Here's a sample of a pencil graphite grading scale. Although HB is the most common type and hence the most often used by myself, I enjoy 4B. Sometimes, you don't mind if it smudges.
When taking notes, and during class, I prefer Mechanical Pencils. They stay 'sharp' all the time, and I can write faster with them. Sharpness is really important to me, because I naturally write small. Dull lead would make the lines too big, and then I'd just have a smudge instead of words.
When I do my doodles, I use a Carpenters Pencil, or a Mechanical Pencil. I used to have one that drew around a 4H, but I dunno what happened to it.
Hmmm... I've always used non-mechanical pencils because they seem less of a hassle. Mechanical pencils always seem to break a run out of lead fast. Regular pencils don't break as easily. My math teacher (awesomest teacher ever) gave me a Ticonderoga (my first one ever) and it was exceptional.
I prefer mechanical. I used to have a problem with breaking the lead, but then I went to .7 mm lead ( I don't know what that translates to on Knight's table, but that's the most common I've seen). With .7, I'm able to write heavy and push hard on the paper, I've got really stiff and tense hands, so I can't help but write heavy and really dark.
Although the wooden pencil brand the OP gave is amazing. That was what I used until I discovered mechanical pencils, and they worked great. The only problem is, is if you eff up on sharpening them the first time, it stays effed up unless to just cut the exposed wood part completely off and it's a perfectly clean cut.
I usually use wooden pencils. The problem is: I have crappy pencil-sharpening skills, and after I sharpen my pencil, when I go back to write, it breaks when I try to write the first letter. And to add to my pencil woes, I lose my pencils very frequently, and I go through more than 75 or so pencils every school year.
I still use wooden pencils, though, because I press down pretty hard on the paper when I write, and that breaks the thin lead on mechanical pencils.
I don't mind either one of them. You can hand me both and I'd gladly take them (hey, free pencils!). But if I had to choose I'd choose the Ticonderago. I tend to get bored in class and start playing around with the mechanical pencil. I'd take it apart and when I'd try to put it back together I manage to break it (I somehow always block something and the lead won't come out). Even if I fail at sharpening the god**** pencil and lose it around 5 billion times. I'll still pick the Ticanderago (that must be a hassle to say!).
I like Ticonderoga Pencils better because they're stronger, unlike the Mechanical Pencils. I mean the Mechanical ones break so easily, like if I accidently drop one it breaks within one drop, even if it's a small drop. But Ticonderoga Pencils take force to break it (Not sure why you would want to break it.) But it's a lot stronger and better.
and after I sharpen my pencil, when I go back to write, it breaks when I try to write the first letter. And to add to my pencil woes, I lose my pencils very frequently, and I go through more than 75 or so pencils every school year
Lol, learn how to not lose your pencil. I had to at some point. It also took me a while to perfect my pencil sharpening technique.
I agree with GentlemanClam that mechanical pencils will break to easily. Also the lead likes to fall out even though I am using the right size. Ticonderoga all the way!