Kevin, it it an absolute honor to have these special pencils reviewed by you and MAMO on TH-cam! Thank you so much for the kind words and amazing compliments! I have really been enjoying these pencils for sketching (and writing too!). I am also thrilled to be able to make these available for your viewers and other like-minded collectors in this special community! Enjoy, and let me know if there are any questions!
Out of curiosity, Jeremy, what do you think of the Apsara sharpener design when it comes to the Sketcher? I'd personally say it puts the perfect point style (long and not super sharp) for its 4B grade core.
Hi Jeremy! You have created a really wonderful pencil and I have enjoyed using them! I shared some with friends and family who also love the smooth, dark core and admire the simple beauty of the pencil's design. Thank you for sharing them with me, and bravo!
Terrific and thorough review as always, Kevin. I'm using my Sketcher daily at this point, and it is indeed a fine pencil. Thanks for the shout-out, too!
Wow! Kevin I just ordered a flat box of these on eBay! I mentioned on there that you sent me! Can’t wait to try these! So excited!!! ❤ thanks Kev!!!! Jeffrey 🥰🥰
It shows the best control I've seen on a wooden pencil,something I could only find on old Faber Castell pencils! I'd say this is super high quality graphite!
@@greekveteran2715 That's an interesting bit. I was trying out writing with a Pilot 2B lead this week, and it felt so... slippery, like it was fighting my fingers the same way the steering wheel of a hydroplaning car behaves. Would this be a lack of the 'control' you're talking about?
@@GoodOleDFT Yes.that's what I'm talking about! I also got a Pilot S10 that came with B leads last week! Pilot leads are the smoothest. Pentel Ain Stein HB 0.5mm are what I use for linework when drawing.they provide way higher control. Pilot leads are nice for writing, but I still prefer some more feedback and control.
@@greekveteran2715 Ah, so it is what I was thinking! Gotcha. Yeah, I love Ain Stein HB too, I got one box of it in every common lead size (0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9). Smooth but super controllable, with a pleasant level of darkness. FWIW, I can praise the Pentel Ain 2B in 0.3 too. It's 2B, but unlike the Pilot, I don't struggle for control with it. OTOH, the same Pilot lead (which, to note, is not Neox, it's just branded as "Pilot" and comes in a blue plastic cartridge) in HB is much worse than any Pentel. It's light and "sticky", like it doesn't want to glide on the paper at all.
With all the expense the Draughting pencil gets, Im glad there are people who still appreciate it. This looks to be a pretty good homage. Imma gonna try this one Also a bit of history about the Draughting 314: Its originally made by Eagle Pencil. There are three types of 314s in the wild (eBay) the more earlier 314 with the old Eagle logo (seen in the old Mikados), the newer logo version (seen in more early 40s Mirados among others) and the Berol ones. And yes, the consensus for the General's edition is that it sucks. It is softer and chalky than the original. So yeah these are a good alternative for people who want the old school Draughting
Thanks for the background information, CRx! I didn't have much experience with the Draughting pencil until I heard from Jeremy, but I can see why he missed the old version. The Sketcher 4B is really a lovely pencil, although I only use it for writing, I imagine it's a nice sketching and design pencil, too.
As mentioned, a beautiful pencil. Nothing more to say. Though I should note, that Apsara sharpener (that Duffy also used) is perfect for the Sketcher. The point is long so as it wears down, the trace doesn't widen quite as dramatically during use, and the relatively blunt tip fits a 4B pencil, those should be awl-sharp at most - a needle point would be wasted on it. For a 4B pencil, that erases like a high quality HB. With the difference i mind, I'd give the Sketcher no less than an A- bordering on straight A.
Hi DFT - I agree that the Apsara sharpener is made for a pencil like this Sketcher. I did erase nicely for a 4B, but I'm usually conservative on my eraser ratings because it often depends on the paper being used. That said, the graphite lifted better than most other 3 or 4 B pencils I've used. Thanks!
If you think inability to understand cursive is bad, Kevin, what if I told you some (read: many) kids I deal with every day don't know how to use a _keyboard_ properly? They don't even know the differences between Ctrl, Alt Gr and Shift for printing out special characters. I have to guide them constantly. They were born and raised with smartphone touchscreen typing, and now they're becoming adults and struggling with this ubiquitous essential technology that is impossible to be replaced anytime soon. Unlike cursive with its blockprint alternative, there's no effective replacement for a keyboard. Before anyone calls me an old man yelling at clouds: I'm not even 34 years old yet. These people are barely one generation removed from mine!
