A review of the Rotring 600 after 8 years of use, from the perspective of a mechanical engineering student. Music: Lee - Dreaming Lee - Butterfly Effect
Answers to FAQ: 1. Black paper: Rhodia Touch Maya - Amazon UK 2. Lead: Pilot Eno-G 4B 3. White lead: Prym 0.9mm (in Staedtler 925) - Amazon UK 4. E-notes: Samsung Tab S7+ with Samsung Notes
Hi, came across your channel and loved it. Do you think you can make a video about your handwriting? I think it is beautiful and would love to see a detailed video on how you write each letter on capitals. I think many people would love to see it!
Pencil and Paper is only not the first choice for lecture annotations in a script; but as soon as you start solving problems or designing algorithms, the technically infinite "screen size" of paper is of higher advantage (you can still look at the previous page and get the result).
Fellow Engineering Graduate here. My 800 looks very similar. Little less scuffed up but it's roughly 7 years old now and it's for sure a pencil that will outlast me
His hand writing is amazing, but it looks like he's mixed his writing with lettering. Lettering something you'll likely learn in your CAD/Drafting class. Random tangent: Something I will recommend since you're just starting out (if it's in your budget) is electronic note taking, which he briefly messaged in the video. I've been using electronic notes since 2019 and haven't looked back. When I was in college I even did my homework on my tablet then printed it off on engineering paper (a few classes required HW be done on the paper). - used OneNote in college since the school I went to had it integrated into everything, but now I just use Samsung notes (it works with tablet, phone, and desktop). I've been running a Samsung Galaxy Tab 6
@@humanthetooth samsung notes solos every note taking app on s tabs atleast clutter free got all the features ull ever need while note taking and easy to use u get thang of it in like a day
I've been using electronic notes since 2019 and haven't looked back. When I was in college I even did my homework on my tablet then printed it off on engineering paper (a few classes required HW be done on the paper). I used OneNote in college since the school I went to had it integrated into everything, but now I just use Samsung notes (it works with tablet, phone, and desktop). I remember samsung notes wasn't the best back then, but now I honestly prefer Samsung notes. It's super clean and has more tools available. I've been running a Samsung Galaxy Tab 6 since 2019, and had one of the older Samsung note tablets before then (like 2014/2015)
this is one of those videos i never thought of looking up but came to me and is really helpful to your daily life. sometimes the algorithm blesses me i guess
If you’re worried about the tip, a bic ballpoint pen’s cap can work as a cover - it’ll be a bit ugly and with time wear off some of the black coating at the end of the grip, but it was worth it for me.
This must be some sort of engineering rabbithole lol. I got a Rotring 600 as a gift to myself when I got into engineering. I was scared of dropping it and bending the nib so I got an 800 the following year. I actually liked using pens more for exams and solving math problems so I ended up getting a Rotring 800 ballpoint too. When I experimented with high quality refills, I went further down the rabbit hole and got into fountain pens and I have been using a LAMY 2000 since. I also have an iPad for doing homework assignments and sometimes taking lecture notes. Something about using pen and paper feels better for studying though.
I’m crazy about protecting my Rotring 600-I have a pencil tip cover on when it’s in my pencil case. I already bent one after dropping, so this was my “fix” and it has worked out well so far. I didn’t know the 800 had the retractable tip. My dad has an old Rotring with the retractable tip, and I just thought it was a feature that was discontinued to save money. I actually bought several Rotring 600s when I was a design student as I needed different hardness and lead thickness, so it was more affordable than buying 2-3 Rotring 800s. I also eventually switched to an iPad for lecture notes and homework when I switched to engineering. It was an inferior writing experience, but you can’t beat cloud syncing with apps like OneNote. Currently, I’m using a Supernote e-ink tablet for general note taking. It’s an excellent device for those looking for a device purely for taking notes or drawing.
I used a rotring 600 for my entire engineering schooling. best pencil ive ever had. its on my desk now, mostly as a reminder of how far I have come. Its hands down the best pencil. 600 is better than 800 too imo because there is ZERO play in the tip. Dropped mine once during an exam, had to bend the tip back into normal position. ALLg ever since. I bought a new one after graduation to keep as a spare. still in the box in my desk. having one tool for life is just a mindset. of course you could use bic superlights or any other mechanical pencil. But having the same one day in day out. for years. Idk it just means something to me. one tool for life. always.
Hi there! The Ohto MS01, my favorite pencil of all time, has a "retractable fixed tip." It seems impossible, but here's how it works: The tip is fixed, but the gently knurled grip around it can be twisted to cover the entire tip during transport, protecting it. This doesn't compromise the solid feel while writing when the tip is fully exposed. The MS01 is also one of the best-engineered pencils ever made because it allows you to adjust the amount of lead that's deployed per click, which is amazing :DDD
I missed your videos so much I watched the old ones. Many times. Ended up with basically your whole collection, too (but I think that the Pelikan Pura is awesome - not sure why but it became my favourite). I switched to digital note-taking as well a while back, but still make time for analogue handwriting. Glad you're back.
