I'll have to look through these links in more detail. For years, I've been looking to replace a lost Koh-I-Noor Rapidomatic .5 mm mechanical pencil . KIN still makes .5 mm mechanical pencils, but they are plastic barreled and made in China. This older generation was made in Japan and has a hefty brass barrel and a very firm, precise, but not stiff lead advance action.

The extra heft was just enough to make the lead glide over the paper and to neutralize minor hand tremors as well as deviances caused by variations in the paper surface. It was and absolute pleasure to write with it.

I bought a Rotring 600 series mechanical pencil before they disappeared. Externally, it has a rather similar appearance. But it is lighter, and the action is stiffer and less precise. The Koh-I-Noor was at another level.

With some digging, I can find a page that describes them. But I've never found a hint of one for sale, not even on eBay.

Thank you both! Will definitely check out these before I make a purchase. In fact, I might even ask HN what writing instruments they use before I buy the Kuru Toga.