My Fav Pencil to write with
932104
After i bought this, i don't feel like writing with any other mechanical pencil, it simply feels like a real wooden pencil, even better-as one has not to sharpen it. Sharpening, i feel is a drag. I still don't understand why wooden pencils are still in use - so much of wastage of natural resources.

And thank to  Bradt Dockate above, for showing how to refill it.
231051
These are my favorite mechanical pencils for sketching and writing. They come with HB lead but I refill with Pentel 2B for the darker line. The .5 line is crisp, the steel lead holder prevents breakage, the pencil is lightweight and very slender- two features that I prefer over all other mechanical pencils. The finger grip indentations are just enough, and right in the plastic barrell. (I do not like pens/pencils with the metal grips as they bug me under my fingernails!) I will not bother trying the pricier pencils on the market because this perfectly fits my needs at a very low price. My old ones did not fail or break- I just needed a few more for purse and sketch kits.
1007464
Sure, you can get a pencil with a retractable tip and this and that, but I think for the price, there is nothing better than this pencil.  My favorite to right with, and sketch with.  Well balanced and doesn't hurt your hand when writing for hours.

Edit 4/15/15: Still my favorite drafting pencil.  Love the balance and lightness, but I also purchased a Pentel Smash.  That pencil is awesome for everything, and it's a little shorter than the Graph 1000, which i like.  I use the Smash for every day use, calculations, quick sketches and wireframes, but i switch over to the Graph 1000 when I'm trying to be precise.
4672056
I have used Waterman pens and pencils for over 15 years.  The quality is top notch (except for the black circle on the top falling off).  For me the weight of them is ideal since I tend to be heavy handed when writing.
This pencil is lighter than my last (I lost it) but it still feels very comfortable in my hand.  Since it is a lead pencil I have learned not to be heavy handed as that just breaks the lead.
Won't buy any other brand than Waterman.  I love them.
272157
I love the Pentel mechanical pencils and this is what I started on when I first got a higher quality one, but I've actually since switched to using Pentel GraphGear 500s. I just love the grips on those things.
1606592
This is my favorite wooden pencil. Sharpens easily and consistently in a variety of sharpeners. The graphite/lead allows a smooth write. Drag is as expected for a pencil. Delivers consistently.
673780
I really love this pencil. It's reliable, light (may not be a plus for those who like the feel of a heavier pencil), and a comfortable grip.
1853901
Wow this is a nice pencil. Unfortunately the lead hardness indicator only goes down to 2B on the soft end (it goes higher on the hard end) so my 4B lead kind of blows its little mechanical mind. I'll take one star off my original six-star score for that. BTW the 4B lead really makes it write like a pen. I love it, and it still erases well (Uni brand).

The grip is comfortable, the clip is short and looks super tight (the colloquial term), the red lettering is cool, and while the Smash effect in the cap is not really impressive at all in person, it gives a unique look. Would buy again!
1748734
Love this pencil. Writes fine but legibly. Pencil size and weight are comfortable for extended periods of writing. Lead does not break easily. Eraser is tiny but works well. Clip is sturdy.
3152994
I give this four stars because I quickly found something better... the rOtring 600. When I got this pencil I was thrilled, it is very comfortable and writes very smooth. However, after trying out a friend's 600, I had to get myself one. The weight of the 500 is just a little light compared to the 600 (600 has all metal barrel instead of plastic), and that extra weight makes writing so much more enjoyable for me. I don't think I will ever be able to go back to a regular mechanical pencil for drafting or writing. If you have the extra 10-12 bucks get the 600.
15196
Through my engineering undergrad, I have tried nearly every drafting pencil you could find. This is my favorite. The balance point is just aft of the knurling. Knurling is very clean and even. There is no bending throughout the pencil from shaft to tip whilst writing.

My only caution is to never drop it, as 40% of the time it will bend the precision tip. Sometimes this is recoverable (aka bend it back in place), but other times it is not.

Overall, this is probably the only pencil I would consider buying from here-on.
3624468
i am completely in love with these pencils and have used them for years. the side click for the lead is great, the roll up erasers are so incredibly convenient and it fits so nice in your hand. it also writes incredibly smooth! the one problem i have with them is that the back (where the eraser lives) gets loose sometimes and can fall off so you loose all your lead. i get around this by just taping it on with some scotch tape and everything's fine! also, these pencils are way expensive individually in the stores so this pack works awesome for me.
601222
I love these pencils.  The ease of a mechanical pencil with a thicker lead that is harder to break while writing.  I tend to write hard so I use so much pressure that I often break the leads if they are too thin.  Loved it.
4721897
I realize that everyone has a different taste and that you need to test writing instruments to make sure that you've got the perfect one for yourself. However, this is definitely my favorite.

I have tried many different mechanical pencils and this is my personal favorite choice. I have used it consistently for many years now and can recommend it without hesitation. Yes, the eraser is not very useful, as it is kind of small, but the pencil is light and the grip is well done. Because the majority of my usage is for note taking I don't do a lot of erasing any way. Maybe yours would be different if you do a lot of editing on your pencil work.

Overall, I highly recommend it, but realize that you have to try them out for yourselves. Do what I did, try to get it ordered at work, then see if it fits you!
892116
As a pen and pencil aficionado, I must say that this is absolutely my favorite pencil EVER.  It simply cannot be beaten for the price point in my opinion.  Comfortable and weighty in the hand (though not overly heavy), point that retracts back into the barrel, and a secure clip to ensure it stays put on my lanyard.  I work at a high school and I've lost numerous other pencils after they have fallen off from my lanyard as I'm walking across campus, but because of the spring hinge on this pencil's clip, it has never once fallen off.

The fact that the erasers are replaceable and easy to find in stores is a huge plus as well.  I've purchased other more expensive pencils, and only been disappointed that the manufacturers didn't even sell replacement erasers.
3807870
As an artist and Pencil Freak, I go through many pencils. The rOtring 600 is my absolute favorite. The click action is smooth.  The weight feels ... well, it just feels good. It's balanced and the textured area towards the front + hexagonal barrel make it easier when you need to be super steady for precision & detail. No hand cramps. Other pencil people will know what I'm referring to. It does not chew through or snap leads. At first I didn't think the lead hardness indicator would be a plus, but now I have 5 of these pencils and it's quite convenient. It comes in 0.35mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm. Different leads suit different folks, so try out several brands before passing final judgement.
3948620
I've never enjoyed writing with pencil as much as I do with this pencil. Always a sharp tip and hasn't broken on me once.