Bauhaus-influenced hexagonal precision since 1928 - 600 mechanical pencil trusted by architects
Rotring embodies the German engineering principle of 'form follows function' with uncompromising precision. Every element serves a purpose - from the iconic red ring (rot = red in German) that identifies the brand to the hexagonal brass barrels that prevent rolling on drafting tables. Founded in 1928 among the modernist thinkers of Germany, Rotring has dazzled the technical writing world with products that unite art and industry, creativity and exactitude.
Signature$30
The iconic 600 features a full brass hexagonal body with knurled grip and fixed lead sleeve. Machined from one piece of brass on a lathe, it set a new standard for precision mechanical pencils in the 1980s.
Signature$30
Silver variant of the beloved 600 with the same full-metal construction, brass mechanism for precision lead advancement, and lead hardness grade indicator for professionals.
Signature$60
Premium mechanical pencil with unique 'twist and click' retractable mechanism that protects the entire sleeve and lead. Pocket-safe design with full metal body and knurled grip.
Signature$80
Hybrid mechanical pencil and touchscreen stylus introduced in 2014. Both functions share the same retractable end - 'Think on paper + Think on digital.'
$85
Four precision technical pens (0.25mm to 0.7mm) with hard chrome-plated tubular tips. The Rapidograph became the prototypical technical pen by 1953, virtually replacing the ruling pen.
$8
Entry-level mechanical pencil with lightweight plastic body, triangular barrel to prevent rolling, and dual-material rubberized grip. Brass mechanism ensures precision lead advancement.
🇩🇪 DE · $25-$150
Kaweco combines German precision engineering with timeless vintage design, upholding the philosophy 'small in the pocket, large in the hand' since 1883. Their pens marry classic craftsmanship with modern materials while maintaining the distinctive octagonal shapes and compact forms that have defined the brand for over a century.
🇺🇸 US · $25-$50
Blackwing champions the analog experience, creating pencils and tools that help people slow down and find balance in their digital lives. Rooted in the legendary Blackwing 602's heritage of "Half the Pressure, Twice the Speed," the brand combines premium Japanese graphite with sustainably-sourced California Incense-cedar, honoring the tactile craft of writing and drawing.
🇩🇪 DE · $30-$400
Lamy embodies the Bauhaus principle of 'form follows function' in every writing instrument. Since the revolutionary Lamy 2000 in 1966, designed by Gerd A. Muller (who worked alongside Dieter Rams at Braun), all Lamy products feature reduced forms perfected for practical function. The brand believes design is not decorative but integral to usability.
🇩🇪 DE · $5,000-$10,000
Leica embodies the German tradition of precision engineering and optical excellence, creating cameras that are hand-assembled tools for life. Their design philosophy centers on essential functionality without superfluous features, where every control serves a purpose and materials are chosen to last generations.
🇺🇸 US · $100-$200
INVENTERY embodies industrial minimalism with an obsession for mechanical perfection and precision engineering. Founded in 2017 in Los Angeles, they design, manufacture, and assemble entirely in-house using state-of-the-art CNC machinery, turning solid metal stock into precision writing instruments with seamless forms and no unnecessary ornamentation.
🇬🇧 GB · $50-$150
Makers Cabinet creates beautiful drawing and writing tools inspired by graceful tools of yesteryear. Their design philosophy centers on bringing joy through creativity, challenging conventions in search of new standards, and building tools for longevity as the antithesis to throwaway culture. Each tool is designed to spark creativity and be as joyful to use as they are to look at.