Jacqueline from Los Angeles, CA, writes:
Hello Mr. Pencil,
I am hoping to learn from your pencil expertise. I am currently looking for the "perfect test pencil." I have discovered that I will have to sit for the hardest test of my career that only allows "regular pencils" (i.e. no mechanicals) and I am used to writing with only mechanicals/pens. This test is 4 hours long and I will need a pencil that is good for bubbling, doing complicated math problems, and drawing complex diagrams.
Thus, I am looking for a pencil that is:
- Good for endurance in weight/shape/lead
- Good for crappy thin fibrous test paper (won't break through or smudge paper)
- Easy to erase
- A #2
- Smooth and easy to write
Good sharpening is not key because it is suggested to bring 10 pencils to each test and to practice/study with them because there will be no time for sharpening.
Could you please suggest a pencil type/shape/weight that would be perfect for this? Can you also suggest an eraser and grip attachment since I have heard the eraser unbalances the pencil?
Can you also suggest a place/supplier of those pencils so that I can buy in bulk? I estimate needing at least 200 or so (hopefully affordable).
Thanks!
Jacqueline,
Thanks for your question!
Ah, you gotta love those crazy standardized tests that have so many different requirements. Technically, there is absolutely no difference in the lead of a #2 woodclinched pencil and that of #2 mechanical, but I understand that you want to stay within the letter of the law, so to speak. Although the mechanical is more comfortable for you, it's not worth risking this big test over a small matter like that.
But wow — 200 pencils! That's a huge test. Are you passing these out to others? You're right, you'll need a good pencil. I could just tell you that it makes more economic sense to go to Office Depot and get some plain ol' yellow pencils, but in reality, those Office Depot brand pencils are not comfortable to hold, hard to erase, and aren't smooth. Although your wallet will thank you (they're about $3.99 for 72 of them), your hand will not.
My primary recommendation the Palomino by California Republic. (Product Page) Here are the main reasons why:
- It has a smooth, glossy lacquer on it, making it comfortable for extended periods of clutching it in terror.
- There is no eraser on the end, so it is extremely lightweight (though not unsubstantial-feeling!)
- The graphite (you need to buy a hardness of HB to equal #2) is thick and dark.
My only concern is the price. It is a high-end pencil, so it is expensive. If you were going to buy less than a dozen, it would cost you about $1.19 per pencil. I talked to Don, our glorious PencilThings.com leader, and he says if you want to buy a quantity as large as 200, he can get you a significant discount.
If price is indeed the breaking point for you, a close second is the Mongol 482 Natural-finish pencil.(Product Page, Review) It has a really nice graphite that rubs off smooth and dark and stays sharp longer than most. It also has an unlaquered surface, so although it isn't glossy and won't cushion your hand as you hold it, your skin's oils will condition it as time goes on. You know what I like most about nice unlaquered pencils? They smell good. Mongols are made out of an incensed cedar, and when you sniff it, it has a scent of cedar chips.
Mostly, the benefit over a Palomino is the price. It is $.41 instead of $1.19, and if you order a gross (144) or more, the price goes down almost by half.
One more thing: if you decide to go with the Palomino, make sure to buy an eraser or two! Since it doesn't have one on the end, you'll want one to erase those mistakes. Plus, individual erasers are superior to the ones at the end of your pencil, and will erase more evenly, comfortably, gently, and cleanly. I recommend the Mercur original eraser, one of the best erasers I've ever used. Actually, I'd recommend this even if you go with the Mongol. I'm not impressed with their erasers.
I'm afraid I can't honestly give advice on a pencil grip, because I don't use them. I find them to be cumbersome and uncomfortable. Plus, the extra bulk makes my already bad handwriting WAY worse. I've used these, and they weren't awful. Honestly, though, if you get the Palominos, I don't think you'll need a grip — the lacquer is nice and thick and cushions your fingers nicely.
Anyone else have any recommendations? Post them in the comments, and Jacqueline — let me know what you decide, and good luck with your test!
—Andy, er, Mr. Pencil
This just in as a comment to the Realist's Review of the Blackwing Pencil from Jan Young of Toledo, OH:
I once had this really fantastic eraser. It worked really well until someone stole it!!! I looked at a ton of places, but couldn't find it anywhere! I want to buy a replacement. Think you can help? It was a white round eraser completely inside a round plastic casing that had a sliding cover to protect the eraser from getting dirty. It was made by the Mapped company. If you find anyplace that sells it, could you tell me the place name or website? Thank you so much, I'm desperate!!!!
----- Mr. Pencil: The eraser you are referring to is the Maped "Zenoa". We have them in stock at Pencil Things, but haven't yet added them to our Web store at PencilThings.com. I'll ask the Webmaster to add them on Friuday, October 25th. The packaging says "New Formula".
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