Drehgriffel Nr. 1 vs Nr. 2: Which One Should You Buy?
By LEUCHTTURM1917 | Premium Notebooks, Bullet Journals ... | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Drehgriffel Nr. 1 ballpoint and Nr. 2 mechanical pencil on ink, lead, refills, and feel to choose the right everyday writing tool.
Quick answer
Choose the Drehgriffel Nr. 1 if you write on documents, sign checks, or need permanent ink that won't smudge. Choose the Drehgriffel Nr. 2 if you sketch, draft, or prefer the erasable, pressure-sensitive feel of graphite. Both share the same 5.1-inch aluminum body and twist mechanism, so the real decision is ink versus lead.
What actually differs between the Nr. 1 and Nr. 2
The Nr. 1 is a ballpoint pen that uses document-proof Royal Blue ink (ISO 12757-2) and comes with a refill already installed. The Nr. 2 is a mechanical pencil that takes 0.7 mm HB graphite lead and holds several leads in its refillable reservoir. Both have a twist mechanism, an aluminum body, and measure 5.1 inches, so they feel nearly identical in hand. The choice comes down to whether you want permanent ink or erasable graphite.
How the twist mechanism works on both models
Twist the top of the barrel to extend the writing tip. On the Nr. 1, this advances the ballpoint refill; on the Nr. 2, it pushes graphite lead forward. Neither has a click button, so there is nothing to accidentally press in a bag. The mechanism is smooth on both, but the Nr. 2 requires a slightly longer twist to advance lead because the lead is thinner than a ballpoint refill. If you prefer a quick click, neither Drehgriffel is ideal—but if you like a clean, uninterrupted barrel, this design delivers.
Refills, lead, and long-term cost
The Nr. 1 takes standard ballpoint refills in Royal Blue or black. The Nr. 2 uses 0.7 mm HB lead, and its reservoir holds several leads so you can reload less often. A single lead lasts far longer than a ballpoint refill if you write lightly, but graphite wears down faster under heavy pressure. For daily note-taking, the Nr. 2 may need less frequent refilling; for signing documents, the Nr. 1's document-proof ink is the safer choice.
Bullet Journal edition: a third option
If you use a Bullet Journal, the limited-edition Drehgriffel Nr. 1 Gel Pen is worth considering. It has a ceramic ball bearing and a finer 0.5 mm stroke in black ink, and it is refillable with blue or black ballpoint refills or black gel refills. The finer line suits small handwriting and detailed logs, but the gel ink may smudge more easily than the document-proof ballpoint ink on the standard Nr. 1. Choose the gel version if you want a precise line and don't mind a short drying time.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Ink vs. graphite: The Nr. 1 lays down permanent Royal Blue ink; the Nr. 2 leaves erasable graphite. Pick ink for permanence, graphite for flexibility.
- Refill frequency: A ballpoint refill lasts through many pages, but a single 0.7 mm lead can wear down quickly under heavy pressure. Heavy writers may prefer the Nr. 1 for fewer interruptions.
- Line width: The Nr. 1 produces a standard ballpoint line; the Nr. 2 gives a consistent 0.7 mm graphite line. Choose the Nr. 2 if you want uniform, erasable lines for sketching.
- Smudge resistance: Document-proof ink dries quickly and resists smudging; graphite can smear if you drag your hand across the page. Left-handed writers may find the Nr. 1 easier to use.
Key facts at a glance
- Drehgriffel Nr. 1, Twist Stylus Ballpoint Pen: Ballpoint pen, precision-milled aluminum and brass, document-proof Royal Blue ink (ISO 12757-2), refillable, 5.1 in. Permanent ink that won't fade or wash away—ideal for contracts, checks, and archival notes.
- Bauhaus Edition, Drehgriffel Nr. 2, Twist Stylus Mechanical pencil: Mechanical pencil, twist mechanism, aluminum body with steel tip, 0.7 mm graphite lead (HB), refillable reservoir, 5.1 in. Erasable graphite for sketching and drafting, with a reservoir that holds multiple leads for fewer reloads.
- Bullet Journal Drehgriffel Nr. 1 Gel Pen: Limited-edition gel pen with ceramic ball bearing, 0.5 mm stroke, black ink, refillable, 5.1 in. A finer line for detailed journaling, but gel ink may smudge more than document-proof ballpoint ink.
Which Drehgriffel fits you?
Best for
- Signing documents, writing checks, or any task requiring permanent ink
- Left-handed writers who need quick-drying, smudge-resistant ink
- Everyday carry where a click mechanism could accidentally deploy
Not for
- Artists who need erasable lines for sketching and shading
- Writers who prefer the feel of graphite on paper
- Anyone who wants a retractable click mechanism instead of a twist
