Review: Pentel Multi 8 Lead Holder / Clutch Pencil

The Pentel Multi 8 is a mechanical clutch pencil that can hold 8 coloured leads. So essentially you're getting 8 coloured pencil in a clutch pencil that's not much thicker than some disposable pens.

The smart design allows you to switch different colours easily. Turn the pen clip to show the colour you want, press the back button and the lead slides out.

There's actually a tray that will move when you turn the pen clip, and the lead will slide onto the tray and out.

To change colour, press the back button, hold the pen so that the lead slides back, turn the pen clip to your preferred colour, push the back button and the other pencil lead slides down. You will need two hands to switch pencil leads.

Price of the pencil is around USD 19, and it's possible to buy it together with replacement colour leads for a total of USD 29.

The pencil lead is 5.8cm long and 2mm thick.

The pencil lead is held by metal clutches.

The colours do look vibrant and easy to apply. There's no information regarding pigment for the pencil leads so I'm not sure how lightfast the colours will be.

This is a wonderful and smart product. You have to hand it to the Japanese to design stationery like this. This is the equivalent of having 8 colour pencils but in one body.

Where to buy

You can find the Pentel Multi 8 on Amazon (US | CA | UK | DE | FR | ES | IT | JP)