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The "lead" in drawing pencils has various grades or hardness.

The hardness of a drawing pencil is designated by a number and an H. The higher the number the harder the pencil is, the slower it wears done, the longer it retains its point, the less it smudges and the lighter the line is that is drawn. For example, 6H pencils are harder than 2H pencils.

The softness of a pencil is designated by a number and a B. The higher the number the softer the pencil is, the faster it wears down, the easier it is to smudge and blend, and the darker the line is that is drawn. For example 8B pencils are softer than 2B pencils.

There is a standard, middle of the road pencil, the HB pencil, sometimes called the Number two pencil. This has some of the drawing qualities of both hard and soft pencils and in a pinch will serve for most drawing and writing needs.

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11y ago

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