portion of the pencil knurled metal (same as the grip employs) and tops it like a cherry with its iconic red ring "logo". So yes, it's a lead grade indicator... A lead grade indicator WITH STYLE! Is this a requirement? Certainly not, but it’s these little touches that make me appreciate the thought and care that went into this pencils design.
I’m not going to get into a bulleted list of pro's and con's, simply because there are no cons. I can't find one thing negative about this product. I love the reviews that say "the non-retractable tip is fragile" and then proceed to ding it a star. I'm sorry, but it's obvious that this is a finely engineered product, a certain amount of care is required. Because you are careless enough to drop it is not Rotrings fault. Take proper care, and your tip won't get bent. Simple. (Of course, I have now jinxed myself so that by the end of the day, I’m fairly certain that I will have dropped mine by days end). In such cases, it’s comforting to know you can get a replacement tip for around 11 bucks. Other people say, "The eraser is crappy". Guess what Skippy, every eraser in every mechanical pencil sucks. EVERY one. If you use a mechanical pencil without having a dedicated eraser at the ready (my personal fav is the Uniball Boxy, it's also very Darth Vader-y) you won't using mechanical pencils for much longer. It's just something that you have to do when using a mechanical pencil.
Bottom line. While the Rotring 600 0.5mm is a very expensive pencil. It's worth every penny in my opinion. I can't say it any better than the Amazon product description does:
"An iconic tool, meant for a lifetime of use."
Now I need to grab the silver one so I have a pair right??....
The pencil is very solidly constructed, and is my favorite for writing. Or rather, the BLACK finish version is. I ended up returning the silver version as the glossy metal makes it slippery on the hex barrel section (especially given the weight). The black version has a nice matt finish that's comfortably grippy though.
It is heavier than most pencils due to the all-metal barrel (brass, I believe). This makes it more comfortable IMO when writing in a horizontal position (like on a desk or table), but can make it feel a little awkward compared to a plastic or wood pencil when writing in a vertical position.
For sketching I still strongly prefer lightweight pencils (they let my hand "fly" quickly with less effort/concentration), so this is not my favorite there. It is great for outlining though, as something about the weight and balance makes it very good for steady, precisely accurate lines. I suppose that shouldn't be surprising, given it was originally designed for pre-CAD manual drafting.
Black version would get 5 stars. Silver gets one less, as the same quality is all there, save for the finish being slippery.
Words can not even begin to describe just how beautiful this is, you would not think something as mundane as a mechanical pencil could make your jaw drop in awe, but this sure does.
I wasn't sure if I would be as blown away on first impressions as many of the other reviews implied, but as soon as I opened the Amazon envelope and saw the packaging I was in love. Very, *very* few products can completely amaze you before you even open the box it comes in, but I almost did not want to open it. Sure it is just a paper triangle, but the finish and printing is impeccable, everything is flawlessly aligned and the ink is raised for that incredible high quality feel. Opening the box you are greeted by two leaflets detailing the other rOtring models and a short paragraph in German with the history of the company.
After you lift up the pencil you receive the same text in English and simply do not want to set it down. Looking over it as closely as I can, there is not a single imperfection that I can complain about. The lead grade indicator being knurled metal like the grip is also simply an amazing detail. Hell, the eraser cap is made of metal as well, almost any other company would make it out of plastic to save a few pennies, but it even has the same sparkly black finish to it and just resonates with beauty.
Even the eraser retainer is made of metal, and unscrewing it and opening it up you find that quite a bit of the internals are made of metal as well. It is genuinely a marvel to behold.
I purchased a Pentel GraphGear 1000 at the same time, and while it is a very nice pencil on its own, it just is not even in the same league. The rOtring just makes all of its small imperfections you would not otherwise notice standout like a sore thumb.
This pencil just speaks volumes towards good engineering and design. Just because something is highly functional and well built does not mean it can not be absolutely gorgeous as well, I want to go back and lower everything else I've rated 5 stars down just because nothing can compare to the perfection that this is. Does spending over $20 on a mechanical pencil sound insane? It did before I held this in my hand, and I would pay double and still feel as though that were too cheap.
As a student of Mathematics, I spend a great amount of time taking notes, doing exercises, writing proofs, etc, and it always breaks my heart to see my fellow brethren digging into the dark recesses of their backpacks only to pull out cheap, plastic mechanical pencils, or worse, chewed out Ticonderogas!
Having witnessed this travesty far too long, I one day began my Luciferian plan to plant the seeds nonconformism among the easily corrupted. It began slowly: "feel the weight of this thing", and "you know why you keep losing pencils? Cause you don't care about them. If you had a nice one however..."
