The middle of the scale shows the letters and numbers that correspond to everyday writing tools: B = No. 1 pencils, HB = No. 2, F = No. 2½, H = No. 3, and 2H = No. 4 (although exact conversions ...

For example, in a set containing 8B, 6B, 4B, 2B, HB, 2H, and 4H pencils, an 8B creates the blackest mark, and also has the softest lead. HB (similar to a #2 pencil) is medium-grade. 4H has the ...

We asked 12 professional artists about the pencils they use for sketching, doodling, laying out, and putting the finishing touches on their artwork. Their picks include Staedtler, BIC Mechanical ...

A number two pencil on the numeric scale is roughly equivalent to an HB pencil on the international scale. Now that you know why you see number two pencils everywhere, learn the nine weird ways ...

An American #2 pencil (roughly) corresponds to an HB pencil on the rest of the world's scale. The lead is not too dark and not too light, and it's not too hard or too soft.

Every pencil we tested has an eraser on the end, a No. 2 or HB core, and a wooden, hexagonal barrel. Photo: Sarah Witman. ... Ticonderoga pencils are fine, ...

A review of the Staedtler Norica HB pencil. I found these at Staples (in the US) a few weeks ago and bought a pack. At $10 for three dozen, it was a pretty good deal.

Graphite pencils are the most popular, and an HB pencil is a versatile option since its balanced hardness makes it suitable ...

Caran D’ache Genius Pencil “It has a stylus on the end. It’s a normal HB pencil, but Caran D’ache HB pencils are really high quality. They’re probably one of my favorite brands for an everyday pencil.

The #2 pencil is our equivalent of an HB, widely preferred because of its balance. It's dark without being too smudgy, yet hard enough that it won't break too easily.

Michael & George are launching their HB Lamp, a 6-ft tall oversized pencil that gives off a luminous glow, at the 2015 London Design Festival.