![]() ![]() It is on the obverse or facing side of this metal insert that we find written in ascending font size "ZEBRA M-301ULTRA". The clip is a black plastic affair with a metal insert which may or may not be integral to the stainless steel body as it curves underneath the plastic of the clip toward the barrel and I can't see where it goes. Eyeballing the unopened package, there apparently is not any writing on the barrel, just a white plastic barcode sticker. In addition to the colorful zebra motif in the background, the packaging notes the stainless steel barrel, free erasers, and the "NEW soft rubber grip". I suspect my Zebra Ultras are either an earlier iteration of the M-301 to yours, or manufactured to slightly different specifications for the American market. dollar (vanishing more and more every day). Hi Dave, I hold in my hand an unopened two-pack of Zebra 0.5mm lead M-301 Ultra mechanical pencils which I purchased at the eight-bits store for the princely sum of one U.S. But, these pencils seem to have a very loyal following! Finally, I have found on the Web many remarkably enthusiastic user reviews of both the M-301 and the M-402. Also, you may be interested to know that, while the M-301 continues to occupy a place of honor on the shelves of my local superstores (Staples, Office Depot, etc.), you can now find next to it a newer, more expensive model that features the hated RUBBER (not scored plastic) grip, namely the M-402. But, if you're going to keep in a leather loop attached to your notebook, there's really no need to retract the lead sleeve, because the whole thing is safely immobilized there. ![]() A retractable lead sleeve may be a great feature on a pencil that you want to keep in your pocket or purse. ![]() So, Dave, you've hit the nail on the head there! But, I think you've missed the boat completely with your criticism of the lack of a retractable lead sleeve on this pencil. I have since purchased one by itself, and noted that the packaging touts it as ideal for use with with planners. I got my first Zebra M-301 many years ago, as a freebie with my Daytimer calendar/planner notebook. I have been wondering for some time now when Dave would finally get around to reviewing this pencil, which, from my viewpoint in the Midwestern United States, appears to be something of a modern classic. Am I being unfair here?įootnote – It was a long time ago, but my M-301 was a freebie from Cult Pens. Their pencils are perfectly good products, I guess it’s just that somehow I don’t associate them with innovation or cutting edge design or outstanding quality or…, they tend to be just more of the same. I’ve got to admit that overall Zebra is one of those brands that tend to leave me a little flat. Now that was a pretty short review by my standards. Balance point about 75mm up from the tip. Not So Good Points – Lead sleeve not retractable.ĭimensions – Length 133mm, diameter 9mm.Best Points – Small solid pencil, good for a compendium, etc.The pocket clip is a plain but strong and functional steel strip. Underneath the top cap is a small eraser and you remove that to access the lead refill chamber. The “0.5” is particularly prominent, which is good. “Japan”, “Zebra M-301” and “.5” are clearly printed in black on the main barrel of the pencil. The lead advance mechanism is a push top ratchet – 10 clicks will get you 6mm of lead. A retractable sleeve would fit better with my idea that this pencil is aimed at the pocket, purse, notebook, compendium segment of the market. I commend them for not sticking a rubber grip on instead! The lead sleeve is a fixed 3mm thin pipe. The plastic grip section has horizontal and vertical grooves which cut the surface into tiny squares and actually make quite a good grip. These factors combine to make me think of it as a notebook or compendium pencil, rather than a fulltime everyday office pencil. As you might expect it is also rather lightweight. The M-301 is a rather dinky looking smallish polished steel and black plastic pencil. ![]()
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