This Thing Fooled Me
July 13, 2025
Source: Reddit
While the PaperMate SharpWriter pencil is something I used in school, it is also what I count on in the shop.
I have tried carpenter pencils, fancy mechanical ones, and even ridiculously expensive all-metal ones with gimmicks. But I always go back to this one. Why? Because it’s simply reliable and somehow perfect for shop life.
I recently rediscovered it by accident. I saw a weird little plastic and graphite thing on the floor — even thought it looked like a medical needle. When I picked it up, I discovered it was just the inner graphite part of a SharpWriter, which had lost its outer shell. Never threw the inner part away because it still had graphite use; since then, I have been keeping a box in my drawer.
What Is So Good About It?
It is light, plastic, twist-feed (not click), the eraser is useless, but everything else just works.
That twist feed allows you to control it. You never break the lead from over-clicking. No jams, only a smooth, adjustable feed, no forgetting to retract the lead in order to keep it from being damaged while in-use!
The lead is even softer than regular HB, leaving dark, clear markings on wood, plastic, metal, or whatever surface. I’ve found it works on writing on PVC, scrap wood or even dirty stuff.
Disposably Durable
You can drop it, step on it, leave it in the back of the truck, and its fine. Even if you break it, who cares? They are cheap, disposable and don’t need to be babied.
The tip is flexible just enough for it to move enough to not break lead, without it being floppy, or bendable and fragile. It is the type of tool you can “use hard” without a second thought.
Somewhat Unexpected Nostalgia
There is definitely a great sense of school day nostalgia, but also in a helpful way. There is muscle memory in the twist, and there is enough familiarity in the feel for it to just fit into shop life without the need to prove itself.
And yes – it is kind of fun buying a tool from the school supply section.
Other Trades Love It Too
I’ve met carpenters, plumbers, and welders that love it. A guy I know even has extras in his glovebox. Once you start using them, it just makes sense.
No sharpening, no maintenance and no hype. Just grab it and go.
Final Thoughts
The PaperMate SharpWriter pencil is always in my pocket. It works, it lasts, and makes my job so much easier. No upgrades. No gimmicks. Just a real tool that earns its keep.
And if you find the inner graphite lying around? Don’t worry – it isn’t a needle. It just means someone near-by knows what they are doing.