Soon, I followed with more aggressive prodding: "How can you say you care about the quality of your work when you write with disposable junk? By the transitive property, your work is junk too!", and "you might as well write out your proofs in crayon!" Then shame, "Oh, you like Pentels? Yes, I thought I've seen business majors using those..."
Finally, an appeal to our collective struggle: "Brothers, these are the tools of our trade, our weapons in the fight against innumeracy and convolutions! You deserve better!"
By the time my work was done, I had enlisted five members into the cause, and they are now all straight A students. True story.
***** UPDATE******
The tip of this pencil is sharp enough to poke holes in bouncy castles. Do not have in your pocket if you plan to go into bouncy castles! Also, said tip is perfect for popping animal balloons at kids parties.
***** UPDATE 2.0******
DON'T buy this pencil if you are 'Edward Scissor Hands' or a frustrated drummer and cannot hold a finely crafted tool in your hands for more than two seconds without dropping it. Or if you are a business major. Buy a fidget spinner instead.
Yes, the tip will bend if you drop it, and glass will break too...
Have used & owned many instruments in the Rotring line from Fountain Pens to Mech. Pencils since the early 1980's. Everything produced by Rotring is lovely, lasting, and (mostly) practical. Nothing too over-the-top luxurious, but functionally with grace & that great, quintessential "German-Industrial" look.
However, some models of Rotring Mech. Pencils are "more perfect" than others... and the 600 - 0.5mm is pure perfection.
(I once purchased a 500 by mistake and it simply cannot compare with the 600.)
Ticks all the boxes on my list: Quality build, Black matte colour, Lead Hardness indicator, built-in eraser, knurled grip, and most of all: perfect balance and heft.
Two Cons:
•The finish on these newer 600's do tend to chip though, unlike my black matte Rotings purchased a decade or more ago.
• Dislike the odd opening at the top of the eraser cap. I simply do not understand its function/purpose. My older Rotrings all have closed eraser caps. The opening only allows for dirt & dust to enter and settle on the eraser. But truly, this is a minor imperfection... barely worth the mention.
Aside from the above, this mech. pencil is one I use daily for every application from art/sketching, making notes in my planner, to notating music scores.
I own 5 Rotring black matte 600's, each filled with different lead grades ("3B" to "B"), my fav "all-purpose" lead being "2B". (The UNI Nano brand, BTW. After using these top-quality leads you'll never look again at those Pentel blister packaged leads sold in all stores).
Today I placed my order for a 6th black matte 600.
If satisfaction can be judged by repeat purchasing, count me 600-satisfied x 6!
Thanks for reading,
-CC, Amazon Prime Member-Reviewer
Feature Product
- An iconic tool meant for a lifetime of use. The full-metal body provides ideal weight balance for fatigue-free writing and drawing
- The Brass mechanism allows precision lead advancement. Lead hardness grade indicator provides rapid identification when working
- Hexagonal shape avoids sliding on drawing tables. Design, pattern and size of metallic grip zone enable working for long hours without slipping
- The fixed lead guidance sleeve prevents breakage and gives you a clear page view for precise ruler-based drawing
- Limited warranty: guaranteed for 2 years from original purchase date against defects in materials or workmanship
Description
rOtring 600 Mechanical Pencil, 0.5 mm, Silver (1852321). An iconic tool meant for a lifetime of use. The full-metal body provides ideal weight balance for fatigue-free writing and drawing. Brass mechanism allows precision lead advancement. Lead hardness grade indicator provides rapid identification when working. Hexagonal shape avoids sliding on drawing tables. Design, pattern and size of metallic grip zone enable working for long hours without slipping. The fixed lead guidance sleeve prevents breakage and gives you a clear page view for precise ruler-based drawing. Limited warranty: guaranteed for 2 years from original purchase date against defects in materials or workmanship.
After getting back into mechanical pencils recently and watching/reading numerous reviews I decided to get myself a rOtring 600.
This pencil definitely lived up to expectations and is the most solid writing utensil I have come across. This pencil makes other pencils you might think of as quality units like a Graphgear 1000 feel like a child's toy.
This pencil is very well built and feels great to write with. If you are in the market for a premium lead pencil get this.
After buying this pencil I also bought the rOtring 800 which is suppose to be an upgrade. I like that pencil too and find the retracting lead sleeve to be useful but given the price difference I find the rOtring 600 a more compelling purchase. If you were choosing between the two I would recommend you get the 600 but you would be happy with both.
As a student who takes notes by hand and uses pencils all the time at work, this is a beauty.
