Pluggers by Rick McKee for March 01, 2011

Because the #1s were all sold out.

Ahh, a question of the ages

1 has softer graphite, #3 has harder graphite center. Like baby bear, #2 is just right.

Number 2’s try harder!

Words of terror: “You may bring 2 #2 pencils to take notes and fill out your examination forms.”

Per Olddog1 – You’re a plugger if you know the answer to that question.

Sadly, the #2’s Ticonderogas that we grew up with aren’t the same anymore – the “wood” is now a composite and the “graphite” doesn’t have the same feel when you write with it. Boo Hiss!

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a #1 pencil – at least none that actually had the “1” stamped on it. Maybe they can be found next to the “6-Up” soda beverages…….

Seems to me when I was in kindergarten they gave us #1 pencils to write with. Not sure why.

Maybe they figured little five-year-olds don’t have the strength for the harder-leaded pencils.

Personally I use an HB for most work. An F works well too. If I’m in the field taking notes, a 4H is harder to erase.

Pencils range from 9B (very soft) through H F HB and then up to 9H (very hard).

The modern pencil was developed by a Frenchman (Conte) during the Napoleonic wars. It consisted of binding graphite with clay and encasing it in a wooden tube. The varying amounts of clay would vary the hardness of the pencil and the darkness of the line produced.

OUTLAW PENCILS. Thay mishpell werds.

OMC-USNR, an HB is a #2 pencil.

What are you asking her for?! If she’s anything like me, she probably doesn’t know the answer anymore than you do!

P.S.: olddog1, thanks for the explanation regarding #1, #2, and #3 pencils!

1s are preferable for left-handed people. #2 lead smears on your hand as you write, #1’s don’t. After a while though, I just got used to it and now I just use #2s.

…And it’s not even REAL lead!!