The Retro 51 Tornado Mini Crossword pencil is a 1.15mm pencil lead twist in a miniature version of the larger classic pencil.
As a crossword puzzle (and other paper puzzles) enthusiast, I received this pencil as a gift so I am not sure how expensive it was originally and I was unable to find a price for this particular model but plain Retro 51 mini pencils pop up on Amazon for around $20.
Compared to a full-sized Retro 51, the mini is tiny! Even the Kaweco Sport and Liliput look large next to it. That said, this is not a pencil I would use for long writing sessions because the clip did end up digging into my hand. However, for twiddling while filling in a crossword puzzle at lunch or jotting quick notes like a phone number or grocery list, it’s totally fine for me. But its just at 3.5″ long — without the eraser which I lost sometime ago.
The thick lead is surprisingly easy to write with and its added width makes it unliekly to break easily. Because of its small size, it often gets tucked into a pocket in my purse so I always have a pencil with me should the need arise.
I like using this pencil enough to strongly consider getting a full-sized Retro 51 Tornado pencil. I could even get a matching Crossword pencil in the full sized model for $33 (Also available in Sudoku or Stealth Black).
That pencil is adorable! If all pencils had as much character as your crossword pencil I think more people would keep using pencils rather than pens. lol
Thanks for sharing,
-Sayeh, The Office Stylist
http://www.TheOfficeStylist.com