What is Dixon Ticonderoga®
Dixon Ticonderoga® is one of the oldest pencil brands in the United States and has long set the standard for quality and innovation in writing tools. Known for producing high-quality pencils, the brand is one of the most recognized and trusted names in the world. In addition to pencils, Dixon Ticonderoga® offers a wide range of products, including erasers, markers, and paints, designed to enhance the writing experience for users of all ages. These products are available for purchase at W.B. Mason.
What is the history of Dixon Ticonderoga®?
The history of Dixon Ticonderoga® began with Josep Dixon, an inventor and entrepreneur from an early age. At just 13 years old, Dixon created a pencil using graphite in his home oven, making the birth of his first pencil. In 1913, the iconic No. 2 Ticonderoga pencil was introduced, and after the war, its well-known yellow-and-green color scheme was continued with a metal ferrule.
In 1982, the company formed new partnerships and merged with Bryan Mawr Corporation to officially become the Dixon Ticonderoga® Company. Since then, it has merged with or acquired several well-known art and stationary brands, including Pacon, Prang, Strathmore, and Canson, among others. In 2005, Dixon Ticonderoga® joined the FILA Group, where it continues to sell millions of pencils and writing tools each year to students, artists, and writers worldwide.
What kinds of pencils does Dixon Ticonderoga® make?
Dixon Ticonderoga® offers a wide range of No.2 graphite pencils in several popular styles, including:
- Classic
- Metallic
- Pastel
- My First
- Tri-Conderoga
- Neon
These unique, vibrant styles allow professionals and students to add personality and color to their everyday writing.
What is a No. 2 pencils?
A No. 2 pencil, also known as an HB pencil, is the standard writing tool for everyday writing in academic and professional settings. Its graphite core has a medium harshness and produces marks of medium darkness, resulting in clear, readable, and reliable writing that works well when processed through Scantron machines.
What are Dixon Ticonderoga® pencils made of?
Dixon Ticonderoga® pencils are crafted with high-quality materials and are used to provide customers with long-lasting pencils that can write up to 45,000 words. The manufacturing process begins with pencil blocks made from sustainably managed wood, most commonly cedar. These blocks are cut into slats, and machines care grooves into them to form the body of the pencil. Graphite cores primarily composed of graphite powder and clay are then placed and glued into each groove. These cores are the part that makes marks on paper. Once the pencils are fully assembled, they are painted with a specifically formulated Ticonderoga lacquer to create their durable, recognizable finish.
Are Dixon Ticonderoga® pencils lead or graphite
Dixon Ticonderoga® pencils are made from graphite, not lead. The pencil core is created from a mixture of graphite powder and clay. Graphite is a form of carbon and is safe to use.
Why are Dixon Ticonderoga® pencils perfect for schools?
Dixon Ticonderoga® pencils are perfect for schools because they are designed to grow with students throughout their entire academic journey. From My First® oversized beginner pencils to classic No. 2 pencils used for standardized testing, Dixon Ticonderoga® offers reliable writing tools for every stage of learning. Approved by the Pencil Maker Association, these pencils are made with non-toxic materials, making them safe for students, even if chewed. Built for heavy classroom use, they meet testing requirements and feature smudge-resistant erasers that allow students to easily correct mistakes without leaving marks on their assignments.
References:
Ticonderoga. History. https://weareticonderoga.com/history. Accessed January 30, 2026.
Dixon Ticonderoga®. Ticonderoga. https://https://dixonticonderogacompany.com/brands/ticonderoga/. Accessed January 30, 2026.
Ticonderoga. About Us. https://weareticonderoga.com/about. Accessed January 30, 2026.
Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association. Pencil Certification Program.https://www.pencilsandpens.org/pencil_certification_program.php. Accessed January 30, 2026.
Honeyoung. Number 1 Pencil & Number 2 Pencil: The Ultimate Guide.https://pencilchina.com/number-1-pencil-number-2-pencil/. Accessed January 30, 2026.
