The worst pencil

2025/1/10 Edited to

... Read moreOkay, so my previous post about 'the worst pencil' really hit a nerve, and for good reason! When I mentioned Ticonderoga, I saw so many of you nodding along. Honestly, 'GRIFTER' is a term I've heard thrown around, and I completely get the sentiment. While they're everywhere, my personal experience with them has often been a letdown. Are Ticonderoga pencils truly good? For basic scribbling, maybe, but for anything serious, I always felt their quality was inconsistent—leads breaking, erasers smudging, and just a general lack of precision. This frustration led me down a rabbit hole of exploring all kinds of writing tools. If you're also searching for the 'worst mechanical pencil' because you've had similar issues, believe me, there are so many better options out there. For instance, the Uni Kuru Toga Advance has been a game-changer for me; its rotating lead keeps a consistent sharp point, which is poles apart from the constant frustration of traditional pencils. And if you've ever dealt with a 'stuck eraser out of a mechanical pencil,' you know the pure annoyance of trying to fix it mid-task! It's usually a sign of a poorly designed mechanism. But beyond traditional pencils, my journey led me to the digital realm. For those of you exploring 'essential tools for digital' art or note-taking, investing in something like an Apple Pencil, Logitech Crayon, or another quality stylus paired with a 'Paperlike' screen protector can truly transform your experience. It mimics the feel of pen on paper without any of the physical pencil woes. The precision and versatility of these digital tools make them indispensable for sketching, detailed notes, or even just general productivity. It's a different world from fumbling with a poor graphite pencil. Whether you're stocking up on 'Ticonderoga pencils 24' for a classroom or just curious about why some tools get so much hate, my advice is to experiment. Don't settle for tools that irritate you. There's a whole world of fantastic mechanical pencils, like the Uni Kuru Toga, and incredible digital setups waiting to elevate your creative process or daily tasks. Even learning 'how to say Ticonderoga' correctly won't make them write better if they're not the right fit for you!

Related posts

A collection of Tombow Monograph mechanical pencils, some still in their packaging, displayed on a white surface next to a tablet. The pencils come in various colors and designs, including a Miffy collaboration.
A collection of Tombow Monograph mechanical pencils, some in packaging and some loose, showcasing different colors and designs. Text indicates these pencils range from $5 to $14.
A hand holds a pink Tombow Monograph Grip mechanical pencil, highlighting its comfortable grip. Other Monograph pencils in packaging are visible in the background.
Tombow Monograph mechanical pencil
✏️ Tombow Monograph mechanical pencil ($5~14) if you’re not familiar with the monograph pencil already, it’s a shaker pencil with their signature mono eraser at the top. this mechanical pencil is every student’s favorite! ✨ Tombow frequently releases them in cute limited edition designs too s
Emily H.

Emily H.

4462 likes

A hand with long, festive acrylic nails featuring white tips and red/white designs, with text overlay "MY WORST FEAR HAPPENED 😔💔💔" against a blurry car background.
A hand with long, decorated acrylic nails, including white tips and red/white designs, showing rings and a tattoo, against a blurry car background.
A hand with long, decorated acrylic nails, with text overlay "TW: BLOOD ON NEXT SLIDE IF SENSITIVE !! TRIGGER WARNING ON NEXT SLIDE" against a blurry car background.
My worst fear happened 😞💔💔
I was suuuoer excited to get my fresh new set for holidays 🥹, and I had got too intoxicated that same day and banged my nail extremely hard in the car long story short , went to hospital and the nurse cut my nail it was just an terrible experience in the hospital she cut it no hesitation 😣 few days
𝒮𝒶𝓂𝓂𝒾 👸🏻

𝒮𝒶𝓂𝓂𝒾 👸🏻

4915 likes

Pencil sketch✏️
#pencil #drawing #sketchbook #art #artist #loomismethod
Art.cgi

Art.cgi

7736 likes

The Pencil Case Everyone Needs
This pencil case has everything you need and more!! I found this on TikTok shop, and also found a link for it on Amazon! I love that it has refills, lots of mechanical pencils, colored led, a sharpener for the led and erasers! This will definitely keep you all year long. #lemon8partner #
essynotes

essynotes

5985 likes

Realistic Apple *Pencil* sleeve?! ✏️ 💛
This is such a cute Apple Pencil sleeve, and I'm obsessed with the fact that it looks like an actual pencil! I used to have the pink color for my old Apple Pencil, but we all know I love a good neutral moment, so the Stone color is a must! 🫶🏼 What do you think?? #lemon8partner #ipada
Allie Marie 🧚🏻

