Comments about Dixon Ticonderoga® Pencils, #2.5 Medium, Dozen:
I use these pencils for making notes in the garage and marking wood with cut lines, etc, when I am making a woodworking project. A hand sharpener (what I use in the garage) tends to snap off the point due to the slop. An electric Boston (X-acto) sharpener in the office sharpens them perfectly. The lead is brittle, but a point lasts a long time (which is why I prefer 2.5 lead). No cosmetic issues whatsoever.