Other than No 2 pencils, are there also other No. like 1, 3 & 4??

Question

Are there pencil # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and more? If so, up to what number?

And why is #2 the most common and popular (I don't even know if I've seen other numbers)? Any specific reasons?

okay, there're 2B & 2H, but which one does the typical #2 pencil fall under? or is it totally different from them? also, have you actually seen pencils that says #3 or #7 without the letter H or B?

Answer 1

Yes, there are. I've had #1 and #4.

Answer 2

Yes. Definitely. Essential for every artist! They are mostly considered art pencils, but can be used day to day if you find another number you like. 9B, 8B, 7B, 6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B (#2 pencils) 1B, HB, F, H, 2H, 3H, 4H, 5H, 6H, 7H, 8H, & 9H. The higher the number in the B range the more brittle the graphite will be. The 8 & 9B are like a charcoal black pencil. 9B through HB are usually considered drawing pencils. You can get the widest variety of line from using a more brittle pencil. The H's are generally used for drafting and making technical sketches, or a drawing you will eventually go over with a darker (more brittle pencil) or ink. An H pencil will make a much lighter mark and have less variation in the line when more pressure is applied. They will usually just score the surface if you press harder, instead of making a darker mark. A 9B when drawn with as much pressure as you can push with will still only make a light grey mark. However, the H's can usually be erased with ease.

#2 is the most popular because it is good medium as far as pencil lead is concerned. It can fill in the bubbles on a scantron quite well (although I have used other pencil numbers and the scantron still read it just fine) and it can still erase well (unless you are using a foreign brand x pencil with a cruddy eraser.) Usually all pencils that are unlabeled are #2's too.

The yellow ones with the pink eraser and the recognizable #2 symbol are the best because of their quality and price. They tend to break less, the graphite writes consistently throughout the length of the pencil, the graphite is always centered in the wood so the pencil sharpens evenly every time, and the wood used is good quality, unlike some brands that crack the second you sharpen them.

You should try out some different art pencils. They have them at all art stores and most craft stores. . Derwent is a good brand. Grab at least a 9B and a 9H, so you can feel the difference yourself.

Answer 3

Have you ever picked up a pencil that was deliberately made without an eraser or wondered why when younger or wondered why that pencil was so difficult to write with? There are varying hardnesses of pencils. They are used for different purposes especially in art. I cannot remember the number sequences but the harder ones are a harder graphite type composition and they do not leave as dark or soft a mark which does not smear as easily. The darker softer pencils of different numbers leave a darker softer mark that is easier to smear. These all have purposes in art especially graphics art and shading in pencil art drawings. I have some upstairs in a drawer from years ago and art classes. I stick to computerized art now for the most part because if I make a mistake it is easier to redo and faster than even with pencil. But occassionally I still draw or paint especially for the kids.

Answer 4

Yes, there are other number pencils. The number indicates the hardness of the lead. Number 1 pencils are the softest. Other numbers are 2, 2 1/2, 3, and 4. Number 4 pencils are the hardest...

Answer 5

Why not? If you place four pencils together, you have pencils 1,2,3 and 4! Got it tube light! Just kidding kid! There are pencils with varying degree of darkness used for various purposes but the most commonly used one is No.2 or we also call it HB pencil. If you visit the website of 'Staedtler' the world-famous pencil makers from Germany, you may get more information on the subject.

P.S.: Well, my dear pet, with all the answers you have got before and after mine, you can write a paper on pencils! Give it a try! Good luck!

Answer 6

Yes, artists use a lot of different types of pencils, to get different shades on the grey scale.

I don't know what number the pencils go up to; that's a good question.

I believe #2 is most popular because it's what computers, designed to read those little ovals on SAT tests, for example, recognize.

Answer 7

yes, of course.

I don't know up to what number...but

I've seen 1, 2, and 3.

Oh, and no. 2 is so popular because that's what the scantron machines use.

If there weren't Scantron machines, I think they'd probably make #3 the standard pencil, just because its thicker.

Answer 8

The H/B is not hard/brittle but hard/black. There are 6B pencils used for art and they are soft as crayons, even smudgy.

The pencils are made more soft when they contain more pure graphite with less of whatever it is they add to make them hard. Generally the most B ones are used by artists and the most H ones are used by engineers who use 6H pencils.

Answer 9

I have only heard of #1 and #2's. The former being the harder graphite and the latter the softer. Most people prefer #2 pencils because they don't tend to rip the paper on which you are writing.

Answer 10

The number 2 is your common writing pencil. The numbers let you know how light or dark the lead is. Number 3, for example is mostly used as a draft pencil. Number can go as high as "8B" which is a soft lead and very very dark for spreading and shading.You have your "H" grades as well as "B" grades. I have a 15 piece soft lead set which cost me around $45.00

Answer 11

An art store would have them. But I wouldn't recommend that. Do you really want to have to redo all of your exams just because you didn't use a #2 pencil?