The sturdy metal barrel has satin silver finish, and every pencil features a lead grade indicator above the grip area that shows 2B, B, HB, H, and 2H grades. To adjust the grade of lead that is indicated, just loosen the nose cone partially until the grip piece can spin around to show the correct grade through the viewing window. Tighten the nose cone to lock your preferred grade label into place. Each pencil comes pre-installed with a couple pieces of HB lead inside.