Wooden Pencils

Wooden pencils, which have been around in their current form since 1795, provide students, artists, and writers with an erasable way to write, draw and shade. From options with soft to hard lead, Staples carries a variety of pencils and office supplies that meet the needs of most schools, offices, and individuals.

Understanding Wooden Pencils
A combination of graphite and clay create the lead inside pencils, with varying amounts for different hardness levels. The traditional mechanical pencil, which is used in most schools, offers medium hardness and makes marks that are recognizable by grading machines. This option creates marks that are legible on most paper types. Number 4 pencils provide lighter marks and increased smudge resistance, making them a good choice for artists who want optimal control over shading. The comprehensive hardness and blackness scale of pencils is measured using a European scale, with 10B denoting the softest, darkest lead and 10H representing models with harder lead and lighter marks. Leads at the highest H end of the spectrum provide the most smudge resistance, which is useful for technical drawings and artist sketches.

Comparing Wooden Pencils With Mechanical Options
Mechanical pencils provide users with lead that doesn't require sharpening. With the push of a button, users can extend lead at the tip with minimal interruption in their work. Colored pencils and wooden pencils require a separate sharpener for use when the point becomes dull or breaks. While mechanical options are convenient, wood styles come in a broader range of lead hardness levels that let users choose the ones that work well for both writing and drawing. The larger tip enhances control and creates both fine and thick lines when the usage angle is changed.

What Shapes Are Available in Wooden Pencils?
Traditional pencils feature a round body that mimics the natural curve of the fingers. Users can add specialized grips for additional comfort when writing for long periods. Hexagonal models reduce rolling on flat desks and other surfaces, helping the pencil remain within easy reach. Triangular and jumbo styles have thicker bodies, providing pencils that are easier for younger children to grasp.

Do Wood Pencils Come in Different Colors?
Assign specific colors for each class or department, ensuring an optimal number whenever needed. Some wooden pencils have colored lead, providing a variety of options for drawing and writing that increases visual interest.

Are Built-in Wooden Pencil Erasers Effective?
Many pencils include an eraser on one end, making it simple to get rid of unwanted marks or mistakes. These implements have erasers designed for the lead in the pencil, minimizing marks left on the page. Consider options with smudge-resistant erasers that leave the page clean.

What Are the Benefits of Sharpened and Unsharpened Wooden Pencils?
Unsharpened pencils can be stored in cabinets and bags without breaking leads or making marks on the inside of the containers. These options let users sharpen points for fine or thick lines depending on the requirements of the project. Sharpened pencils require no preparation before use, maximizing productivity and ensuring each person can get started on the project quickly.