I am very sad about having to replace my mechanical pencil. He's the one on the right. He has been my only mechanical pencil since 8th grade or so - almost 20 years.

About two years ago he got a crack in the blue plastic near the tip. Sometimes when I click to advance the lead, the whole black tip pushes out. I didn't mind much. About a year ago I was at a cafe and the little blue cap that protects the eraser fell off the table. I heard it bounce away on the tile floor, but I couldn't find it. Now I have used most of the eraser, so I reluctantly bought a replacement.

I decided to memorialize him in honor of his great service to me in providing for all my penciling needs during the greater part of my life.

As you can see, I found the upgraded model with the padded grip and a white eraser instead of the green one. They only come in packs of 3, so I guess I'm set for the next 60 years. :)