Question 1

This pencil has the retractable tip

Accepted Answer

Yes it has the retractable tip.  The entire silver metal tip will retract into the black plastic part of the pencil.  When you push the top of the pencil it releases the mechanism in the pencil.  While holding the top of the pencil down just take another finger (or thumb) and gently push the lead.  The lead will go into the silver metal part.  As you continue to gently push, the silver metal tip slides right into the black part.  Just for the record, the only difference between the pencil you asked about and my pencil is the color.  You are asking about the 'black' one (M54521P.24) and my 'blue' pencil's model number is (M54521P.33).  From what I can tell, the only difference is the color.  So yes it does retract.

The first Uni pencil I bought was Uni-ball Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil, 0.5 HB #2, 1 count.  The model number for this one is 1751934.  This pencil is black. Under 'Color': (it says) 0.5mm Starter Set  It came in a little cardboard package which included the pencil, a package of 12 - #2 lead refills and a couple extra erasers.  This pencil has the rotating lead mechanism that keeps the pencil sharpened and helps prevent breakage.

I was real hesitant about buying it because I prefer the heavier metal mechanical pencils.   When looking at this one, it seemed to be mostly plastic.  I love a good mechanical pencil.  I love to write and I love to draw!  I can't stand a cheap mechanical pencil.  It is like this...if it feels good in my hand, I feel I can write better/draw better.  Maybe it is in my head, but I have to have a good pencil.  I ordered a few pencils around the time I got this one.  The other ones were the heavier metal ones I like so well.  As it turned out, I used this one way more than I used the other more expensive ones.  Don't get me wrong...I sure do like the other ones, but there is just something about this Uni pencil I just LOVE!!!  So, after having this one for awhile, I decided to order the other one (the one you are asking about).  They are two different pencils and I LOVE them both!  One difference is, like I said, the pencil you asked about (M54521P.24) is retractable and this one I am telling you about now (the first one I bought...model number 1751934) is not as retractable.  The lead of course is retractable.  Like the one you asked about, you push the top down and you can push the lead inside the metal silver tip.  But that is as far as it goes.  The silver tip does NOT retract into the pencil.  I love both of these pencils.  Not knowing exactly what you are looking for in a pencil, I would say, what the heck...try both of them!!!!!  They are different from each other and I use both of them regularly.  Just my opinion though.  Good luck with your decision.

The other pencil I really like that I bought on Amazon is the Pentel 120 A3 DX  0.5mm - A315.  This one again is mostly plastic with a metal tip.  With this one, the lead will retract, but the silver metal part does not retract.  The one I have is purple and it has a black rubber grippy thingy where you hold on the the pencil.  I like the eraser better on the Pentel, although I usually use one of those stick erasers.

Well, there you go.  I hope this helps.  I know you asked a 'yes' or 'no' question and I wrote you a book.  LOL  If I gave you too much information, please accept my apology.  I hope I didn't get too excited when writing and this makes some sort of sense.  LOL  I just love these pencils and since I didn't know if you were looking for one that retracts or not, I wanted to tell you about the other one I had in case you liked that one better.  Good luck and God bless you!  -------------------  P.S. Just so there is no confusion, the answer to your question is a very simple 'yes'.   :)  :)  :)  :)  :)

Question 2

can you refill this pencil with any brand .5mm lead?

Accepted Answer

Yes, any .5 mm lead will work just fine. There is a special "Kuru Toga" lead, but it's not necessary for the proper operation of the mechanism.

Question 3

The writing tip on the black pencil retreats into the pencil whereas the tip on the red pencil does not (it is fixed). Is this normal or is it broken?

Accepted Answer

Well, the illustration on the back of the package shows the movement of the metal sheath as part of the rotating mechanism, so if it will absolutely not move, even with the top of the pencil depressed, than it might be a defect.  The actual movement of the tip when writing, however, should be fairly subtle.

It could still be functional - if the logo in the clear window rotates, then whether it retracts or not is irrelevant to functionality.  The rotating logo would be the definitive test; my guess is it's a defect, but I can't be 100%...

Question 4

Is the clear part a soft material or hard plastic? I have another kuru toga that has a very thin but soft rubber piece where the clear part is.

Accepted Answer

the clear part is hard plastic

Brand	三菱鉛筆(Mitsubishi Pencil)
Model Number	M54521P.24
Color	Black
Pencil Lead Degree (Hardness)	2B
Material Type	Plastic
Number of Items	1
Point Type	Fine
Line Size	0.5mm
Ink Color	Black
Included Components	No
Product Dimensions	19.3 x 1.52 x 5.08 cm; 18.14 g
Shredded Shape	Break-resistant

三菱鉛筆シャーペンクルトガ 0.5 パイプスライドブラック M54521P.24

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三菱鉛筆 シャーペン クルトガ 0.5 パイプスライド ブラック M54521P.24