Image used courtesy of isu at the uncomfortable chair.
The Tortoise Lead Pointer is a remarkable all-in-one unit for blade sharpening of leads. It can handle:
1.18mm: Traditional mechanical pencils (pre-1950?), and today, Yard-O-Led, some Autopoint, and some Retro 51 pencils.
2.0mm: A standard lead diameter.
3.15mm: A standard lead diameter.
3.8mm: Less common – used by the Pilot Croquis, and some Koh-I-Noor models.
5.6mm: A standard lead diameter.
Two sharpening angles are offered for 2.0mm leads.
I like the playful name, the design, and the focus on the leadholder culture. Though there are individual sharpeners and lead pointers on the market, I have never seen such an all-in-one unit. I look forward to getting one.
The product can be purchased at bundoki.com.
The design behind the product is thanks to U5 Architects Unit.
Please see the review and additional photos at the uncomfortable chair.
Bundoki.com has some great looking stuff; I really need to learn Japanese! That Enveloop pen wrap is way cool.
Kieffer, their English language ordering instructions are here.
Thank you for your entry.
This lead pointer that I had designed was able to be improved very much.
I want you to take this lead pointer and to use.
Sorry, I’m not used to English, there might be a mistake in this comment.
Thanks.
(soncho is from U5 Architects Unit, the design firm behind the Tortoise Lead Pointer.)
Thank you soncho, it is an honour to receive your comment. You have done an excellent job with the Tortoise. I hope you soon find distributors in North America and Europe.
I thank you very much for the link, penciladmin!
My bank account, however, does not share my sentiment. ;)
Will Bundoki.com post to the UK?
Kieffer, the item is more of a specialty concept offering than a mass market product. It is amazing that the Tortoise has even been produced. So yes, it is fairly expensive. But who else on your block would have one? :-)
Gooner, I’m not affiliated with bundoki.com, so you should ask them, rather than myself. I do know from personal experience and corresponding with blog readers that they have shipped products to Canada, the U.S., and Germany, so I can’t imagine that they wouldn’t ship to the U.K. They have one person who deals with English language foreign orders, and there can be a few days of back and forth correspondence about particulars, but it is very professional and polite, and aimed at getting the order completely correct. I would be happier if they took standard payment forms – credit card, bank draft, etc.
It looks so tough and space age hi tech!
great find.
Man I really want one of those sharpeners but Bundoki says sold out and u5 says there are no plans for further production.
Any advice on how to get one?
Hi Allen, all I can think of is the secondary market. I don’t know how many were produced, but perhaps someone could be persuaded to part with one?