Aluminium Black Kaweco Special Short Mechanical Pencil Online now

Aluminium Black Kaweco Special Short Mechanical Pencil

Choosing Keeping holds the largest range of Kaweco pens in the UK – indeed we have built a long-lasting friendship with the beloved Gutberlet family who run the company with so much brains and gusto. Kaweco is often mistaken for a Japanese brand – not so! – it is 100% German. Originally established in 1899 in Heidelberg (also home of Lamy), the company was eventually renamed Kaweco as its owners namesake, Henrich Koch and Rudolph Weber – KOch, WEber and COmpany. Here pictured, an advertisement from 1911 which declares, ‘stocked in every best stationery store’ – still the case! 

The Special range is in fact one of Kaweco’s earliest design shapes, which can be broadly dated back to 1927 under the Colleg Extra range. In 1931, Kaweco made concerted efforts to refine and enhance the pen’s branding; a ‘streamlined shape, a cone-shaped cap, an angular clip’ are all details which would define the new Kaweco Special to this day. Today, this classic design maintains the streamlined shape of its predecessors, whilst receiving a freshly updated finish. Indeed no longer made of plastic, all writing tools in the Special range (long and short mechanical pencils, ballpoints, and fountain pens) are milled from aluminium for a very well balanced and satisfyingly weighted writing experience. This is our preferred recommendation for architects, designers, artists, and professionals. 

Available in 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, or 2mm lead sizes; please select from the dropdown menu as you like. Each pencil is sold with two HB graphite leads.

Slip-on chrome clip is optional and can be purchased separately here. 

Details
Body material: Anodised black aluminium with ultra matte finish
Mechanism: Retractable push button
Dimensions: 10.9cm long, 1cm diameter
Included: presentation box, two HB graphite leads

Lead size guide
The following sizes are self-sharpening and feature an eraser under the button:
0.5mm – for drafting and precision drawing
0.7mm – most versatile for general writing and drawing (far less ‘snappy’ than 0.5mm)
0.9mm – general writing; good for heavier handed users
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2mm – the classic architect’s drafting size. This size is best used with a lead pointer to sharpen, available here.

Made in Germany

Read our interview with Kaweco CEO Michael Gutberlet on the topic of pen collecting.