Howto create a pencil

Tools

 * Knife, chisel, sharp stone, or other cutting tool
 * Kiln or possibly just a fire

Materials

 * Wood
 * Clay
 * Graphite
 * Glue

Procedure

 * 1) Cut the wood into a long narrow block, square on the end and about ten times as long as it is tall/wide.
 * 2) Make a groove in the wood, so that it now has a profile that is more U-shaped than square.
 * 3) Prepare the pencil lead:
 * 4) * If solid lead is available (only known deposite at Seathwaite Fell near Borrowdale, Cumbria, England) cut it into the size and shape to fit into the groove.
 * 5) * Otherwise, take the powdered graphite and mix with clay. Form into needed size and shape, and fire in the kiln.
 * 6) Attach the lead to the wooden groove either by simply gluing it in place, or by cutting another wooden strip and gluing it between the groove and strip.
 * 7) Use the knife to make a point on one end of the pencil.