Compiled from 4 sources; we haven't tested this product ourselves yet. How we research
Quick answer
The Caran d'Ache Fixpencil is a hexagonal aluminium lead holder from the Swiss maker, in black with a clutch mechanism and a sharpener inside the push-button. It takes 2 mm or 3 mm lead. Caran d'Ache's US shop listed it at US$43 and US$49.55, and the all-black Black Code edition at US$66.
Hexagonal aluminium body with electrostatic powder coating, metal clip and clutch
Released
1930*
Price range
$$$$20–75 per pencil (multi-packs divided by the count)
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Notes on these facts
Made by Caran d'Ache SA, Geneva. Made in Switzerland: The product page lists "Swiss Made" under legal standards; read November 3, 2026. Source. Price: example listing. Released: Caran d'Ache's product pages say the Fixpencil was invented in 1929 and launched one year later.
Price bands are typical US retail, checked October 2026.
Key takeaways
Caran d'Ache says the Fixpencil was invented by an engineer in Geneva in 1929 and launched a year later, and calls it the world's first all-metal mechanical pencil with a clutch.
The black hexagonal aluminium body has a flexible clip and metal clutch; a lead sharpener is built into the push-button.
On November 3, 2026 Caran d'Ache's US shop listed the 2 mm at US$43 and the 3 mm at US$49.55, both out of stock, and the Black Code with a 2 mm B lead at US$66.
The Black Code edition adds a matte black chrome clip and a shiny microbeaded finish, and Caran d'Ache says it accepts leads from 4H to 3B.
All three pages say Swiss Made.
What is the Caran d’Ache Fixpencil?
It’s a hexagonal metal lead holder with a clutch, invented in Geneva in 1929. Caran d’Ache says it was launched a year later and was the world’s first all-metal mechanical pencil with a clutch mechanism. Today’s black version has an aluminium body coloured by electrostatic powder coating, a flexible metal clip and a black push-button with a sharpener built in. Our Caran d’Ache history covers the maker.
Caran d’Ache Fixpencil specs
Spec
2 mm
3 mm
Black Code
Reference
22.509
3.509
22.496
Lead
2 mm
3 mm
2 mm, B graphite lead
Body
Black hexagonal aluminium
Black hexagonal aluminium
Hexagonal aluminium, shiny microbeaded black
Clip
Flexible metal clip
Flexible metal clip
Matte black chrome metal clip
Packaging
Ultra-thin slimpack
Ultra-thin slimpack
Black lacquered slimpack
US price, Nov 3, 2026
US$43
US$49.55
US$66
Caran d’Ache’s pages give no length, diameter or weight for the pencil itself, and no eraser, so we do not either.
What is a lead holder, and who is the Fixpencil for?
A lead holder carries a thick lead that you sharpen, so it suits sketching and bold writing. Compare the 0.5 mm leads of the rOtring 600 with the 2 mm of the Fixpencil: the thicker lead gives broader lines and is sharpened with the built-in sharpener in the button. Caran d’Ache says the Black Code is compatible with leads from 4H to 3B.
How do you sharpen and refill it?
You sharpen the thick lead in the push-button and refill from the same place. Caran d’Ache says a lead sharpener is incorporated in the push-button on the 2 mm and 3 mm versions, and on the Black Code the integrated sharpener and lead reservoir are reached by removing the button. Standard leads are grey; Caran d’Ache sells replacement leads in packs of 3 or 12 in grades from 4H to 3B for the Black Code. The pencils are sold in a thin black or white slimpack that measures 199 by 59 by 16 mm for the Black Code, and the Black Code pack holds a magnetized silicone holder for the pencil.
How does it compare with other metal pencils?
It is a thick-lead sketching tool, not a fine-line drafting pencil. The comparison uses Caran d’Ache’s listings and our guides.
It sits in our $$$ band ($20–75): US$43 for the 2 mm, US$49.55 for the 3 mm and US$66 for the Black Code. All three were out of stock on Caran d’Ache’s US shop on November 3, 2026, with “available soon” shown. For the pricier Ecridor, see the Caran d’Ache Ecridor mechanical pencil, and for the whole set see our CEO writing collection.
Where is the Fixpencil made?
Caran d’Ache’s product pages list it as Swiss Made. The Black Code page adds that it was designed and made in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
What lead does the Fixpencil take?
The standard Black Fixpencil takes 2 mm or 3 mm lead depending on the version. The Black Code edition is a 2 mm pencil supplied with a B graphite lead.
Does it have a sharpener?
Yes. Caran d'Ache says a lead sharpener is incorporated in the push-button, and the Black Code page adds that the lead reservoir is reached by removing the button.
How old is the Fixpencil design?
Caran d'Ache says it was invented by an engineer in Geneva in 1929 and launched one year later, and that it was the first all-metal mechanical pencil with a clutch.
What leads fit the Black Code edition?
Caran d'Ache lists compatible leads from 4H through 3H, 2H, H, F, HB, 2B and 3B, sold in packs of 3 or 12.
What is the difference between the 2 mm and 3 mm versions?
Only the lead diameter differs in Caran d'Ache's listings. The 3 mm lead is thicker and suits broad sketching lines, and it cost US$49.55 against US$43 on November 3, 2026.
Is the Fixpencil made in Switzerland?
Caran d'Ache's US product pages list Swiss Made and the Black Code page says designed and made in Switzerland.
Can I buy it right now?
Not on the day we checked. All three Fixpencil pages on Caran d'Ache's US shop showed out of stock and available soon on November 3, 2026.