Allie Marie 🧚🏻

912 likes

Doodling with a Multicolored Pencil pt. 2✏️
Using: Funto Watercolor Postcard paper Grabie multicolored color pencil #artchallenge #drawing #art
Art.cgi

Art.cgi

4400 likes

Elementary school pencil machine
Who else had one of these in their school? #90s #80s #nostalgia #school #oldschool
Brian McKanna

Brian McKanna

3251 likes

A light pink pencil case with an 'EASTHILL' label is shown on a textured surface, with text indicating a 'pack with me' theme and a 'SWIPE' prompt.
A vibrant array of eight Sharpie Clear View highlighters in various colors is displayed on a carpeted surface, with text praising their usefulness for class.
A collection of colorful mechanical pencils, primarily from Bic, is neatly arranged on a carpeted surface, with text stating they are ideal for school.
Pack my pencil case with me!💕
Back to school!🏫 Purchased from: Everything was from Amazon except for the pens, they are mixed 💵 Price: Everything was pretty cheap except for the highlighters ⭐️Overall rating: 9/10: I’m pretty proud of everything
Hearts_4_Paige

Hearts_4_Paige

689 likes

 Pencil HACKS no one told you!
Got an iPad and Apple Pencil? LISTEN UP! There are Apple Pencil hacks that no one has told us that will help you become more productive (and in my opinion, cooler 😎). You're going to want to try these, so open up your favorite notes app and fire up your pencil! #lemon8partner #lemon8crea
techgirljen

techgirljen

2975 likes

Ditch your liquid / pencil liner!
It just looks less harsh and it’s easier to create the shape of the line that you want! It’s so gorg. Eyeshadow is Mac “Carbon” #mac #maceyeshadow #cateye #eyelinertutorial #wingedliner
Taya Rose

Taya Rose

480 likes

A light blue Pilot Dr. Grip Classic mechanical pencil rests on a white desk next to a brown spiral notebook. The image highlights the pencil's name.
A hand holds the ice blue Pilot Dr. Grip Classic mechanical pencil, showing its design and the text 'Dr. Grip Classic $7.75 in Ice Blue color'.
A close-up of the ice blue mechanical pencil's tip, highlighting its super comfortable grip and longer cone compared to the Play Border series.
Pilot Dr. Grip Classic mechanical pencil
Pilot Dr. Grip Classic ($7.75 on JetPens) The design is inspired by the OG Dr. Grip, it has a slightly longer cone compared to the Dr. Grip Play Border series! And depending how you grip the pencil, you might find this more comfortable to hold! everything else about this pencil is similar to
Emily H.

Emily H.

65 likes

A man in a red t-shirt and jeans sits against a red background, looking to the side, labeled as 'The reference'.
A man in a red t-shirt and jeans sits in a similar pose against a red background, labeled as 'The reference'.
A pencil sketch of a man in a t-shirt and pants, sitting with one leg bent, labeled 'The drawing->'.
Han Jisung pencil art
#straykids #skz #art #pencil #hanjisung
goth_stay143_ribbit

goth_stay143_ribbit

130 likes

PENCIL study method ✏️
How the PENCIL Study Method Helped Me as a Pre-Med Student As a pre-med student, I often found myself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information I needed to master. The traditional study techniques I used weren't always effective in helping me retain and understand the material. That's
Kenidy :)

Kenidy :)

