Making a Ticonderoga Pencil

 

With its exclusive graphite core formula and satin-smooth finish, the Ticonderoga is known for providing a superior writing experience. But do you know how this iconic pencil is made? Follow the journey below.

Step One

Using high-quality, sustainably managed, premium wood, we first create “pencil blocks,” which are cut into slats.

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Step One

Using high-quality, sustainably managed, premium wood, we first create “pencil blocks,” which are cut into slats.

Step Two

A machine cuts grooves into the slat, which will hold the exclusively formulated graphite core of the pencil.

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Step Two

A machine cuts grooves into the slat, which will hold the exclusively formulated graphite core of the pencil.

Step Three

Glue is applied to the entire length of each groove, and then a graphite core is placed into each of the individual grooves.   

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Step Three

Glue is applied to the entire length of each groove, and then a graphite core is placed into each of the individual grooves.   

Step Four

A second grooved slat is placed on top of the core-filled slat, creating a “sandwich.”

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Step Four

A second grooved slat is placed on top of the core-filled slat, creating a “sandwich.”

Step Five

The sandwiched slats are then trimmed on both ends to the exact length of the pencil.

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Step Five

The sandwiched slats are then trimmed on both ends to the exact length of the pencil.

Step Six

Cutting knives are used to shape each pencil on the slat.

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Step Six

Cutting knives are used to shape each pencil on the slat.

Step Seven

The pencils are cut apart, creating 10 individual raw pencils.

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Step Seven

The pencils are cut apart, creating 10 individual raw pencils.

Step Eight

The raw pencils move through a painting process that adds many coats of mirror-smooth specially formulated Ticonderoga yellow lacquer.

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Step Eight

The raw pencils move through a painting process that adds many coats of mirror-smooth specially formulated Ticonderoga yellow lacquer.

Step Nine

The iconic green and yellow ferrule with eraser is glued to the top and the famous Ticonderoga name is imprinted on the pencil.

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Step Nine

The iconic green and yellow ferrule with eraser is glued to the top and the famous Ticonderoga name is imprinted on the pencil.