Three questions about pencils: a. What two materials are mixed together to make the "lead" in lead pencils? b. What is the highest number found on a pencil to signify the hardest pencil leads? c. The best kind of wood for making pencils comes from 150-2

Despite the name, there's no actual lead in your "lead" pencil. The writing core is a carefully blended mixture of powdered graphite and clay that is baked in a kiln. The common name is a historical holdover from when a massive graphite deposit discovered in the 1500s was mistaken for a form of lead ore. The proportion of clay in the mixture is the key to the pencil's performance, as it determines the core's hardness and the darkness of its mark.

This hardness is measured on a grading scale. A higher number on the "H" (Hard) scale means more clay was used, resulting in a harder, lighter-marking point perfect for technical drawing. The scale for these specialized pencils typically goes up to 10H, representing the hardest grade available for creating fine, precise lines. Conversely, "B" (Black) pencils contain more graphite, making them softer and ideal for artistic shading.

To protect this fragile graphite-clay core, it is encased in wood. For over a century, the gold standard for high-quality pencils has been Incense-cedar. This specific wood is favored by manufacturers because it is soft enough to sharpen easily and evenly without splintering, yet strong enough to protect the core. Its fine, straight grain and pleasant aroma make it the premium choice for a classic wood-cased pencil.