I love what Rotring puts out. I've been a steady user of their Rapid Pro Mechanical Pencil and Rotring 800 pen, though I do use a kuru toga now and then that I keep in my folio. I think my only issue I have with Rotring is with how some of their stuff is weighted. Some of them are heavier towards the top, which when paired with the metal textured grip, can be a bit tiring to hold on to for long sessions of use.
I have a 600 ballpoint and pencil that I kept in my exam pencil case, however, I have now put them aside for my bundle of Kurutoga pencils. I am such a huge fan of the kurutoga engine, and would love one in a robust body. I am yet to damage any after many years, but the kurutogas certainly don’t feel as premium. My 600s will stay in my pen cup, though, more as a reminder than a writing utensil I use regularly.
The Rotring 600 was my tool of choice as well during my mechanical engineering undergraduate. Towards the end, I tried some other drafting pencils like the GG1000, G1000, and Smash, but nothing quite beats the Rotring in terms of solidity and precision. I have continued to use it in the couple years since then. It’s like an old friend to me. Thanks for the great content!
Loved my 0.3mm Rotring 600 for detailed engineering and calculus homework. I wish I had gotten my Pentel Orenz Nero 0.2mm sooner in school, it is my new favorite due to the finer line it creates. Has a unique retractible tip design that is better than any other I've tried, which prevents lead breakage and maintains the same precision of a rigid tip.
You can buy replacement tips for the rotring 600. My sister dropped mine and bent the lead sleeve on mine and she bought me a new tip for like $15 bucks on jet pens.
Couldn't believe my eyes when you posted!!! So good to see you back, and your video's quality is still top notch!!! Love the format, the style, the voice and yes, here's to more videos from you!
I always immediately take the clips off too! I mostly use Staedtler's 925 pencils for artwork but if I'm just sketching I find I reach for my old Rotring 600 more often than not. Something about it just feels very solid, and permanent
I used the Rotring Tikky 0.5 mechanical pencil throughout most of my schooling. It's much cheaper than the ones mentioned in the video and is entirely plastic, except for the tip, which is made of brass that's either galvanized or chrome-plated. Personally, I prefer holding plastic over metal. The plastic section where you grip the pencil is covered with rubber, but this rubber doesn’t fully cover the body-there are gaps through which the plastic shows. After some time, the rubber would start to peel off, leaving only the plastic with those raised parts, which could be a bit uncomfortable to hold. Another sign of wear was the chrome layer on the tip starting to fade, likely because my hands sweat quite a bit, and I tend to hold my fingers close to the tip for better control. I know that pencils are usually held a bit higher, but that's how I learned. The third issue is the one you also mentioned in your video: the tip can easily bend if the pencil is dropped. Other than that, the pencil was generally very reliable.
I have used a Rotring 800 in 0.5mm for five years now. It’s in excellent shape. The company has changed hands and the pens have changed slightly, but they’re still worth the cost.
I lost my Rotring 600 for several months to find that I had dropped it in the gravel just under my car. Basically I was running it over twice a day for months. Looked dinged up but still works perfectly after that.
Really liked your video, always appreciate people so passionate about over-engineered pencils I wanted a 600 but due to the price I couldn't risk damaging the tip so just bought an 800 (way too expensive though) and I really don't feel the wobble but I understand if others are not confortable. Recently I lent the 800 (I know, terrible decision but I did not think about it too much at the moment), and the person retracted the tip after using it and I don't even know how dropped it suddenly. I was so grateful the tip was retracted and that I had bought the 800. (First and last time lending an expensive writing tool).
It's great to have you back! I hope you're gonna do more videos. What is black paper you're using? Love the graphite on black. Which tablet and tablet app do you use?
The 600 is a great mechanical pencil, I’ve owned 2 in my lifetime. The first when it was introduced back in the 1980’s when I worked at a drafting supply store. That one I believe my ex-wife has, I should be able to get it back 😂 Bought another one a few years ago o add to my collection of constant use lead holders. Everyone always loves how cool the 600 looks, I actually did not realize it was brass under the coated finish. Typically because of the non retractable tip I leave in on my coffee table or desk. The 800 would make a fine addition though I have several Pentel GraphGear so I’ve restrained myself. As an artist I do like wooden pencils for drawing, though mechanical pencils are so useful in many other ways…especially for so for writing.
Nice video. I've been using an Uni Kuru Toga M5-1017 and a Zebra DelGuard for the past 8 years, where the Zebra has been used the most. I agree that a rotating tip can be undesirable and hard to get used to at first.
I personally have actually moved away from thin lead mechanical pencils in day to day use. Mostly for the reasons of forming a conical point in regular use and the fragility of the shaft at the tip. I wound up switching to lead holders (chuck pencils) since you have a lot more variety in lead hardness, and point. Personally I’ve found of all the available options, only the Koh-i-Noor & the Mitsubishi-Uni(ball) were correctly weighted and balanced in the hand. Much more durable mechanism and less prone to failure and jamming than the thin lead tech pencils. But you waste lead when it drops on the tip. While the lead pointer wastes more lead, I find that compromise is acceptable for the greater variety of lines that can be drafted, and the more naturalistic feel in lettering and freehand sketching. Plus having powdered graphite is useful for the occasional hand rendering.