80 likes

A black pencil pouch with a silver logo is displayed on a white textured surface, with text indicating it contains everything carried in it.
Two white mechanical pencils, one pink mechanical pencil, and a small box of pencil lead are neatly arranged on a white textured surface, labeled as items from the front pocket.
A white highlighter with a pink cap, a pink ink pen, and a pink flare pen are displayed on a white textured surface, categorized as highlighters, pens, and flare pens.
Everything I carry in my pencil pouch
Highlighters: https://amzn.to/4hIwryU Flare pens: https://amzn.to/48Ggoh4 Ink Pens: https://amzn.to/3UINnvm Sharpie pens: https://amzn.to/3YY0SKb Mechanical pencils: https://amzn.to/4fXq7lN
serenity

serenity

721 likes

A hand holds two Apple Pencils, one white and one yellow, in front of a tablet. The image highlights games that are great to play with an Apple Pencil.
A hand uses an Apple Pencil to create latte art on a tablet screen displaying the "Good Coffee Great Coffee" game.
A hand uses an Apple Pencil on a tablet screen displaying the "Snackie Mart" game, showing snacks being placed on shelves.
Use Your Apple Pencil for Gaming!
Here a few mobile games that work great with your Apple Pencil. Good Coffee Great Coffee - use your pencil to make cute latte art Snackie Mart - my finger was covering the snacks. The small pencil tip made it much easier to see and place. Good Pizza Great Pizza - Place toppings fast to keep your
AGeekyChick

AGeekyChick

2110 likes

What‘s in my pencil case✨
#pencilcase #stationery #stationeryhaul #pencil case #school #schoolsupplies #pencil #whatsinmybag
Dinee✨🩰

Dinee✨🩰

1140 likes

Pencil sketch⭐️
Using: Grabie paper pad Nicpro pencil set Pentel Graphgear 500 pencil in 0.5 #pencil #pencilsketch #art #drawing #artistsoflemon8
Art.cgi

Art.cgi

24.6K likes

A desk setup featuring an iPad, keyboard, and various stationery items like highlighters, pens, and sticky notes, with the title 'MY NOTE-TAKING ESSENTIALS Pencil case edition' overlaid.
A light beige, rectangular pencil case with a 'SPECIAL' label on a desk next to a white keyboard, representing the user's well-loved pencil case.
An open beige pencil case revealing an inner mesh pocket containing various sticky tabs and labels, with pens visible in elastic loops below.
My note-taking essentials (pencil case edition)
Hi guys!! How are you all doing? ☺️💕💕 My pencil case is my holy grail when it comes to taking notes, and I always make sure I have all I could possibly need in there!! I thought I would share with you guys some of the little things in my pencil case today 🙂‍↕️💕 I hope you guys find it helpful!
enchantia

enchantia

904 likes

Paper•Mate #2 Pencil✏️
I’m not a big fan of pencils, but I had to grab these 🤗 so cute... And if I am having to write with a pencil I prefer mechanical pencils anyway. #mechanical pencils #pencils #walmartfinds2024 #papermate pencils #papermate
IamElizabethLiAne🐛🦋

IamElizabethLiAne🐛🦋

339 likes

A light pink graphic with a black Apple logo and text 'APPLE PENCIL 15 hidden features'. It features a pink Apple Pencil, tulips, a bow, and gold stars, introducing a list of hidden features.
A light gray graphic listing Apple Pencil features 1-4: Customizable Double-Tap, Handwriting-to-Text Conversion (Scribble), Text Editing Gestures, and Perfect Shapes with Smart Draw. Decorated with pink books and gold stars.
A light gray graphic detailing Apple Pencil features 5-8: Quick Screenshots, Annotate PDFs, Magnetic Wireless Charging (2nd Gen), and Advanced Color Palette in Notes. Adorned with a pink bow and tulips.
Learn how to use Apple Pencil in 2 minutes!
15 Hidden Apple Pencil Features You NEED to Know! 🎨✍️✨ Unlock the full potential of your Apple Pencil with these tips! 1️⃣ Customizable Double Tap 🔄 Switch tools instantly with a double tap on the 2nd gen Pencil! 2️⃣ Scribble Your Way 🖋️ Write anywhere, and it turns into text! 3️⃣ Gestures
DMLR 🌷🧁💌🎀

DMLR 🌷🧁💌🎀

3588 likes

Why you shouldn’t give an artist a pencil pt. 2
#sketch #sketches #drawings #art #artist #artistsoflemon8 #artwork #anatomy #pencil #sketched
Afrana

