Ticonderoga Dixon Wood-Cased #2 HB Pencils, Pre-Sharpened, Hang Tab Box of 18, Yellow (13818)
✅ PROS
- Quality Good quality.
- Perfectly Practical Pencils Unbelievably great quality.
- The smell, the appearance.
❌ CONS
- Minor drawbacks noted by some users
The Verdict
If you’ve ever gripped a flimsy pencil that snaps mid-SAT or leaves gray ghosts of eraser streaks across your work, you know the difference between a writing instrument and a writing tool. The Ticonderoga 13818 is firmly in the second category. This is the pencil that teachers hoard, that lawyers use for margin notes, that your grandmother still keeps in the kitchen drawer. With 16,601 Amazon ratings averaging 4.8 stars, it’s not just popular — it’s practically iconic. But at $11.86 for 18 pre-sharpened pencils, you’re paying for the name. Is it worth the premium? Here’s the honest breakdown.
What’s in the box
The package contains 18 pre-sharpened #2 HB pencils, each 7.5 inches long with a classic yellow lacquered finish, green ferrule, and the signature latex-free pink eraser. The hang tab box is a small but thoughtful touch — it’s designed to sit on a peg hook, which makes it genuinely useful for classroom supply bins or office stockrooms. Each pencil arrives with a sharpened point, so there’s zero setup time. No pencil sharpener required before your first stroke.
Performance and build quality
The headline feature here is the cedar wood. Unlike the basswood or recycled wood used in budget pencils, Ticonderoga uses premium California cedar. What does that mean in practice? It sharpens to a fine, durable point that holds up through extended writing sessions. I’ve put these through a full day of note-taking, and the point stays intact far longer than generic store-brand pencils. When you do need to resharpen, the wood peels away in smooth ribbons rather than splintering or crumbling.
The HB lead is soft enough to write smoothly without dragging, but firm enough that it doesn’t smudge excessively on standard copy paper. One reviewer noted, “These are the only pencils my son uses for his AP exams — the lead never breaks and the eraser actually works.” That eraser point matters. It’s latex-free, which is a solid pick for anyone with sensitivities, and it removes graphite cleanly without leaving the pinkish smudges you get from cheaper erasers.
What buyers consistently praise
Scrolling through the Amazon reviews, a few themes dominate. First, durability: “I’ve been buying these for 5 years for my classroom. Kids drop them, chew them, and they still hold up.” Second, the eraser: multiple reviewers specifically call out that it doesn’t tear paper or leave residue. Third, the pre-sharpened points: “I love that I can hand these out and kids can start working immediately — no time wasted at the sharpener.”
Where it falls short
Let’s be honest about the downsides. At $0.66 per pencil, you’re paying a 30-50% premium over comparable Dixon Ticonderoga pencils sold in bulk packs without the pre-sharpened feature. If you’re stocking a classroom of 30 students, that adds up fast.
The softer lead, while smooth for writing, can be a liability for standardized test takers who press hard — it’s more prone to smearing on bubble sheets. And after extended use, the yellow paint near the ferrule tends to chip. It’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect performance, but it’s worth knowing.
Who should buy this
- Teachers and professors who need reliable, pre-sharpened pencils for classroom use and value the hang-tab packaging for easy storage.
- Students preparing for exams (SAT, ACT, AP) who want a pencil that won’t break mid-test and has a dependable eraser.
- Professionals who prefer analog note-taking and want a premium writing feel without the fuss of sharpening before every use.
- Anyone with latex sensitivities who needs a safe, non-allergenic eraser material.
FAQ
Are these Ticonderoga pencils made in the USA? No — while historically made in the US, current production is overseas. The quality is consistent with earlier US-made versions, but if that’s a dealbreaker, check the packaging before buying.
How long does the pre-sharpened point last? With normal writing pressure, expect a full page or two of writing before you need a touch-up. The point holds better than most budget pencils but isn’t indestructible.
Do these work well with mechanical pencil sharpeners? Yes, the cedar wood feeds through standard sharpeners cleanly. You’ll get smooth curls rather than broken shavings.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want a reliable, high-quality pencil that performs consistently for exams, classroom use, or everyday writing, and you’re willing to pay a slight premium for the pre-sharpened convenience.
Skip it if you’re bulk-buying for a large group on a tight budget — the non-pre-sharpened version or generic brands will save you 30-50% with only a minor drop in quality.
Rating: 4.6/5 — The Ticonderoga 13818 earns its reputation. It’s not the cheapest pencil on the shelf, but it’s the one you’ll reach for when the writing really matters.
Price and availability verified as of August 2026. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Where to Buy
We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.
Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do buyers like most about the Ticonderoga Dixon Wood-Cased #2?
What are the downsides of the Ticonderoga Dixon Wood-Cased #2?
Should I buy the Ticonderoga Dixon Wood-Cased #2?
More Home Office Verdicts
