The Pentel Orenz is a plastic mechanical pencil with Pentel’s anti-breaking lead technology. This is the entry-level pencil in the line, with the top model being the Orenz Nero.
The Orenz is a fully plastic pencil, aside from the brass clutch and sliding pipe. It has the same anti-breaking system as the Orenz with the metal grip and Orenz Nero, but only the Orenz Nero has the automatic lead feeding system and a body made of plastic-metal composite.
The sliding pipe system is very simple: the pipe literally can slide frictionlessly back if pushed, but when the lead is present the pipe surrounds the lead and protect is from breaking. The pipe acts as a sleeve that protects the lead, but diminishes in length with it as the lead wears. When more lead is required, the user can push the top button. With the Nero you only need to push the button to extend the pipe and the lead actually advance itself as you write.
The downside of the Orenz is that the pipe is not a consistent length and can be longer or shorter depending on how much lead is advanced. This can mean an inconsistent writing experience as well as problems if you are drafting or stenciling and a longer, consistent length is required.
Pentel Orenz Mechanical Pencil Information
| Street Price | Check Price |
| Manufacturer | Pentel |
| Pencil Models | Plastic Grip 0.2 mm, Plastic Grip 0.3 mm, Plastic Grip 0.5 mm |
| Barrel Color | Red, Orange, Dark Blue, Pink, White, Green, Purple, Dark Green, Black, Blue, Yellow, Light Blue, Silver, Light Green, Gray |
| Barrel Material | Plastic |
| Body Diameter (mm) | 9.0 mm |
| Grip Color | Red, Orange, Dark Blue, Pink, White, Green, Purple, Dark Green, Black, Yellow, Light Blue, Silver, Light Green, Gray |
| Grip Material | Plastic |
| Knurled Grip? | No |
| Grip Diameter (mm) | 8.8 mm |
| Body Shape | Round |
| Lead Grades | HB |
| Capped or Retractable | No |
| Lead Advance Style | Top Button |
| Lead Color | Graphite |
| Lead Size (Diameter) | 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm |
| Similar To: | |
| Eraser? | Yes |
| Eraser Refillable? | Yes |
| Clip | Yes |
| Clip Material | Metal |
| Length Retracted (cm) | 14.3 cm |
| Weight | 10 grams |
| Pipe Color | Silver |
| Tip Material | Metal |
| Tip Replaceable? | No |
| Pipe Type | Sliding |
| Lead Pipe Length | 3.0 mm |
| Pipe Retractable? | Yes |
| Cleaning Rod? | Yes |