A pencil set I bought a few years ago had an 9H and 8H. I eventually threw them away. If the paper was too soft they dug in.

I like to use 2H to F and use 4H or 5H for perspective lines.

It's funny how we obssess over the equipment used by the talented people we admire, as if the key to their talent somehow must lie in the tools they use.

So golf enthusiasts are keen to find out what kind of driver Tiger Woods uses, because obviously it's the make of club that allows him to hit the ball so far.

Of course the reality is that Tiger Woods could use a cheap driver and still hit the ball a damn sight further than you or me.

Similarly, a lot of artists are happy to draw with whatever -- Leonardo Da Vinci could do some nice work with a lump of charcoal, I hear.

I suppose it's encouraging to believe that using the same type of pencil/golf club/ tennis racket/ running shoe will allow you to emulate a pro than face up to the reality that (a) they have put a lot of hard work into developing their talent and (b) they may have oodles more natural talent.

Edited to add: I'm not trying to denigrate anyone with this post; I just find it a curious phenomenon, of which I am as guilty as anyone.

You can say that again.