Craft Design Technology Mechanical Pencil 038Ｗ

The Craft Design Technology 038W mechanical pencil is a fresh interpretation of the Pentel Kerry – a mechanical pencil that has been produced virtually unchanged since 1971. The core principle: a compact body made of plastic and metal with a long cap that, when attached, brings the pencil to normal writing length whilst simultaneously functioning as a push button. CDT gives this classic a contemporary look: white barrel, brushed silver cap, and a woven brass band in the middle – the so-called Sanada-Himo pattern – which provides comfortable grip and tactile texture to the hand.

Features

• Dual-function cap: When attached, it protects the long, precision guide tube during transport – no need to retract the lead. When removed and reattached at the back, the cap tip becomes the push button for lead advancement. Beneath the button lies a replaceable eraser.
• Extended guide tube: Designed like a draughting pencil – the lead runs through a long, slender tip that provides clear sight of the writing line and enables precise work even close to rulers or stencils.
• Brass band with Sanada-Himo pattern: The traditional Japanese weave pattern is engraved into the central brass section. It gives the pencil its distinctive appearance and provides secure grip without added rubber coating.
• Balanced weight through metal components: The cap (brushed silver metal) and brass band give the pencil a well-weighted feel in hand – 21 g at 121 mm length.
• Compact format with clip: When capped, the pencil measures 121 mm – a format that fits comfortably into a shirt or jacket pocket. The clip on the cap keeps it secure.
• 0.5 mm lead size: Delivers fine, precise lines – ideal for narrow-ruled notebooks, planner layouts and technical sketches.

Use & Tips

• Pocket-sized for on the go: When capped, the 038W is compact enough for A6 and passport planners. The cap protects the lead without needing to retract it first – simply cap and pocket.
• Writing with cap attached: With the cap reattached at the back, the pencil reaches normal writing length and sits well-balanced in the hand. The push button then sits on top of the cap – naturally within reach whilst writing.
• Precise drawing and sketching: The long guide tube allows you to work close to ruler edges without losing sight of the tip. For fine hatching and detailed sketches, the 0.5 mm lead is an excellent choice.
• Lead: Standard 0.5 mm diameter leads (Pentel-compatible). Harder leads (H, 2H) produce lighter, sharper lines; softer grades (B, 2B) write darker and are better suited to sketches and shading.
• Replacing the eraser: Pull off the button at the cap tip – beneath it sits a cylindrical eraser in Pentel standard, which can be purchased separately.

For Mechanical Pencil Enthusiasts

The Pentel Kerry is one of the few mechanical pencils with a genuine cap – a concept borrowed from the fountain pen world in 1971. The Japanese name "Mannenncil" is a portmanteau of "Mannennhitsu" (fountain pen) and "Pencil" – the goal was a mechanical pencil that would look just as good as a fountain pen in your pocket. The CDT 038W model retains the entire mechanism faithfully: two push-button systems that interlock when the cap is attached, so the advance mechanism works even with the cap on. The cap locks onto the brass fitting of the barrel via a spring-ring principle – a mechanically precise detail that has remained unchanged for decades. The Sanada-Himo weave pattern on the brass is not a sticker, but an engraved structure.

Technical Specifications