Before delving into the vast selection of pencils available, it’s essential to understand the different types at your disposal. Graphite pencils, mechanical pencils, colored pencils, and even novelty pencils all offer distinct features and purposes. Graphite pencils, for instance, are categorized by the hardness of their graphite core, allowing for a range of line weights from delicate to bold. Mechanical pencils, on the other hand, offer consistent precision without the need for constant sharpening.

When trying to compare the Dixon Oriole Pencils to the Ticonderoga Pencils it is like comparing an old nag with a thoroughbred stallion.We had four Wirecutter staffers write, doodle, and fill in Scantron bubbles with each pencil and then assess the quality of their marks (were they smooth and dark, or grainy and faint?) as well as their comfort and graspability. We also sent each tester our favorite hand-powered pencil sharpener and asked them to test each pencil’s sharpening and erasing capabilities. Ticonderoga pencils are a well-known brand of high-quality pencils that have gained popularity for their smooth writing performance and durability. These pencils are often favored by students, artists, and professionals alike. Ticonderoga pencils are renowned for their distinctive yellow and green design, along with their fine craftsmanship. They are known to have a strong graphite core that produces clean lines and is resistant to breakage. The pencils’ erasers also tend to be effective and cleanly remove marks without smudging. Due to their reliable and consistent performance, Ticonderoga pencils have become a staple in classrooms, offices, and creative spaces. The company was formed by the merger of Joseph Dixon Crucible Company of New Jersey with Bryn Mawr Corporation of Pennsylvania, dating to 1795. The company was founded by Joseph Dixon and his son. [1] Dixon also acquired 200-year-old German-based manufacturer Lyra. [1] [2] The pencil's name originates in the graphite ore discovered on Lead Hill in 1815 and processed in Ticonderoga, New York. [3]

Once the glue has thoroughly dried so that both slats are fully bonded to each other and the graphite core. It is then trimmed down to the exact length of the pencil. Step 6 At the end of the pencil, the traditional Dixon Ticonderoga green & yellow colored ferrule is glued in place and the pencil is now complete. 6. Dixon Ticonderoga’s Pencil Range The Dixon Ticonderoga Laddie Pencil is designed as a halfway house for young writers. It is slimmer than the My First Pencil but not as slim as the classic Ticonderoga # 2. Dixon Ticonderoga pencils use a painting process that involves a specially formulated yellow paint which is applied several times to give the pencil a super smooth lacquered finish.The raw pencils move through a painting process that adds many coats of mirror-smooth specially formulated Ticonderoga yellow lacquer.