I have used this pencil for first grade students for many years. The thicker core doesn't break easily under pressure and the triangular shape doesn't roll off desk while lending itself to a proper grip.I love that these pencils do not need to be sharpened often even with daily use! These are my favorite to use with my kindergarteners!Lead is too hard and the diameter of the pencil requires a "professional" sharpener. It doesn't fit TM the electric sharpener at work - fortunately I have an old fashioned sharpener at home that accommodates nearly any diameterDoesn't require constant sharpening.I bought these pencils for a second grade class. The teacher and the students love them. They sharpen nicely and the lead does not break like most pencils. I would recommend this product to anyone and I would buy them again.Order these for my K students every year. Good quality and sharpen well...although every year I have at least one student figure out how to split them.My son uses these in his school and these are just what I expected. My son really enjoys using these pencils because it helps him with his writing.