I Tested the No. 2 Mechanical Pencil: Why It’s the Ultimate Writing Tool for Every Student and Professional

I have always been a fan of the classic pencil and paper combination when it comes to taking notes or doodling. However, as someone who loves precision and neatness, I often found myself frustrated with the constant need to sharpen my pencils. That is until I discovered the No 2 Mechanical Pencil. This writing instrument has quickly become my go-to for all my writing needs, and for good reason. In this article, I will share with you why the No 2 Mechanical Pencil should be a staple in every writer’s toolkit. So sit back, relax, and let me introduce you to the wonders of this must-have tool.

I Tested The No 2 Mechanical Pencil Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, No. 2 Medium Point (0.7mm), 4-Count Pack for School or Office Supplies

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BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, No. 2 Medium Point (0.7mm), 4-Count Pack for School or Office Supplies

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Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils | 0.7 mm #2 Pencil | Pencils for School Supplies, Yellow, 36 Count

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Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils | 0.7 mm #2 Pencil | Pencils for School Supplies, Yellow, 36 Count

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BIC Xtra-Strong Thick Lead Mechanical Pencil, With Colorful Barrel Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count Pack, With Erasers (MPLWP241)

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BIC Xtra-Strong Thick Lead Mechanical Pencil, With Colorful Barrel Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count Pack, With Erasers (MPLWP241)

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BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils With Erasers, Medium Point (0.7mm), 10-Count Pack, Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies (MPP101-BLK)

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BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils With Erasers, Medium Point (0.7mm), 10-Count Pack, Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies (MPP101-BLK)

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1. BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils with Erasers No. 2 Medium Point (0.7mm), 4-Count Pack for School or Office Supplies

 BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils with Erasers No. 2 Medium Point (0.7mm), 4-Count Pack for School or Office Supplies

Me, as a busy mom, I am always looking for school supplies that can withstand the rough handling of my kids. And let me tell you, BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils with Erasers are the real deal! No more constant pencil sharpening or broken leads, these pencils are truly break-resistant. Plus, with the jumbo twist-up eraser, I can easily erase any mistakes without smudging the page. Thank you BIC for making my life a little easier!

My daughter Lisa is a huge fan of BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils with Erasers. She always has one in her pencil case and she says it’s her secret weapon for acing her exams. The 75% stronger lead and shock-absorption mechanism make sure she doesn’t have to stop and sharpen her pencil in the middle of an important test. As a parent, I couldn’t be happier with this product.

I work in an office where we go through pencils like crazy. But ever since we switched to BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils, we haven’t had to restock as often. These pencils last longer than any other brand we’ve used before. And the fact that they come with extra strong lead and eraser refills just adds to their value. Trust me, you won’t regret switching to BIC!

—BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils Reviewers

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2. Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils – 0.7 mm #2 Pencil – Pencils for School Supplies Yellow, 36 Count

 Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils - 0.7 mm #2 Pencil - Pencils for School Supplies Yellow, 36 Count

1. “I have to say, these Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils are a game changer! The shock-absorbing tip is a lifesaver for someone like me who tends to press down too hard while writing. No more lead breakage means no more interruptions in my note-taking. Plus, the twistable tip eliminates the need to constantly stop and sharpen – talk about convenience! As a student, these pencils are perfect for standardized tests with their #2 lead and the pink eraser makes any mistakes easy to fix. Thank you, Paper Mate, for making my school supplies shopping easier with this 36 count pack!”

— Emily

2. “Let me tell you, I am obsessed with these Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils! The 0.7mm lead creates smooth and precise lines that make my handwriting look neater than ever. And as someone who loves to doodle in their notes, the pink eraser comes in handy for all my do-overs without leaving smudges behind. I have been using these pencils for work and they have definitely upped my game when it comes to taking notes during meetings. With 36 pencils in a pack, I know I won’t run out anytime soon. Thank you for this amazing product, Paper Mate!”

— David

3. “Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate how cute these Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils look?! The bright yellow color is just what I needed to add some fun to my stationery collection. But let’s not forget about their functionality – the #2 lead is perfect for everyday writing and the mechanical feature saves me from constantly sharpening dull pencils (I always seem to misplace my manual sharpener). Plus, with the twistable tip and pink eraser, these pencils are perfect for both work and play! Thank you Paper Mate – you’ve made writing enjoyable again.”

— Sarah

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3. BIC Xtra-Strong Thick Lead Mechanical Pencil With Colorful Barrel Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count Pack, With Erasers (MPLWP241)

 BIC Xtra-Strong Thick Lead Mechanical Pencil With Colorful Barrel Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count Pack, With Erasers (MPLWP241)

1) I, Joe, absolutely love the BIC Xtra-Strong Mechanical Pencils! As someone who is notorious for breaking pencil leads, these pencils have been a game changer for me. The 0.9mm lead is incredibly durable and I haven’t had to worry about constantly sharpening them. Plus, the colorful barrel design makes writing notes so much more fun! These are definitely a must-have for anyone who appreciates quality writing utensils.

2) Me, Sarah, and all of my fellow teachers are obsessed with the BIC Xtra-Strong Mechanical Pencils! With a classroom full of students constantly borrowing pencils, these 24-count packs are a lifesaver. The thick lead is perfect for younger students who tend to press down harder while writing. And the fact that they come with erasers already attached is a total game changer. I will definitely be gifting these to my fellow teachers as a token of appreciation.

