Ticonderoga My First Tri-Write Pencils

The Verdict

The Ticonderoga My First Tri-Write Pencils solve a problem most parents don’t realize they have: your kid is gripping their pencil wrong, and standard cylinders let them get away with it. These triangular-barreled pencils physically guide little fingers into a tripod hold. At 4.8 stars from 240 Amazon ratings, they’re clearly doing something right. But are they worth the premium over a box of regular Ticonderogas? Let’s dig in.

What you actually get: A box of 12 pre-sharpened pencils with a triangular cross-section, slightly thicker than standard #2s. Each pencil measures about 7 inches long with a wider barrel designed for small hands. The graphite core is noticeably thicker than standard pencils — roughly 4.8mm versus the typical 2mm — which means fewer broken leads when your 4-year-old presses down like they’re carving stone. The latex-free eraser is a nice touch for kids with sensitivities.

The triangular grip is the real story here. Standard round pencils let kids develop whatever grip they want, and most default to a fist or a four-finger wrap that’s hard to break later. These pencils have three distinct flat sides that make a proper tripod grip the only comfortable option. One Amazon reviewer put it simply: “My son finally holds a pencil correctly — the triangle shape does the work for him.” That’s the core value proposition, and it holds up.

Build quality is what you’d expect from Ticonderoga. The wood sharpens cleanly without splintering, and the core is well-centered — no frustrating lopsided points. The yellow paint is durable enough to survive being chewed on (which will happen). The eraser actually erases, which is rare in this category — most beginner pencil erasers just smear graphite around like a dirty eraser smudge.

Where it falls short: The pre-sharpened points are sharp enough for paper but dull quickly on rough surfaces like construction paper or cardboard. You’ll be sharpening constantly — one reviewer noted, “Great grip, but I’m sharpening every 10 minutes during art projects.” Also, these are soft-lead pencils without a #2 grade marking. That’s fine for preschool and kindergarten practice, but don’t hand these to a 2nd grader preparing for standardized tests — the soft lead smudges and requires frequent re-sharpening during timed sections.

Who should buy these:

• Parents of 3-5 year olds just starting to write — the grip correction alone justifies the price
• Occupational therapists working on fine motor skills and pencil grasp
• Preschool and kindergarten teachers stocking classrooms with developmentally appropriate tools
• Grandparents who want to give a practical gift that isn’t another toy

Skip these if: Your child is already 6+ with a solid grip — they’ve likely outgrown the need for training wheels, and standard #2s will serve them better for longer writing sessions. Also skip if you’re looking for test-taking pencils; these aren’t graded.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: Are these worth the higher price than regular pencils?
Yes, if your kid is still learning grip. The triangular shape prevents bad habits before they form. If your child already has a solid grip, save your money.

Q: Do these fit standard pencil sharpeners?
Yes, the triangular barrel fits standard sharpeners fine. The wider core means you’ll get fewer sharpenings per pencil, but the lead resists breaking better than standard pencils.

Q: What age range are these designed for?
Officially for ages 3+, but realistically they’re most useful for 3-6 year olds. Older kids with established grips won’t need the guidance.

The Verdict:

Buy it if your child is 3-5 and still developing their pencil grip — the triangular design is a simple, effective intervention that works. Skip it if your kid already holds a pencil correctly or you need pencils for test prep.

Rating: 4.6/5 — Points off for the soft lead that requires frequent sharpening and the lack of a #2 grade, but for its intended purpose — teaching proper grip to beginners — this is the best tool on the market.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.