Your first point is exaclty why when I got my 600 and broke it the same way, I knew I had to get an 800. Whenever my fingers start to wonder and the pen ends up flying across the room I can retract it and be able to insure an better chance that it's guts dont explode.
Late to the party, but also an engineer student here. My graphgear 500 has been by my side for the last 2 years and I just cant go back to cheaper mechanical pencils anymore. I dont think rotoring sells where I live, but I would definitely try them if I could. Thx for the vídeo.
Rest assured the Rotring 600 is NOT cheaper than your Pentel. That being said, I love that GraphGear pencil and it is all I use (in .9mm) on my woodworking and metalworking projects.
Finest pencil ever made. By the way, the tip can be replaced. It isn't a fatal injury if your tip is damaged. The biggest issue I've had with my Rotrings is theft. People know what they are and if you aren't careful, they have a habit of walking away. I'm still hurting over the theft of my .9mm Rotring 600 two decades ago. I recently bit the bullet and ordered a (very very very) expensive replacement from eBay.
My only Rotring 600 complaints are that i wish the textured metal grip was longer back (about the length of a Pentel graph 1000) and the little black bit of the nose cone extended further out from the grip. Other than that, I LOVE this pencil
I'm on year two of my second Rotring 800 (lost the first one somehow). It still performs exactly like i got it and has some beautiful wear coming in. And I drop it all the time lol so the retractable tip is great for me.
The rapid pro is really the lifetime one. The nib is retractable. I also did engineering and it has lasted for 8 years give or take. It wrote many tests (I made my teachers accept pencil writing as the tests and exams where all very neatly presented, which was pleasent for them I guess). The brass started to appear on the grip only because of the acidity of the sweat, but apart from that it is immaculate. It is very heay though and my hands cramped a lot. But I didn't care. Love surpasses all!
Hi, came across your channel and loved it. Do you think you can make a video about your handwriting? I think it is beautiful and would love to see a detailed video on how you write each letter on capitals. I think many people would love to see it!
Back in middle school I was obsessed with the 800, eventually switched to the 600 and bent them back aswell... Wish these came with replacement modular parts
The Pentel GraphicGear 1000 just feels like better pencil that will last forever. Having a retractable tip means it's pretty much incapable of being broken.
Beat me to it.. I'm finishing my Bachelors in mechanical this year, with my trusty 600 from first year by my side. It spent 4 months lost in a classmates backpack, but otherwise has been through it all. Especially like the golden coloured patina that they take on. Cudos
Tip that changed using Rotring 600s for me: the common bic ballpoint pens (Crystal, etc.) have caps that slide right onto the end of the Rotring. Great for throwing it in a pen case. Steal the cap from a shitty pen you aren't using and you're good to go.
It would be interesting to hear more about your experience using the tablet and the software you are using. I would love to switch but I there are so many options for hardware and software and they don't always work well.
The Koh-I-Noor is a fine pencil (though the older ones are far better than what they're selling as Rapidomatics today). The mechanism works great - but the cheap plastic barrel is a bit of a turn off. I recently bought one in .9mm (blue barrel) and had to exchange it because the sleeve stripped out the very first time I unscrewed it to inspect the mechanism. The replacement works fine, but you wonder.
Sometimes I wonder just how deep the youtube algorithm is embedded in my head - here I am browisng youtube for random tech content and it serves me up this video ... and now I am going to take my two rotring pencils (600 & 800) and randomly write some stuff ... (not remotely as neat as you however ...)
I like the rotring 600 but the click mechanism is mushy and there is more lead wobble than i like, i too removed the clip as it gets in the way when rotating the pencil. Prefer the staedtler 925 35 more, it is a little lighter but the click is sharp and nicely tactile, comes with a brass clutch plus you can get replacement tips for it, in case you drop it
Literally 2 days after getting this pencil I tried to take the eraser out and it got pushed too far down into the barrel along with the eraser holder...now I can only load led into it from the front. I was too lazy to get a replacement but I may in the future lol.
just a layman here but the Staedtler Mars Technico has been my best friend for about 7 years now.. the 2mm lead doesnt break as its so thick (i am a heavy hand) but the down side is the plastic housing is fragile. if someone made the pencil with an aluminum housing it would be perfect. also what hardness of lead do you use? personally i prefer the 2H because a soft lead makes me press softer and my hand doesnt get tired as fast.
@@jahediqbalasif I haven't been using any fountain pen daily anymore sadly. I don't write frequently enough to prevent the ink drying up inside the pen.
This was an interesting video to watch. I liked it. Are you still using your samsung galaxy tab S7+? Are you planning on upgrading to a Tab S9+ or 10 when it comes out.?
Shame it doesn't have an eraser. Just started using a mechanical pencil on the go, and the built-in eraser is a game changer after living with a pen for so long
