The pencil stroke

A good pencil is as much heard as it is seen. The graphite whispers on the paper and leaves a matte line that catches the light at a certain angle. The cedar wood, soft and fragrant, sharpens into long shavings and keeps the tip just right. The softer the lead, towards B and beyond, the darker and velvety the line, perfect for shading. The harder it is, towards H, the lighter and more precise the line, ideal for a diagram or measurement. The HB is the middle ground, good for everything.

Wooden pencil or mechanical pencil

Two schools of thought. The wooden pencil, which you sharpen and shorten, offers that warm contact and the ritual of sharpening that many wouldn’t give up for anything. The mechanical pencil keeps a constant tip, no sharpening needed, and advances with a precise, clean click, perfect for note-taking and technical lines. Enthusiasts often keep both within reach. To extend writing, see the desk and pens.

Frequently Asked Questions