# Writing with a pencil? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** arts-crafts\ **Created:** [December 4, 2024, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155 "2024-12-04T14:31:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![davey77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90ced4/32.png) [@davey77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davey77)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/21 "2024-12-04T18:22:28Z")
I looked at those rotating-lead pencils! They probably wouldn’t be good for long lines or shading techniques though because the lead doesn’t rotate until you lift the pencil from the page. ---
**Author:** ![davey77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90ced4/32.png) [@davey77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davey77)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/22 "2024-12-04T18:27:35Z")
I bought a KUM sharpener recently and am looking to buy another long-point sharpener of theirs. Definitely value for money, there! ---
**Author:** ![davey77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90ced4/32.png) [@davey77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davey77)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/23 "2024-12-04T18:30:54Z")
Oh yeah. I hand write the things that are most important. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/24 "2024-12-04T18:33:05Z")
> [@davey77](#): > > They probably wouldn’t be good for long lines or shading techniques That is not what they are made for, indeed. But they are good for writing and for hatching, where you lift the pencil regularly. I like them, but they are not the only ones I would use. It takes all kinds, and I want them all. > [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > and lets not get into my paper quality obsession Oh what a wonderful hijack! Shall we start with the surface of the thickness of the paper? ---
**Author:** ![davey77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90ced4/32.png) [@davey77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davey77)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/25 "2024-12-04T18:36:58Z")
I know what you mean about a fountain pen with just the right amount of feedback. Hmmmmm Might be time for a new pen??? ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/26 "2024-12-04T18:39:18Z")
> [@davey77](#): > > That being said, does anybody buy pencils for the express purpose of writing words? Now that standardized testing is all on line, there is absolutely no need for pencils for any purpose whatsoever. They are virtually obsolete. Even pens are getting scarcer and scarcer. ---
**Author:** ![davey77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90ced4/32.png) [@davey77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davey77)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/27 "2024-12-04T18:44:40Z")
I looked into the rotating-lead pencils and discovered they might not be the best for drawing. Softer, darker graphite alternating with lighter, harder tones is what drawing is all about. So, I’m going for various wood case pencils & European metal sharpeners. You know? I NEED a fountain pen dedicated to permanent ink now! ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/28 "2024-12-04T18:45:46Z")
I notice you are specifically asking about washable graphite. That does, indeed, seem like an artistic use akin to watercolour. For normal writing, people use graphite pencils (just mind you don’t smear) but I sure never used washable graphite. There are also those aniline indelible pencils, but I’ve never used those to write with. > [@davey77](#): > > I NEED a fountain pen dedicated to permanent ink now! Indeed, the right sort of ink will not smear like a pencil. A lot of drawing ink will instantly destroy a fountain pen, if that is what you want to use, so be sure you buy ink specifically designed for such use (also some ink is deliberately designed to be washable while others are completely waterproof, etc.; get what you need) PS and we are back to mentioning water-soluble graphite versus ink, again, that is not for _writing_ though! ---
**Author:** ![davey77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90ced4/32.png) [@davey77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davey77)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/29 "2024-12-04T18:51:35Z")
I’m down for a paper hijack. It blew my mind when I learned that many watercolor painters use 100% cotton paper! ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/30 "2024-12-04T18:54:44Z")
> [@davey77](#): > > It blew my mind when I learned that many watercolor painters use 100% cotton paper! What’s wrong with it? Too absorbent? ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/31 "2024-12-04T19:00:09Z")
If you don’t use pencils, you’ll never get a chance to use these weird sharpeners. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/hSldNzhAQqM/maxresdefault.jpg "9 Unique Pencil Sharpeners In My Collection") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSldNzhAQqM) ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/32 "2024-12-04T19:01:43Z")
Nothing is wrong with it, much better quality, particularly the durability. Formerly most paper was made of cotton (rags), until around 1900 wood pulp took over. Much cheaper, but tends to be acidic and to deteriorate. For legal documents at least 25% cotton is still the norm. And artists want their works to last. ---
**Author:** ![davey77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90ced4/32.png) [@davey77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davey77)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/33 "2024-12-04T19:01:48Z")
Nothing wrong. It’s desirable. The cotton dries more slowly, allowing time for blending, washes, and other techniques I’m just now learning about. ---
**Author:** ![davey77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90ced4/32.png) [@davey77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davey77)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/34 "2024-12-04T19:03:42Z")
I thought it was weird that a popular sharpener brand from Germany is “KUM”! ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/35 "2024-12-04T19:05:33Z")
I like mechanical pencils. [![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/gs-geo-images/8264cceb-9cfd-4adb-b40e-bf936b1e6e00_l.jpg) ](https://s3.amazonaws.com/gs-geo-images/8264cceb-9cfd-4adb-b40e-bf936b1e6e00_l.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/36 "2024-12-04T19:08:12Z")
> [@Cardigan](#): > > but does anyone know if there’s an easy way to sharpen golf pencils with their traditional deep angle point > [@davey77](#): > > I thought it was weird that a popular sharpener brand from Germany is “KUM”! [I have one of these.](https://www.amazon.com/Kum-104-06-01-Magnesium-1-Hole-Sharpeners/dp/B009IF66AQ/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rxeV-Ld6oIM5P374WeTRi2ECvPELLLOKZkYWAkyjfss0JvYyWA2QHB5ppjrqFPx59EBL_e4Fo7or0pvEDXuevxbtSI89eh93hwURz_7efgXWqHa4TwU78Pe2HI2XWTF4ZFy-lW1H4qP1b4rOv454Uk2GNZTUh-_vplS4H9XsIAaQ6bp1_5McGaPpjjRC8AS3zVG-GLpHbQB13X1jnokXyXqdPTRZSLW_RYqApTyOmyu_UlU_KXPO819DUVyxjAwL6UxHj2qnruSH2aq9r28jXbHM-wBijpLb4xTrRVZo4Og.6yMHp47LeF_ZRomJxiW6qf_GXpQbi5ne6tYowSv4auk&dib_tag=se&hvadid=178482160523&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9032090&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17057598750609892550&hvtargid=kwd-27244926044&hydadcr=22857_9921172&keywords=kum+long+point+pencil+sharpener&qid=1733339216&sr=8-3) I use it for colored pencil drawings - it’s amazing! And cheap. ---
**Author:** ![davey77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90ced4/32.png) [@davey77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davey77)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/37 "2024-12-04T19:08:15Z")
I’ve never golfed, but I’m guessing that a sharpener for colored pencils might be worth a try? ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/38 "2024-12-04T19:11:58Z")
Is there like a ‘short point’ sharpener available? ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/39 "2024-12-04T19:15:28Z")
There is this kind with multiple holes: > **[Amazon.com : Staedtler Double Hole Pencil Sharpener, Two Holes for Standard...](https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Metal-Double-Sharpener-512001BK/dp/B005D5ZOH6)** > > Manual, handheld sharpener with one small hole to produce precision tip pencils and one large hole to accommodate oversize pencils and crayons. Hinged cover on sharpener helps keep blades clean, while the pushbutton locking lid on the shavings... Or just use a pen-knife or scalpel… ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2024, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155/40 "2024-12-04T19:20:08Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > They are virtually obsolete. They’re not even close to obsolete, **especially** in public school settings. Even online standardized tests are accompanied by pencils and paper, either for taking notes or for doing math problems. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-with-a-pencil/1011155.md?page=3)