Pentel Champ mechanical pencil

Pentel is a world-renowned Japanese brand founded in 1946, celebrated for its innovation in writing instruments. The product shown is a Pentel mechanical pencil, specifically the Champ model (AL17 series), known for its comfortable rubberized grip and iconic blue barrel. Originally established as The Japan Stationery Co., Ltd., the company revolutionized the market by inventing the non-permanent marker and advancing mechanical pencil lead technology.

Today, Pentel remains headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, where most of its high-precision engineering occurs. It operates as a privately held company with a global reach through numerous subsidiaries. While high-end drafting series are strictly Japanese-made, mass-market consumer lines like the Champ are often manufactured across Pentel's diverse global facilities to meet international demand.