Pelikan Pencils for School: Our Top Picks

Choosing the right stationery for students can be a challenge. As a new school year begins, parents and students face the task of finding supplies that are not only functional but also tailored to the specific demands of the classroom. A good pencil is a fundamental tool, whether for first writing exercises in primary school, taking notes in class, or creating precise drawings in art lessons.

This article serves as a guide to make your selection easier. We will introduce various Pelikan pencils designed for different educational purposes and provide practical tips on what to look for when making a purchase.

What to Look for When Buying School Pencils

Before you make a decision, it's helpful to understand a few basic characteristics of pencils. These criteria will help you find the right model for every need.

1. Lead Hardness Grade

The hardness grade indicates how soft or hard the graphite lead is. This property is crucial for the darkness of the line and the rate of wear.

• Soft Leads (e.g., 2B, B): These leads release more graphite, creating a dark, rich line. They require less pressure when writing, which can be particularly beneficial for early writers. They are also well-suited for drawing and sketching.
• Medium Leads (HB): The HB pencil is the universal standard for everyday school use. It offers an excellent balance of hardness and blackness, is relatively break-resistant, and erases cleanly.
• Hard Leads (e.g., H, 2H): These leads are more durable and produce a lighter, more precise line. They are primarily used for technical drawing or detailed graphic work.

2. Ergonomic Shape

The shape of the pencil affects handling and can help prevent fatigue during long writing sessions.

• Hexagonal Pencils: The classic hexagonal shape provides a stable grip and prevents the pencil from rolling off the desk. It is a proven all-rounder for students of all ages.
• Triangular Shape:Ergonomic pencils for children often have a triangular shape. This supports the tripod grip—a hand position recommended for early writers—and ensures a relaxed writing posture.

3. Additional Features

Some pencils offer practical extra features that make the school day easier. An HB pencil with an eraser on the end allows for quick corrections without needing a separate eraser. Speciality pencils like the two-toned syllable pencil are specifically designed for use in primary school to provide visual support for learning processes.

Pelikan Pencil Recommendations

Based on the diverse requirements of the school day, we have curated a selection of Pelikan pencils. Each model is distinguished by specific features that make it particularly suitable for certain applications.

Pelikan Multi-Grade Hexagonal Pencils, 3-Pack

Why It Stands Out: This pencil set offers great versatility with its three hardness grades: 2B, B, and HB. Students can choose the right pencil for any task, whether it's writing, sketching, or shading. The wood used in its production is FSC-certified, indicating it comes from responsibly managed forests.

Advantages:

• Versatile Set: Includes the three most common hardness grades for school and leisure.
• Classic Shape: The hexagonal form ensures a secure grip and prevents rolling.
• Sustainability: According to the manufacturer, the wood is sourced from FSC-certified forestry.

Best For: This set is ideal for older students, university students, and anyone who needs a versatile set for various writing and drawing tasks.

Pelikan Triangular Syllable Pencil, Red/Blue, 2-Pack

Why It Stands Out: This pencil was specifically developed as a learning tool for primary school. The dual-colour red and blue lead helps children divide syllables or highlight words. The triangular shape is a key feature of these ergonomic pencils for children.

Advantages:

• Ergonomic Design: The triangular shape promotes a correct grip for early writers.
• Learning Support: The dual-colour syllable pencil is a practical tool for language arts in primary school.
• Break-Resistant Lead: The 3 mm diameter lead is both soft and durable.

Best For: This set is aimed specifically at primary school students who are learning to write and use visual aids for syllable division and marking.

Pelikan HB Hexagonal Pencils with Eraser, 3-Pack

Why It Stands Out: This model is the epitome of the classic school pencil. It combines the universal HB hardness grade with a practical eraser attached to the end. The lead is fully bonded to the wood casing, ensuring high break resistance.

Advantages:

• Practical 2-in-1 Solution: The integrated eraser allows for quick and clean corrections.
• High Break Resistance: The lead is bonded along its entire length to the wood, making it more durable.
• Universal Hardness Grade:HB is the standard for everyday writing tasks at school and in the office.

Best For: Ideal for students of all grade levels, university students, and for general office use. A reliable HB pencil with an eraser for every day.

Discover More Stationery for Students

Choosing the right pencil is an important step in preparing for the school year. Pelikan stationery offers a wide range of products tailored to the needs of learners.

If you are looking for more options or other school supplies, our Stationery Cards category features a comprehensive selection of pens, notebooks, and other useful items for a successful start to school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lead grade is best for early writers?

Softer leads like B or 2B are often recommended for early writers because they require less pressure and produce a rich, dark line. This can boost motivation while learning to write. However, the HB grade is the common standard used in most schools for general use.

What does the "HB" on a pencil mean?

The letter combination HB stands for "Hard Black." "H" indicates the hardness, and "B" indicates the degree of blackness. An HB pencil thus represents a medium grade that offers a good balance between lead firmness and line darkness.

Are triangular pencils really better for children?

The triangular shape, often found on ergonomic pencils for children, can support the so-called tripod grip. This posture, where the pencil rests on the middle finger and is held by the thumb and index finger, is considered ergonomically sound and can help prevent hand fatigue.