The Staedtler Noris is a wooden pencil available with an eraser in HB or without an eraser in grades from 2B to 2H. It costs a little under 60p.

These pencils can be found absolutely everywhere in the UK. Along with the slightly more expensive Tradition they are available in many high street shops and are a common sight in schools.

Consequently they’re not very inspiring to my English eyes but the truth is, we’re rather lucky to be awash with a pencil that’s this good for this price.

The lead isn’t the darkest HB but it’s smooth and holds a point well. The lead of the Noris is ever so slightly smoother than that of the Tradition (both are good).

The barrel looks great except for the side that’s covered in a barcode and other stock keeping information. The printing is crisp and the paint good and solid and consistent.

I’m not sure of the wood this is made from but it sharpens very nicely, leaving a smooth finish.

The eraser works well, too.

If this pencil was a hard to get Japanese import I would be all over it. It’s a very good pencil. As it is, I find it hard to get excited about because it’s so common here. That’s silly of me, I know, because a good pencil is a good pencil. I’m spoilt, I guess.

You can find some more reviews of the Staedtler Noris on Pennaquod.