If the number 2 pencil is the most popular why is it still number 2?

Answer 1

Because it can't print fast enough to beat number 1.

The #2 pencils are so labeled because their darkness and hardness approximates those of a US classification (previously French and British) of graphite pencil leads. They are hard enough to resist breakage and soft enough to make a clear mark. Generally the harder a pencil is, the sharper the point can be, and hard pencils usually make dim marks.

You can buy #1 pencils (softer and darker) and #3 pencils (harder and not as dark), and even #2.5 which indicates you are getting a slightly harder, less distinct graphite. Colored pencils tend to be softer and drawing pencils tend to be harder.

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