Hello! I’m starting a new series of mini reviews. Reviews of non-Field Notes goodies in my stationery stash, to be more specific. Maybe I can call it Jinnie’s Minis? Let’s see if I can succeed in keeping the reviews short and sweet. :)
I bought this yellow Ohto 2.0 mm jumbo mechanical pencil at a Delfonics store in Tokyo some time ago. I don’t generally use mechanical pencils these days, and I’ve certainly never needed a mechanical pencil with lead bigger than 0.5 mm. So clearly, I had no good reason to pick it up. But I couldn’t resist the American No.2 yellow pencil look in an unexpected form factor. (Plus I was traveling, which meant impulse buys were A-OK).
Of course, it wasn’t until recently that I tried using this Ohto pencil regularly, and I have to say, I enjoy having it in my pencil cup. Its lead is not the smoothest out there, and the rattling sound of the gold metal cap against the “ferrule” can be a bit annoying. But overall, it’s a decent novelty pencil with a great style. It’s fun and playful, without looking too juvenile in my opinion. And I like that it’s chunkier than a lot of mechanical pencils out there, which can provide a more comfortable grip.
I’ve since purchased the Ohto 2.0 mm lead sharpener, too, which gives the pencil a much sharper tip (the original, factory-sharpened point was pretty dull). I think the sharp tip will increase the pencil’s versatility, from fine text to sketching.
Will I get more of these pencils, perhaps in the other available colors? Maybe, if I happen to come across them the next time I'm in Japan; for now, one is enough for me. I believe I paid about $6 USD in Japan for mine, back when the exchange rate was very favorable. Here in the US though, they can be pricey and hard to find, since they have to be imported after all. I’m sure there are other retailers but I've seen them in-store at Maido SF and online at Omoi Zakka Shop.
The imprint is only on 1 out of 6 sides of the pencil.
Pretty simple mechanics. Just pull the eraser cap to insert the 2.0 mm lead.
The gold finish is nice and shiny.
Pros
- Fun design made to look like traditional wood-cased pencils
- Real wood barrel in rich colors with high gloss
- Thick, hexagonal body for better grip
- Imprint done neatly
- Included HB lead decent in quality
- Ohto 2.0mm lead refills available, from HB to 3B
- Replacement erasers also available
Cons
- Rattling sound from the gold cap
- Wood barrel prone to damage, much like wood-cased pencils
- Eraser is just okay and can be fussy to use, depending on the direction/angle you apply the pressure
- Price and availability
Sharpened with the matching Ohto sharpener, which is TINY but irresistibly cute. It works well, too. Except, you have to pull the lead out enough and hold it with your fingers and twist, instead of twisting the barrel (the lead won't twist with the barrel; not enough friction).
Addendum
Comfortable Shoes Studio has an excellent, thorough review of the same Ohto mechanical pencil here, as well as a hack to silence the rattling sound from the cap. I tried it with my own pencil and it works! ♡
