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I have to say that I have been using the Ticonderoga Blacks for the past week and I am really enjoying them. Oddly, I find that my LG diagramming has been MUCH neater since I began using them -- odd. Anyway, I feel more comfortable writing with these pencils and that is enough to convert me.
Obviously, I don't expect any sort of score increase merely form pencil choice, but just like doctors and waiters give thought to their shoe choice, LSAT preppers may consider giving thought to their pencil choice. : )
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117 comments
@tylerdschreur10199 said:
@uhinberg359
Ordered some wopex pencils to use on my PT tomorrow... thanks for the rec!
Of course! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have :wink:
Mirado Black Warrior. I promise you'll at least get your name right.
https://www.staples.com/Paper-Mate-Mirado-Black-Warrior-Pencil-2-Dozen/product_608000?cid=PS:GooglePLAs:608000&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=608000&KPID=608000&cvosrc=PLA.google-SALES.Office%20Supplies&cvo_crid=39506872062&cvo_campaign=176605062&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwqXMBRCDARIsAD-AQ2hyzuIRXUkFDJVs_-gHRbMGMcTbWu0Zjua80LRS8VprG8ELnRgHnkIaAgtPEALw_wcB
@uhinberg359
Ordered some wopex pencils to use on my PT tomorrow... thanks for the rec!
Thanks for the insight! I have my palomino coming in the mail. Gotta be mindful of the holes :smirk:
@jkatz1488955 said:
UGH. In a most embarrassing move, i have been misusing my palomino sharpener since the day i got it. never read the instructions for hole #1 vs hole #2 (bring on the puns). i've totally worn down the blade and have bought a new sharpener.
Hahaha! Well at least it gave you an excuse to buy a new sharpener ;)
@shanedrider779 HAHA! yup
@jkatz1488955
https://media.giphy.com/media/KO49TjVY0lMYw/giphy.gif
This one.
UGH. In a most embarrassing move, i have been misusing my palomino sharpener since the day i got it. never read the instructions for hole #1 vs hole #2 (bring on the puns). i've totally worn down the blade and have bought a new sharpener.
Decisions, decision. I feel so stupid and aspy spending this much time thinking about pencils. Chances are, most people who do well on this test, just use freaking Ticons.
@uhinberg359 said:
I'm tortured ..... I can't eat, I can't sleep, I can't think at work....
Do I use my first love the Norica? The smooth and sexy, dark writing, pencil of perfection? Or do I use the flashy, heavier, (I like to spin them) better erasing, much longer lasting Wopex? I can't live like this.... :(
Use the Wopex for LR and RC, and save a 12 pack of sharp Noricas for LG!
I sometimes go through a 12 pack of 602s in LG because of how often I swap them out!
I'm tortured ..... I can't eat, I can't sleep, I can't think at work....
Do I use my first love the Norica? The smooth and sexy, dark writing, pencil of perfection? Or do I use the flashy, heavier, (I like to spin them) better erasing, much longer lasting Wopex? I can't live like this.... :(
Nice Review! I've been having some good luck with the Staedtler brand erasers, which are moderatly priced, large and work great on thin paper, moderately no ghosting, Might have to check these babies out though, lol.
As a minor update, I've tested a bunch of erasers as well! Far and away, the best erasers I tested were the Sakura Foam Arch, and the Uni Boxy. These imported models erase quickly and cleanly, even on LSAT-style "tissue paper."
I recommend bringing one of these to the test even if you're pursuing a no-erasing strategy; there's always a chance you mess up a LG diagram and want to start fresh. These erasers will make starting blank a breeze. I also tried cutting my erasers into rectangles that fit into the Blackwing ferrules so I can use them without putting down my pencil.
https://www.amazon.com/Sakura-Evolutional-Erasers-5-Pack-White/dp/B0174KSUVY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499443427&sr=8-2&keywords=sakura+foam
Here's a link to the Sakura Foam Arch erasers. This pack that Amazon carries contains rather small erasers, so consider getting the larger varieties from JetPens if you intend to use these on the exam.
This thread has corrupted me. I lost the battle with temptation, and purchased at least one of nearly every pencil in this thread...
Would anyone be interested in seeing my test pictures/reviews for each?