Afrana

403 likes

Automatic Pencil Sharpener? 🤖👀✏️
The cutest pencil sharpenerrrr! I think I want to glue on some googly eyes 😂👀 thank you to the sweethearts that ordered these off of my wishlist! #teacher #kindergartenteacher #teacherwishlist #kindergarten #classroom #elementaryschool #teacherlife #kindergartenclassroom
Sara A James

Sara A James

1545 likes

These also work for colored pencil!
. . . . . #art #artist #arttips #arttricks #drawing #drawingtips #drawingtipsandtricks #oilpastel #oilpastels #oilpasteldrawing #oilpasteltipsandtechniques #oilpasteltips #coloredpenciltips
Sarahs Art

Sarahs Art

13 likes

A black mechanical pencil in its clear packaging is displayed on an open lined notebook. The packaging indicates it's a 0.5mm mechanical pencil. A white correction tape and an ink pad are visible in the background.
A hand holds the packaged black mechanical pencil, showing "MADE IN JAPAN" and "0.5" on the label. Overlaid text indicates the item was purchased from a store.
A hand writes with a black mechanical pencil on a lined notebook. The pencil is marked "0.5". Overlaid text highlights that it "feels like a real wooden mechanical pencil".
Kokuyo enpitsu sharp mechanical pencil ✏️
looking for the authentic feel of a wooden pencil but the convenience of a mechanical pencil (and relatively low-budget?) you need to check out Kokuyo’s enpitsu sharp mechanical pencil! ✏️ I found this in my local stationery store for $2.75 a while ago. It’s available in black and white color an
Emily H.

Emily H.

130 likes

A Pentel Orenz COE365 series mechanical pencil with a light blue and white anime-style design on its barrel, lying on a plain white surface.
A hand holds the Pentel Orenz COE365 edition mechanical pencil, featuring a 'School Train' anime-style design, against a blurred desk background with office supplies.
A close-up view of the mechanical pencil's barrel, highlighting the detailed anime-style printing of a character with blue hair and a yellow scarf.
prettiest mechanical pencil
✏️: Pentel Orenz COE 365 this is such a pretty pencil! if you’re not familiar with pentel orenz already, this mechanical pencil has “super sliding sleeve”, which prevents lead breakage. and you’d only need to click once to write! the lead sleeve will retract as you write until you’d need to cli
Emily H.

Emily H.

54 likes

everything in my pencil purse 🖊️
My pencil purse stays with me because I’m always journaling, reading and creating (routine of 4x a day) everything in here helps me stay consistent💗 Square and rectangle sticky notes Stickers Ink bottle + napkin Book lights + charger A single pencil😭 Markers A lot of highlighters Fo
tash💗

tash💗

1756 likes

coloring pencil sketch!!
quick sketches! #sketch #sketchinspo #fyp #inspo #drawing
jaeani

jaeani

11.3K likes

An open lime green pencil case, labeled "Lihit Lab Smart Fit," displays various pens, a mechanical pencil, and other stationery items. Text overlay reads "What's in my pen case."
A collection of stationery items, including pens, markers, a mechanical pencil, eraser, lead, ruler, and scissors, laid out on a white surface. A closed pencil case is in the background. Text overlay reads "what I bring to campus these days."
Two Kokuyo Mark+ two-way markers, one purple and one green, are shown on a white surface. Text overlay states they are "kokuyo mark+ two way markers gray type purple & green" for "highlighting and annotating my notes."
What’s in my pencil case ✏️✨
These are my essential writing tools for uni. I change up the things i have every once in a while depending on my mood but these are what I currently have. starting with my pen case: Lihit Lab Smart Fit compact pencase in lime green ($15.50) – it’s a compact pen case and the perfect size for ca
Emily H.

Emily H.

