"...graphite in pencils at the time was of a lesser quality than today, and was often mixed with clay as a binder. This often made the graphite particles separate and not adhere to the paper. Licking the tip would moisten the graphite and soften it, making it leave a more readable mark.
What was the relevant time frame for that remark?
You'd have a very hard time today finding a #2 writing pencil as good as a Koh I Noor 555 or Wallace Invader from the 1970s.
I bought some Koh I Noor woodless pencils, solid pigment, a couple of months ago, black for me and colored for my artsy wife. Made in the Czech Republic. Also bought some of those waterproof field pads, though what I’m gonna write in them escapes me. Neat stuff though. I much prefer pencils to ink, except for checks!
