My research indicates that the favorite LSAT pencil is between these three contenders:
1) The Black Ticonderogas, ~$6 for 24 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004X4KRPM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER )
2) The Mirado Black Warrior, $8.99 for 30 (http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-Warrior-Woodcase-Pencils/dp/B00N1Z0114/ref=sr_1_2?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1427469924&sr=1-2&keywords=mirado+black+warrior)
3) The Palomino Blackwing, $22+ for 12 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006CQWILK/ref=s9_cartx_gw_d0_g229_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-2&pf_rd_r=07PPRX6P0XSWH78WD55D&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1970566542&pf_rd_i=desktop )
Comments? Complaints? Considerations?
Bonus: Blackwing Long Point Sharpener, ~$8 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009EUH8UC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2OX5IINCHD11K )
233 comments
So if I purchase one of these am I guaranteed a 180?
Black Ticonderogas are responsible for my 181.
(But in all seriousness, when I took my LSAT I used a regular Ticonderoga. Always liked those for some reason)
@msami1010493 Causation or correlation ???
Found what to use my gift card on ^_^
Like it or not, our writing utensils are one of the only things regarding LSAT that we have complete control over. We tend to take comfort in such things. Hence, the obsession.
This thread will never sink!
While it’s back, I’ve got an update. I’ve switched from Staedtler Noricas to Staedtler Wopex. They’re both great pencils, but the Wopex has a really nice, solid weight to it. I also like that it’s specifically graded as a “180-HB” pencil. I’m not sure what that means, but I mean come on, how’re you not going to use the 180 pencil for the LSAT??
If anything, it might be a correlation... and even then, not that... given that these are the pencils that sell most for the LSAT, there are chances that those people who purchase these pencils get more 180s than those who do not... but it could also be that all the 180 scorers come entirely from the group that does not purchase these pencils... :P
See this is why I LOVE 7sage... I haven't even began to worry about pencils but thanks to all of you, I no longer have to.
There was a time- before this thread- when I would have assumed this 220 page book was a joke. Now, it seems somewhat reasonable to me that it might exist in earnest. I just don’t know anymore.
I found 4 packs of ticongeroga blacks on sale for $.99 each today!
that TLS thread led me to these pencils:
http://www.amazon.com/Uni-Hi-Uni-Wooden-Pencil-HUHB/dp/B001B8UH30/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1428265152&sr=8-2&keywords=mitsubishi+uni+hi+uni
they are pricy, to be sure, but black ticonderogas don't come remotely close to these in any category besides value. they are also ranked higher than the palomino blackwings by pencil enthusiasts (haha) and are currently cheaper than them too ($17 for 12 vs $22 for 12 blackwings). if you don't want to drop that much you can buy them individually here:
http://www.jetpens.com/Uni-Mitsubishi-Hi-Uni-Pencil-HB/pd/10968
all in all, they are completely unnecessary but are definitely a joy to use.
Never thought pencils mattered lol I'm using a pack I bought from Wal-Mart and they're Dixon brand. Let me see what all the hype is about and purchase Ticonderoga pencils.
Or the distribution could be anywhere in between
sorry, nothing beats TLS pencil thread... that thing is golden lmao but black Tri-conderogas are top notch, prefer them over reg black ticons
Ha @jhaldy10325 I actually returned to this thread to say just that. Ran out of Noricas so I figured I'd buy some Black Ticons. They get good reviews and lots of people on TLS use them, plus I don't think the Noricas are the perfect pencil. Well as they say, "You don't know what you've got till it's gone." I ended up blowing $10 on some weak-ass 'cils that make extremely thin and light marks. Bubbling in answer choices is a chore and reading your own writing quickly becomes difficult.
After running back to Staples to once again feel the comforting embrace of my Noricas, I realize what luxurious pencils these are in comparison. The marks are dark, they write smoothly, and damn it they just feel so much fuller in the hand than the Ticons. Sure the lead is soft and dulls easily, but I've learned that life is a series of trade-offs and the Noricas clearly come out on top.
Wow! I was intrigued by @edwardfricker162 post so I was checking them out and Amazon had a huge pack on sale.
Not only does your hand not cramp, it seems to only need two "swirls" to fill a bubble completely.
I think I found my new pencil! I'll look like a 5 year old but if I save a minute on bubbling time per section I'll take it!!
Wow, so weird that I was thinking about a thread like this because I wanted some recommendations, and here we have one right on 7Sage.
@barneet56557 treat yo'self!
And just think how intimidating you will be to other test takers if you have black pencils ... and dress in all black ... and don't speak or have any facial expressions ... Wait, were we talking about highschool just now? I just got swept up in nostalgia.
Everytime I look at this thread, I think to myself "Damn, these pencils are sexy... Makes me want to pick up writing again"... but then I remember I write better on the computer. :(
Ticonderoga pencils are the best! They write so smoothly -- the perfect combination of fineness and coloration
Is there a rule against carpenter pencils on the LSAT?
I dunno. The new leadership has moved shockingly fast to implement a lot of highly consequential changes. Going digital is a sensitive process that has to be approached carefully and over time. I think the steps taken so far are perfectly consistent with transitioning completely. It's important to remember that a digital test is cheaper to administer. Never underestimate the power of cheaper, lol.
I don't think they'll drop that on us without good notice. Until they say otherwise, I expect paper to continue to be an option.
I like pencils that have built in erasers that can erase cleanly.
I tried these a few months back and felt like I was writing with eye liner, lol. Just a tad bit too soft for my taste. But they do write nice!
I’ve found something that’s been a game changer for me: Ticonderoga Beginners. Sometimes you have to go back to 1st grade.