Crayola #2 Pencils: RIP

 I have been a HUGE fan of Crayola's # 2 pencils since I first came across them at Dollar Tree several years ago.  They last longer than the former best pencil out there (which has really become one of my least favorite pencils because of the quality & price!).  I looked at ordering more after running out at the end of last year, but did not see them.  After looking at several places, I decided to write Crayola and see what was going on.  They said they actually discontinued them fall of 2023!  AHHH!!!!!!  Heart broken! 

Pencil Problems?!?!

 Ticonderoga use to be the gold standard in pencils!!! I LOVED them even if they were more expensive than other brands. However, over the past couple years I've noticed the quality going down hill.  At first I thought...maybe it is just a bad batch/box.  Then this year, I have several boxes from different stores and different parts of middle Tennessee.  I sharped them with two different electric sharpeners & three different hand held sharpeners.  The wood was mushy, the lead was broken up in side them, and some were off centered.  UGH!  I posted this on social media and found I was not the only one having this struggle.  Ticonderoga...COME ON!!! You all are who we go to....don't let us down! 

Ticonderoga Pencil Sharpener!

        

You probably have read about my dislike of electric pencil sharpeners.  I just haven't found one that lasted for any length of time.  They all over heat once I sharpen a dozen pencils?!?!?!  However, my favorite pencil company now has an electric pencil sharpener!!!  I sharpened a dozen pencils to perfection in the blink of an eye.  My only "issue" is that the holding tank for the pencil shavings is a bit small for sharpening mass amounts of pencils. Twelve made it pretty packed...two dozen I had to empty it twice.  My hope is they make a classroom size one!! None the less..it is a good product made by a great company.  It will be sold on Amazon from what I understand in the next month or so...keep an eye out for it!