# Self-Sharpening Pencils The Uni-ball Kuru Toga Rotates Lead Automatically By Michael Plishka | Published 2008-12-11 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/self-sharpening-pencils-the-uni-ball-kuru-toga References: [kk.org](http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/003411.php) & [jetpens](http://www.jetpens.com/product_info.php/products_id/3219) We all know what it’s like to write with a pencil. What starts out as a nice uniform line turns into a thicker, less sharp line as the pencil’s cone tip turns into a chisel shape. Those concerned about such things can get around this by rotating the pencil in their fingers, thus keeping a [uniform tip](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pencil-sharpener-1). Enter the Kuru Toga [mechanical pencil](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ferfereh). It automatically and imperceptibly rotates the lead within the pencil (See video). The result is a [thinner, cleaner line](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bic-gelocity-gel-pens). What’s even better? It breaks less! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Self-sharpening Pencils:** The Uni-ball Kuru Toga Rotates Lead Automatically, presenting an opportunity for innovative pencil designs and improved writing experiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Office Supplies:** The self-sharpening pencil trend can disrupt the office supplies industry by offering a unique and convenient writing tool for professionals. - **Stationery:** Self-sharpening pencils can disrupt the stationery industry by providing customers with long-lasting, high-quality writing instruments. - **Education:** Self-sharpening pencils can bring a disruptive innovation to the education industry by enhancing students' writing experiences and reducing the need for frequent sharpening. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Electric Pencil Sharpener](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-pencil-sharpener.md) - [Everlasting Metal Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metal-pencil.md) - [Elegant Everlasting Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stilform-aeon.md) - [Stone-Grip Conical Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-sphere.md) - [Everlasting Magnetic Tip Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aeon1.md) - [Recycled Plastic Writing Utensils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mechanical-drop-pencil.md) - [Dual-Functioning Mechanical Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-penpass.md) - [Vertical Pencil Sharpening Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pencil-sharpener-1.md) - [Unique Writing Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graphite-paintbrush-writing-instrument.md)