At this point, I've used each pencil on at least one full section of Logic Games. Here's the exhaustive list:
Palomino Blackwing
Palomino Blackwing 602
Palomino Blackwing Pearl*
Palomino Golden Bear Blue
Palomino Golden Bear Orange Jumbo #2
Palomino Forest Choice #2*
Staedtler Norica
Staedtler Wopex
Mitsubishi 9850 HB*
Mitsubishi Hi Uni HB*
Dixon Ticonderoga
Dixon Ticonderoga Black
Dixon Tri-Conderoga
My First Ticonderoga
Caran d'Ache Grafwood H
Faber Castell 9000 B*
General's Cedar Pointe #333 - 2HB
Musgrave Pencil Co. Test Scoring 100*
I went ahead and put stars next to the models that performed best. Each had strengths and weaknesses, though the Mitsubishi Hi Uni HB and Mitsubishi 9850 HB stood out as first and second place finishers respectively.
No matter how well a pencil performed, I found the need to sharpen multiple times per section. All of the pencils chipped or broke at some point: some in ways that unremarkably altered performance, others hindering progress to the extent of chunks of lead flying out. I recommend avoiding this variance altogether by having at least six sharpened pencils prepared for each Logic Games section. Drawing some light squiggles before using the pencils in action can drastically lower the chances of breakage.
As mentioned earlier, I'm happy to give comprehensive reviews of each model or certain individuals if there is any significant interest. I'd like to review a few more models down the road (particularly Towbow pencils) so let me know if you have any particular requests. Enjoy your procrastination!
@stepharizona288 said:
I took your guys advice on the Wopex, great pencil, doesn't dull out easy and wrote consistently darker. But, the type of paper that we use for the LSAT really sux for pencils. I still feel that it was sort of slippery and not as dark on the paper. But this was true of any pencil I've used. I suggest you take many so you're consistently using a sharp pencil.
Yeah, the wopex is definitely more slippery as far as the lead goes. I'm happy to hear you tried it though! They seem to write forever... I just got so tired of sharpening that darn Norica. I miss my noricas now... Might have to use them for a PT just so they don't feel too missed lol :)
I took your guys advice on the Wopex, great pencil, doesn't dull out easy and wrote consistently darker. But, the type of paper that we use for the LSAT really sux for pencils. I still feel that it was sort of slippery and not as dark on the paper. But this was true of any pencil I've used. I suggest you take many so you're consistently using a sharp pencil.
@6400 said:
Man, @uhinberg359 , you're like a pencil sommelier. Teach me your ways, sensei.
Lmao! Freddy, my friend got me into nice pens freshman year of college. We had a weekly ritual of stopping into this big Staples near my college campus. It eventually transferred over to pencils with this test. One awesome thing about pencils is how cheap they are compared to pens. So I've tried almost everything I could find in Staples or on Amazon. At least within reason...
If you want to know the ways of the pencil, you have to first have no life, lol. Clearly I don't get out much :)
@danielmoshesieradzki129 said:
There is only one perfect pencil for the LSAT and it is literally called "Perfect Pencil." https://www.fahrneyspens.com/Item--i-118563S
It is only takes $260 to get your hands on some of these pencils (i.e. just one). While this might seem steep, it is nothing compared to the full-ride scholarship you will earn with one of these babies! Gaze upon its glory!
https://d15bv9e9f3al6i.cloudfront.net/imgs/products/cp/450x450_fitPad/GV03931~Graf-von-Faber-Castell-Perfect-Pencils_DTL1_P3.jpg
Now that I look at it closer, it may not actually conform to LSAC regulations. :disappointed:
This is too nice. I'd almost feel guilty using it! At least with my nice pens the refills are all a under $10-15 bucks.
UPDATE
The double-barrel palomino blackwing sharpener lives up to the hype. The difference I see between the Staedtler Noricas and my Tri Blacks is that the latter write darker and sharpen better. The eraser also works better (I know I shouldn't but I do minor erasures).
Seeing as the LSAT has consumed my life and I have totally fallen headfirst into stockholm syndrome, I will probably give some of those creamy alternatives a shot.
Man, @uhinberg359 , you're like a pencil sommelier. Teach me your ways, sensei.
