The higher the graphite rating, the harder the graphite core, and the lighter the mark made by a pencil applied with a constant pressure. [1] X Research source
Always point the blade away from you, with only the end of the pencil you wish to sharpen in front of the sharp edge. Don’t ever push or pull the blade towards your fingers. Don’t ever pull the blade towards your body.
Use both thumbs to push on the back of the blade if you need to. When using two thumbs, push especially slowly and with particular care. The strips of wood should be thin enough to ribbon or curl as they separate from the pencil.
Use a utility knife to remove wood starting roughly ¾ inch from the end you want to sharpen. Push the blade through the wood with the thumb of the hand holding the pencil. Use your knife hand to maintain a consistent blade angle. Don’t worry as much about precision and consistency with carpenter’s pencils. Both the wood and the graphite core are thicker than in other pencils, and they can handle some variability in your stroke.
