Why is the construction pencil flat-oval? How to sharpen a pencil so it doesn't break (an old carpenter's secret)

Today we will reveal the secret of the carpentry, construction or as it is also called the carpenter's pencil. These pencils are not comfortable to carry behind the ear. Although for a master with glasses it is impossible to wear a simple pencil like that. This is the only negative for some people.

An ordinary instrument has a round core (lead). The carpentry has an oval shape. This property helps to draw thick / thin lines depending on the direction. The tool leaves a thinner line with a side surface, and a thicker one with a wider surface.

The drawing tool is comfortable to hold in hand even when wearing gloves. To use a simple pencil is not in the hands of the master. There are hard surfaces (concrete, brick, drywall, plaster, wood, etc.), where only a carpenter's pencil can handle. The usual one will simply be easily erased or broken.

The lead of a carpenter's pencil is stiffer. Another difference from a regular pencil is more durable wood. Breaking a construction pencil in half is not easy.

How to sharpen a construction pencil so it doesn't break?

We take a sharp clerical or other knife and cut off 2 large flat edges of a construction pencil with it, as shown in the photo below.

Cut off the end of the lead so that it is sharper.

After that, it remains to cut off the sides of the pencil.

The old carpenter's secret

To avoid breakage with strong pressure, some cut off only one side with a knife:

Unusual ways of sharpening

There are specials. pencil sharpeners. But it seems to me that it is better to do it by hand with a sharp knife. Some people manage to sharpen with an ax, sandpaper, chisel or grinder. It is also convenient to sharpen it with a plane, only you need a sharp knife, otherwise it can spoil the end of the lead.

There is also an automatic construction pencil with a retractable rod on sale. It doesn't need to be sharpened at all. But such a bricklayer's pencil costs between 90-1500 rubles.

Why is the construction knife oval (flat)?

The most main reason - so as not to roll off an inclined table surface, etc. The shape affects the volume of the core, which increases the strength.

I hope the article was useful to every master. See you soon on the RemontDom channel!