1070 likes

Never lose your Apple pencil with this accessory!
I'm loving my new Elago pencil cradle, which has been a game-changer in keeping my Apple Pencil secure and always within reach. This sleek and minimalistic accessory provides a perfect spot to rest my pencil when it's not in use, preventing it from rolling off my desk or getting lost. The
asmae🐸

asmae🐸

635 likes

A light blue Pilot Dr. Grip Play Border mechanical pencil, featuring a Demon Slayer character design, rests on an open lined notebook. The image highlights the pencil's appearance and its name.
A light blue Pilot Dr. Grip Play Border mechanical pencil, a Demon Slayer edition, is shown on a notebook. The text indicates it's a special edition and mentions that regular versions are available in various colors.
A hand holds the light blue Pilot Dr. Grip Play Border mechanical pencil over an open notebook. The text emphasizes the pencil's super soft grip, designed for comfortable long writing sessions.
Pilot Dr. Grip Play Border mechanical pencil ✏️
Pilot Dr. Grip Play Border mechanical pencil (~$15) I have mine in Demon Slayer limited edition with the character Tomioka Giyuu uwu, a regular play border would be around $8!! it has a shaker mechanism, soft grip, you can rearrange and customize the inner grips in however order you like! per
Emily H.

Emily H.

92 likes

A store shelf displays multiple fine-tipped eyebrow pencils in pink packaging. An overlay suggests these pencils are a potential, more affordable alternative to a popular, higher-priced eyebrow product.
DUPE FOR THE KOSAS BROW NANO EYEBROW PENCIL ✨
This COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Brow Nano Eyebrow Pencil is a great drugstore alternative to the Kosas Brow Pop Nano Ultra-Fine Detailing + Feathering Eyebrow Pencil. #makeupdupe #makeupdupes #targetmakeup #targetbeautyfinds
Jaysa

Jaysa

44 likes

Apple Pencil Note-Taking Tips for Students
Your Apple Pencil + iPad can completely transform the way you take notes! Here are the best tips and hacks to maximize your digital note-taking experience: 1. Choose the Best Note-Taking App Different apps work better depending on your needs: • GoodNotes – Best for handwritten notes
Joy 📚

Joy 📚

249 likes

Trying these apple pencil tips🤫
@HappyDownloads #cute #Apple #applepencil #tips #trysomethingnew #tryingnewthings #Lemon8 #fyp
Cassidy

Cassidy

577 likes

Why is it called a lead pencil?🤷🏽‍♀️
#drawingmaterials #drawingtips #drawingbasics #graphite #clay
The Red Study

The Red Study

599 likes

A clear, light-colored Plus Pasty mechanical pencil is displayed on a white surface. The text "Plus Pasty mechanical pencil" is overlaid on the image, identifying the product.
A hand holds the clear mechanical pencil, demonstrating how to click the side button to extend the lead. The pencil is shown against a blurred background with a desk lamp.
A close-up view of the mechanical pencil's barrel, clearly showing the "Plus Pasty" branding and model number "PE-006-P" printed on its transparent body.
side clicking mechanical pencil
✏️: Plus Pasty mechanical pencil got this in Oomomo for $4 and looks like they only had 3 of these left in store the day I got it! i thought it’s by Pentel at first because it looks strikingly similar to Pentel Techniclick! (and it is indeed the same mould) i like the minimal design, havin
Emily H.

Emily H.

345 likes

Creamiest Eye Pencil ✨✏️
Im into brown liner and mascaras lately, just gives a softer glam without looking too harsh. This brown eye pencil from Pixi is so creamy and pigmented and definitely worth trying‼️ What brown liners have you tried before❓ Product: - Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen "BronzeBeam" * *
Tina | UGC✨🫶🏻

Tina | UGC✨🫶🏻

11 likes

Journal today: Color pencil journaling
Feeling quite anxious these days cuz waiting to hear back from an interview so I just did some stress relief color pencil journaling. It did calm me down a bit. 🙂‍↕️ #cute journal #journalart #myjournal #journalling #journalideas #journalingformentalhealth #myjournal #colorpencilart
Cookie

Cookie

42 likes

Unpopular opinion: Auto-pencil sharpener is worst
Experience than other method? #lemon8contest #AskLemon8 #tenwinstationery #pencil sharpener #sharpener
Tenwin Pencil sharpener

