If it’s not pens, it’s pencils.
![Retro 51 box Retro 51 box](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1110360-600x450.jpg)
What can I say? I’m a sucker for packaging.
![Do not leave a flap unprinted Do not leave a flap unprinted](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1110362-600x450.jpg)
And bananas. Who couldn’t live without a towel and bananas?
![Of course the tube must be bright mint green Of course the tube must be bright mint green](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1110365-600x450.jpg)
Inside the tube is a pencil sleeve, a mechanical pencil, eraser refills and lead refills. The lead is 1.15 mm, which makes Retro 51 the only manufacturer I know of to have lead that fits vintage pencils.
![That little tube held a lot That little tube held a lot](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1110366-600x450.jpg)
The pencil is wrapped in cork. It looks warm, natural and friendly. The metal trim, in contrast, is sharp and sleek.
![Retro 51 Tornado pencil, closeup Retro 51 Tornado pencil, closeup](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1110370-600x450.jpg)
This is a pencil for the sturdy of wrist, because it is heavy. I suggest bringing it to meetings where you need to impose your iron will on people. Or use it to attack a particularly devious puzzle.
![No slouch in the girth department No slouch in the girth department](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P1110375-600x450.jpg)
If you think 0.7 mm is wimpy and 3.15 mm is overkill, 1.15 mm could be the pencil width equivalent of baby bear porridge.