Was reading an article the other day making the same point about younger users not understanding the concept of a file, because programs tend to save stuff automatically wherever they want (either on your computer or iCloud, etc). As a programmer who is constantly pushed by my coworkers these days to blindly copy/paste code from AI tools, I worry that we are collectively losing our grasp on how technology works.
@@taylorvenable9978 Yep, it's really bad. Knowledge in the West is devolving so as to confuse this technology with some kinda magic. Easier to leash a dog that isn't wary, I guess. Not me, though. I investigate and record mentally how things old and new work, almost obsessively so. Keeps me aware and my brain in motion, so win-win.
@@LouiesWorkshop Cheers. I can't stand using touchscreens and only do use them because I have to. But the lack of tactile feedback and low speed plus having to hold the entire device REALLY get on my nerves. Isn't it morbidly funny how among your generation, you have essentially learned an encryption method?
Hi DFT - as someone who has worked in higher education for more than three decades, I could spend lots of time with examples of how students' ability to write, read, comprehend, etc. has changed. I still get inspired by the star students who have mastered these basic skills, and I know they will find success. The problem is that smart phones, social media, video games, etc. have essentially rewired people's brains so our level of comprehension is razor thin and our attention spans are even smaller. The irony is our little community here is possible through the same technologies, so like so many things in life, social media is a double-edged sword.
Kevin, it it an absolute honor to have these special pencils reviewed by you and MAMO on TH-cam! Thank you so much for the kind words and amazing compliments! I have really been enjoying these pencils for sketching (and writing too!). I am also thrilled to be able to make these available for your viewers and other like-minded collectors in this special community! Enjoy, and let me know if there are any questions!
Out of curiosity, Jeremy, what do you think of the Apsara sharpener design when it comes to the Sketcher? I'd personally say it puts the perfect point style (long and not super sharp) for its 4B grade core.
Hi Jeremy! You have created a really wonderful pencil and I have enjoyed using them! I shared some with friends and family who also love the smooth, dark core and admire the simple beauty of the pencil's design. Thank you for sharing them with me, and bravo!
Oooooooohhh! Here is a gotta have of few of each. Cursive presentation is a handsome touch. Drooling...
I ordered a box on eBay just now. Eagerly awaiting...
So grateful for your review Kevin
May I ask if you have a link for ebay? I may be missing something, but I cannot seem to find the pencils. Many thanks, JB.
Hi Recordesk - Thanks for letting me know! I hope you enjoy the pencils as much as I did - please let me know!
Hi John - go to ebay and put "Sketcher 4B" in the search bar. The listing will come right up. Thanks!
Terrific and thorough review as always, Kevin.
I'm using my Sketcher daily at this point, and it is indeed a fine pencil.
Thanks for the shout-out, too!
Hi MAMO - I'm using my Sketcher all the time - great pencil! I had a feeling we would agree on this one! Thanks!
Wow! Kevin I just ordered a flat box of these on eBay! I mentioned on there that you sent me! Can’t wait to try these! So excited!!! ❤ thanks Kev!!!!
Jeffrey 🥰🥰
Hi Jeffrey! Thanks for letting me know! I hope you enjoy these pencils as much as I did! Hope all is well!!
It shows the best control I've seen on a wooden pencil,something I could only find on old Faber Castell pencils! I'd say this is super high quality graphite!
Hi greekveteran - it really is a nice pencil and I found the core to respond well to handwriting. Thanks!
@@greekveteran2715 That's an interesting bit. I was trying out writing with a Pilot 2B lead this week, and it felt so... slippery, like it was fighting my fingers the same way the steering wheel of a hydroplaning car behaves. Would this be a lack of the 'control' you're talking about?
@@GoodOleDFT Yes.that's what I'm talking about! I also got a Pilot S10 that came with B leads last week! Pilot leads are the smoothest. Pentel Ain Stein HB 0.5mm are what I use for linework when drawing.they provide way higher control. Pilot leads are nice for writing, but I still prefer some more feedback and control.
