How It's Made, From Forest to Desk: The Making of School Pencils

Photo byKelly SikkemaonUnsplash

The Journey of a School Pencil: From Tree to Classroom

School pencils are a staple in every student's backpack, yet few people know the intricate process involved in making these ubiquitous tools. The journey from raw material to finished product involves several meticulous steps, ensuring that each pencil meets the standards of quality and durability that students and professionals alike depend on.

1. Harvesting the Wood

The process begins with the selection of high-quality wood. Most premium pencils, like those from Dixon Ticonderoga, use cedar wood harvested from sustainably managed forests. Cedar is preferred due to its softness, which makes it easy to sharpen and its resistance to splintering. Sustainable forestry practices ensure that for every tree cut down, new trees are planted, maintaining a balanced ecosystem​​​​.

2. Creating the Slats

Once the wood is harvested, it is cut into thin slats. These slats are then dried and treated to prevent warping and to ensure they are ready for the next stage. Each slat is precisely measured and grooved to hold the graphite core. The grooves are meticulously cut to ensure they align perfectly with the graphite cores that will be inserted​​.

3. Inserting the Graphite Core

The graphite core, which is actually a mix of graphite and clay, is then placed into the grooves of the slats. This mixture is carefully formulated to provide the right balance of hardness and darkness, depending on the pencil grade. For instance, #2 pencils, commonly used in schools, are designed to be soft enough for smooth writing yet hard enough to resist breaking​​.

4. Bonding the Slats

A second slat with matching grooves is then glued on top of the first, encasing the graphite core completely. This process, known as bonding, ensures that the graphite is securely held within the wooden casing, giving the pencil added strength and durability. The bonded slats are then pressed together and left to dry, forming a solid block​​.

5. Shaping the Pencils

Once the glue has dried, the wooden blocks are cut into individual pencils. Cutting knives shape the pencils, giving them their familiar hexagonal or round bodies. These shapes not only make the pencils comfortable to hold but also prevent them from rolling off desks​​.

6. Sanding and Painting

The freshly cut pencils are then sanded to smooth out any rough edges. They undergo a painting process where multiple layers of lacquer are applied. For Dixon Ticonderoga pencils, a distinctive yellow paint is used, followed by the application of a green and yellow ferrule to hold the eraser in place. The paint not only gives the pencils their iconic look but also protects the wood from moisture and damage​​.

7. Attaching the Eraser

The final step in the pencil-making process is attaching the eraser. The eraser, typically made from synthetic rubber or vinyl, is secured to the end of the pencil with a metal ferrule. This ferrule is crimped to ensure the eraser stays firmly in place, ready to correct any mistakes made during writing​​.

Quality Control

Throughout the manufacturing process, pencils undergo rigorous quality control checks. These checks ensure that each pencil meets specific standards for size, shape, and performance. Only pencils that pass these inspections are packaged and shipped to stores worldwide.

Sustainable Practices

Modern pencil manufacturers like Dixon Ticonderoga and Musgrave Pencil Company prioritize sustainability. They use wood from certified, responsibly managed forests and employ eco-friendly processes in their factories. This commitment to sustainability ensures that the production of pencils does not harm the environment, allowing students to use these essential tools with a clear conscience​​.

Sources:

• Pen Vibe: The Ultimate Guide to Dixon Ticonderoga Pencils
• Made in the USA Matters: Pencils Made in the USA