During the 17th century the graphite and clay were grounded down by hand, put into a cylindrical mould,and fired in a kiln. today pencils are mass-produced by machines that cut down the wood, insert the lead, and stamp or print a design.
Three companies that make pencils:
- U.S. Pencil Co. ( USA.
- Union Pencil Co. ( USA.
- United Pencil Co. ( USA.