[kochbeck]

That depends. I give you the graphite grading scale: https://pencils.com/pages/hb-graphite-grading-scale

Remember how standardized tests require you to use a “#2” pencil? That’s an HB pencil (approximately) in the standardized scale. Because it lays down a specific amount of graphite. If you use a harder pencil, it won’t, and you’d fail the test.

Nowadays we do drafting on the computer, but back in the pencil-and-paper days, I remember getting trained on using, for instance, a very hard (7-9H) lead to predraw my figures and put in guide and horizon rays, and then go in later with, say, a 2B to darken up only the real lines. Then finish with drafting powder (eraser shavings, basically) to wipe out the light lines.

Needless to say, even with graphite, harder ones didn’t lay down what you’d call an acceptable line.