Other Great #2's (and Not #2's)

Here are some more of my favorite pencils for students. All of them (except the Blackwings) are #2's, so they're suitable for test-taking. They're also great for everyday note taking and homework.

The Editor: This pencil from Caran d'Ache is a CWPE exclusive. It’s double ended with normal HB graphite on one end, and a red colored pencil on the other. I like using this one for annotating or color coding in my notes. It gives you the choice of two pencils, while only needing to carry one!

Futura: This pencil is another CWPE exclusive, made for us by Moon Products. It's a modernized reproduction of the vintage Futura. I like to think of it as a #2 with a unique twist. It’s triangular, which makes it comfortable for long hours spent doing math homework. It’s also very, very pink, with a matching ferrule! The Futura is an economical option as well, at only 60 cents per pencil.

Blackwing Natural & 602: Although the Blackwings are ungraded, the Natural, the newest and firmest of the range, feels closest to a #2. I like to use this one for general note taking and writing, because it has great point retention. I also like the 602 for when I feel like channeling John Steinbeck during English class.

Craft Design Technology (aka Camel Pencils): This is my second favorite pencil. Although it’s still graded as a #2, I’ve found that it writes softer and darker than a typical one, while still holding a point well. I also like the sleek ferrule-less design. And, if mint green isn’t your color, these come in pastel and natural wood tones too.

Write Sketch & Pattern Pencils: At first, I honestly picked these pencils more for their fun patterns, but I was pleasantly surprised by their quality. Although they’re #2's, the core feels a little on the firmer side and holds a point nicely.

Accessories

Uni Palette Sharpener: I usually opt for sharpeners with a shaving reservoir, as I don’t really have time to get up and sharpen my pencil during class. This sharpener is compact, yet has enough room for 2-3 shavings. It takes up minimal room in my pencil case, and the covered hole prevents shavings from falling out.

Kutsuwa Stad Metal Caps: Before I knew about these caps, my pencils would always break or graphite would smear inside my pencil case. These caps protect your pencil points and keep your case clean. They even come with tiny stickers, if you ever need to label your caps.

Matomaru-Kun Gold Eraser: This plastic eraser is my favorite because it's softer than most of its kind. It erases cleanly, and never damages my paper. In the words of Caroline (the biggest fan of the Matomaru-Kun), “It almost feels like it’s lifting the graphite off the paper.” With it’s snazzy gold wrapper, it’s ready for all your erasing needs. I know I’ll be using this often next year, when I take AP Calculus AB (I hope my teacher isn't like my math teacher from sophomore year, who made us do math in pen).

Papier Tigre Mesh Pencil Case: Something I’ve learned throughout high school is that you really don’t need a ton of different writing utensils everyday. I remember in ninth grade, I would carry around lots of different pens and pencils, when I really only used a handful of them consistently. I’ve since downsized to a select few favorites. The Papier Tigre Mesh Pencil Case is the perfect size to hold 4-5 pencils and a few highlighters and pens. It’s also long enough to hold new or freshly sharpened pencils with room to spare at the end for a sharpener and eraser.