@@greekveteran2715 Ah, so it is what I was thinking! Gotcha. Yeah, I love Ain Stein HB too, I got one box of it in every common lead size (0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9). Smooth but super controllable, with a pleasant level of darkness.
FWIW, I can praise the Pentel Ain 2B in 0.3 too. It's 2B, but unlike the Pilot, I don't struggle for control with it.
OTOH, the same Pilot lead (which, to note, is not Neox, it's just branded as "Pilot" and comes in a blue plastic cartridge) in HB is much worse than any Pentel. It's light and "sticky", like it doesn't want to glide on the paper at all.
@@GoodOleDFT I love Ain Stein 2B both 0.3 and 0.5mm! Pentel Kerry 0.5mm loaded with 2B is my go to for writing!! Thanks for the info on Pilot leads!
With all the expense the Draughting pencil gets, Im glad there are people who still appreciate it. This looks to be a pretty good homage. Imma gonna try this one
Also a bit of history about the Draughting 314:
Its originally made by Eagle Pencil. There are three types of 314s in the wild (eBay) the more earlier 314 with the old Eagle logo (seen in the old Mikados), the newer logo version (seen in more early 40s Mirados among others) and the Berol ones.
And yes, the consensus for the General's edition is that it sucks. It is softer and chalky than the original. So yeah these are a good alternative for people who want the old school Draughting
Thanks for the background information, CRx! I didn't have much experience with the Draughting pencil until I heard from Jeremy, but I can see why he missed the old version. The Sketcher 4B is really a lovely pencil, although I only use it for writing, I imagine it's a nice sketching and design pencil, too.
As mentioned, a beautiful pencil. Nothing more to say. Though I should note, that Apsara sharpener (that Duffy also used) is perfect for the Sketcher. The point is long so as it wears down, the trace doesn't widen quite as dramatically during use, and the relatively blunt tip fits a 4B pencil, those should be awl-sharp at most - a needle point would be wasted on it.
For a 4B pencil, that erases like a high quality HB. With the difference i mind, I'd give the Sketcher no less than an A- bordering on straight A.
Hi DFT - I agree that the Apsara sharpener is made for a pencil like this Sketcher. I did erase nicely for a 4B, but I'm usually conservative on my eraser ratings because it often depends on the paper being used. That said, the graphite lifted better than most other 3 or 4 B pencils I've used. Thanks!
If you think inability to understand cursive is bad, Kevin, what if I told you some (read: many) kids I deal with every day don't know how to use a _keyboard_ properly? They don't even know the differences between Ctrl, Alt Gr and Shift for printing out special characters. I have to guide them constantly.
They were born and raised with smartphone touchscreen typing, and now they're becoming adults and struggling with this ubiquitous essential technology that is impossible to be replaced anytime soon. Unlike cursive with its blockprint alternative, there's no effective replacement for a keyboard.
Before anyone calls me an old man yelling at clouds: I'm not even 34 years old yet. These people are barely one generation removed from mine!
Was reading an article the other day making the same point about younger users not understanding the concept of a file, because programs tend to save stuff automatically wherever they want (either on your computer or iCloud, etc). As a programmer who is constantly pushed by my coworkers these days to blindly copy/paste code from AI tools, I worry that we are collectively losing our grasp on how technology works.
I'm not even twenty and I hate typing on a phone keyboard. I was possibly the very last class in Hazleton, PA to be taught cursive.
@@taylorvenable9978 Yep, it's really bad. Knowledge in the West is devolving so as to confuse this technology with some kinda magic. Easier to leash a dog that isn't wary, I guess.
Not me, though. I investigate and record mentally how things old and new work, almost obsessively so. Keeps me aware and my brain in motion, so win-win.
@@LouiesWorkshop Cheers. I can't stand using touchscreens and only do use them because I have to. But the lack of tactile feedback and low speed plus having to hold the entire device REALLY get on my nerves.
Isn't it morbidly funny how among your generation, you have essentially learned an encryption method?
Hi DFT - as someone who has worked in higher education for more than three decades, I could spend lots of time with examples of how students' ability to write, read, comprehend, etc. has changed. I still get inspired by the star students who have mastered these basic skills, and I know they will find success. The problem is that smart phones, social media, video games, etc. have essentially rewired people's brains so our level of comprehension is razor thin and our attention spans are even smaller. The irony is our little community here is possible through the same technologies, so like so many things in life, social media is a double-edged sword.