Pencils

Grade decides the line: harder leads give a light precise mark that holds up for construction work, softer ones lay tone quickly and smudge. HB sits in the middle and covers most writing. Barrel shape matters more than it looks, since a triangular body encourages a tripod grip and will not roll off a desk. Wood quality decides whether it sharpens without splintering. See drawing pencils, coloured pencils and sharpeners.