# No.1 or No.2 (DD-239)

> A wooden pencil's core is not lead but a mix of graphite and clay; more clay makes a harder lead. In the usual method, slats of wood, often incense cedar, are grooved, the leads are laid in and glued, and a second grooved slat goes on top to form a 'sandwich', which is cut into individual pencils. The pencils are shaped, painted and stamped with a brand and grade. In the U.S. the No. 2 grade, roughly HB, is the standard writing pencil. Commonly cited estimates put world output at 14 to 15 billion pencils a year. The footage shows pencil factories, with the presenter.

- Department: Tech
- First published: 2024-05-23
- Last updated: 2024-05-23
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/no1-or-no2/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-239-F01**: The core is graphite mixed with clay. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Graphite and clay))_
- **DD-239-F02**: More clay makes a harder lead. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Hardness))_

## Write-up

Pencil 'lead' is actually graphite mixed with clay. More clay makes a harder, lighter-writing pencil.

1. **Graphite and clay**: The core is graphite mixed with clay.
2. **Hardness**: More clay makes a harder lead.
3. **Cedar slats**: Slats are often incense cedar.
4. **Sandwich**: Two grooved slats sandwich the leads.
5. **No. 2**: No. 2 is roughly HB.

## Related case files

- [Getting to the (Ball)Point (DD-304)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/getting-to-the-ballpoint/): I linked another writing tool
- [Sharpening Your Mind (DD-317)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/sharpening-your-mind/): I linked more on pencils

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: The voiceover says the slats are 'coated with a clay mixture'; in the usual method the slats are grooved and glued, and the clay is mixed into the graphite core.

## Video: No.1 or No.2: Pencil 'Lead' Is Actually Graphite Mixed With Clay

- Duration: 47.2 s · Published: 2024-05-23
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C7UgI82Kn2K.mp4

### Transcript

Pencils are simple, yet essential tools, used by people of all ages around the world. Pencil production starts with a selection of high-quality wood, usually cedar, which is cut into slats. These slats are then coated with a clay mixture and dried. The graphite core, made from a mix of graphite and clay, is inserted into the slats, and several slats are glued together to form a pencil sandwich. The sandwich is then cut into individual pencils, which are shaped, painted, and stamped with a brand and hardness grade. Over 15 billion pencils are produced annually worldwide, with the majority of production taking place in China, followed by Germany and the United States. The production process for a single pencil can take up to five days. From wood selection to packaging, pencil production is a fascinating process that combines craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques. As demand for pencils remains strong, manufacturers continue to innovate to improve efficiency and sustainability in the production process. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What is pencil 'lead' made of?**  
A: No lead at all. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Graphite and clay) · Wikipedia: Pencil)_

**Q: What makes a harder pencil?**  
A: Lighter lines. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Hardness) · Wikipedia: Pencil)_

**Q: Which wood is often used?**  
A: Easy to sharpen. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Cedar slats) · Wikipedia: Pencil)_

**Q: What is the 'sandwich'?**  
A: Cut into pencils. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Sandwich) · Wikipedia: Pencil)_

**Q: What is a No. 2 pencil roughly equal to?**  
A: The U.S. standard. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (No. 2) · Wikipedia: Pencil)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Pencil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pencil)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "No.1 or No.2." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-239, last updated May 23, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/no1-or-no2/