There is only one perfect pencil for the LSAT and it is literally called "Perfect Pencil." https://www.fahrneyspens.com/Item--i-118563S
It is only takes $260 to get your hands on some of these pencils (i.e. just one). While this might seem steep, it is nothing compared to the full-ride scholarship you will earn with one of these babies! Gaze upon its glory!
https://d15bv9e9f3al6i.cloudfront.net/imgs/products/cp/450x450_fitPad/GV03931~Graf-von-Faber-Castell-Perfect-Pencils_DTL1_P3.jpg
Now that I look at it closer, it may not actually conform to LSAC regulations. :disappointed:
@uhinberg359 said:
Because of how long it lasts, I like the Wopex for most of the test, but for LG I find it hard to write neatly with them. I searched and searched for a pencil that producing writing that is dark and sharp, I settled on these two: (1) Musgrave Test Scoring 100; and (2) Paper Mate Mirado. I love both of them, but they do lose their sharpness quickly, and I need several for a single section of LG.
I find myself with the same issue. The lead on the Wopex is a bit more .... hard/soapy almost. I just am so addicted to how long they last. I've used the Mirado and it's a great pencil! But ultimately they do dull quickly. Otherwise, it's such a perfect pencil.
@ianmatthewharris949 said:
alright... i sat for the june test. my golden bears performed perfectly. i couldn't have been happier with them.
but this funny thing happened at the test. during the break the person sitting behind me asked if he could borrow my sharpener. "of course!" but it's a palomino blackwing sharpener and he didn't understand how to use the double barrel. i go to help him and realize that this guy only has two pencils. they don't match. one of the pencils has lost its eraser. "dear god," i think to myself. "how could this guy even walk in here so unprepared?"
being a bit of an anxious over-preparer i've brought along seven golden bears. i offer to let him borrow one for the second half of the test. now he's all set up with three freshly sharpened pencils for the last three sections.
at the end of the test i offered to let him keep the golden bear. "no thanks. i'll probably never need another pencil in my life."
i asked him if he had a goal score in mind...
"above average. how about you?" he asks.
"umm..."
"nevermind, i see your pencil set-up. you're going ivy."
i'll take the good wishes, but i swear to god that guy scored a 178. to be that calm... what a dream.
Staying cool is great quality. If only he was as prepared as you.
Because of how long it lasts, I like the Wopex for most of the test, but for LG I find it hard to write neatly with them. I searched and searched for a pencil that producing writing that is dark and sharp, I settled on these two: (1) Musgrave Test Scoring 100; and (2) Paper Mate Mirado. I love both of them, but they do lose their sharpness quickly, and I need several for a single section of LG.
alright... i sat for the june test. my golden bears performed perfectly. i couldn't have been happier with them.
but this funny thing happened at the test. during the break the person sitting behind me asked if he could borrow my sharpener. "of course!" but it's a palomino blackwing sharpener and he didn't understand how to use the double barrel. i go to help him and realize that this guy only has two pencils. they don't match. one of the pencils has lost its eraser. "dear god," i think to myself. "how could this guy even walk in here so unprepared?"
being a bit of an anxious over-preparer i've brought along seven golden bears. i offer to let him borrow one for the second half of the test. now he's all set up with three freshly sharpened pencils for the last three sections.
at the end of the test i offered to let him keep the golden bear. "no thanks. i'll probably never need another pencil in my life."
i asked him if he had a goal score in mind...
"above average. how about you?" he asks.
"umm..."
"nevermind, i see your pencil set-up. you're going ivy."
i'll take the good wishes, but i swear to god that guy scored a 178. to be that calm... what a dream.
@stepharizona288 said:
@uhinberg359 said:
@stepharizona288 said:
I was the kid all the way up until high school who would ask for a pencil. I'm basically grabbing a handful of like 10 of them, sharpening them all and taking them with me lol. Pencils suck they dull very quickly.
Not all. Check out the Wopex. Thing could finish a full Pt without needing to be sharpened once. Legit.
Holy shit, I switch out like 3 pencils in between logic games man lol. Thanks, I'll definitely look into buying. ??
https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Pencil-182-41CB18-NA/dp/B00IUT6PES/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_201_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QY2PKYP8FHWFVZVY8FCP
Yeah, man. Whole test thing barely dulls. It doesn't write as silky as the Noricas, but on a test like the LSAT, who cares. I think you'll love them!