What makes a #2 pencil so special?

This pencil is rightfully considered the most popular pencil in the world. Its lead is not too light and not too dark, and this pencil is not too hard or too soft. So, a #2 pencil can be used both by amateurs and professionals in different cases.

Is a number 2 pencil good for drawing?

The best pencils for drawing and sketching are a HB, 2B, 6B and 9B. Far better than buying a whole set of pencils, most of which will never be used.

What hardness is a number 2 pencil?

HB grade
Generally, an HB grade about the middle of the scale is considered to be equivalent to a #2 pencil using the U.S. numbering system. In reality however, there is no specific industry standard for the darkness of the mark to be left within the HB or any other hardness grade scale.

Who invented the number 2 pencil?

Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau and his father substituted clay for wax and created the world’s first #2 pencils. The graphite produced an easily readable mark, making them standard school supplies in classrooms across the country.

Is a No 2 pencil the same as HB?

Generally, an HB grade about the middle of the scale is considered to be equivalent to a #2 pencil using the U.S. numbering system. In reality however, there is no specific industry standard for the darkness of the mark to be left within the HB or any other hardness grade scale.

Is number 2 pencil the same as HB?

Although today most pencils using the HB system are designated by a number such as 2B, 4B or 2H to indicate the degree of hardness. Generally, an HB grade about the middle of the scale is considered to be equivalent to a #2 pencil using the U.S. numbering system.

Are mechanical pencils number 2 pencils?

Mechanical lead pencils use standard #2 lead, which is made from graphite, so it’s able to be used for standardized tests and other uses that require this type of lead. Popular brands include BIC mechanical pencils and Pentel mechanical pencils.

What does the “number 2” mean on number 2 pencils?

An American #2 pencil (roughly) corresponds to an HB pencil on the rest of the world’s scale. The lead is not too dark and not too light, and it’s not too hard or too soft. Pencils numbered higher than 2 have harder leads and are often used by engineers, architects, and draftsmen because of their harder points.

Over a half billion of my favorite pencils are produced each year, this blog will tell you a little bit about the inventor Joseph Dixon, the man who started JDCC, the heritage of the Dixon company, and what makes a no. 2 pencil so special.

What is the size of a number 2 pencil?

The length of a standard number 2 pencil is 7.5 inches, and the pencil has a diameter of about 7 millimeters. Golf, or library, pencils are typically about 3.5 inches long.

What does HB mean on a number 2 pencil?

Comparison between HB and Number 2 Pencil: The term ‘HB’ stands for the hard and black nature of the lead used in the pencil, whereas the term ‘No.2’ determines the hardness of the lead. The term ‘HB’ belongs to the HB grading system, whereas the term’No.2’ belongs to the numerical grading system.