I was looking for a nice, high quality mechanical pencil that I could use for a long time. I much prefer 0.5mm diameter leaded pencils for their crisper, cleaner writing ability, but my heavy-handed writing style meant I was frequently breaking the leads and wasting money. This pencil solves both those issues. The weight is perfect, feeling more like a nice, full-metal pen than a pencil, and the weight allows me to lighten up on my pressure while still delivering a legible line. I've gotten numerous compliments on it when I lend it to people, and I'm not too worried about losing it either due to its reasonably low price. The erasers are smooth, dense, and very efficient at removing marks without leaving too many tiny shavings to brush off. The shavings typically roll up well and are easily picked up after. Enough rambling, here's a list:
Pros:
- Full metal construction means a very solid feel
- Knurled metal barrel is very tactile and allows a good grip even when hands get sweaty
- Black powdercoated exterior is resistant to scratches (I even put this in the same pocket as my keys - no scratches yet!)
- Eraser is great, easily removing marks without leaving tiny shavings on the paper
- Eraser holder easily slides in and out, but doesn't clamp the eraser when removed, making adjusting the length easy and quick
- Eraser can be used easily, with pressure, without extending the leads further
- Rotating lead hardness marker means you never have to guess which lead is in your pencil
- Clip is firm and easily holds on to your shirt or coat pocket, meaning it won't fall out if you lean over
- Inside barrel is aluminum (not plated), and holds a lot of lead, so you can leave the refill container at home
- Black powdercoated surface looks professional and would fit in even in the most formal of workplaces
Cons:
- From what I've heard, the extended silver tip on the end is easily broken if the pencil is dropped
- Lending this out can be dangerous, people won't want to give it back!
Overall, I'm extremely happy with this pencil. rOtring has transformed the pencil from a tool used by high schoolers into a writing utensil that you can be proud to carry, as it looks professional and feels the part as well. rOtring has earned a customer for life with this tool. I can't recommend it enough.
About as close to perfect as pencils get.
Lead hardness indicator is on the back and has everything but 4B (which I have tried and is a stupid idea unless you like lead that snaps if you look at it funny and only writes one sentence before needing another click)
Clip is removable but quite tight.
Grip is absolutely the best. no amount of sweaty, gross hands will phase this thing's grip, it's like 60 grit sandpaper. And it can be washed if your hands are that gross. Some people prefer smoother grips, I like a pencil to never move in my hand.
Eraser works well, but is quite small and rotates a bit as you use it, which is kind of annoying. But I do like that it's capped, makes the sensation of clicking it quite nice.
Full metal body is just awesome. It doesn't have the retractable drafting point of the fancier model, but it also doesn't cost 1/4 of that. And it has everything else.
Replacement erasers can be pricey - it's usually better to just have a separate eraser anyways.
Overall, the only thing that would improve this pencil is a twist-extend eraser. The 0.35 costs twice as much for some reason, so if you need that, get a uni kuru-toga or a faber castell, but for the $16ish that the 0.5 costs (and the more standard lead size of a 0.5 is also preferable in most situations) this pencil is great.
I am a professional artist and I have to say it’s a pretty great pencil. It feels nice and sturdy in my hand and it is a pleasure to draw with. If you are anything like me I was stuck between these and the GraphGear 1000s because I wanted something that was going to last forever, feel good in hand and yes... look sharp. There is a lot of side taking about which one is better. It seems you are generally going to strongly prefer one over the other. So I ended up getting both because I couldn’t decide. For me they both have great things going for them and they both have things I think could be improved. I don’t think I have a conscious preference. I enjoy using both. I got a pretty good deal on these but they were still more expensive. Worth every penny I paid though time will tell. I will update if I have any complaints. I did also later get a silver Rotring 600 in the .35 and I think I like it better than the matte black, which I didn’t expect but it’s a little bit smoother above the grip... but that’s just being nit-picky.
I got a "used" one from Warehouse Deals, it is a really nice pencil.
I was torn between three highly rated pencils and have purchased them rOtring 600, Graph Gear 1000 and Uni Kurutoga Roulette, I am going to do a combined review for those considering all three. Since they where considered the "best of the best" pencils according to all the reviews I have read. While I like the Graph Gear 1000, the color (silver) is not my thing, it is a great pencil especially if you want a retractible tip, it appears to have an all metal barrel, and it will become my backpack pencil. The Kurutoga Roulette is my least favorite, the hole in the barrle for the Kurutoga logo is in the worst possible place, my finger rest on it and makes it very uncomfortable, the pencil is well made, just not comfortable to me, also the upper portion of the barrel is plastic. The rOtring 600 is my favorite by far, appears very durable (even if this is a "new" version) and just feels right in my hand. If I had to do it all over again (knowing what I know now) I would just buy the rOtring and be done with it.
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