I've been using Alvin Draft/Matic pencils for years. I just really like the feel and quality of the pencil: it's got a good weight and heft, its knurled grip allows for precision, and they last forever. Except when you misplace them! So I needed a replacement — priced at nearly $30 at Amazon.com (!), I found them for sale at www.draftingsuppliesdew.com for less than $10 each. I bought two. Highly recommended.

This pencil is great for my drafting needs. It has a metal grip and a good weight. I have them in three sizes. This is my new favorite pencil

This pencil is great for my drafting needs. It has a metal grip and a good weight. I have them in three sizes. This is my new favorite pencil

I regrettably buy them because I need the knurled grip on these, because I have very sweaty hands AND fingers as an artist, and other mechanical pencils just slide out of my grip eventually, which is frustrating.

Of course, the standard to which they were engineered is also nice.

I am a landscape architect with 24 years of experience. I have been using the same Alvin Draft-Matic (0.7) mechanical pencil for 17 years now. It still functions great. I have worn all of the writing and the metal knurling is a bit smoother than a new pencil, but it still functions like new.