Tenwin Pencil sharpener

6 likes

An iPad displays a calendar and text about off-brand pencil tips, with a white stylus and a clear case containing two colored tips on the screen. The background shows a mousepad and keyboard.
A close-up shows a white stylus with its tip detached, next to two off-brand replacement tips, one white and one pink, labeled 'OLD' and 'NEW'. A clear case holds more tips.
A hand uses a white stylus to write 'Love it! And it sounds even better now ♥' on an iPad displaying a calendar. An open clear case with off-brand tips sits above the writing area.
Thoughts on off-brand Apple Pencil tips ✏️
Okay, so I’ve wanted to try these types of Apple Pencil tips for a while and finally decided to buy them because it was time to replace them. The tips cost ~$7 on Amazon, and I'm not going to lie...I like them better than the originals, lol Also, if you have a paper-like screen protector,
studywithnali

studywithnali

93 likes

Multiple eyebrow pencils showcasing a wide-angled chisel tip and spoolie brush. The product is described as longwearing, transfer-proof, and easy-to-use for sculpting and definition.
A split image showing a 'BEFORE' view of natural eyebrows and an 'AFTER' view of defined, filled-in eyebrows, demonstrating the product's transformative effect.
Four close-up views of eyes, each displaying eyebrows in different shades: Smoke Gray, Chocolate, Dark Brown, and Matte Grey, illustrating the available color options.
🥰PHOFAY Eyebrow Pencil✨
PHOFAY Eyebrow Pencil Net Weight: 0.25g Functions: Easy to apply, Waterproof Suggested Usage: -Start by outlining the under-arch of the brow, moving toward the tail end, then blend using the spoolie. -Outline the upper arch and blend using the spoolie. -To add detail and dimension, add
Scotn Ichols

Scotn Ichols

51 likes

The best Apple Pencil Pro feature?! 👀
The Apple Pencil Pro Squeeze feature is what sold me on upgrading. And I don't regret that decision at all 😍 Being someone that uses Goodnotes quite often, there's something SO satisfying about this little toolbar that pops up when you use the Squeeze feature. But I honestly haven&#3
Allie Marie 🧚🏻

Allie Marie 🧚🏻

585 likes

A sculpture titled 'Come Hungry' by Megan E Craddock, featuring a creature with a skull-like head, exposed teeth, and a fleshy, organic body, rendered in earthy tones.
An initial pencil sketch of the 'Come Hungry' sculpture, showing basic outlines and light shading on a sketch pad, with a 'Sketch paper' label visible.
A pencil drawing of the 'Come Hungry' sculpture, showing more developed shading and detail, capturing the form and texture of the creature.
Pencil Sketch “ Come Hungry”
My illustration version of Megan E Craddock’s “Come Hungry” sculpture from start to finish. Check out the video I posted of my process #art #artist #illustration #pencil #pencildrawing #artist #charcoal #illustrator #drawing #pencilsketch
Haunted Alton

Haunted Alton

743 likes

A light blue package for Paperlike Pencil grips for Apple Pencil, featuring text 'Get a grip on your Apple Pencil' and showing two silicone grips. A Miffy-themed item and a small figurine are beside it.
The back of the Paperlike Pencil grips package, partially open, revealing two silicone grips (light blue and black) inside. Text mentions 'Made for Apple Pencil' and 'Scan the code for detailed instructions'.
A hand holds an Apple Pencil with a grey Paperlike grip, demonstrating its ergonomic design. The pencil is positioned over an iPad with a keyboard case, with a blurred image on the screen.
New apple pencil accessory ✍🏻
Elevate your digital drawing/writing experience with Paperlike's Pencil Grips. Crafted with precision and comfort in mind, these grips offer ergonomic support to reduce fatigue during long drawing or notetaking sessions. Made from high-quality silicone, they provide a secure grip and prevent yo
asmae🐸

asmae🐸

809 likes

Pencil Drawing🐍
I just realized I never posted this on here! This is a pencil drawing I did in April using the Loomis method. #lemon8diarychallenge Using: Pentel graphgear 500 in 0.5 lead Strathmore Bristol paper in 9x12 #sketched #pencildrawing #artist #art #drawing
Art.cgi

Art.cgi

753 likes

See more