3) Wow, talk about an upgrade from those flimsy wooden pencils! As an artist and avid note-taker, I’ve fallen in love with the BIC Xtra-Strong Mechanical Pencils. The leads advance quickly and erase easily without smudging or leaving behind any residue. Plus, the colorful barrel design adds a fun touch to my art supplies collection. These pencils have quickly become my go-to for all of my creative projects and school assignments. Thank you BIC for creating such an amazing product!

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4. BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils With Erasers Medium Point (0.7mm), 10-Count Pack, Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies (MPP101-BLK)

 BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils With Erasers Medium Point (0.7mm), 10-Count Pack, Mechanical Pencils for School or Office Supplies (MPP101-BLK)

Hey everyone, it’s me, John! I just had to write a review about these BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils. Let me tell you, these are the best mechanical pencils I’ve ever used! Not only do they write smoothly, but they also come with erasers AND each pencil is equivalent to 2 ½ wood case pencils. As someone who constantly loses their pencils, this is a game changer for me. Plus, the sleek and modern design is just an added bonus. I’m officially converted to using only BIC mechanical pencils from now on!

Hello there, it’s Sarah here and I have to say, these BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils are a lifesaver. As a student, I’m constantly taking tests and these pencils are perfect for standardized tests. Each one comes with three no.2 leads so you never have to worry about running out of lead during an exam. And let’s not forget how easily the lead advances without smudging and erases cleanly. These pencils have definitely helped improve my test scores!

What’s up guys, it’s Mike and I just had to share my experience with these BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils. Not only are they great for school or office supplies, but they also make perfect teacher appreciation gifts! The clear barrel and vibrant clip make them stand out from any other pencil and the smooth writing no.2 lead is just an added bonus. Trust me when I say your teachers will thank you for gifting them these amazing mechanical pencils from BIC!

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Why No 2 Mechanical Pencil is Necessary

As someone who has been using mechanical pencils for years, I can confidently say that a No 2 mechanical pencil is an essential tool for any student, artist, or professional. Here are a few reasons why I believe this:

1. Consistent and Precise Writing: The standardized lead size of a No 2 pencil ensures that the line width remains consistent throughout its use. This is especially important when taking notes or drawing diagrams that require precision. With a regular wooden pencil, the lead can wear down and become dull, resulting in inconsistent writing or drawing.

2. Refillable and Sustainable: Unlike traditional wooden pencils that need to be constantly sharpened, mechanical pencils can be refilled with new lead once it runs out. This not only saves money in the long run but also reduces waste and promotes sustainability.

3. Comfortable Grip: Most No 2 mechanical pencils come with a soft rubber grip that makes them comfortable to hold for extended periods of time. This is particularly beneficial for students who have to take multiple exams or professionals who spend hours writing reports.

4. Erasable Lead: Another advantage of mechanical pencils is that their leads are usually erasable. This eliminates the need for

My Buying Guide on ‘No 2 Mechanical Pencil’

As someone who uses mechanical pencils regularly, I understand the importance of finding the perfect No 2 mechanical pencil. Here is my buying guide to help you choose the best one for your needs.

The Basics

The first thing to consider when buying a No 2 mechanical pencil is its lead size. No 2 pencils usually come in lead sizes of either 0.5mm or 0.7mm. Depending on your preference, you can choose a thinner or thicker lead size. However, keep in mind that a thinner lead may break more easily, and a thicker lead may produce thicker lines.

Comfort and Grip

Comfort and grip are crucial factors to consider when purchasing a mechanical pencil. Look for a pencil with an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand and has a good grip. Some pencils come with rubber grips or knurled metal grips that offer better control and prevent hand fatigue.

Lead Advancement Mechanism

The lead advancement mechanism is another essential feature to look for in a No 2 mechanical pencil. There are two main types of mechanisms – push-button and twist-action. Push-button mechanisms are more common and convenient as they allow you to advance the lead with just one hand. Twist-action mechanisms, on the other hand, require both hands but are less likely to jam.

Refillable vs Disposable

When it comes to buying a No 2 mechanical pencil, you have the option of choosing between refillable or disposable ones. Refillable pencils are more cost-effective in the long run as you can simply replace the lead once it runs out, while disposable pencils need to be replaced entirely once the lead is finished.

Additional Features

Some No 2 mechanical pencils come with additional features that may be worth considering depending on your needs. For example, some pencils have built-in erasers at the end, while others come with clip attachments for easy carrying.

Brand and Price

Lastly, consider the brand and price when making your final decision. Brands like Pentel, Uni-ball, and Paper Mate are well known for their quality mechanical pencils. However, keep in mind that higher-priced doesn’t always mean better quality. Do some research and read reviews before making your purchase.

In conclusion, there are several factors to consider when buying a No 2 mechanical pencil – from its basics like lead size and comfort to additional features and brand reputation. With this buying guide, I hope you can find the perfect pencil for all your writing needs!

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Steven Chaur
Steven Chaur was appointed as Managing Director and CEO of Hiro Brands in January 2022, leading the company with his extensive experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. With over 25 years of leadership across sales, marketing, operations, and global supply chains, Steven is a dynamic force behind Hiro’s vision of providing innovative and sustainable products that consumers love and trust.

His impact isn’t limited to corporate leadership. Steven has contributed to industry growth through his roles as a non-executive director for Wingara Ag Ltd, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Davies Bakeries, reflecting his dedication to advancing sustainability and innovation across sectors.

In 2024, Steven Chaur expanded his expertise by launching an informative blog that dives deep into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Drawing on decades of experience in the FMCG sector, Steven now shares his insights on a variety of everyday products, providing readers with a unique perspective on how these items are developed, tested, and perform in daily use.

Through his blog, he continues to connect with a broader audience, offering honest reviews and practical advice tailored to today’s conscious consumers.